Under the Hard Hat

Author: Alex Klocek

  • UTHH top picks: Best protein powders for construction workers 2024

    UTHH top picks: Best protein powders for construction workers 2024

    Finding the best protein powder can be a daunting task. Whether you’re an athlete looking to enhance performance, a bodybuilder aiming to gain muscle, or looking for the best protein to add to your morning shake, there’s a protein powder tailored just for you. Brands like Momentous and Diesel offer high-quality products to help you achieve your fitness and dietary goals.

    UTHH top pick: Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Whey Protein

    Dymatize-ISO100-hydrolyzed-whey
    What we loveThings to consider
    – Hydrolyzed for fast absorption and easy digestion
    – Low in carbs and fat
    – Wide range of flavors
    – Great mixability and taste
    – Certified gluten-free and banned substance-tested    		– Higher cost compared to other whey proteins

    Dymatize ISO100 Hydrolyzed Whey Protein is our top pick for the best protein powder. It’s hydrolyzed, meaning it is pre-digested for faster absorption and easier digestion. Each serving provides 25 grams of protein while low in carbs and fat, making it ideal for various dietary needs. 

    Dymatize Whey Protein also comes in 12 flavors—glazed donut, birthday cake, cookies and cream, among others—ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Its great mixability and taste, coupled with being certified gluten-free and banned substance tested, make it a reliable and practical choice for anyone looking to increase their protein intake.

    Features/highlights

    • Type: Hydrolyzed whey protein isolate
    • Flavors: Glazed donut, fruit Pebbles, cocoa Pebbles, Pebbles birthday cake, gourmet chocolate, gourmet vanilla, cookies and cream, chocolate peanut butter, fudge brownie, strawberry, Dunkin cappuccino, Dunkin mocha latte
    • Net weight: 3lb
    • Number of servings: 43
    • Serving size: 1 scoop (30 grams)
    • Protein per serving: 25g
    • Calories per serving: 110
    • Price: $70.99

    Best for athletes: Momentous Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate + Essential Plant-Based Protein

    Momentous-protein
    What we loveThings to consider
    – Easy to digest and easy on the stomach
    – NSF certified for sport
    – Complete amino acid profile in every serving
    – No chalky texture for plant-based option
    – Environmentally conscious sourcing    		– Lower protein content per serving
    – Fewer flavor varieties 

    Momentous has emerged as a top pick for athletes. The Grass Fed Whey Protein Isolate in chocolate flavor tastes incredible and has become a post-workout highlight. Unlike other protein powders, Momentous offers a delicious experience with no digestive discomfort, thanks to the added prohydrolase enzyme. The Essential Plant-Based Protein is equally impressive, with its smooth consistency and complete amino acid profile. With an affordable price, the quality and effectiveness make Momentous a standout investment for serious athletes.

    Features/highlights

    • Type: whey protein isolate and plant-based protein
    • Flavors: whey – unflavored, vanilla, chocolate; plant-based – vanilla chai, chocolate
    • Net weight: 1.25lb (whey), 1.66lb (plant-based)
    • Number of servings: 24 (whey), 20 (plant-based)
    • Serving size: 1 scoop (23.7 grams whey, 37.7 grams plant-based)
    • Protein per serving: 20g
    • Calories per serving: 100 (whey), 140 (plant-based)
    • Price: $49.95

    Best for bodybuilders: Diesel New Zealand Whey Isolate 

    Diesel-New-Zealand-whey
    What we loveThings to consider
    – 27g of protein per serving
    – Zero carbs, fats, and sugars
    – Grass-fed, pasture-raised dairy from New Zealand
    – Sweetened with natural stevia leaf
    – Lactose and gluten-free
    – Lots of flavour options    		– Higher cost compared to other whey isolates

    Diesel’s New Zealand Whey Isolate is an excellent choice for bodybuilders seeking a high-protein, low-calorie supplement. With 27 grams of protein per serving, it provides the necessary fuel for muscle growth and recovery. The ultra-fast absorption rate ensures that your body can quickly utilize the protein post-workout or after a tough day on the job. Though it comes at a higher cost, the quality and effectiveness make it a worthy investment for anyone looking to maximize muscle growth and repair.

    Features/highlights

    • Type: Whey protein isolate
    • Flavors: French Vanilla, Chocolate, Unflavored
    • Net weight: 2lb
    • Number of servings: 30
    • Serving size: 1 scoop (30 grams)
    • Protein per serving: 27g
    • Calories per serving: 110
    • Price: $50.99

    Best for runners: Myprotein Impact Whey Protein

    Impact-whey
    What we loveThings to consider
    – Low fat and carb content
    – Wide variety of flavors
    – Affordable price point
    – High-quality ingredients    		– Some flavors might not appeal to everyone
    – Contains artificial sweeteners
    – Protein per serving is on the lower end

    Myprotein Impact Whey Protein is a top choice for runners seeking a reliable and affordable protein powder. Its low fat and carb content fits perfectly into a runner’s diet, ensuring you get the necessary protein without excessive calories. The product boasts over 3,300 five-star reviews, highlighting its popularity and effectiveness. 

    Myprotein offers a wide variety of flavors—familiar favorites like banana and chocolate to unique options like cereal milk and jasmine green tea latte—ensuring there’s something for everyone. That said, if you’re trying to avoid artificial sweeteners, another option might be best for you.

    Features/highlights

    • Type: Whey protein
    • Flavors: Over 40 flavors, including Banana, Chocolate, Cereal Milk, Jasmine Green Tea Latte
    • Net weight: 2.2lb
    • Number of servings: 40
    • Serving size: 1 scoop (25 grams)
    • Protein per serving: 19g
    • Calories per serving: 100
    • Price: $44.99

    Best for vegans: Ritual Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+

    Ritual-essential-protein
    What we loveThings to consider
    – High in calcium and choline
    – Contains calcium β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) for muscle strength
    – Traceable ingredients for transparency
    – Clean label certified
    – Low cost    		– Flavor might be too mild when mixed with just water
    – Designed primarily for adults aged 50 and over, but suitable for all ages
    – Single flavor

    Ritual’s Essential Protein Daily Shake 18+ is a top pick for vegans, offering a blend of pea protein that is not only delicious but also nutritionally robust. The product is third-party tested, ensuring it’s free from harmful contaminants and boasts a pleasant, mild sweetness. 

    High in calcium and choline, this protein powder supports bone strength and brain health, making it particularly beneficial for older adults. Including calcium β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) further supports muscle strength, addressing the common concern of muscle loss with age.

    Features/highlights

    • Type: Pea protein
    • Flavors: Vanilla
    • Net weight: 1lb
    • Number of servings: 30
    • Serving size: 2 scoops (35 grams)
    • Protein per serving: 20g
    • Calories per serving: 115
    • Price: $44.00

    Best for carnivores: Equip Prime Protein

    Equip-prime-protein
    What we loveThings to consider
    – Sourced from grass-fed beef
    – High bioavailability and complete protein profile
    – Contains collagen and gelatin for additional health benefits
    – No added chemicals, fillers, or artificial sweeteners
    – Suitable for those with allergies to soy, dairy, egg, or whey    		– Limited flavors

    Equip Prime Protein is an excellent choice for anyone following a carnivore diet or who can’t consume dairy, offering a unique source of protein derived from grass-fed beef. Each serving provides 21 grams of bioavailable, complete protein, including collagen and gelatin, which support joint health, skin elasticity, and gut health. 

    Prime Protein is free from added chemicals, fillers, and artificial sweeteners, making it a clean and natural choice. And because it’s derived from beef, it’s also suitable for people with allergies to common protein sources like soy, dairy, egg, or whey.

    Features/highlights

    • Type: Beef protein isolate
    • Flavors: Chocolate, Vanilla, Peanut Butter, Iced Coffee, Unflavored
    • Net weight: 1.7lb
    • Number of servings: 30
    • Serving size: 1 scoop (30 grams)
    • Protein per serving: 21g
    • Calories per serving: 100
    • Price: $63.99

    Best for paleo: Paleo Pro

    Paleo-pro-protein
    What we loveThings to consider
    – Sourced from grass-fed and pasture-raised animals
    – Free from dairy, soy, and gluten
    – No added sugars or artificial sweeteners
    – Contains a blend of egg white protein and beef protein
    – 26g of protein per serving    		– Limited flavors
    – Higher cost per serving

    Paleo Pro Protein is an excellent protein powder choice for those following a paleo diet—or anyone looking for an ultra-clean protein powder. It features a unique blend of egg white and beef protein from grass-fed and pasture-raised animals. This combination provides a complete amino acid profile without including dairy, soy, or gluten. 

    Paleo Pro is also free from added sugars and artificial sweeteners, aligning perfectly with paleo dietary principles. The ingredients are carefully selected to ensure they meet paleo standards, making it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain their diet without compromising protein intake.

    Features/highlights

    • Type: Egg white protein and beef protein
    • Flavors: Ancient Cacao, Aztec Vanilla, Mint Mocha, Mayan Mocha, Plain Naked
    • Net weight: 1lb
    • Serving size: 1 scoop (30 grams)
    • Protein per serving: 26g
    • Calories per serving: 120
    • Price: $39.99 

    Bottom line

    Protein powders are one of the easiest ways to bulk up your protein intake and increase satiety while on the job. But while there are hundreds of protein powders on the market, they’re not all created equal. 

    When selecting the best protein powder, consider your dietary needs, fitness goals, and preferences for flavors and ingredients. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can choose a protein powder that supports your current fitness regimen and aligns with your long-term health and wellness goals.

  • Making mining safer: FIRSTGREEN reveals remote-operated electric skid steers

    Making mining safer: FIRSTGREEN reveals remote-operated electric skid steers

    Mining operations have always been fraught with risks, but FIRSTGREEN‘s remote-operated electric skid steers are set to transform the industry by significantly enhancing safety and productivity. With mining fatalities increasing by 30% from 2022 to 2023, this lineup of innovative technology offers a much-needed solution to mitigate injuries and improve operational efficiency.

    The primary concern in mining operations is worker safety. Traditional machinery exposes operators to hazardous conditions, leading to a high risk of injuries. FIRSTGREEN’s remote-operated electric skid steers eliminate this risk by allowing operators to control the machines from a safe distance. This not only enhances safety but also ensures continuous operation without the need for frequent human intervention, thereby boosting productivity.

    Cutting-edge features

    What sets these skid steers apart is their state-of-the-art design and functionality. They are fully electric and produce zero emissions, making them environmentally friendly. The reduced emissions contribute to healthier working conditions for miners, minimizing exposure to carcinogens such as diesel exhaust, which is commonly used in heavy machinery.

    The ELISE CBL and ROCKEAT lines are built without a cabin, lowering the machine’s overall height and eliminating the need for FOPS/ROPS certification. This design enhances loading capacity and ensures a more balanced weight distribution with a lower center of gravity, thereby improving stability. It’s also more suitable for use in confined spaces.

    Additionally, their remote operation capabilities allow them to be controlled via the standard Danfoss-developed remote cabin or the FIRSTGREEN mobile app, offering unparalleled flexibility and convenience.

    Expanding on success

    Building on the success of its first product, the ELISE CBL, which emphasized “Clean Building Logistics” with remote operation and electric propulsion, FIRSTGREEN has significantly expanded its offerings. The new lineup introduces several innovative models tailored to meet diverse operational needs. 

    These models include the versatile ROCKEATline, the robust ELISE line, and the compact MiniZ line. Here are the details of each line. 

    FIRSTGREEN models

    ELISE CBL Line

    ELISE-CBL
    Image courtesy of FIRSTGREEN
    Models7009001200
    Maximum power3×27 kW
    Maximum torque3×120 Nm
    Maximum load capacity700 kg900 kg1,200-1,500 kg
    Operating weight2,550 kg2,550-3,550 kg3,550 kg
    Key featuresCabinlessFully remote operationElectric propulsion system
    UseHigh-risk mining environments

    ROCKEAT Line

    ROCKEAT
    Image courtesy of FIRSTGREEN
    Models7001200
    Maximum power3×27 kW
    Maximum torque3×120 Nm
    Maximum load capacity700 kg1,200-1,500 kg
    Operating weight2,550 kg3,550 kg
    Key featuresCabinlessFully remote operationElectric propulsion systemLower profile
    UseIdeal for confined and hazardous environments with low ceilings

    ELISE Line (cabin/cabinless)

    ELISE-Line
    Image courtesy of FIRSTGREEN
    Models7009001200
    Maximum power3×27 kW
    Maximum torque3×120 Nm
    Maximum load capacity700 kg900 kg1,200-1,500 kg
    Operating weight2,800 kg3,300 kg3,800 kg
    Key featuresEco and Power Mode60+ attachmentsIn-cabin or fully remote operationLow noise
    UseOperation akin to a standard fully featured skid-steer loader but comes with multiple attachments, giving the flexibility to perform a variety of tasks

    MiniZ Line

    MINIZ-Line
    Image courtesy of FIRSTGREEN
    Models400
    Maximum power3×3 kW
    Maximum torque3xIPM120
    Maximum load capacity400 kg
    Operating weight1,100 kg
    Key featuresCompact modular constructionNarrow stack system easily fits through 32” standard interior doors
    UseWork the tight spaces, oversight externally, all-terrain capacity

    With the expansion of FIRSTGREEN’s remote-operated electric skid steers, business operations are set to achieve unprecedented levels of safety and efficiency, whether in mining, construction, or backyards, setting a new benchmark for industry standards.

  • Construction on $1.5B Rivian factory in Georgia paused

    Construction on $1.5B Rivian factory in Georgia paused

    Rivian’s recent decision to halt construction on its Georgia factory has sparked significant concerns among Georgia taxpayers. The project, funded by $1.5 billion in incentives, is now in limbo as Rivian shifted its production in March to its Illinois facility. However, a new partnership with Volkswagen may offer a glimmer of hope for the stalled project.

    Rivian-factory-1
    Rivian-factory-2
    Photos courtesy of Clayco

    Rivian had ambitious plans for its Georgia factory, aiming to produce its new line of luxury electric vehicles and ramp up production. The project, heavily backed by $1.5 billion in taxpayer incentives, was seen as a potential boost to the local economy. However, financial hurdles have forced Rivian to pause construction. In 2023, Yahoo Finance reported that Rivian lost US $5.43 billion and the majority of its share value. For each sale of their trucks and SUVs, Rivian was losing $43,372.

    In response, Rivian implemented cost-saving measures in March 2024, including workforce reductions and postponing major projects like the Georgia factory. The company stated that the decisions would save them over $2.25 billion in capital and stabilize the company’s financial health.

    However, on June 25th, Rivian’s CEO announced a $5 billion joint venture with the Volkswagen Group. The partnership is set to speed up Volkswagen’s software development while giving Rivian the financial stability it needs.

    Volkswagen aims to leverage Rivian’s in-house EV technology, particularly in their next-generation electric vehicles. This is expected to enhance Volkswagen’s existing capabilities and accelerate its transition to more advanced electric vehicles.

    For Rivian, Volkswagen’s $5 billion investment is a huge financial boost. The initial investment of one billion in 2024 helps Rivian keep developing new models, like the R2 and R3, while the remaining four billion is expected to ramp up their production capabilities through 2025 and 2026.

    Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe released a statement on the Rivian website stating, “Not only is this partnership expected to bring our software and associated zonal architecture to an even broader market through Volkswagen Group’s global reach, but this partnership also is expected to help secure our capital needs for substantial growth.”

    The Volkswagen partnership could be a turning point for Rivian. With improved financial stability, the Georgia factory project could resume as early as 2025. It also allows both companies to remain competitive in a market being threatened by Chinese EV automakers like BYD.

    If Rivian can leverage this investment effectively, the Georgia factory could help the company break even and maybe even profit.

    Rivian’s new R2 and R3 models are set to hit the EV market next year with a price tag of around US $45,000. This mirrors Tesla’s strategy with the Model 3, which aimed to provide a more affordable EV option while maintaining high performance and range. It was a huge success and propelled Tesla to where it is today. However, whether or not Rivian can replicate this same level of success is up in the air.

    There’s a lot at stake for the success of this launch, including the future of Georgia’s Rivian mega factory.