3M issues DO NOT USE recall notice for specific fall protection lifeline devices

RED WING, MN — 3M Fall Protection announces an immediate stop use and product recall of the 3M™ DBI-SALA® Nano-Lok™ edge and Wrap Back Twin-Leg Self Retracting Lifelines. The twin-leg Nano-Lok edge is part of a personal fall protection system and connects two self-retracting lifelines/devices (SRL’s/SRD’s) directly under the dorsal d-ring of a worker’s harness. It is intended to be anchored at foot-level, and is designed for sharp edge applications. The twin-leg Wrap Back Nano-Lok is intended for wrapping around an anchor and incorporates a similar energy absorber. 3M has determined that in the event of a fall and under certain conditions, the energy absorber may not properly deploy ... Read the rest of entry »

SEO tips for contractors

What in the world is SEO? And, how it can it help a contractor grow the business? We’ll try to answer those questions in this article in non-tech terms, so you’ll better understand these concepts and how they affect your online marketing. Read the rest of entry »

Ten social media tips for contractors

Many construction contractors struggle with their social media and understanding which platforms are best, not to mention strategies on content.  In a recent ABC of Wisconsin Marketing & Business Development presentation, Laura Monagle and Michael Bonin of Affirm joined Michele Loppnow from ESI group USA to provide some insight. Here are 10 of their takeaways ... Read the rest of entry »

How to avoid a bad driver's impact on your fleet's auto insurance

Despite record low unemployment, you finally hired one – a diamond in the ruff. After a 16-hour shift on-the-road, his only question at the end of the day was, “What’s next?” Things are going so smoothly, but then a call from your insurance agent, “The insurance company is hammering me. That new driver you hired has a DUI. They’re asking you to put him in a non-driving capacity or they're going to reevaluate your insurance program.” Thankfully, for commercial insureds, there are solutions to the problem – prevention and alternative insurance options. Read the rest of entry »

It's getting really hot out there

It’s getting really hot out there, with high temperatures in the upper 80s and a chance of storms in this week's forecast. Here are three messages from OSHA’s National Office about hot work environments, courtesy of Leslie Ptak, a compliance assistance specialist for OSHA's Madison office. Read the rest of entry »

Final rule expands options for HRAs

The U.S. departments of Labor, Health and Human Services and the Treasury issued a final rule on June 13 that expands the usability of health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs). The rule is effective for plan years beginning on and after Jan. 1, 2020. This final rule was issued in response to a 2017 executive order directing federal agencies to expand access to HRAs.  Under the current regulations, HRAs cannot reimburse employees for the cost of individual health coverage. Read the rest of entry »

How to avoid common compliance oversights in construction contracts

Construction contracts can contain pages and pages of requirements, with issues ranging from labor and safety practices to minimum liability coverages and more. A contract is primarily designed to protect the property owners that hire your company. Because contracts can be so complex and vary with each project, knowing whether you’re in breach of those contracts is a major challenge. Whether a subcontractor or general contractor, use these tips to help manage it all and remain in compliance. Read the rest of entry »

Youth Apprenticeship: Making a historic link into adult apprenticeship

Youth apprenticeship has been providing career exploration and pathway opportunities to high school students for more than 25 years. It can be a big advantage for students who have an idea of what they want to do but aren’t sure if a particular career area is right for them. It also provides employers with a new resource for talent. Youth apprenticeship has been around for years in other industry sectors, such as auto and manufacturing, which have seen significant success with it. It was approved for construction four years ago and is beginning to gain significant momentum in Wisconsin. Read the rest of entry »

OSHA reports seven worker deaths in Wisconsin in first five months of 2019

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reminds employers and employees to use extreme care and safety diligence in all work activities. In the first five months of 2019, five worker deaths have been reported to OSHA in Wisconsin, including two fatalities in construction. Read the rest of entry »

Social Media: Why you can't afford to sit on the sidelines any longer

At SuperCon in March, one of our sessions was on the subject of managing Twitter for your business. At the end of the session, after the speaker had provided a number of strategies on when and how to tweet, one attendee had a simple question: “How do you do a tweet?” It was an honest and humbling question, and one that’s likely being asked by many other contractors. Overall, construction companies do not place a strong emphasis on social media marketing. It’s just not what you do, but that doesn’t make it unimportant. Many contractors create social media accounts with the best of intentions, but then do nothing with them. Read the rest of entry »