Andrea Barrett, Author at Under the Hard Hat

Andrea Barrett

September 12, 2024

Adaptive reuse: Giving old buildings new life

With a focus on preserving history and promoting sustainability, adaptive reuse has emerged as a popular choice for developers and architects.

Wellness

September 11, 2024

The lowdown on cold therapy for tradespeople

Andrea Barrett

Better mood, more energy, less pain, and a stronger immune system are just a few health benefits associated with cold therapy.

Mental Health

September 4, 2024

Mental health and construction—the silent killer

Andrea Barrett

Suicide rates in construction are among the highest in any industry due to long work hours, a high-pressure environment, job instability, and mental health stigma.

Gear & Equipment

August 20, 2024

8 Best women’s work boots 2025

Andrea Barrett

Timberland Pro, CAT Echo, Double H Women’s Haddie, and LaCrosse Women's Alpha Thermal are some of the best women’s work boots of 2024.

Mental Health

August 14, 2024

Building better mental health in the construction industry: Understanding the gut-brain axis

Andrea Barrett

Dietary decisions and lifestyle choices directly influence gut health and mental health via an intricate network called the gut-brain axis.

Wellness

August 7, 2024

Blood pressure is high in construction: 6 healthy habits to lower it

Andrea Barrett

Regular physical activity, good sleep, a healthy diet, and implementing a bedtime routine are habits that can help reduce blood pressure.

Wellness

July 31, 2024

Struggle with chronic work-induced pain? Try these natural pain management techniques

Andrea Barrett

Meditation and mindfulness, acupuncture, hot/cold therapy, and exercise are natural ways to reduce chronic pain and improve quality of life.

Gear & Equipment

July 24, 2024

The KX080-5: Kubota’s newest and largest excavator

Andrea Barrett

Kubota’s new KX080-5 compact excavator improves in-cab comfort and operation and features a two-pump load-sensing hydraulic system for smoother attachment operation.

Gear & Equipment

July 23, 2024

New Hilti Nuron power tools 2024

Andrea Barrett

The SC 6WP-22 Plunge Saw, SIW 10-22 3/4-Inch High-Torque Impact Wrench, and SF 10W-22 Drill Driver are a few new tools from Hilti’s Nuron lineup.

Healthy Food Truck

July 19, 2024

CVD rates in construction are high—adding cocoa to your coffee might help your heart

Andrea Barrett

Coffee contains more than 100 bioactive compounds that mitigate inflammation and fight oxidative stress to improve heart health, and adding cocoa amplifies these benefits.

RYOBI-ONE-HP-18V-Brushless-Cordless-4-1_2-in.-Angle-Grinder

Featured

July 12, 2024

12 Home Depot tools for the DIYers in your life

Andrea Barrett

The SKIL JS314901 6 Amp Corded Jigsaw and Milwaukee Tool 7-inch Billet Torpedo Level are some DIY-friendly tools available at Home Depot.

News

July 9, 2024

Construction sector adds 27,000 jobs in June

Andrea Barrett

According to a press release from ABC, the construction industry added 27,000 jobs on net in June, plummeting unemployment to its lowest recorded rate.

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