Modern Contractor Solutions September 2022 : simplebooklet.com

PROJECT PROFILESChinburg Interview .................................................... 14Modern Renovation ................................................... 16EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONSConcrete Essentials ................................................... 18Drill Baby, Drill! ......................................................... 20Roller Screeds ........................................................... 22Asphalt Mix ............................................................... 24Driver Retention ........................................................ 26Hydrodemolition ........................................................ 28MBW Equipment ....................................................... 30MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONSEquipment Loans ...................................................... 32Retaining Talent: P2 of 4 ........................................... 34Financial Control ........................................................ 36LEGAL SOLUTIONEmergency Preparedness .......................................... 40SOFTWARE SOLUTIONIntelligent Software ................................................... 42SAFETY SOLUTIONSSafety Culture ........................................................... 44New Tool: SC-SMIS ................................................... 46Supplying Headlamps ................................................ 48TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONSWireless Essentials ................................................... 50America’s Roads ....................................................... 52FEATURED PRODUCTHytera US Inc. ........................................................... 54SUBSCRIPTIONS For all changes, go to:MCSMAG.COMClick the SUBSCRIPTIONS button in the main menuwww.mcsmag.com P.O. Box 660197 | Birmingham, AL 35266DONNA CAMPBELL Editor in Chiefdonna@mcsmag.comMIKE BARKER Publishermike@mcsmag.com RANDY MOON Media Consultantrandym@mcsmag.comMICHAEL FISCHBACH Media Consultantmichael@mcsmag.com JOHN FRIEND Media Consultantjohn@mcsmag.comKEVIN MCCLARAN Media Consultantkevin@mcsmag.comLISA AVERY Art Directorlisa@mcsmag.comSETH SAUNDERS Digital Media Specialist seth@mcsmag.comINGRID BERKY Office Manageringrid@mcsmag.comTIM GARMONCEORUSSELL HADDOCKPresidentCHRIS GARMONCFODONNA CAMPBELLVice President, EditorialTONYA BROWNINGVice PresidentNo part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage-and-retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher. The views expressed by those not on the staff of Modern Contractor Solutions, or who are not specifically employed by Highlands Publications are purely their own. All Industry News material has either been submitted by the subject company or pulled directly from its corporate website, which is assumed to be cleared for release. Comments and submissions are welcome, and can be submitted to donna@mcsmag.com.For reprint information, contact Chris Garmon at chris@mcsmag.com.Canada Post Publication Agreement #41578525. Undeliverables 355 Admiral Drive, Unit 4, Mississauga, ON L5T 2N1Modern Contractor Solutions Magazine@mcsmagModern Contractor SolutionsDonna CampbellEditor in ChiefCONCRETE IS A GOOD FOUNDATIONWelcome to September! This month’s issue looks at the tools and equipment that provide the pouring of cement and the finishing touches for a smooth concrete product. From augers for holes to volumetric concrete mixers and screeds, concrete is an essential component for many projects. To stay financially healthy, look at the article on equipment loans (pg 32) and the four reasons applications get turned down. For better financial controls, check out the article about maintaining processes for successful ventures on page 36. For rebuilding our nation, commentary from Tim Sylvester, founder and CEO of digital infrastructure technology provider Integrated Roadways, shares about America’s roads and how to support connected, electric, and autonomous vehicles on page 52.Lastly, this month’s Coach’s Corner talks about employee retention and 3 ways to achieve success (pg 56).DO THIS TODAY: If you have not signed up to receive a weekly Leadership Tip from Randy Goruk, leadership development expert, go to his website and register: www.leadersedge360.com.Cheers, 56COACH’S CORNER employee retentionDRIVING TO INSPIRE Men and women in uniforms. American flag flying high in the sky. Fierce competitors with their game faces on. This is a description of what Lt. Cmdr. Jesse Iwuji sees both on the racetrack and on his Navy Reserve drill weekends. Iwuji is a surface warfare officer in the Navy Reserve, and when he’s not serving his country, he is an Xfinity Series NASCAR driver.Iwuji balances the unique demands of being a U.S. Navy Reserve Sailor and professional NASCAR driver every day. He served on active duty for 7 years before deciding to follow his dreams and spend more time behind the wheel. Transferring from active duty to the Navy Reserve has given him the opportunity to pursue both of his passions.By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Amber Smalley, Navy Reserve Region Readiness and Mobilization Command Jacksonville

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SEPTEMBER 2022 www.mcsmag.com8industry newsCMA ADDS ÖZKA-BRAND AG, OTR LINE TO PORTFOLIOCMA, a leading tire manufacturer and marketer, announces the addition of ÖZKA brand agricultural and off-the-road tires to the portfolio of tires it distributes in the US and Canada.ÖZKA Tire, established in Kocaeli, Turkey, in 1991, has a wide range of products comprising of radial and bias tractor tires, irrigation tires, radial and bias flotation tires, implement tires, specialty compactor and R3 tires, and more. Engineered and built in Europe, the ÖZKA brand offers top-tier tires with modern tread designs and size offerings.“As a global manufacturer and distributor, we are continually providing our dealers and end-users with an array of diverse and high-quality application-specific tires. This is why we added the ÖZKA brand to our product offerings,” Tim Phillips, vice president of marketing and operations for CMA, says. “Through this partnership, we continue to focus on our Breakthrough to Excellence campaign in support of our customers.” For more, visit www.cmaintl.com.RAKEN PARTNERS WITH EARTHCAM TO DELIVER LIVE VISUAL DATA FROM JOBSITES EarthCam, the global leader in live camera technology, content and services, announces its partnership with Raken to make high-resolution live streaming video available within Raken’s construction management platform. More than 39,000 contractors use Raken worldwide to streamline project management and communication. This new collaboration provides live video data from EarthCam cameras for 24/7 insight on construction projects for safety, security and progress reporting.In addition to featuring live-streaming video, users can quickly switch between historical timelines, highly-detailed gigapixel panoramas, and continuous security recordings without leaving the Raken platform. The EarthCam-infused Raken experience extends the capabilities for sharing jobsite camera content, 360° site tours, and AI-edited time-lapse videos. The integration is now available free of charge for EarthCam enterprise clients. For more, visit earthcam.net/raken.FLEETWATCHER HELPS COMPANIES IMPROVE DRIVER BEHAVIOR Earthwave Technologies popular FleetWatcher telematics platform monitors four key “safe driver” metrics, allowing companies to track and amend driver behavior. This GPS based platform captures vehicle data from either the FleetWatcher App or from an in-vehicle device. It simplifies safe driver programs by focusing on four key metrics: vehicle speed relative to posted speed limits, fast starts, hard braking, and hard turns. This data OSHA Compliant Guardrail andStair Rail SystemsSafety Boot® Guardrail SystemStringerShield® Stair Rail System1.800.804.4741safetyboot.com• Non-Penetrating Design• Rugged Steel Construction• Exceeds OSHA Regulations• Simple, Aordable & Reusable• Residential, Multi-Family & Commercial Applications• Unique Free Standing Design• Keep Post Attached For Reuse On Next Level Or ProjectFeatured on osha.gov website!

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SEPTEMBER 2022 www.mcsmag.com10industry newsis reported continuously and can be used to assign a numeric or letter grade to drivers, who can then be commended or counseled for their performance. Whether required by insurance carriers or as company policy, FleetWatcher customers using this feature have reported significantly improved driver grades when this is added to their safe driver programming. FleetWatcher users who have engaged in driver safety monitoring programs report significant improvements in driver behaviors, with fewer fast starts and stops, less hard braking, and more adherence to posted speed limits. Earthwave Technologies manufactures construction-specific wireless telematic products which provide complete visibility to all components used within the process. Their industry leading Fleetwatcher Material Management Solution (MMS) is being used by asphalt paving contractors across the U.S. The company also offer modules for e-ticketing, off-road construction, and more. For more, visit www.earthwavetech.com.MAX USA CORP. ANNOUNCES SUPER DEALS ON SUPER NAILERSMax USA Corp. will be offering a 20% discount on the SuperSider® CN565S3, SuperFramer® CN890F2, and the SuperDecking® CN665D Nail Guns from September 1 to October 31.This special fall discount will allow its U.S. and Canadian customers to add the necessary building blocks to accomplish a wide range of siding, decking, and framing projects safely and reliably. MAX’s existing and new customers can reach out to their local MAX sales representative to take advantage of this limited-time offer. KOHLER ENGINES APPROVES USAGE OF HVO IN THE USAAll Kohler diesel-fueled engines are approved to use HVO in the United States, in line with ASTM D975 standard. This confirmation comes just a few months after European compliance was announced. In February, in fact, Kohler had announced approval to use HVO for all its diesel engines inEurope, in line with the EN15940 standard.The use of HVO, hydrotreated vegetable oil, whether pure or blended with conventional diesel, does not require any specific engine modifications or upgrades. However, exhaust gas aftertreatment system remains necessary where already provided.Unlike conventional biofuels that take resources away from agriculture and contribute in part to deforestation, HVO is a renewable fuel that can be produced from various vegetable oils and fats: it is derived from biological waste and, free of fossil-derived oils, is a 100% recycled product. In addition, depending on the raw material used in its production, it leads

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SEPTEMBER 2022 www.mcsmag.com12industry newsto a reduction in overall CO2 emissions of up to 90%. Engine exhaust emissions also benefit directly, given the very low sulfur content. For more, visit kohlerengines.com.YANMAR AMERICA OPENS WELLNESS CENTER FOR EMPLOYEE CAREYanmar America Corporation, a major player in tractors, construction equipment and engines, has announces the opening of an onsite clinic at its Adairsville, Georgia, headquarters. The Yanmar Wellness Center, which was opened in partnership with Atrium Health Floyd, will provide employees and their families with free, high-quality primary and urgent care. The Center can provide wide variety of services from consultations and comprehensive primary care to preventive screenings, lab services, and urgent care. It can even dispense a range of common medications to employees and their families. All services are free of charge. “Currently, the only option for employees who need a medical consultation is to take personal leave or to postpone their care needs,” says Jeff Albright, president, Yanmar America. “The Yanmar Wellness Center will allow employees to seek quality, timely care and save their leave days for vacations or time with friends or family. This center is part of Yanmar America’s approach to improving overall employee wellbeing.”Yanmar America’s relationship with Atrium Health Floyd began more than 7 years ago when Floyd Health (now known as Atrium) delivered flu shots to Yanmar employees. The service soon expanded into onsite biometric screenings, health fairs, mobile mammography, and more. The Yanmar Wellness Center represents the next evolution in this partnership.SCA ANNOUNCES SLAG CEMENT UNIVERSITYThe Slag Cement Association (SCA)—the leading source of knowledge for slag cement and slag blended cements through promotion, education and technology development—has launched Slag Cement University. Designed for university professors and students, Slag Cement University is a resource and central repository of educational resources on slag cement use in concrete construction. SCA designed the content with the intent of making it easy for educators to incorporate content into existing civil, construction or materials engineering and construction management college degrees. According to Lori Tiefenthaler, president of the SCA Board of Directors, this offering will serve to enhance concrete materials instruction with new and exciting slag cement information, projects and tools for use in university courses. For more, visit www.slagcement.org.

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SEPTEMBER 2022 www.mcsmag.com14project profileChinburg InterviewChinburg Interviewuse of volumetric concrete mixersEXPERT INSIGHTIt’s always good to hear from different construction companies. It can be a great way to gauge the work being done for infrastructure and urban growth. Below is an excerpt of an interview with Noah Chinburg, a project manager with SPS New England, Inc.Tell us a little about your background and what you are currently doing at SPS New England. CHINBURG: I received my master’s degree from the University of New Hampshire. After college, I worked for four years in private consulting, then for 2 years as a geotechnical engineer for the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (DOT). In 2017, I joined the Structure Maintenance Department at SPS New England, one of the leading bridge, highway, trans/railroad, and marine contractors in the northeast. As a project manager, today I lead a team of assistant project managers and field engineers across the state of Massachusetts that is responsible for on-call bridge repairs and maintenance projects for the Massachusetts DOT. When did Cemen Tech catch your eye and what is the main feature that proves its value? CHINBURG: For more than a decade, SPS New England has trusted volumetric concrete mixers from Cemen Tech to be part of our fleet. These trucks measure, mix, and dispense from a single unit. The sand, stone, cement powder, water, and additives are kept in their own bin and not mixed until we need it, so we get fresh product on the jobsite with no delays, no hot loads, and no overages. Being able to mix and pour on demand also helps when it comes to quality control. For example, sample testing can be done at the jobsite, and any necessary changes can be made, then and there.Our operators love how user-friendly the technology is on our Cemen Tech volumetric concrete mixers are, and how quick and easy it is for them to get started pouring concrete on the jobsite with the touch of a button. What projects have been completed using Cemen Tech? CHINBURG: SPS New England primarily uses Cemen Tech volumetric concrete mixers for rapid response bridge deck repairs. During an average year, our team is involved in more than 200 bridge repairs, with up to three different crews operating at one time. This includes responding to on-call bridge deck repair projects on an emergency basis, 24/7.One of the good things about Cemen Tech volumetric concrete mixers is that they can sit full and ready to go. Because we don’t have to line up a batch producer, we can run on our own schedule, while also being able to meet Bridge bent repairBus stop construction

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urgent demands. For example, when a small amount of rapid setting product is needed, or during times when scheduling a batch plant truck would be challenging. Cemen Tech volumetric mixers are ideally suited for rapid setting concrete because concrete is batched in real time in higher volumes than a single batch drum mixer. They are stored fully loaded at our yard, which makes them easy to deploy for rapid response bridge deck repairs, which can have response times as low as 2 hours.What do you like most about Cemen Tech? Do you see more use of Cemen Tech in the future? CHINBURG: In addition to the flexibility and efficiencies the trucks offer, I have been impressed with Cemen Tech’s commitment to service. They are always very responsive whenever a question or issue comes up, even when we’re under tight timelines. Going forward, I see us continuing to use Cemen Tech volumetric concrete mixers, particularly for low volume (less than 9 cubic yards) placements of rapid setting concrete. From a broader perspective, I can see these trucks continuing to expand in the bridge deck repair world, along with other repair areas where mixes other than rapid setting are used. There is a lot of potential there. Does Cemen Tech help with cutting down on costs associated with concrete projects?CHINBURG: Cemen Tech’s volumetric mixers serve a specialized type of work, where the ability to quickly respond with a reliable product is more valuable than material cost. Although it may be difficult to compete on a material cost basis with ready-mix concrete, there are many situations where volumetric mixers are the most economical method of batching and placing concrete. CLOSING THOUGHT No matter the size, location or business specialty, construction firms and contractors are always looking for ways to grow and diversity their business. Having equipment like a Cemen Tech volumetric concrete mixer can help create and support those opportunities by providing tools to mix and deliver concrete, serve the needs of a wider variety of customers, and be a helpful resource to others in your industry and market. www.mcsmag.com SEPTEMBER 202215for more informationFounded in 1984, family-owned SPS New England, Inc. has grown to become one of the leading bridge, highway, transit/railroad and marine contractors in New England. For more, visit www.spsnewengland.com. Cemen Tech is the world’s largest manufacturer of volumetric technology. Its concrete mixers are used in more than 70 countries. For more, visit cementech.com.

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project profile PLEASANT VALLEY WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Modern Renovation enhancing privacy and comfort in the build H eadquartered within the lush designed to make the organization s complete privacy says Gregg Lewis deeply forested Berkshires 18th century Program Barn and sanctuary at Building Specialties Architectural Mass Audubon s Pleasant overall more accessible and welcoming Hardware in Agawam Massachusetts Valley Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox to people of all abilities The 1 125 They look great year after year and Massachusetts has dedicated itself to million renovation involved a new visitor are extremely easy to clean and wear protecting wildlife while connecting with lobby outdoor decks small kitchen well in high traffic they are becoming nature and preserving and expanding the metal roofing and modern gender increasing popular for demanding state s vast open spaces neutral fully accessible and family upscale applications where style and friendly restrooms longevity are essential for driving the Founded by two women who fought for the protection of birds in As a vital community resource and ongoing participation of patrons 1896 Mass Audubon is focused firmly the hub of the sanctuary s programming on the greatest challenges facing activities the new addition will attract commercial environments the Aria the environment today the loss of more visitors spur scientific curiosity Partitions product line was designed by biodiversity inequitable access to nature and lay the foundation for future Scranton Products to add an enhanced and climate change says Becky Cushing expansions explains Jefferey Manley a level of comfort and privacy as well as Gop Mass Audubon s regional director project architect at j hardwood architect elegance warmth and charm to virtually Much of this is achieved through the JHA in Lenox Massachusetts This any enclosed room This reduces aid of nearly 150 000 members and involved the specification of a variety of sightlines with a continuous edge supporters and the tens of thousands modern amenities that greatly enhanced mounted hinge while greatly improving who participate in our nationally the privacy comfort and recreational aesthetics with a design that does not recognized education programs and visit experience of every member and visitor use face mounted hinges like traditional annually to enjoy our spectacular hiking trails meadows wetlands and wildlife Made of durable HDPE for bathroom partition systems MODERN DESIGN Included within this modernization PUBLIC SETTING BENEFITS MILLION DOLLAR RENOVATION package were Scranton Products Aria With a new world view of health and To further this initiative and attract even Partitions which were used in the men safety Scranton Products Aria Partitions greater participation Pleasant Valley and women s restrooms in the new barn are also naturally germ resistant and easy Wildlife Sanctuary recently completed addition The full length Aria partitions to clean This is especially important its Opening Doors to Nature campaign are ideal for installations requiring in a secluded public environment like 16 SEPTEMBER 2022 www mcsmag com

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www.mcsmag.com SEPTEMBER 202217the park setting. Unlike metal partitions which are subject to rust and harbor germs, they offer superior resistance to impact, graffiti, corrosion, mildew, bacteria, and moisture. “Another benefit is the wide selection of style options that easily fit into nearly any design,” adds Manley. “We chose the Aria Partitions in shale color to accent each restroom’s earthy tones and create total private stalls that also have their own lighting and exhaust fans. Our goal is to provide a real destination point for anyone who visits.”PROJECT DELIVERS STYLEAvailable with 17 innovative door designs, 7 panel designs and 28 rich colors and textures, the sanctuary selected Scranton Products Aria Partitions in shale to complete the look and feel of six separate stalls in the men and women’s restrooms. CLOSING THOUGHT“As Berkshire residents and tourists spend increasingly more time in nature, it is essential that our sanctuary welcomes and accommodates the diverse needs of visitors,” concludes Cushing Gop. “Our new privacy restroom stalls are perfect examples of our ongoing efforts to meet the growing visitation and program needs of our partners, members, and sponsors. We are dedicated to providing the optimal experience to everyone looking to immerse themselves in our mission and the spectacular beauty of our sanctuary.” for more informationWith more than 30 years of experience, Scranton Products is the industry leader in plastic bathroom partitions and lockers. Endless design options and an array of designer colors and textures provide confidence and elegant style in every project, creating a lasting impression. Proudly made in the USA and constructed from premium-grade solid plastic, Scranton Products’ unmatched durability withstands impact, corrosion, graffiti, and mildew. For more, visit www.scrantonproducts.com.

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equipment solution PROJECT READINESS Concrete Essentials use reliable concrete trucks and tools By Glenn Pochocki A s one of the world s most that have made it a valuable and needed comes to ways to help lower the costs widely used building materials part of any construction project The associated with the delays caused by concrete is in high demand for widespread use of concrete has created the shortage other avenues to resolve construction projects large and small a large job market in the United States the situation must be addressed Expert Concrete is one of the largest industries accounting for more than two million jobs suggestions include keeping an eye on in the building and construction industry The pandemic has heavily impacted fluctuating prices and implementing with over 30 billion tons used worldwide the construction industry s current state other steps to protect their projects each year The COVID 19 pandemic has in recent years With many projects and company reputation In times like disrupted supply chains and created being delayed or put on hold the need these it is more important than ever to concrete shortages leading to delays for cement has decreased significantly use reliable tools like concrete mixer and increased costs for construction However as construction companies and pump trucks to help maintain timely companies With the world s population begin to pick up the pace again the transportation keep jobs moving and expected to continue growing demand demand for cement is expected to rise projects on schedule for new buildings and infrastructure will This perfect combination of factors has only increase putting even more strain created other significant delays in the TOOLS DESIGNED TO HELP on an already strained industry construction industry making it difficult As concrete is a necessary part of any for companies to keep up construction project so are concrete CONCRETE SHORTAGE IMPACT Concrete and cement shortages have mixers and concrete pump trucks Concrete is one of the most common impacted projects around the world These are essential for transporting and materials used worldwide and is used While in the case of other shortages distributing concrete across the site To in most structures due to its durability most contractors could provide an fit these needs project managers and reliability and versatility It makes sense alternative the low supply of concrete crews need reliable tools built to perform the material has a long list of benefits cannot be counteracted So when it their tasks with custom engineered 18 SEPTEMBER 2022 www mcsmag com

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severe duty trucks In addition these high quality custom built often lengthy repair process begins At Autocar customers concrete pump and mixer trucks are essential for commercial experience its unique Always Up Service with direct access to contractors who are constructing projects requiring large Autocar technicians familiar with the vehicles offering quick amounts of concrete repairs Onboard diagnostics systems help keep things running When a project finally receives the needed amount of smoothly by tracking the need for maintenance and repairs concrete to begin the structural portion it is more important Direct factory support can then utilize the processed information than ever that the tool is efficient in its tasks Concrete mixer to step in to perform service and repair necessary to get the trucks are some of the most reliable methods of transport for vehicle back up and running the material to arrive on the site ready for mixing and eventually pumping across the area The role of these trucks is to help CLOSING THOUGHT provide reliable transportation by providing the maximum The construction industry plays a vital role in our economy so it s amount uptime so operators arrive at the site on time and ready essential to use reliable tools and equipment to get the job done to work helping to keep the project on schedule That s why concrete trucks are necessary for any construction project Working with a reliable concrete truck company ensures RELIABLE EFFICIENT TOOL that your project will run smoothly and efficiently With three models of chassis to fit the needs of each mixer and pump Autocar LLC s uniquely engineered trucks provide a workhorse designed to last and help fulfill the needs of construction crews during tough times These custom built vocational trucks are manufactured to keep customers in mind about the author Glenn Pochocki is director of concrete pump sales Autocar LLC a by implementing features that help operators perform their manufacturer of severe duty vocational trucks carrying the first specialized tasks and last These features include truck brand in North America is the only American owned and operated original equipment manufacturer OEM of trucks For more visit Ease of maintenance and telematics Maximum uptime is the www autocartruck com goal when designing a truck made to be a durable and reliable workhorse Autocar s trucks are designed for ease of maintenance with removable panels and convenient access to the engine bay In addition the telematics and Smart Display integration helps operators keep track of their trucks and any issues that may arise with the added help of direct factory support Strength and durability A tough truck is needed to handle the construction industry with a custom and purpose built design fit to the needs of each customer Custom engineering helps to ensure the truck can handle the weight of the boom pump or mixer while traveling to and from the construction site Chassis available for the vocation also have optimal and industry leading frame strength where and when it is needed most to handle any challenges thrown its way Visibility Construction sites are full of workers focused on completing their tasks In addition to rough terrains visibility is an important consideration for original equipment manufacturers Autocar s chassis is designed to provide high visibility for operators working on construction sites with curved windows high visibility and unique a pillars Downtime is a primary concern for operators when considering the amount of time it takes to complete a project The second materials arrive at the site the concrete trucks must be ready to work However experiencing an extended downtime creates an opportunity for more delays as the www mcsmag com SEPTEMBER 2022 19

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SEPTEMBER 2022 www.mcsmag.com20equipment solutionDrill Baby, Drill!Drill Baby, Drill!auger drives can benefit the new infrastructure boom REBUILDING AMERICAFor 5 years, “Infrastructure Week” has been a long-standing joke in Washington, with policymakers joyously celebrating the occasion while having nothing to show for it. However, in November 2021, things changed when Congress passed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act)—a breakthrough $1.2 trillion investment for the betterment of the nation’s infrastructure.So, what does the infrastructure bill mean for the heavy machinery industry? Let’s find out.2021 INFRASTRUCTURE BILLIn November 2021, President Joe Biden secured 228 votes to 206 on the House floor as lawmakers rubber-stamped the infrastructure bill into law—a historic motion and the biggest infrastructure project in over half a century that seeks to upgrade public roads, bridges, and waterways.The president has promised to deliver results and rebuild the nation’s crumbling essential infrastructure. The bipartisan deal will rebuild the country’s roads, rails, bridges, ports, and airports, ensure every American has access to high-speed internet, increase availability and access to clean drinking water by eliminating the use of lead pipes, tackle the climate change issue, and work for social and environmental justice issues that have been put on the back burner. Combined, the Build Back Better Act will add an average of 1.5 million jobs per year for the upcoming decade. What the Bill Means for Heavy Machinery Industry? In simple terms, a huge potential for growth. Approximately half of the $1.2 trillion needs to be invested over the next 5 years, which means a lot of new construction projects need to start super-fast. Experts are predicting that the biggest boom for the heavy machinery industry will come in 2023, with steady growth from 2024 through 2026.The passing of the bill means big opportunities for industries involved in road repair and building, bridge construction, rail and airport work, water line replacement, cable laying for internet access, and more. Heavy equipment will be required for most projects, and earth drills and augers will be in high demand.The bill will continue to deliver consistent work over the lifetime of the legislation. Heavy equipment companies will be able to set themselves apart from others and are uniquely positioned to take advantage of a decade of heavy investments in infrastructure.Companies that manufacture excavator attachments for heavy machinery could see years of additional businesses along the road as streets, bridges, ports, and buildings are upgraded and modernized and reap even broader benefits over the years.HEAVY MACHINERY DEMANDWith the new bill, infrastructure projects will see an unprecedented rise. However, the limited budget will require a reevaluation of methods and processes involved to ensure the funding stretches far enough. With the construction industry facing a backlog of jobs, contractors are looking for ways to deliver projects in a shorter amount of time and improve efficiencies. However, some entities are concerned that adopting and learning new technologies may result in lost precious time. This is where heavy machinery attachments come into play.AUGER TO THE RESCUEAttachments offer an effective and practical solution by ensuring the utilization of equipment that contractors and construction workers are already familiar with. Increasing demand for drilling and boring from the construction, industrial, mining, and agriculture sectors is expected to drive the national auger drilling market during the project period.Auger drilling will have various benefits in the construction of public roads, sewer lines, lead-free pipelines, and oil and gas pipelines. Auger drilling is extensively used in building construction due to its low cost.Auger drives are popular for mini excavators and skid steers in the infrastructure construction industry. Although excavators and skid steers are compatible Solaris-Augertorque Auger drives benefitting the infrastructure boom.

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with various attachments, augers are powerful attachments that are ideal for specific projects, particularly those that involve smaller spaces for landscape projects.As underground environments become even more crowded, auger drills will assist in ensuring precision in working in tight spaces and help operators stay efficient and quick on tight jobsites.The construction industry will see both volume and value as the need for deep foundations requires bucket augers and continuous flight augers drilling in order to make construction projects stable and resistant to earthquakes.ATTACHMENTS REDUCE COSTSBy lowering the overall equipment cost, enabling smarter labor, reducing maintenance, changing workflow, and increasing the returns on investment, attachments are changing the way infrastructure construction works. Traditional self-propelled heavy machinery experiences the most downtime and costs from parts repairs. However, the efficiency of attachments is highlighted when you consider the profits lost to maintenance.In order to reduce maintenance downtime and costs, auger attachments can be connected to proven vehicles like skid steers. In case the operating machines need to be serviced, the crew can quickly and conveniently remove the attachment and hook it up to another machine. Without an engine, drill motor, or transmission of their own that is liable to break down, auger attachments can reduce maintenance to up to 90% with just a few grease fittings to take care of.A BETTER WAY FORWARDThe poor condition of the infrastructure across the world and the shortage of traditional machinery is making way for equipment attachments and innovation. The new construction approach that attachments offer is proving to be a huge asset not just in times of infrastructure crisis but for building a sustainable system of infrastructure construction management.CLOSING THOUGHTThe infrastructure bill has opened up new opportunities for heavy machinery distributors. Of course, acquiring and maintaining these government contractual opportunities won’t be fast or easy; however, if the heavy machinery companies overcome these challenges, the rewards will be worth it. www.mcsmag.com SEPTEMBER 202221for more informationSolaris Attachments is a leading equipment attachment manufacturer and distributor in partnership with major heavy machinery companies like Solesbee’s/Augertorque. The company provides high-quality equipment attachments and parts made in the US by Solesbee’s, North American Attachments, Burchland Manufacturing, EZ SPOT UR, and Limb Beaver, to name a few. For more, visit www.solarisattachments.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2022 www.mcsmag.com22equipment solutionContractors have been perfecting the art of concrete pours for many years, combining new technology with tried-and-true methods. Roller screeds combine the time-tested process of using something flat to smooth out concrete with the addition of a spinning tube attached to a power source. ERGONOMIC DEISGNRoller screeds broadly consist of a detachable pipe connected to a drive head with an extended handle for upright, ergonomic operation. These screeds are known for their minimal setup, low learning curve and the consistent, quality results they provide, with less reliance on the operator’s skill level. Roller screeds use a spinning motion to move concrete, a method that reduces operator fatigue and allows for improved integration of aggregate throughout the pour compared to vibratory methods that cause the aggregate to settle. Because of their detachable design, roller screeds are a highly portable option when compared to bulkier and heavier screeds like a laser screed. Roller screeds are versatile and can be used for a variety of pours, often up to 22-30 feet wide, depending on the power source. While multiple power source options are available, many contractors take advantage of battery-powered roller screeds that give crews more mobility when moving between projects. Battery-powered roller screeds are easily maneuverable and can handle pours up to 22 feet wide. These versatile machines can be especially useful for contractors working in basements or factory settings indoors, on farms, or communities in remote locations. BATTERY OPERATIONDepending on the slump and pipe length, a contractor can screed off 1,800 to 2,500 square feet of concrete with just one fully charged battery. Since the battery operation provides fume-free screeding for those working in any closed off environment where fumes may be a concern, no additional power source such as gasoline, hydraulics, or a generator is required. That means fewer transportation needs, reduced setup time, and no cords or hoses in the way. Some battery-powered roller screeds can also provide cross-platform use by utilizing the same rechargeable 60-volt lithium-ion battery that is found in common handheld power tools.For special projects such as circular pours, battery-powered roller screeds provide a convenient single push-button directional change. This allows contractors to easily change their screeding direction to avoid cold joints or other structural flaws that can occur when concrete cures unevenly. Other screed types may require a complete disassembly, drive head rotation, and reassembly of the screed to reverse direction. CLOSING THOUGHTRoller screeds meet the market’s demand to make concrete more attainable for workers of all skill levels. And with battery-powered roller screeds that are adjustable, convenient and easy to operate, contractors can take on more jobs and projects than they may have previously. By incorporating these user-friendly machines into their lineup, contractors can lay concrete more easily than ever. Roller ScreedsRoller Screedsbenefits increase efficiencyBATTERY-POWEREDBy Seth Ulmerabout the authorSeth Ulmer is the sales manager at Curb Roller Manufacturing. Ulmer joined Curb Roller Manufacturing after spending over a decade in the concrete and construction industries. Curb Roller Manufacturing has been the world leader in shaped concrete roller screeds for more than 10 years. With high-quality products for everyday concrete work, Curb Roller’s ergonomic machines not only make it easy to shape standard curb, gutter, and sidewalks, but also flume, v-gutter, swale, and other unique shapes. For more, visit www.curbroller.com.Image courtesy of Curb Roller ManufacturingSome battery-powered roller screeds provide cross-platform use by utilizing the same rechargeable 60-volt lithium-ion battery that is found in common handheld power tools.Some battery-powered roller screeds provide cross-platform use by utilizing the same rechargeable 60-volt lithium-ion battery that is found in common handheld power tools.

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SEPTEMBER 2022 www.mcsmag.com24equipment solutionMillions of tons of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) are used in asphalt mixtures each year, and the popularity of the product is only increasing. It makes sense. Virgin aggregate isn’t cheap, and there’s a ready supply of RAP just waiting to be used.After it’s milled from the road, taking advantage of RAP requires special processing before it can be incorporated into asphalt mix. An important step in RAP utilization is screening to the correct spec. However, the nature of the material can present challenges such as inefficiency, blinding, and stuck-together material. High-vibration screen media can combat those issues by improving stratification, solving screening problems and reducing downtime. Here are three key benefits of high-vibration wire screens for screening RAP. GREATER EFFICIENCYLike most aggregates processes, RAP must be sent through a crusher before it can be screened. Crushing isn’t cheap, so it pays to optimize the screening process to ensure all right-size pieces make it through the screen rather than being returned to the crusher. High-vibration wire screens can improve screening efficiency and cut crushing costs. Some manufacturers bond the wires Asphalt MixAsphalt Mixoptimizing recycled asphalt pavement screeningAGGREGATES PROCESSESBy Lars BräunlingHigh-vibration screen media can combat recycled asphalt pavement challenges such as inefficiency, blinding, and stuck-together material by improving stratification, solving screening problems, and reducing downtime.The high vibration of the wires, combined with the vibration of the screen box itself, breaks apart stuck material to be sized and sent on to the next step in the process.

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with polyurethane strips instead of weaving them. This allows the wires to vibrate independently under material contact, better spreading the material over the decks and improving overall stratification. REDUCE BLINDINGOne reason for the high value placed on RAP is because it retains much of the oil required to bond asphalt, reducing the need to add binders to create a final product. However, that beneficial feature for the final mix—combined with the fact that RAP stockpiles often absorb large amounts of moisture—translates to an abrasive and sticky product for screening. The tricky agglomeration of RAP fines leads to blinding of screen media openings. This is particularly true in warm weather. Because of its high vibration qualities, high-vibration screen media is ideal for virtually eliminating blinding issues in most applications. The independent movement of the wires dislodges blinding material, optimizing open area for better screening. DISLODGE STUCK MATERIALSimilar to the blinding problems, the sticky nature of RAP often results in material that has been crushed to size, yet sticks together. On traditional screen media this might cause pegging or improper stratification, allowing already-sized material to get kicked back to the crusher. High-vibration screen media solves this problem. The high vibration of the wires, combined with the vibration of the screen box itself, breaks apart the stuck material to be sized and sent on to the next step in the process.CLOSING THOUGHTRAP has a lot of potential advantages, but it takes the right equipment to get the most out of it. With screening being an important part of the process, it pays to give careful consideration to screen media choices. Plus, consider partnering with an OEM to ensure the selected screen media is the best fit for the operation. www.mcsmag.com SEPTEMBER 202225about the authorLars Bräunling is the director of screening technology with MAJOR, an innovative global manufacturer of wire screens for the aggregate, mining, and recycling industries. FLEX-MAT®, the company’s renowned line of distinctive lime-green high vibration screens made with OPTIMUMWIRE® “The longest-lasting wire” sets the standard in lowering cost of production per ton by dramatically increasing throughput and wear life while eliminating blinding and pegging. MAJOR masters wire quality, screen manufacturing and the screening process, and provides on-site screening performance assessment and training seminars on screen maintenance and screening efficiency to help producers increase their screening performance and profitability. MAJOR is a Haver & Boecker company. For more, visit www.majorflexmat.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2022 www.mcsmag.com26equipment solutionDriver RetentionDriver Retentionimproves with fleet of Kenworth W990s and T880sHJORT EXCAVATINGIn 1955, Russell Hjort pursued his dream of becoming his own boss and established Hjort Excavating, a company that specialized in providing small residential excavating services in central Minnesota. Once a one-man operation with Russell doing most of the labor, the company has grown to become a leading provider of residential and commercial excavating and trucking services in Minnesota with the help of Russell’s three sons: Lawrence, Carl, and Dennis. Now in its 67th year in business, company ownership has continued down the family tree with Dean Hjort (Lawrence’s son) currently at the helm and his son, Randy Hjort, managing the trucking division.MEETING DEMANDSThe trucking division offers dump, heavy haul, and regional delivery services and is a fast-growing segment within the company. Hjort Excavating’s fleet of 28 trucks—primarily Kenworth W990s and T880s—are both used in dump and heavy haul applications. Hjort Excavating works extensively with asphalt firms in Minnesota and bordering states, which keeps the company’s Kenworth dump trucks busy during road construction season. The trucks are equipped with PACCAR MX-13 engines and automatic transmissions. During the winter months, the dump trucks are used for snow removal and also haul material from company excavating projects.Hjort Excavating’s W990 and T880 day cab tractors pull lowboy trailers or belly dumps and transport excavating equipment to jobsites or haul aggregate. The company recently added inter-state heavy hauling to its service offerings.TRUCK RELIABILITYAccording to Randy, the company first began transitioning its fleet to Kenworths in 2017 to improve the reliability of the trucks it was operating and to provide drivers with high-quality equipment to help reduce turnover and better recruit drivers. The company’s first Kenworth order was for four T880 dump trucks equipped with 455-hp MX-13 engines, purchased through Rihm Kenworth – Coon Rapids. Later that year, when the Kenworth W990 was introduced, Randy saw an opportunity to add Kenworth’s latest long hood to the mix.“Shane (Corrow, Rihm Kenworth new truck salesman) and I took a trip to the ConExpo-Con/Agg show in 2019 and it was there that I got to see the W990 in-person and tour the truck for the first time,” says Randy. “I was impressed by the attention to detail of the design and layout of the cab and visibility over the hood. I was sold on the truck and knew our drivers would appreciate them.” RETAINING DRIVERSSince adding T880s and W990s to the fleet, Randy says the company is experiencing a well-above industry driver retention rate and sees just 10% turnover per year. He notes that his list of highly qualified drivers expressing interest in driving for the company continues to grow and helps to fill any open positions. “It’s no secret that driver turnover is one of the biggest challenges in the industry. Given the volatility in the employee market the past few years, that is especially true today,” says Randy. “The equipment drivers are in every day makes an impact in their overall satisfaction working for a company. Drivers want to be in trucks that they’re comfortable in, enjoy driving, and are

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reliable. The feedback from our drivers is especially positive with our Kenworths. It’s a key reason we continue to grow our fleet with them.”GROWING THE FLEETOn the road, Randy says his drivers are finding the Kenworth W990 to have a sharper turning radius compared to other long hoods on the market. Enhanced visibility and the truck’s quiet cab are other key attributes that make the W990 a hot commodity among its drivers. For even the most tenured drivers, these features provide a more enjoyable driving experience. “The W990 does an excellent job navigating jobsites and drivers appreciate being in classic styled trucks that are easier to drive,” says Randy. “Our drivers experience less fatigue at the end of a long day because it’s a more comfortable ride.” In addition to its T880s and W990s, Hjort Excavating recently added a Kenworth T680 Next Gen day cab to serve in its heavy haul division. The T680 Next Gen, nicknamed “White Thunder,” is used to haul aggregate from quarries to concrete plants. On occasion, the truck will transport heavy equipment cross-country. For long distance trips, the company will put drivers in hotels along the route. The T680 Next Gen features a 500 hp engine and a 12-speed automated transmission. Hjort Excavating’s first batch of Kenworths it purchased is approaching 5 years in operation and they continue to run like new, according to Randy. Downtime is kept to a minimum due to the company’s commitment to staying on top of preventive maintenance schedules and support from Rihm Kenworth – Coon Rapids.“Quality trucks deserve quality care—we do our best to keep our trucks running in top operating condition and as a result, our Kenworths have been consistently reliable for us,” says Randy. “Our customers appreciate the fact that when our trucks show up to a jobsite, they can expect the job to get done on time without disruptions. Our equipment looks sharp and professional and is driven by drivers who I believe are the best in the state.”CLOSING THOUGHTAs a small business, Hjort Excavating’s steady growth is built from years of maintaining strong relationships with its customers through reliable service, word-of-mouth referrals, and brand identity through its equipment. Hjort Excavating’s fleet of yellow and black Kenworth trucks with Hjort decals is hard to miss. www.mcsmag.com SEPTEMBER 202227for more informationKenworth Truck Company is the manufacturer of The World’s Best® heavy and medium duty trucks. Kenworth is a PACCAR company. For more, visit www.kenworth.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2022 www.mcsmag.com28equipment solutionHydrodemolitionHydrodemolitionexpediting road & bridge workCONCRETE MATTERSAccording to the American Road & Transportation Bridge Association, 36% of U.S. bridges—nearly 224,000—need repair work and 78,800 bridges should be replaced. That’s enough road and bridge work to keep contractors busy for years to come. Last year, the U.S. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was signed, making nearly $27 billion available in the coming years to repair approximately 15,000 bridges. With this amount of work and funding, it’s no surprise that contractors are looking for equipment solutions that expedite road and bridge work while keeping safety and efficiency top of mind. Hydrodemolition is one such solution that has risen in popularity when it comes to road and bridge projects.WHY HYDRODEMOLITION?Hydrodemolition removes deteriorated and damaged concrete with robotically manipulated high-pressure water jets as powerful as 40,000 psi. When a Hydrodemolition robot’s high-pressure water jet hits the concrete, it widens existing pores, causing the concrete to explode and separate. The method offers numerous advantages, starting with an impact-free process that eliminates vibrations and the risk the microfractures. Hydrodemolition also cleans and descales rebar without damaging it and provides a rough bonding surface that is ideal for applying new concrete. These factors extend the lifespan of the structure, making the repair a cost-effective investment.INCREASED EFFICIENCYAlong with the structural advantages, Hydrodemolition offers a faster way to complete work—up to 25x faster than handheld tools—and it requires less labor. One operator generally controls the machine and can complete concrete removal tasks as fast or faster than multiple workers. For example, some Hydrodemolition robots can remove as much as 800 square feet of concrete bridge deck at a depth of 4 inches per shift, a fraction of the time it would take a crew with handheld breakers. In addition, a Hydrodemolition robot can handle much more than the flatwork, helping contractors get more from a single machine. With the right accessories, it can remove concrete on any part of the bridge, including columns, girders, parapet, and the underside. An extension kit with an elbow, for example, extends the Hydrodemolition robot’s reach 8.2 feet below the robot’s tracks. It can also bend to access hard-to-reach areas, such as the side of the bridge, allowing the robot to stay on the deck without dismantling the bridge railing. Aquajet also offers rotating tools for surface preparation and membrane removal and a circular powerhead for columns, further increasing versatility. IMPROVED SAFETYHydrodemolition robots also provide a boost in operator safety. The compactness of the equipment allows it to fit into one lane, minimizing traffic impact and lowering the risk of accidents. The remote-controlled capabilities of these machines also allow laborers to monitor their work at a safe distance from flying debris and edges that pose a falling risk. The elimination of the need to stand next to a ledge also means contractors can minimize the need to set up fall protection systems.This isn’t the only safety benefit both contractors and operators will appreciate. Handheld water jetting and pneumatic tools put great physical strain on workers, increasing the risk of injury. A worker using a 40,000 psi hand lance, for example, must constantly Hydrodemolition cleans and descales rebar without damaging it and provides a rough bonding surface for new concrete.

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fight up to 52 pounds of back thrust (at a flow of 5 gpm) for normal operation. Meanwhile, a worker using a jackhammer is exposed to vibration and runs the risk of developing hand-arm vibration syndrome, which causes debilitating, painful numbness, and tingling sensations in the fingers, among other injuries. The physical exhaustion workers experience from manual labor translates to less productivity and greater cost for the business owner. Alternatively, the cutting-edge technology of Hydrodemolition robots combats worker fatigue and reduces the chance of injuries.Hydrodemolition methods also minimize worker exposure to silica dust and its risks of causing the development of lung cancer, silicosis, kidney disease, and more. Since Hydrodemolition uses water to remove concrete and keeps the operator a safe distance away with remote operation, it virtually eliminates the risk of silica dust. CLOSING THOUGHTWith billions of dollars’ worth of work needing to be completed and labor difficult to find, investing in the right technology is one of the best solutions for completing more work. With the ability to protect the safety of the workforce and create long-lasting repairs, Hydrodemolition allows contractors to work smarter, not harder. www.mcsmag.com SEPTEMBER 202229for more informationAquajet is known as the industry leader in Hydrodemolition machines and solutions, both in terms of quality and volume. The company’s headquarters and production facilities are in Holsbybrunn, Sweden. Similar to Brokk, Aquajet sells globally. Brokk Inc. is the North American distributor for Aquajet. For more, visit www.aquajet.se or www.brokk.com.

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Since 1967, MBW, Inc. has been manufacturing one of the construction industry’s highest quality lines of small compaction and concrete finishing equipment. Located in Slinger, Wisconsin, MBW does not simply duplicate designs developed by others. MBW begins each new engineering project with the assumption that significant progress can be made in terms of improved productivity, reduced maintenance, longer life, enhanced user safety, and lower long-term cost of ownership.WALK-BEHIND POWER TROWELSMBW’s Walk Behind Power Trowels feature heavy duty bearings, output shafts, gears, spiders, and blade arms. Comparison of these critical MBW components to those of any competitor answers the question as to why MBW trowels run so well for so long. MBW offers a tool free height adjustable operator handle and an ISO compliant, low profile guard ring. The guard ring allows for easy cleaning and blade changes. Sizes include a 24-inch edging trowel, 36-inch and 46-inch units. On the 36-inch and 46-inch trowels, customers can choose from different engine sizes and handles. The three options are a Standard, Low Vibration, or EZ Pitch handle. MBW also offers a high torque option with a CVT clutch (Continuously Variable Transmission).SCREEDEMON™ WET SCREEDSMBW’s ScreeDemon is one of the most innovative and ergonomically friendly wet screeds on the market with both a gas and an electric version Powered by a M18™ REDLITHIUM™ battery.Along with it being the easiest screed to assemble, it is now the easiest to run wet screed on the market. And more importantly, the hand/arm vibration is 50 to 90% less than the competition. A clamping system makes assembly and disassembly fast and easy. A sealed exciter requires no maintenance. To help with attaching boards, the MBW ScreeDemon includes a 9/16 wrench. The battery unit is very quiet and has lights to improve visibility in darker work areas. With zero emissions, it makes it perfect for indoor work. US & International Patents.TRUSS SCREEDThe MBW truss screed is made out of die cast aluminum, making it a lightweight screed for industry contractors. It is used on larger applications including, but not limited to, warehouses, roadways, highways, bridges, airport runways, and other residential and commercial slabs. The MBW truss screed has a durable 45-degree A-frame design for easy cleaning. The flex rubber couplers and turnbuckles connect the screed sections quickly and accurately allowing for fast assembly and disassembly, and also provide the ability to crown and invert the screed without a special kit. Time-tested, off-set bearings are used to create vibration for effective concrete ingredient consolidation. Available in 2, 4, and 8 foot sections up to 75 feet. Both mechanical and pneumatic screeds are available. Winch choices on mechanical screeds include either the manual or hydraulic options.LOWRIDERThe MK8-75 is the industry’s smallest ride-on trowel. Perfect for large or small jobs, multi-story flooring and as a compliment to large machines that just can’t operate in tight areas. This 460 lb rider transports in the bed of a pickup, passes through a 32-inch doorway, and can be used as an edging trowel. Floats and finishes with equal proficiency. CLOSING THOUGHTWhen you buy an MBW product, you are not only getting quality made equipment, you are also guaranteed lifetime customer service and support from a company who cares. SEPTEMBER 2022 www.mcsmag.com30equipment solutionMBW EquipmentMBW Equipmentbuilds a better jobsite experienceLONG LIFE SPANfor more informationFor more about MBW equipment, visit www.mbw.com.

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management solution MONEY ON THE MOVE Equipment Loans 4 reasons applications get turned down By Matthew Gillman M any small business owners by small businesses that may not being higher risk They may be more likely have sought capital to keep have the upfront cash to pay for the to default on the loan or miss payments their doors open especially equipment outright By taking out an leading to the lender losing money through these challenging times But equipment loan company owners can even as the COVID 19 pandemic slowly spread out the cost of the equipment to approve equipment loans for people eased some construction company over time and make smaller monthly with poor credit scores On the other owners are still having a hard time getting payments hand having a high credit rating loan approvals Those seeking financial Equipment loans may be used for As a result lenders are often hesitant increases your chances of getting assistance to purchase operational various purposes from replacing approved with the most competitive equipment are no exception business machinery purchasing new interest rates and terms office furniture or leasing heavy duty WHAT ARE EQUIPMENT LOANS construction equipment It may also If you don t have the cash on hand to be used to purchase computers or any buy all of this equipment outright you hardware that s essential to running equipment loan because it serves as a may want to consider an equipment loan your business form of security for the lender Equipment loans are a type of financing that allow businesses to borrow money What lowers your chances of getting an equipment loan approval to purchase or lease equipment without paying for it outright LACK OF COLLATERAL Collateral is essential in getting an If the borrower defaults on the loan the collateral can be used to repay the debt This collateral can take many CREDIT RATING forms including real estate invoices They can be an excellent option for Your credit score is crucial when applying contractors that need new equipment for any type of financing It can determine For lenders collateral provides peace but don t want to dip into their savings or your interest rates on loans whether you of mind that they will not lose their entire disrupt their cash flow to replace worn are approved for a loan or not and the investment if the borrower fails to repay out machinery terms So it s no surprise that your credit the loan For borrowers collateral gives score can also affect your chances of them a lower interest rate and may be getting an equipment loan required by some lenders Equipment loans typically have lower interest rates than other business loans making them an attractive financing option for growing construction businesses Where can you use an equipment loan Equipment loans are typically used 32 SEPTEMBER 2022 If you have a low credit score getting or mortgages Most lenders wouldn t require approved for an equipment loan may be borrowers to put up collateral if they difficult This is because lenders view already have high credit scores applicants with lower credit scores as Unfortunately those with low credit www mcsmag com

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ratings need to collateralize their property. This will serve as a safety net for lenders, knowing that they have some asset to fall back on if the borrower defaults on the loan. LACK OF A WELL-THOUGHT-OUT BUSINESS PLANA well-crafted business plan is essential for any construction company. The construction industry is competitive, and a business plan gives construction companies a roadmap to success.Lenders will also check your business plan to see how you plan to grow your business at a certain period. They want to ensure that your business will generate enough money to repay your debts. It is also a way for lenders and creditors to assess your risk.Before applying for an equipment loan, make sure you have a business plan in place. It will make it easier to get funding from lenders and help you avoid any potential problems down the road. POOR CASH FLOWHaving poor cash flow can negatively impact your loan in a few ways. First, it can hurt your business’s credit score. If your business has a history of late payments or delinquent accounts, it will lower your credit score and make it harder to get approved for a loan. Second, poor cash flow can make it difficult to repay a loan on time. If you’re constantly struggling to make ends meet, the lender may not believe that you’ll be able to repay the loan and will deny your application. Likewise, poor cash flow can indicate that your business is in financial trouble. Lenders are typically unwilling to give loans to companies that are struggling financially. If your business has cash flow problems, you’ll need to address those issues before applying for a loan.THE BOTTOM LINEApplying for an equipment loan is a big decision, but with careful planning and research, it can be a great way to finance your business’s growth. Before applying, make sure you have all the documents you need to secure equipment financing. Also, make sure you know where your credit stands so you can address it beforehand. CLOSING THOUGHTIf you’re ready to apply for an equipment loan for your growing construction business, be sure to speak to finance experts who specialize in your field. www.mcsmag.com SEPTEMBER 202233about the authorMatthew Gillman is a business financing expert with more than a decade of experience in commercial lending. He is the founder and CEO of SMB Compass, a specialty finance company providing education and financing options for business owners. For more, visit www.smbcompass.com.

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management solution NEXT GEN WORKFORCE Retaining Talent PART 2 OF 4 best recruitment tactic By Marcel Broekmaat O ne of the best ways to attract incentives for additional training In this new talent is to keep your area there is no such thing as too much existing talent It signals to new Consider investing in technology like construction or project management software to improve your operations and optimize your labor use Platforms like these enjoy working at your company and BUILD SKILLED LABOR WITH ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES are well cared for But with an industry If you aren t offering your employees equipment and jobsite data to increase turnover rate of 56 9 in 2021 this is opportunities to grow you will lose them and improve decision making around easier said than done The construction to someone who will Be open with job planning scheduling and allocation industry was already dealing with a labor your employees about advancement In addition to creating more balanced shortage and the increased demand for opportunities and hire internally whenever workloads faster scheduling and visibility work has only made the labor market possible Not only does this boost loyalty in allows for workers to know what their shift more competitive Wages and benefits those promoted but it also demonstrates will be like well in advance allowing them can only go so far so what else can to others that they could move up to better plan outside of work and improving companies do to entice workers to stay Make continuing education an ongoing overall work life balance and potential employees that people centralize important assets like employee discussion in employee evaluations Find PRIORITIZE SAFETY AND MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE out what skills they re interested in and CLOSING THOUGHT provide them with opportunities to pursue There s more to a good job than receiving It s a fact that construction work comes them whether that s an educational a decent paycheck Like any employee with a higher safety risk than other stipend on the job training or being construction workers want to work industries And while companies can t flexible with their schedule for classes Be for companies that value and care for eliminate that risk it is their responsibility supportive and you will benefit from their them Adopting long term practices that to reduce it as much as possible Clear new skills as much as they do improve working conditions and provide and enforced safety procedures proper opportunities to grow professionally will go a long way toward cultivating are the minimum requirements for IMPROVE PROCESSES TO IMPROVE WORKING CONDITIONS creating a safe work environment The construction industry is facing various your company safety equipment and ongoing training Safety is a shared responsibility so loyal employees that add value to challenges right now As a contractor it s essential that everyone from field you need to make every dollar and every workers to site managers is involved hour of labor count But without smart Each employee should know how to fill processes you could be underutilizing out a safety report and have access to the some assets while overextending others same tools and resources to help ensure Not only does this lead to increased labor operations platform For more visit worksite safety Successful companies costs but overworked laborers are at a www assignar com get workers more involved by offering higher risk for injury 34 SEPTEMBER 2022 about the author Marcel Broekmaat is chief product officer at Assignar a cloud based construction www mcsmag com

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management solution CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS Financial Control maintain the processes for successful ventures By Kenny Ingram T he impact of the pandemic management strategies reinforced with crises altogether Better informed paired with lasting supply chain disruptive construction technologies will projects are more efficient ones as shortages and price fluctuations enable project managers to maintain greater insight means greater control dramatically add to the complexity complete financial control over even the of financial planning for increasingly most complex construction projects advanced construction projects The From reactivity to proactivity here s how LIMIT THE UNKNOWN WITH ONE VIEW OF THE TRUTH AGC 2022 Construction Hiring and to take back control Construction projects involve Business Outlook reports concerning coordination of many business functions suppliers and subcontractors Resources reporting higher than anticipated costs GET AHEAD OF THE GAME ACTION OVER REACTION and 72 are reporting longer than The construction and engineering time to keep projects on track so if you expected project lead times as a result of industry needs to redefine the meaning don t have a joined up view the result ongoing supply chain disruption of project management Effective project will be resource shortages and reactive control is not just about measuring what firefighting becomes the norm not the productivity growth rate of only 1 has happened at each period end it is exception This is where managers need annually for the past two decades and being able to forecast where the project to set a standard practice for every with overall profitability remaining at is heading to accurately predict the final process to ensure the same outcome about 5 It is clear construction and cost revenue and project margin future is achieved each time In short a more engineering firms urgently need to cash requirements and take early actions integrated approach is needed where rethink their project execution control to mitigate project risk essentially everyone is working to one standardized processes and fiscal management shifting from a reactive mindset to a plan using the same shared data with strategies Construction managers proactive mindset one view of the truth With these new numbers 84 of contractors are And this in an industry with a low need real time and periodic project Proactive management can be need to come together at the right processes in place we can improve control processes that allow them to be achieved with the integration of real time proactive rather than reactive data to provide project managers with The standardization of operations a constant flow of information and the reduces the element of uncertainty performance including cost revenue use of predictive analytics to foresee increases the predictability of project variations risk and opportunity potential risks This equips managers delivery and makes it easier to plan cash quality planned deliverables with the best tools and insights to act timelines budgets and forecast progress safety and compliance is before it is needed and avoid unexpected revenues and profits It enables improved necessary to meet client expectations delays and budget overruns This in turn resource management especially where and keep projects running on time all improves the reliability of construction supply chain disruption can significantly while remaining profitable Here solid projects and could help avoid project damage construction project progress Control over all aspects of a project s 36 SEPTEMBER 2022 project delivery performance www mcsmag com

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high project performance and ultimately SIMPLIFY COMPLEXITY WITH ALL SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGY IN A SIMPLE SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE profitable projects As the complexity of projects and Standard practices create predictable project delivery outcomes and deliver businesses grow so too must the DUMP THE EXCEL SPREADSHEET GO FOR PURPOSEBUILT CONSTRUCTION SOFTWARE systems for project and financial Excel is certainly a useful office tool become necessary for businesses but it was never designed to be the new technologies will need to be main business system to manage integrated into existing operation project processes such as contract systems However adding on different management variation control project types of software technologies that planning and control risk management are not designed to be integrated and project cost control For years with one another through patchy API the industry has been pushing integrations can create a complicated spreadsheets beyond their suitability web of disconnected tech making it very and in doing so at the expense difficult to manage systems and make of the organization necessary updates Excel spreadsheets are not designed management As the adoption of new methods and techniques For this reason construction firms for or specific enough for the complex should deploy a simple purpose built nature of construction engineering nor system architecture that is not only financial reporting and risk mitigation designed for the industry but will evolve Spreadsheets can contain high with it An effective system architecture levels of inaccuracy and have limited should seamlessly integrate different functionality With many formulas data technologies within it and allow functions entry points and people accessing and and processes to evolve as the industry editing one document the chances of changes This will future proof construction errors occurring are very high a recent and engineering businesses from the survey found that as many as 90 of disruption of future digital transformation spreadsheets used by construction as technology continues to advance companies contain clinical errors This creates a lack of visibility and an CLOSING THOUGHT increased risk of making decisions based The steps outlined here are just on information that is inaccurate and starting points that address some of out of date with the impact being poor the key pain points in construction project control project management However gaining Successful project management and complete financial control requires more control requires accurate and detailed than adopting best practice processes real time data to facilitate enhanced and updating your system architecture visibility and predictive analytics Project It takes a complete change in mindset monitoring cannot be maintained and optimizing your entire business to with multiple disconnected Excel focus on delivering projects on time spreadsheets The level of accuracy on budget and at high quality a visibility and control needed to shift to a data driven proactive manage complex construction projects management style requires a dedicated industry specific software solution that can collate the many complex data sets involved in the management of largescale and high stake construction projects into a about the author Kenny Ingram is vice president of C E at IFS For more visit www ifs com reliable single source of truth www mcsmag com SEPTEMBER 2022 37

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SEPTEMBER 2022 www.mcsmag.com40legal solutionOSHA sums up emergency preparedness as follows: Emergencies and disasters can strike anywhere and at any time bringing workplace injuries and illnesses with them. Employers and workers may be required to deal with an emergency when it is least expected and proper planning an emergency is necessary to respond effectively.As OSHA directs, the best way to protect workers is to expect the unexpected and to carefully develop an emergency action plan to guide everyone in the workplace when immediate action is necessary. Of course, even the best plan is of no value if merely put on a shelf—planning, training, and practice in advance of an event help ensure that everyone knows what to do when an emergency occurs and provide the best shot at avoiding or reducing the risks of serious injury or damage.OSHA’s Principal Emergency Response and Preparedness Requirements in OSHA Standards and Guidance for Safety and Health Problems is a valuable resource as it provides a broad overview of emergency planning requirements in OSHA standards.Workplace emergency. OSHA defines a workplace emergency as “a situation that threatens workers, customers, or the public; disrupts or shuts down operations; or causes physical or environmental damage. Emergencies may be natural or man-made, and may include hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, winter weather, chemical spills or releases, disease outbreaks, releases of biological agents, explosions involving nuclear or radiological sources, and how many other hazards.” OSHA’s Emergency Preparedness and Response lists specific hazards, as well as links to general emergency preparedness and response guidance. OSHA requirements for emergencies. Some key OSHA requirements for emergencies relevant to the construction industry can be found in the following regulations for general industry (29 CFR 1910) and construction (29 CFR 1926). Contractors working in or related to the maritime world need also follow additional sections (29 CFR 1915, 1917, and 1918). OSHA provides a helpful table of such standards (see Resources), though OSHA is quick to add that the table is not all-inclusive. Other OSHA regulations apply, and there are a number of other federal, state and local agencies that have jurisdiction, such as EPA, NIOSH and specific state equivalents.For example, the regulations cover not only emergency action plans themselves, but also such topics as access/egress for medical services and first aid, fire prevention plans, safety management of highly hazardous chemicals, hazardous waste operations, personal protective equipment (particularly respiratory, eye, head or feet/hands protections) and electrical protective devices. Environmental conditions and controls are also a focus. Employee emergency action plans. OSHA requires employers to prepare and implement a written emergency action plan for all sites where more than 10 personnel are present; and a written plan is highly advisable for smaller sites. The plan should include, for example, emergency escape procedures and route assignment; procedures for those remaining to conduct critical operations; procedures to account for employees after the emergency, rescue and medical duties of those assigned; and means of reporting fires and emergencies. Training of all personnel covered is also crucial. While details or examples of such plans are beyond the scope or space of this article, important and helpful references are provided below.When working on or alongside an existing facility, such as with renovations or additions, it is crucial to coordinate the contractor’s emergency action plans with those of the existing facility operator. Medical services and first aid. OSHA has procedural, program and equipment requirements; training Emergency PreparednessEmergency Preparednesssensible and it’s the lawOSHA STANDARDSBy Christopher Scott D’Angelo

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requirements; and requirements for certain assistance tools. As a threshold matter, OSHA requires contractors to make arrangements before a project begins to ensure that medical personnel are available for consultation on occupational health matters, to provide easily accessible first aid supplies, to provide suitable facilities for immediate emergency use for quick drenching and flushing of eyes and body if exposure to corrosive materials is possible, and to provide for proper transport of an injured person to medical facilities. It is the contractor’s obligation to know what materials are being used and which ones are corrosive or otherwise require special handling; this too often is taken too lightly or assumptions are made that can come back to bite someone (or worse). In the absence of readily accessible medical services, a person with a valid certificate in first aid training must be available at the worksite to render first aid. Fire protection and prevention. OSHA requires the development of a fire prevention and protection program and the conspicuous availability of fire suppression equipment. The fire extinguishers and suppression systems must take into account the site conditions and the types of equipment, materials and chemicals onsite. Certain projects will require the presence of firefighting personnel. Proper alarms and emergency communications systems must be employed, and materials and potential ignition sources must be handled and stored in locations to not create a fire hazard or impede access or egress. Means of egress. OSHA requires that construction worksites maintain unobstructed egress from every building, structure or site where personnel are working. All exits and access to exits must be marked with signs. Markings must be effective under emergency conditions (e.g., smoke, darkness, etc.).Chemicals and other hazardous materials. OSHA also has very strict requirements regarding the use, handling, storage and disposal of chemicals and other hazardous materials. Regulations of other agencies, such as EPA, are also applicable and must be followed as well.Insurance Company Assistance. Another resource may be found with the contractor’s insurance company. A number of insurers or brokers offer assistance in creating the plan or conducting the training. Sometimes this is available without additional charge, but in many instances, it can help in underwriting to lower premiums.CLOSING THOUGHTBeing prepared for the expected and expected in the construction industry is possible with the tools and guidance of OSHA and experienced GCs and other on-the-job managers. www.mcsmag.com SEPTEMBER 202241about the authorChristopher Scott D’Angelo is a partner and chair of both the Business Disputes & Products Liability Practice and International Practice at Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP, based in Philadelphia and New York City. His practice involves business, products liability, construction, class action, and insurance counseling and litigation, including his role as national counsel for several major U.S. clients and his representation of foreign concerns in the United States and U.S. concerns abroad. He is a member of the Construction Law and Litigation Committee of the International Association of Defense Counsel. He can be reached at cdangelo@mmwr.com.www.sunflowerboatandbarge.com • 563-583-0556• Sectional Barges• Spud Barges from 75x32 to 195x70• Hydraulic Dredges• Truckable Tugboats from 300 – 600 hp• Traditional Tugboats• Support EquipmentAvailable for Lease:sunflowerboatandbarge.com563.583.0556ON THE WEBFor a list of resouces, go online to mcsmag.com and check out this article.

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SEPTEMBER 2022 www.mcsmag.com42software solutionThe current state of the labor market is directly impacting construction companies in more ways than one. At the end of 2021, the construction industry had an average of 197,250 people quitting their jobs per month. Aging talent has played a significant role in the skilled labor shortage, with no backfill of workers to replace those resigning. However, the talent shortage is not slowing down the demand for large construction jobs across the country. The required number of construction workers to keep up with demand is approximately 740,000 new workers annually until 2024. At the same time, the employment cost index has increased. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, compensation cost increases among private industry occupational groups from March 2021 to March 2022 saw a 7.8% increase for service occupations, including construction. Most construction companies can’t afford this increase in labor cost when also factoring in price increases for materials, inflationary pressure, etc. Construction companies everywhere struggle to balance filling open positions while managing business operations through materials cost increases and inflation. Decision makers are searching for creative ways to protect their bottom line and keep operations running smoothly. One solution available to them is cloud-based and AI-enabled technology. IMPLEMENTING SOLUTIONSOne way construction companies can work to supplement their staff is by equipping them with tools that help streamline workflow and increase efficiency. Cloud-based and AI-enabled technology, for example, can allow employees to focus their time on more practical work, instead of traditionally mundane tasks such as data entry and accounts payable. Businesses that utilize these technologies will see increased efficiencies and streamlined workflows.Additionally, committing to a digitized approach will attract a younger demographic due to the workforce’s desire for modern technology. Younger generations tend to view the industry as outdated and unadvanced, causing potential candidates to focus on securing positions in other, more modern fields. With the increased use of automated technology, the construction industry is more likely to attract the younger talent it needs.The first step businesses can take to digitize their company is applying AI technology to their business management practices. When coupled with a business management solution, AI technology can analyze mobile, holistic, up-to-date data. With this visibility, construction companies can streamline processes normally taking large sums of time, like controlling cost overruns and changing order processes. Technology that streamlines tasks and up levels visibility can help companies spark the interest of new and younger talent.TECH FOR PREDICTIONS Recently, construction leaders have been incorporating AI and other technologies to help automate several tedious (but essential) operational tasks. According to some experts, approximately 90% of construction megaprojects are significantly delayed, over budget, or display other deviations from planning.By integrating AI, companies can evaluate a given project’s strengths, weaknesses, and profitability. AI and ML provide company leaders with information and insight into exactly where their money is going and how the business benefits. Using AI technology, decision makers can predict future costs, labor needs, potential delays, etc. With this level of expected outcomes, construction companies can proactively prepare for or react to project delays, supply chain deficiencies, and staffing shortages. When the AI is part of a broader business management solution, executives can thoroughly manage potential risks via a single business view while maintaining a fine-tuned visibility into budget allocation. Intelligent SoftwareIntelligent Softwaretraverse the complex labor market STREAMLINE THE PROCESSBy Ali Jani

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THE RIGHT TECHOnce a company decides to implement AI-enabled technology to assist in managing its operations, the next step is to determine what solution is the best fit. The first and arguably most important step in choosing a technology provider is conducting a process review and analysis. Company leaders must have a sound understanding of the company’s current situation and needs. It is crucial to analyze where the company is starting from compared to where it hopes implementing this technology will take it. Decision makers should then consider how much time and money the company can afford to invest in digital integration.Next, the company should research what solutions offer the features it needs the most. These features can be anything from data organization and consolidation to document filing and scheduling. Shop around to see what software will benefit the company the most and request demos from top contenders to see the software in action.Once the company decides, it should work to prepare its staff for the change. Training and tutorials can help get employees acclimated to and familiar with the technology. Be sure to encourage the team to ask questions and lean on the IT support from the vendor to maximize the investment. Ultimately, these tools will help make their jobs more manageable, and they should feel confident using the solutions.Hundreds of companies have successfully applied AI-enabled capabilities to their construction business management and accounting processes. For example, Canadian Railway Firm, Remcan greatly benefitted from implementing cloud-based software. After struggling with a lack of efficiency due to manual data entry and analysis, Remcan decision makers knew they needed to investigate an automated solution. After incorporating a cloud-based and AI-enabled technology, company leaders noticed increased financial visibility, improved employee satisfaction, immediate access to accounting data, and foresight into future growth.CLOSING THOUGHTDuring ongoing labor shortages, increased materials costs, and economic downturn, construction leaders need solutions that allow them to run efficiently and effectively. Utilizing tools like cloud-based and AI-enabled technology enables businesses to save time and money because they streamline processes and maximize existing talent productivity. At the same time, modern technologies can attract a younger demographic to an industry that needs their skills. www.mcsmag.com SEPTEMBER 202243about the authorAli Jani is chief product officer at Acumatica. Jani has 20 years of experience in the software industry and a successful track record as a high-tech entrepreneur with multiple successful start-ups. For more, visit www.acumatica.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2022 www.mcsmag.com44safety solutionHow do you create an effective safety culture in the workplace when you have an employee base that is so diverse?It’s an important question for equipment manufacturers to ask and answer, and the latter can’t really be accomplished without a better understanding of what “culture” refers to and how it impacts organizational goals and priorities.“Culture is what we learn from our people, and it’s specific to the group you belong to, and—as I said, it’s all learned,” says Elaine Cullen Vandervert , PhD, president of Prima Consulting, and a presenter at AEM’s Product Safety & Compliance Seminar held earlier this year. “Culture tells you what is going on, how you should feel, what you should do, and how you should go about doing it. It tells you how to operate in that group we are talking about.”CREATING A SAFE WORKPLACEIt’s obvious everyone belongs to—and participates in—a variety of cultures. A person’s nationality, gender, and religious belief (or lack thereof) all contribute to how they present themselves. In her presentation to Product Safety & Compliance Seminar attendees, Vandervert emphasizes the impact of culture in determining how employers can and should go about creating a safe and productive workplace.One component of organizational culture that employers absolutely cannot afford to overlook is the wide range of ages of their respective workforces and its impact on the development and refinement of safety culture. For the first time ever, there are five generations that can currently be found in the workforce. Baby Boomers, once upon a time, used to comprise the largest section of the workforce by a fairly comfortable margin. That’s starting to change, however, as they continue to retire in greater and greater numbers.Unfortunately, there’s a significant consequence to Boomers leaving the workforce: They are taking with them a wealth of knowledge, skills, and wisdom that only comes from significant experience. A study cited by Vandervert found it takes 8-10 years on average for an employee to be able to develop a certain level of experience that allows them to administer on-the-job teaching and training. It’s a sobering statistic, especially when considering what it takes to establish an effective safety culture within an organization.“You need to be able to know what to do when things go wrong from a safety perspective,” says Vandervert. It’s impossible for a person or group to participate within an organization’s culture if they are unwilling—or unable—to embrace its norms. Cultures change slowly, however, and patience is required. And it all comes down to people themselves, says Vandervert, and how they’re managed. With so many generations in the workforce right now, managing them effectively is a task that’s easier said than done.“A study we conducted showed there are five variables related to work that are different across generations,” she continues. “How they approach it, what motivators they have, how they view professional growth, and the attitudes they have about learning within that work environment. And if you step into a workplace with all five generations, you will see conflict.”Those five generations, as described by Vandervert, are:• Traditionalists: Born between 1927 and 1946, traditionalists are quite obviously no longer very prevalent in the workforce. However, those who remain are best described as dependable, respectable, and loyal. More than anything else, however, traditionalists believe they have earned the right to be respected largely based on their lengthy track record of experience.Safety CultureSafety Culturegenerational differences present challenges, opportunitiesWORKPLACEBy the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)

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• Baby Boomers: Born between 1946 and 1964, Baby Boomers, once upon a time and not all that long ago, dominated the workforce. Known as the optimistic and loyal generation, Boomers committed themselves to changing the world. On the other hand, though, they tend to be workaholics who were perhaps too often willing to make personal sacrifices in exchange for success.• Generation Xers: Born between 1964 and 1980, members Generation X are known as the first “latchkey kids.” Skeptical and independent-minded, Gen Xers tend to value work-life balance more so than any other generation in the workforce.• Millennials: Born between 1981 and 1994, millennials can best be described as competitive, open-minded, and very open to personal opportunities. In addition, they are known for their desire to be part of a team, having fun at work, and for their tendency to seek out (and embrace) new professional opportunities as they become available.• Generation Zers: Born between 1995 and 2010, Gen Z members tend to think more in global terms than many of those who came before them. They are dependent on digital devices and, thus far, have been—generally speaking—more apt to experience mental health issues.All of this is to say when members of these five groups come together in the workforce, things can get a little complicated. That’s because, in many cases, people tend to operate very differently within professional environments based on the rituals, behaviors, and norms associated with the generation from which they come.CLOSING THOUGHTCulture is an incredibly important consideration when looking to establish a safe and productive workplace, because employers must be able to determine exactly what will make workers choose to act safely and productively and—perhaps more importantly—find a way to all those widely varying factors work within the confines of their own organizational structures. “Because, ultimately, culture is the glue that holds everyone and everything together,” says Vandervert. www.mcsmag.com SEPTEMBER 202245for more informationAEM is the North America-based international trade group representing off-road equipment manufacturers and suppliers with more than 1,000 companies and more than 200 product lines in the agriculture and construction-related industry sectors worldwide. For more, visit www.aem.org.

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safety solution BEST PRACTICE New Tool SC SMIS strengthen jobsite safety climate Dr Linda M Goldenhar T o help companies develop or professionals CPWR engaged safety about and download English and Spanish improve their safety management professionals from small and medium versions of CPWR s reliable and valid resources and strengthen their size construction companies around the Safety Climate Assessment Tool S CAT jobsite safety climate CPWR The U S to join a User Development Team or the Safety Climate Assessment Tool Center for Construction Research and that provided feedback on the new for Small Contractors S CATsc The Training www cpwr com recently system s design features and functions S CAT measures safety climate maturity created the Safety Climate Safety We also asked safety professional across eight leading indicators identified Management Information System or partners at large companies to share by construction industry stakeholders SC SMIS scsmis com The SC SMIS policies procedures guidelines The S CATsc is based on the original is a free online tool that lets firms of and templates they currently use to S CAT but is designed to be a needs any size measure their current jobsite strengthen safety climate so we could assessment rather than a maturity survey safety climate find safety management include them in the safety management To get started a company s SC SMIS resources to address low scoring areas resource repository After working administrator schedules one or more and develop plans to put resources together with our industry partners groups to take the S CAT or S CATsc into action and web developers for 2 years and Once the groups are created the system conducting a pilot test to get feedback sends the administrator group specific HOW TO USE SC SMIS from initial users the SC SMIS was emails containing a link that employees Although large construction companies ready to be shared with the construction in that group must click on to take the may have the resources to pay for a community beginning in January 2022 survey When enough employees in the safety climate assessment and develop group have completed the survey the safety management tools to strengthen CONTINUOUS SAFETY administrator can run reports review low scoring areas many small and From the SC SMIS homepage companies the group s safety climate scores and medium size firms lack the personnel or can create an account and then use compare scores across groups financial resources to conduct continuous four key features to improve their safety safety climate and safety management management systems and strengthen improvement CPWR s goal was to make jobsite safety climate on an on FIND SAFETY MANAGEMENT RESOURCES available an easy to use interactive going basis With the scores in hand the web based system that construction administrator can go to the Safety Management Resource page resources can use at no cost to MEASURE COMPANY S JOBSITE SAFETY CLIMATE engage in these important activities On the Safety Climate Assessment she can review select and download Options page www scsmis com learn any of the 90 different evidence informed more users can read a brief description safety management policies procedures companies regardless of size or available To ensure the SC SMIS would be valuable to contractors and safety 46 SEPTEMBER 2022 www scsmis com resources There www mcsmag com

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guidelines, and templates designed to strengthen low scoring safety climate indicators. All resources in the repository are available in English and Spanish and they are formatted as either Word or PowerPoint documents so users can tailor them to their company’s needs. DEVELOP ACTION PLANSOnce the desired resource(s) are downloaded, the administrator can begin implementing them by developing an action plan including setting goal(s), creating action steps, identifying who will carry-out the step and when they will start, and finally, specifying what information will be collected to know the goal has been reached. Once created, the plan is listed on the Active Action Plan page and can be edited as the status of each action step moves from pending to in-progress to completed. When all the action steps have been completed, the plan automatically moves to the Completed Action Plan page. SCHEDULE REMINDERSOn the Completed Action Plan page, the administrator can see all the resources that have been implemented to date and also schedule reminders to conduct future safety climate assessments and implement more safety management resources. CLOSING THOUGHT Since the SC-SMIS launched, more than 325 companies from around the world have already created an account, and safety management resources have been downloaded over 17,000 times. The SC-SMIS homepage includes a link to user testimony about its value, as exemplified in the following quote from a medium-size specialty contracting company in Washington state: “For what a contractor would expect to pay for a comprehensive safety climate evaluation and mitigation plan, the Safety Climate-Safety Management Information System is a valuable tool available for (free) to all. As a mid-size general contractor, we have been able to supplement our own systems and approaches with industry tested, scientifically backed resources, and enhance our organization’s overall safety program.” about the authorSince the 1990’s, Dr. Linda M. Goldenhar has been conducting construction-related research on topics such as tradeswomen’s safety and health concerns, worker perceptions on working overtime, job stress and injury outcomes, jobsite safety climate, and safety leadership. As director of research and evaluation at CPWR, she has led its safety climate research and research to practice efforts including projects that created the popular Foundations for Safety Leadership (FSL), a leadership training module for frontline supervisors, the development and reliability testing of CPWR’s climate assessment tools and, most recently the creation of the Safety Climate-Safety Management Information System (SC-SMIS). For more, visit www.cpwr.com or scsmis.com.www.mcsmag.com SEPTEMBER 202247

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SEPTEMBER 2022 www.mcsmag.com48safety solutionSupplying HeadlampsSupplying Headlampscritical PPE in hazardous environmentsWORKER SAFETYConstruction companies have a duty to protect employees by providing a safe work environment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for the job. However, despite various PPE options, many companies fail to supply or specify important lighting tools—namely headlamps. Unfortunately, the lack of suitable headlamps can lead to serious, even deadly accidents on construction sites.HANDS-FREE LIGHTINGAs a tool, headlamps are essential when hands-free lighting is required in low-light areas for a wide range of tasks, such as operating and maintaining machinery or assessing its condition. Headlamps are also necessary for safe, efficient personnel movement throughout the jobsite, particularly in confined or restricted spaces. However, despite meeting OSHA’s definition of PPE, “equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards that cause serious workplace injuries and illnesses,” headlamps are often not included in company budgets for PPE. As a result, contractors may be left to purchase their own headlamps from industry supply or hardware stores. Unfortunately, if they overemphasize price and choose products that lack necessary options, the units may be unsafe to use for some tasks, settings, or conditions throughout the jobsite. This could open the company to potential liability.ADDING TO PPETo protect personnel in any work environment and to defend against such liability, a growing number of safety professionals are including or specifying headlamps in the company budget, as PPE.“It is safer to provide suitable headlamps upfront rather than leaving it up to employees to make their own purchases. However, department approval of only intrinsically safe product would handle the issue. Preventing even one serious injury would pay for any implementation,” says Scott Colarusso, general manager and co-owner, All Hands Fire Equipment & Training, a Neptune City, New Jersey, supplier of fire safety equipment to various industries that has equipped and trained thousands of firefighters nationwide.When companies supply high-quality, safe headlamps, it protects workers wherever they need to go on the jobsite from serious, even potentially lethal accidents. Essentially, everyone is covered, and the chance of mishap eliminated.“Without safety certified headlamps appropriate for the application, companies are exposed to potential liability if an incident occurs. By supplying workers with headlamps that are rated for any hazardous environment [that could be encountered on the jobsite], companies can prevent the problem,” says Colarusso.MANDATING GREATER SAFETYAt construction worksites, headlamps enhance personnel safety and efficiency since wherever they look the lighting goes with them, leaving their hands free. With multiple beam modes, these devices are designed to be easily operable even when workers wear heavy gloves. Typically, the units are waterproof and chemically resistant, ready for use in rugged surroundings, which may include getting thrown into a truck toolbox or dropped. Still, the devices must provide ample light for a sufficient “burn time” to last an entire work shift without a change of batteries.Safety considerations are particularly important considering OSHA’s recently issued standard for construction work in confined spaces (Subpart AA of 29 CFR 1926). The new standard recognizes that such spaces can present physical and atmospheric hazards that can be avoided if recognized and addressed prior to entry. It is designed to eliminate potentially deadly hazards by requiring employers to determine what kinds of spaces their workers are in; what hazards could be there; and how those hazards should be made safe (including the use of headlamps, flashlights, and other lighting equipment that carry the proper safety ratings).Therefore, in settings where the environment is inherently volatile, headlamps should carry the proper certification for various classes, divisions, and groups of materials. When

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a headlamp is rated for all these options, it essentially means it is certified as safe for use in most hazardous environments. INDUSTRY EXAMPLEAs one example in the industry, the Vizz II headlamp by Princeton Tec, meets the requirements (Classes I, II, III; Divisions 1,2; and Groups A-G). Trenton, New Jersey-based Princeton Tec is a producer of ETL and UL-approved lighting products and manufactures headlamps that meet strict global safety requirements.“Whether for OSHA, Zone 0, or state standards, safety products like the Vizz II headlamp help ensure that all the bases are covered. So, there is nothing from the lighting that could spark a potential fire or explosion in a work environment,” says John Navarro, a purchasing agent for Bayville, New Jersey-based CWR Wholesale Distribution. Previously, Navarro was a nationally registered paramedic and certified New Jersey state hazardous material technician.Because headlamps can be dropped or bumped on the jobsite, it is also important that the equipment is designed to reliably withstand rough handling. In response, some manufacturers like Princeton Tec now make headlamps with durable thermoplastic material designed to withstand drops and rough handling including being thrown into a truck bed. The units not only provide up to 10 hours of light without a battery change but also have superior resistance to common, potentially dangerous, industrial chemicals and solvents. The latest models also offer anti-static properties and safety features, such as a mechanical locking mechanism that requires a tool to open the battery compartment. This prevents users from inadvertently opening the battery housing in a hazardous environment, which could not only result in electric shock, but also potentially ignition or explosion.“Many of our corporate customers specify Princeton Tec headlamps and lighting products due to the reliability, longevity, price point, and made in U.S.A. production,” says Navarro. “When intrinsically safe equipment matters, it is essentially the gold standard.”CLOSING THOUGHTWhile the construction industry carries some inherent risk, companies seeking to improve safety can do so by providing contractors with ultra-safe headlamps that ensure compliance. And, as the need for safety grows with stricter regulation, companies will increasingly make headlamps a mandatory part of any PPE budget or safety program to minimize operational risk and liability. www.mcsmag.com SEPTEMBER 202249for more informationFor more about Princeton Tec headlamps and lighting products, call 800.257.9080 or visit princetontec.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2022 www.mcsmag.com50technology solutionWireless EssentialsWireless Essentialsconnect America and close the digital divideINFRASTRUCTURENATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association represents over 1,160 companies (a majority who are small business contractor firms) who build, deploy, and maintain America’s communications infrastructure and related networks. NATE member companies are on the front lines enabling connectivity in some of the hardest to reach locales in the country and know better than most where coverage gaps truly exist. INFRASTRUCTURE It is against this backdrop that NATE is closely watching the implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s (IIJA) BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) program, as a jaw-dropping $42.45 Billion in funding prepares to go from the National Telecommunications Information Administration (NTIA) to the states. After a review of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) released by NTIA, NATE was disappointed to discover that it appears that the BEAD Program guidelines from NTIA include a heavy bias towards fiber as the funding deployment solution. Now, make no mistake, the deployment of fiber will play a critical role in helping close the digital divide. However, wireless technologies will also need to be funded appropriately to accomplish the ambitious connectivity and deployment goals of IIJA’s BEAD Program.TECH-NEUTRAL CONNECTIVITYNATE has joined with other leading industry organizations in advocating that the effective, efficient deployment of broadband funds through the IIJA as a means of bringing connectivity to all areas of the country must by necessity be technology neutral. NATE and others assert that all available resources—including wireless and fixed wireless deployment services—should be considered to achieve the national goals of expanding broadband and closing the digital divide, particularly if broadband is to reach rural areas as well as geographically challenging regions in an efficient and cost-effective manner. It is also important to note that the bi-partisan IIJA that was signed into law included a technology neutral approach, which would allow the flexibility necessary to allow wireless providers (NATE members and its customers) an opportunity to compete for the funding.ADVOCACY BATTLEThe good news is NATE has allies in this advocacy battle and is part of an influential coalition consisting of industry organization Competitive Carriers Association, Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA), and Wireless Internet Service Providers Association (WISPA). Additionally, U.S. Cellular CEO Laurent Therivel recently discussed his thoughts on the issue during the company’s recent earnings call: “With infrastructure funding, my goal is to cover every square inch of our footprint [with Fixed Wireless Access], if we can. That is the promise of the IIJA [Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act] coupled with fixed wireless. I’ve been spending a lot of time talking to folks in [Washington] DC, talking to governors with the concept being that it’s very difficult to roll out fixed wireless in an economical way to really sparse rural areas. But it’s a heck of a lot more economical than trying to do [it] with fiber.”NATE is also aggressively advocating for our industry’s priorities by hosting tower and wireless site visits with Members of Congress in the late summer/early fall of 2022.There is strength in numbers and as this process moves towards the states, NATE and its coalition partners, including its 50-state grassroots advocacy Wireless Industry Network program, will continue to monitor progress to best shape the guidelines that will best serve to close the digital divide. CLOSING THOUGHTThere is once-in-a-generation deployment money at stake and NATE is committed to advocating on behalf of our member companies to ensure wireless remains part of the deployment funding equation. By Todd Schlekewayabout the authorTodd Schlekeway is president & CEO of NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association. For more, visit natehome.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2022 www.mcsmag.com52technology solutionTransportation infrastructure is ripe for change. For decades, contractors have been grappling with ever-increasing project delivery costs and the constant growth of overhead costs for bidding. As the obstacles and complications for contractors have mounted, the rate and quality of investment for public roadway infrastructure has declined. As a result, nearly half our nation’s roads need to be rebuilt from the ground up. Forty years of petitioning the government for more investment hasn’t worked, and we need to accept it’s not going to. The path forward for infrastructure funding is by leveraging next-generation services for advanced vehicles. Over the last century, the evolution of roads has been driven by automobile traffic, from pavement to signals to interstates and more recently, ITS capabilities. Using digital infrastructure to enable next-generation mobility is a continuation of this trend. Commercial demand for services to enable connected, electric, and autonomous vehicles (CEAVs) will catalyze a massive reinvestment into the transportation infrastructure sector, closing the gap between what we need and what we have. A DOWN PAYMENTThe Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act needs to be treated as a down payment against future private investment to support next-generation mobility. These public funds can catalyze America’s ability to deliver innovative and lasting infrastructure improvements in the same way that DARPA privatizing the internet in 1995 created the dot-com boom of the late 90s that birthed Google, Amazon, and countless other notable companies. With a target of 50% of electric vehicle sales share in the U.S. by 2030, congestion from ever-increasing population density of our cities, our economic reliance on internet and cellular services, and the demand for new digital infrastructure services for CEAVs, our nation’s infrastructure will transform into a “managed service platform” like an ISP, but built into the road itself. The in-road services platform will collect anonymous traffic data, provide vehicle-to-infrastructure and infrastructure-to-vehicle communications, wireless charging for electric vehicles, and navigation support for autonomy, among many more capabilities that will emerge over time. CONTRACTORS’ SIGNIFICANT ROLE TO PLAY The Eisenhower’s Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 that created the Interstate Highway System was one of the biggest public works projects in our nation’s history and foundational to America’s postwar economic development. It put millions of people to work in high-paying jobs while preparing our cities and states for the next generation of mobility, drove the adoption of current construction techniques, and reinvigorated our local economies. Contractors built America and have a significant role to play in its next phase. Digital infrastructure services, also known as “smart roads”, are a modern example of how collaboration between public agencies, the construction industry, infrastructure investment funds, managed service providers, and emerging technologies can move transportation infrastructure into the 21st century. Transforming roads into a digital network will help drive the development of our cities the same way as 100 years ago when we first started paving roads. By adopting advanced construction techniques, building roads that provide services, and taking equity in the assets they build, contractors can grow their revenue, add durable non-equipment assets to their balance sheets, and increase profits. These same advanced techniques will reduce overhead burdens and help mitigate labor shortages by improving the productivity of a contractor’s existing labor base, building more infrastructure at higher margins by using more automation and less manual labor.America’s RoadsAmerica’s Roadsto support connected, electric, and autonomous vehicles REBUILDINGBy Tim Sylvester

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DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE BENEFITSPrecast concrete is a proven technique that is better, faster, and costs less over its life than traditional in-place methods, but like countless modern construction technologies, precast is rarely used because of outdated procurement and bidding requirements that make the lowest up-front-cost the most important factor in winning a project. Despite higher initial costs, precast can be built in half the time with a fraction of the on-site labor. Trucks with precast arrive at a prepared roadbed and crews simply pick-and-place the prefab road segments, interlock them, level them, and grout them in place. Because precast is produced in a factory using interchangeable parts, it can have the new technology services features built in. Traditional asphalt or cast-in-place methods would take too long to add tech during construction due to traffic demands and construction timelines. Smart roads will rely on private financing, like cell and internet services do, because they make money from commercial services the smart road provides. Contractors can own equity in these assets to generate recurring revenue from each project like an investor in an ISP. Major builders have already adopted asset development and ownership models over the last 20 years to achieve similar results, like Kiewit’s Level 3 and Kiewit Development Company, Black & Veatch’s Diode, and JE Dunn’s Site 1001. Now digital infrastructure adds recurring revenue from CEAV services to the builder’s toolkit. These sources of recurring revenue will add up as contractors deliver more smart road projects, shifting overhead burden off of low-bid projects, which will allow contractors to be more competitive even when bidding traditional work. CLOSING THOUGHTContractors paved the roads and strung the power lines at the turn of the century and built highways and interstates in the postwar period. These actions drove the adoption of the automobile and the industrialization that positioned America as the world’s dominant economy. Contractors who are forward-thinking and adopt digital infrastructure will have larger revenues, greater profits, lower overhead, and recurring revenue streams that are unavailable from traditional methods. The question isn’t why should we do it this way—it is what alternative do we have to deliver the next century of American progress? www.mcsmag.com SEPTEMBER 202253about the authorTim Sylvester is founder and CEO of digital infrastructure technology provider Integrated Roadways. For more, visit integratedroadways.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2022 www.mcsmag.com54featured productHytera is an industry leader in bringing next generation radio technology to the market, including professional-grade Push-To-Talk over Cellular (PoC) radios that provide instant group calling, and fleet dispatching. Hytera PoC radios provide reliable and easy-to-use group communications to increase efficiencies coordinating workers and building materials, improve worker safety, reduce liability, and save money.How Hytera PoC Radios save contractors time and money:• Loud And Clear Audio: Industry leading audio quality with digital noise cancellation and powerful high-volume, front-facing speakers provide clear communication for loud jobsites and work vehicles. • Ruggedized and IP MIL-STD Rated: Hytera PoC radios are built tough to withstand dropping, impacts, dust, spraying water, and complete submersion. • Built-In Cameras: Share high-definition images and stream live video to provide supervisors accurate details for real-time decision making and problem solving.• Worker Safety: Emergency alarms can be sent to other radios and a dispatcher with the touch of a button to improve worker safety and reduce liability. • Safe In-Vehicle Use: Unlike cellphones, tablets, and handheld devices, the Hytera mobile radio is a legal and DOT compliant device for safe communications while driving.• Long Battery Life: Hytera PoC devices operate for up to 24 hours on a single charge for guaranteed operation over long shifts.• Nationwide Coverage: 4G/LTE cellular and Wi-Fi networks for unlimited range enables covering all jobsites with instant group or individual calling supporting data, voice, and video. Hytera provides a wide variety of PoC handheld radios, mobile radios, video bodycams, and mobile smart devices that also run construction business applications. These devices can be mixed and matched to meet your specific needs while providing a wide variety of features and come with critical accessories including belt holsters, charging options, and wired/wireless audio options. Hytera PoC devices are supported with the Hytera HALO Dispatch web-based communication and location tracking application. The dispatch application provides the most flexible calling available with instant group calling and individual calling. Dynamic groups can be quickly created with a simple list selection or geographically by selecting an area on the dispatch map. Track and coordinate remote worker or fleet locations with mapped travel routes, geofencing, and time stamps. Hytera offers both a low-cost annual subscription plan (HALO Nationwide) and an own your own system (HALO OnSite/OnSite Plus Systems). Both enable reliable and private communications which can be quickly deployed for a lower cost than traditional radio systems. Hytera PoC communications solutions save contractors, subcontractors, and building material suppliers time and money with radio systems that enable instant group calls, sharing images and video, and provides features to help keep workers safe and on the job. To learn more, visit www.hytera.us/poc-solutions. HYTERA US INC. Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) Radios for ContractorsHytera US Inc. | sales@hytera.us 954.846.1011

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www.mcsmag.com SEPTEMBER 202255modern construction productsASV Holdings Inc., an industry-leading manufacturer of all-purpose and all-sea-son compact track loaders and skid steers, introduces a repowered RT-40 Posi-Track loader with a Yanmar engine. Not only does the 38.2 hp engine add more power to what was already a compact powerhouse, it improves serviceability for machine owners by allowing them to have the Yanmar engine serviced at ASV dealers. The RT-40 is a more productive, safer option than walk-behind and stand-on load-ers. 2-year, 2,000-hour warranty, which includes the industry’s first and only no-derailment guarantee and covers the tracks for the entire warranty period. For more, visit www.asvi.com. ASVRT-40 Posi-Track LoaderWeighing in at more than 18,000 lbs and 114 hp, the new CASE Minotaur DL550 compact dozer loader delivers true dozing and grading performance, as well as powerful site loading capa-bilities and compatibility with hundreds of attachments. It is in an entirely new product category: compact dozer loader. The CASE Minotaur DL550 is a chassis-integrated C-frame with six-way dozer blade. The C-frame hydraulically couples into both the chassis of the machine, as well as the attachment coupler. The C-frame is easily detached to use as a loader with a heavy-duty 1.25-cubic-yard bucket or attachments. For more, visit casece.com. CASE Compact Dozer Loader DECKED introduces Traction Mat by SeaDek to keep cargo or gear sliding around a truck bed. DECKED partnered with SeaDek to bring its renowned, marine-grade, self-adhesive, closed-cell ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam pad-ding to the DECKED truck bed Drawer System, which holds up to 2,000 lbs of gear on top of the in-bed drawer storage. The 6mm-thick Traction Mat comes with an adhesive back. Traction Mat is priced at $525 and available for 5’6” and 6’6” full-size truck and cargo van DECKED systems, as well as 5’1” and 6’1” midsize truck and cargo van DECKED systems. For more, visit decked.com. DECKED Traction MatKNAACK announces two new KNAACK Cart Armour models for Suncast carts. The KNAACK Cart Amour product line, a patented mobile jobsite storage solution for light duty carts, was developed to protect tools from theft and damage. The secure interlocking steel paneling design system encapsulates mobile util-ity carts to protect contents from being stolen, while also preventing tools from falling from the cart and being damaged. The Cart Armour combined with the KNAACK PLANZBOARD, a multi-func-tional, mobile planning station built for jobsites, provides a secure mobile home base to collaborate with teams through-out the day for enhanced productivity. For more, visit KNAACK.com. KNAACKCart ArmourThe new Galaxy AT Grip Steel steel-belt-ed skid steer radial from Yokohama Off-Highway Tires is a revolutionary, all-around performance design engineered to deliver higher performance and longer tire life for skid steers. There’s an extra sidewall ply to add thickness and stiffness. Immediately below the bead, a stiff flex-dampening layer directs sidewall deflection away from the rim. Twin rim protectors minimize impact and rubbing damage to the tire. There is a balance between stiffness and flexibility that allows the tire to reduce the bucking and bouncing while resisting damage and heat buildup. For more, visit yokohama-oht.com. YOKOHAMA OHTGalaxy AT Grip Steel The new BOLT Eye Visors provide users with the best fit and easy headlamp use. The visors are classified as specta-cles and can be used in place of safety glasses with a Z87.1+ rating. The visors feature dual pivoting adjustment points. The eye visor lenses are treated with an anti-scratch exterior hard coating and a lasting fog-free interior coating. Installation of the eye visor is easy and tool-free, using a slide mechanism to secure into the BOLT front mount of Milwaukee head protection. The eye visors include a BOLT Low-Pro-file Headlamp Mount. For more, visit www.milwaukeetool.com. MILWAUKEE TOOLBOLT Eye Visors

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SEPTEMBER 2022 www.mcsmag.com56coach’s cornerEmployee Retention3 ways to achieve successJUST A THOUGHTBy Randy GorukToday’s labor pool is not deep; therefore, employee retention, attraction, and recruitment present ongoing challenges for most companies. Due to today’s fierce competition for workers, attracting new employees isn’t as easy as it once was—and neither is recruiting the best ones. Given these two pain points, company leaders are wise to concentrate on retaining current employees instead of deploying vast amounts of expense and energy recruiting new people. The goal becomes keeping—and developing—the people you have.Successful leaders have had to possess a variety of characteristics to earn the respect and loyalty of their employees. This hasn’t changed, but it now requires a more concentrated effort. What can be done? CREATE A POSITIVE WORK ENVIRONMENTLong-term retention happens in a positive work environment that includes an atmosphere of trust and employees seeing how their jobs make a difference. They also stay with organizations offering professional development and career advancement through mentoring, coaching, and/or training. Consistency of leadership and company culture are also important; therefore, succession planning helps with retention, too. To foster a positive work environment, take these steps: 1. Provide genuine recognition to individuals and teams for their accomplishments. Acknowledge how they contribute to the organization’s vision, mission, goals, strategic initiatives, or other meaningful actions. Showing gratitude for jobs well done goes a long way.2. Be open-minded and listen, sincerely listen. Your employees have ideas and opinions that could make improvements, so hear them out. Remaining open-minded and letting go of biases greatly contribute to creating a positive work environment. 3. Ineffective communication from a leader can cause confusion, worry, chaos, frustration, and mistrust. It requires determining what’s causing the problem and making changes. Examples:• When you’re rushed—slow down, delegate, empower, and develop solid messages.• When you don’t have defined goals and priorities—provide clarity to avoid confusion. • When you don’t choose your words wisely—use clear messages to generate excitement, enthusiasm, and engagement.Establishing a positive work environment isn’t the only tool you have, but it’s a great place to start. SEEK TO REFINE SOFT SKILLSWhen employees move on from the “devil they know” to the “devil they don’t know,” it can be due to lack of trust, poor communication, being overworked, feeling underappreciated, and more. Numerous studies show that employees quit because of their bosses—something you may have experienced yourself. Instead, insist on developing and refining the “soft skills” of those who supervise others in your organization. PROMOTE WISELYAvoid the mistake of promoting someone who isn’t ready to take on greater responsibilities. Whether a candidate is a jobsite foreman, a production supervisor, a director, a senior level leader, or someone in a support position, that person may not have developed the skills necessary to be effective in their new role. Plus promoting someone who isn’t qualified affects your credibility as well as your ability to retain good people. about the coachAs a leadership development expert, Randy Goruk works with construction industry leaders to improve employee engagement and business growth. Contact Randy directly to learn how he can help you and your team: randy@LeadersEdge360.com. For more, visit leadersedge360.com.ONE LAST THOUGHT What actions—or inactions—are causing employees to quit in your organization? What can you do?

Modern Contractor Solutions September 2022

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