Under the Hard Hat

Tag: Construction

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

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

    “You are what you eat” isn’t just a cliche—it holds profound truth, particularly in construction. Your dietary decisions and gut health directly influence your mental health and well-being through the intricate network known as the gut-brain axis. Getting more sunlight, cleaning up your diet, and avoiding excessive alcohol and tobacco are simple ways to improve gut and mental health.

    Quick look

    • Mental health in construction is a critical issue, with high suicide rates and stress levels.
    • Understanding the gut-brain axis can be vital for your health; it governs communication between the gut and brain, impacting mental well-being.
    • The enteric nervous system (ENS) and vagus nerve play crucial roles in this axis, influencing digestion, mood, and stress responses.
    • Serotonin is produced mainly in the gut and is crucial for mental health—and it’s largely affected by diet.
    • Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome through diet, supplements, and lifestyle choices can positively impact mental well-being.

    Mental health in the construction industry 

    Mental health is a pressing issue in the construction industry, often intensified by the pressure to appear tough and handle problems alone. 

    Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S. show alarmingly high suicide rates among male workers at 65.6 per 100,000 people and female workers at 25.3 per 100,000 people. 

    While research on the relationship between occupation and suicide rates in Canada isn’t conclusive, the construction site’s environment, marked by dangerous conditions and irregular schedules, contributes to heightened stress levels and mental health challenges. Understanding the gut-brain axis, which governs communication between the gut and the brain, can show how your day-to-day diet and lifestyle choices can influence your mental health. 

    The gut-brain axis

    Gut-brain axis

    Just as the construction site relies on effective communication between its team members to ensure a project’s success, your gut communicates extensively with your brain physically and biochemically through what’s known as the gut-brain axis. 

    Enteric nervous system (ENS)

    If you’ve ever had a “gut feeling,” you’re tapping into signals from your enteric nervous system (ENS), often called the “second brain.” 

    This network of neurons runs through your digestive system, from the throat to the stomach, intestines, pancreas, and gallbladder. The ENS is part of the autonomic nervous system, collaborating with the sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) branches to control unconscious behaviors like heart rate, digestion, and breathing.

    Within the ENS, sensory neurons monitor various factors, such as the tension in your gut walls, the chemicals in your stomach and intestines, and hormone levels in your bloodstream. The system plays a vital role in the gut-brain axis, communicating bidirectionally with the brain. This connection is crucial for maintaining digestive functions and mental well-being. 

    Research shows that the state of the gut can significantly affect mood, emotions, and thought processes. For example, when stressed, your gut might react by changing its secretions, leading to symptoms like diarrhea. This happens because stress can trigger the ENS to become overactive, causing increased gut contractions and accelerated food movement through the digestive tract.

    On top of that, the gut also produces a whopping 90% of your “feel-good” neurotransmitter, serotonin. This highlights the ENS’s importance in mental health, as disruptions in gut-brain communication can affect serotonin levels and contribute to conditions like anxiety, depression, and even neurodegenerative diseases. 

    Vagus nerve

    The vagus nerve, the tenth cranial nerve, is a vital part of the gut-brain axis, serving as a crucial link between the gut and the brain. Like a busy road, it facilitates the exchange of messages that impact both physical and mental well-being. 

    Originating in the brainstem and extending throughout the body, the vagus nerve connects to organs such as the heart, lungs, and digestive tract. Its role is multifaceted—not only does it transmit sensory information from the gut to the brain, but it also conveys commands from the brain to regulate gastrointestinal (GI) functions like peristalsis, secretion of digestive juices, and gut motility. Moreover, the vagus nerve plays a key role in regulating the immune system and maintaining a healthy balance within the gut. 

    But where we want to focus is on the vagus nerve’s role in mood. It has a significant influence on mood and behavior by connecting with brain areas associated with emotions and stress. Disruptions in its function can lead to various health issues, including gastrointestinal problems, mood disorders, and inflammation. 

    Key takeaway: This intricate interplay between the vagus nerve and the gut-brain axis highlights the mechanisms underlying gut-brain communication and underscores the importance of maintaining its optimal function for overall well-being. 

    Gut health and mental health: What’s the link?

    The microbiome and serotonin production are the primary link between your gut and mental health.

    Microbiome

    The microbiome refers to the community of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, etc.) that live in and on the human body, with the gut having the largest concentration of microbiota. The microbiome influences your enteric division and central nervous system. 

    Picture your body as a construction site and your microbiome as the team of workers managing the project. 

    Just as a construction site needs various specialists like architects, engineers, and laborers to build a strong and functional structure, your microbiome consists of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses working together to keep your body running. 

    The architects are the bacteria responsible for shaping the environment, determining which nutrients are absorbed and how the immune system responds. 

    The engineers are involved in breaking down food and maintaining the integrity of the gut barrier—the lining of your gut that allows the uptake of essential nutrients and functions as a gatekeeper to prevent pathogenic molecules and bacteria from entering the GI tract. 

    The laborers are microbes that help with digestion, waste management, and the production of neurotransmitters that affect mood and brain function. One important neurotransmitter your gut produces is serotonin, a key regulator of mood, emotion, and cognition.

    Each person or job site has a unique network of microbiota that’s determined by one’s DNA. Just like a project, if one type of worker is missing or not performing optimally, disruptions occur, leading to health issues. 

    But here’s the critical detail: the composition of your gut microbiome is connected to your mental health. Changes in the types and amounts of gut bacteria affect mental health and even predispose you to conditions like depression and anxiety. Conversely, maintaining a healthy gut through a balanced diet, probiotics, and healthy lifestyle choices can positively impact mental well-being. 

    The role of serotonin

    Your mood and food are deeply intertwined. Remember, 90% of your serotonin is produced in the gut. 

    Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters that is crucial for your mental well-being. Optimal serotonin levels are associated with feelings of well-being and happiness, while low serotonin levels are associated with mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. 

    Serotonin serves multiple functions in the body, such as modulating emotional responses, fostering emotional balance, and aiding stress management. It also plays a role in:

    • Memory
    • Learning
    • Decision-making
    • Sleep regulation
    • Appetite
    • Social behavior
    • Formation of meaningful relationships

    Serotonin also plays a crucial role in the function of the ENS. It can modulate neuronal activity within the ENS, influencing gut motility, secretion, and sensory processing. Dysfunction in serotonin signaling within the gut has been implicated in various gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and indigestion. 

    Lack of serotonin or disruptions in serotonin signaling pathways is also frequently observed in various psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders. Consequently, medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed to restore the balance of serotonin and alleviate symptoms. 

    Interestingly, GI disorders often co-occur with psychiatric disorders, suggesting a potential link between ENS dysfunction, gut serotonin signaling, and mental health. 

    Here’s the kicker: For your body to produce adequate serotonin, it requires sufficient levels of tryptophan, an essential amino acid obtained through diet from protein. 

    Tryptophan undergoes conversion into serotonin within specialized cells lining the GI tract, known as enterochromaffin cells (EC). Within EC cells, tryptophan is then converted into serotonin through a series of enzymatic reactions. Once synthesized, serotonin is stored in vesicles within EC cells. Upon appropriate stimulation, such as mechanical or chemical signals triggered by food intake, serotonin is released into the gut lumen.

    After releasing serotonin in the gut, it can activate sensory nerve fibers in the enteric nervous system (ENS). These fibers detect changes in the gut, including serotonin levels, and send signals to the brainstem through the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve carries sensory information from the GI tract to higher brain regions that regulate functions like mood, emotion, and cognition. Serotonin signaling through the vagus nerve influences these functions, regulating mood states, stress responses, and other aspects of mental health.

    It should be evident that your mood and food are deeply intertwined. Understanding the complex interplay between what we eat and how we feel is crucial, especially when considering the influence of diet on serotonin levels and mental well-being. 

    Key takeaway: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter crucial for your gut health and mental health that is heavily influenced by dietary choices. From its synthesis in the gut to its role in regulating mood, emotion, and cognition, serotonin is intricately linked to the foods we consume. Recognizing this connection sheds light on why we may experience cravings for certain foods, particularly during stress or physical exertion. This connection between diet and your health underscores the importance of understanding how our food choices influence our feelings. 

    Maintaining Gut-Brain Health: Practical Steps for Wellness

    Healthy diet with probiotics
    Regular physical exericse
    Sunshine

    Diet 

    There’s growing evidence to suggest that dietary choices can significantly impact mental health. Research indicates that consuming a balanced diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods may support positive mental well-being. Conversely, diets high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats have been associated with worsened mental health outcomes.

    Consuming foods rich in tryptophan 

    Tryptophan is an amino acid that serves as a precursor to serotonin production. Only small amounts are necessary for healthy nutrition in most people. The estimated average requirement for most adults is 4-5 milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day. For a 91-kilogram person (201 pounds), that’s about 364-455 milligrams daily.

    Many foods you already have in your diet are good sources of tryptophan. Here are some examples with the serving size of the food and the estimated amount per serving: 

    • Soybeans (edamame), 1 cup, 270 milligrams 
    • Tuna (canned white), 3 ounces, 252 milligrams
    • Snapper, 3 ounces, 250 milligrams 
    • Salmon (farmed, Atlantic), 3 ounces, 211 milligrams 
    • Lobster, 3 ounces, 248 milligrams 
    • Pork roast, 3 ounces, 238 milligrams 
    • Turkey (light meat), 3 ounces, 214 milligrams 
    • Beef roast, 3 ounces, 229 milligrams 
    • Mozzarella cheese, 1 ounce, 146 milligrams 
    • Quinoa, 1 cup, 284 milligrams 
    • Pumpkin and squash seeds, 1 ounce, 163 milligrams 
    • Cashews, 1 ounce, 81 milligrams 
    • Pistachios, 1 ounce, 71 milligrams 
    • Peanuts, 1 ounce, 65 milligrams 
    • Bread (white), 1 slice, 22 milligrams 
    • Semisweet chocolate, 1 ounce, 18 milligrams 

    Eating foods high in tryptophan will not necessarily boost serotonin levels on its own. Your body needs carbohydrates to release insulin, which is required to absorb amino acids. The link between consuming tryptophan-containing foods and serotonin levels is still being studied. 

    Prebiotics and Probiotics 

    Prebiotic and probiotic foods play distinct but complementary roles in promoting gut health, which in turn can influence mental well-being. 

    Prebiotic foods contain fibers that cannot be digested by the human body but serve as fuel for beneficial bacteria in the gut. These fibers promote the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria, helping maintain a healthy gut microbiota balance.  Some good examples of prebiotic foods are: 

    • Asparagus 
    • Onions 
    • Leeks 
    • Garlic 
    • Bananas
    • Chickpeas 
    • Lentils 
    • Barley 
    • Oats 
    • Rye

    Probiotic foods contain live beneficial bacteria that, when consumed, can colonize the gut and provide health benefits. These foods introduce beneficial strains of bacteria directly into the gut, helping to restore and maintain a healthy balance of gut microbiota. Some good examples of probiotic foods are: 

    • Yogurt 
    • Kefir 
    • Sauerkraut 
    • Kimchi 
    • Miso 
    • Kombucha
    • Cheese such as aged cheddar, parmesan, and Swiss cheese

    Maintaining a healthy balance of gut microbiota through prebiotic and probiotic foods may support both gut and mental health. 

    Supplements 

    In addition to cleaning up your diet, supplements can help restore and maintain proper gut health. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement(s), especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. Some supplements that can be beneficial are: 

    • L-tryptophan, 5 HTP: Can help with mood, sleep, and overall mental well-being.
    • Probiotic supplements: Support the replenishment and proliferation of beneficial bacteria in the gut. It’s important to research what is best for you and look for high colony-forming unit (CFU) counts.
    • Prebiotic supplements: May contain ingredients such as inulin, oligofructose, or resistant starch that provide fuel for beneficial bacteria. Be sure to choose supplements from reputable brands and follow recommendations from your healthcare provider. 

    Getting more sunlight 

    Increasing your sunlight exposure can positively impact gut and brain health by promoting vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D plays a role in modulating the gut microbiota and regulating neurotransmitter synthesis in the brain. If you live in an area where you can’t get natural sunlight, consider using light therapy. 

    Regular exercise 

    Regular exercise positively influences gut and brain health by promoting the diversity of gut microbiota and reducing inflammation, which can improve digestion and cognitive function. Physical activity also stimulates the release of endorphins and neurotransmitters like serotonin, enhancing mood and overall mental well-being.

    Mood-boosting and social activities 

    Engaging in mood-boosting and social activities can positively impact gut and brain health by reducing stress levels and promoting the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Additionally, these activities may foster social connections and support, which have been linked to improved gut microbiota diversity and overall mental well-being.

    Avoiding excessive alcohol and tobacco

    Avoiding excessive alcohol and tobacco helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which can damage gut tissue and impair cognitive function. Additionally, abstaining from these substances supports a healthy balance of gut microbiota and may help prevent conditions associated with dysbiosis and neuroinflammation.

    Getting enough sleep

    Getting enough sleep is essential to maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, facilitating brain function, including memory consolidation and emotional regulation, and regulating hormones involved in appetite control and stress response. 

    Adequate sleep promotes the balance and diversity of beneficial bacteria in the gut by facilitating essential processes such as tissue repair and regeneration, immune system regulation, and hormone production. Disrupted sleep patterns or inadequate sleep duration may lead to imbalances in gut bacteria, contributing to gut disruption and associated health issues.

    Bottom line

    In the demanding world of construction, where job pressures can take a toll on mental well-being, understanding the link between gut health and mental health is paramount. By prioritizing gut health through dietary choices, supplementation, and lifestyle adjustments, individuals can take proactive steps to support their mental health.

  • CAT’s new 973 track loader adds power and AI

    CAT’s new 973 track loader adds power and AI

    Caterpillar released the all-new 973 track loader, the manufacturer’s newest and largest model. It has a 275-horsepower engine and more power and maneuverability. You can also expect a more comfortable and navigable cab with high-tech features, fuel-saving, and anti-tipping technology. An optional Payload Technology feature is also available.

    High tech features

    The 973 track loader operators can look forward to an updated cab featuring a 10-inch touchscreen dash display, adjustable armrests, and a Slope Indicator feature for safer and smarter operation. Powertrain controls allow the operator to choose between a V-lever and pedal steer setup or a joystick steering mechanism. Those two choices are also available for loader controls.

    Cat has improved the implementation and steering response in the new 973. Operators can tweak the implement control by choosing one of three settings: coarse, normal, or fine.

    Auto Mode also enables greater fuel savings, which Cat claims can lower fuel use by 10%. Eco Mode, which can be used in lighter jobs, will also increase fuel savings. 

    But fuel savings don’t come at the expense of power—the 275 hp engine offers plenty of power. Turning the 973 into Power Mode will enable the operator to tap into maximum power by maintaining a high engine speed.

    Optional Payload Technology

    Overloading a bucket can be dangerous, and underloading a bucket can be wasteful. With its all-new Payload Technology, Cat’s new track loader helps operators avoid both extremes and save time and money.

    The feature weighs the bucketload to provide accurate load weight for the operator to avoid over- or under-loading the bucket. Payload Technology also decreases both cycle times and labor hours. 

    Other features

    • Product Link™ collects data automatically and accurately from equipment assets and can be viewed online through web and mobile applications
    • VisionLink® enables you to access information anytime, anywhere
    • Manage assets any time through your smartphone with the Cat App
    • Remote troubleshooting saves time and money by allowing Cat dealers to perform diagnostic testing remotely
    • Application Profile and Operator ID help save time by saving preferred machine settings
    • Enhanced security by requiring the operator to enter an ID before the machine will start
    973 track loader-1
    973 track loader-2
    973 track loader-3

    973 key specs

    • Engine model: Cat C9.3B
    • Emissions: Meets U.S. EPA Tier 4 Final, EU Stage V, Korea Stage V,  China Nonroad Stage IV, Japan 2014 emission standards or Eurasian Economic Union Stage IIIA, UN ECE R96 Stage IIIA emission standards, equivalent to U.S. EPA Tier 3/EU Stage IIIA
    • Net power: 275 hp
    • Displacement: 640.8cu in
    • Operating weight: 65,901 lb
    • Fuel capacity: 94.1gal
    • Bucket capacity (General Purpose): 4.2 yd3
    • Bucket capacity (Performance Series): 5.0 yd3
    • Bucket capacity (General Purpose Fusion): 4.2 yd3

  • Värde Partners and David Weekley Homes join forces for land banking venture

    Värde Partners and David Weekley Homes join forces for land banking venture

    A global investment firm, Värde Partners, and large home builder David Weekley Homes announced a joint venture to land bank residential communities for David Weekley Homes across the nation back in April. The land banking partnership is meant to acquire and develop residential lots in high-demand U.S. markets. David Weekley Homes will manage the sourcing and land development.

    The joint venture has already closed on two projects in Phoenix, amounting to more than $100 million. The partnership is growing, with other deals expected to be finalized soon.

    Pipeline of development planned

    “We are pleased to formalize this new relationship with Värde, which will support our company’s growth goals and align with our longstanding asset-lite strategy,” said Heather Humphrey, Chief Financial Officer at David Weekley Homes. “The firm’s extensive experience investing in residential land development and reputation within the market made them a great partner for this venture. We are excited to have established this facility and look forward to an enduring partnership.”

    The strategy builds upon an existing bullish U.S. and Canadian home building and redevelopment business model that relies upon a regular flow of lower-cost immigrant workers to boost profit margins for contractors, developers, and owners. Wages are kept depressed even for many union workers, thus freeing more cash for owners and investors to bank in communities where sometimes little to no investment occurs for years.

    Värde Partners officials praised the joint venture.

    “Värde’s vast experience in U.S. housing and land development positions us as a valuable partner and provider of capital to homebuilders,” states Brendan Bosman, Senior Managing Director at Värde Partners. “David Weekley Homes is a preferred home builder in several master-planned communities in which Värde invests and has a reputation for operating with integrity and delivering high-quality homes.”

    Värde has 30 years of experience investing in real estate, including strategic land banking partnerships and master-planned communities.

    Headquartered in Houston, David Weekley Homes is a 48-year-old company working in 19 markets across the U.S.

    Flipside of the land banking coin

    Land banking is a long-term investment strategy in which investors wager that land in certain areas likely to be developed or redeveloped is worth buying and leaving undeveloped for years, sometimes even decades. It’s very conservative in that the investment could take significant time to pay off, and investors must have the patience to wait.

    But for some community activists in blighted areas of some U.S. cities, “land banking” is almost a fighting word—and certainly a slur to many. It connotes investors and developers that unilaterally decide what the future of a community will be without community input. In such cases, land banking can and often does mean leaving blighted properties to continue deteriorating without any care for their continuing deleterious effect on the community.

    Land banking is a type of speculative buying of real estate with the intent of developing it in the future. When that development occurs is left up to the owner. If the property is undeveloped for years, as is often the case in land banking, it removes the possibility of other investors developing those properties in a shorter time.

    When properties are held for speculation, with the hope that real estate prices will significantly increase over time in the areas in which they’re held, it can hinder an area’s development efforts. It also can reduce tax revenue that otherwise would be coming into local government coffers if properties were allowed to be developed piecemeal by individual developers rather than by large, distant, moneyed corporations. 

    Land bankers don’t always consider the feelings and hopes of community members, adding another layer to the puzzle.

    Proponents of the practice say transparency and accountability are paramount in land banking cases. Focusing on a community’s needs and involving its members to contribute to community plans are crucial for a land banking plan to be most successful.

    That said, land banking can be a good strategy in blighted areas with large amounts of vacant property. It also can be helpful in areas where many of those blighted properties are owned by the local government and are hard to develop because of tax liens and stringent property transaction requirements.

  • Protecting skilled trades workers from silica exposure

    Protecting skilled trades workers from silica exposure

    Silica dust is common in construction work due to its presence in cement and other construction materials. Repeated exposure to silica dust can lead to silicosis, an incurable and sometimes fatal lung disease, along with lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease. Wearing a respirator, using dust suppression systems, and spraying work areas with water are easy ways to reduce silica exposure.

    Quick look

    • Silica is a natural mineral found in granite, sand, and glass.
    • Silica is found in noncrystalline and crystalline forms, the ladder of which poses serious health risks when inhaled.
    • Exposure to silica dust from construction materials can lead to silicosis and other lung diseases.
    • Wearing a respirator, spraying work surfaces with water, and using a vacuum and ventilation system are easy ways to reduce silica exposure.

    What is silica?

    Silica is a common mineral found in the earth’s crust and in materials like granite, sand, and glass. While there are several naturally occurring forms of silica in nature, there are two primary forms:

    1. Noncrystalline silica 

    2. Crystalline silica

    It’s crystalline silica we worry about when it comes to construction.

    Crystalline silica, also known as quartz, is a common mineral found in many materials. When cut, chopped, ground, or drilled, these materials release dust containing tiny crystalline silica particles. Workers breathe in this airborne silica dust, which poses a major health hazard.

    When inhaled, it can cause severe long-term damage to the lungs. Beach sand and other noncrystalline silica, due to their larger particle size, are not as hazardous to health.

    Silica exposure from concrete dust poses a significant health risk

    Concrete dust is one of the primary routes of exposure for silica. Construction workers who install, amend, or remove cement—or are around others doing it—typically have the highest level of exposure. 

    Some exposure to silica dust is unavoidable in the construction industry, but mitigating exposure by using proper PPE and limiting exposure when possible should be a top priority for workers and company owners. 

    Reducing exposure starts by knowing how exposure occurs. Construction workers are exposed to silica dust in the following ways:

    • Cutting, grinding, or drilling materials containing silica (sand, stone, concrete, mortar, glass, pottery, ceramics, bricks, and artificial stone)
    • Sanding, mixing, or demolishing materials containing silica
    • Being near the activities above and inhaling dust created by the work
    • Inhaling particles trapped in clothing or safety gear
    • Building demolition
    • Power cutting or dressing stone
    • Facade renovation
    • Abrasive or hydro-blasting
    • Dry sweeping or pressurized air blowing
    • Tunneling, excavating, or earth moving

    Silica health effects

    The primary concerns related to inhaling silica particles are lung scarring and silicosis. Silicosis is a non-curable lung disease caused by breathing in tiny silica particles. Over time, exposure causes permanent lung scarring, known as pulmonary fibrosis. As a result, the lungs become less flexible, making it harder to breathe. 

    Once lung scarring has become severe, several symptoms may appear. These may include: 

    • Bronchitis-like symptoms (persistent cough, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing)
    • Weakness
    • Fatigue
    • Fever
    • Night sweats
    • Leg swelling
    • Lip discoloration 

    The longer silicosis goes without treatment, the higher the risk of complications. Silicosis is a disease that affects the immune system, meaning patients are more vulnerable to developing tuberculosis, lung cancer, COPD, and kidney disease.

    Smoking and other lifestyle choices may increase the chances of a worker getting silicosis or lung cancer.

    Protecting yourself from silica dust exposure

    While eliminating the source is the easiest way to reduce silica exposure, that’s not always possible in the construction industry. If you can’t eliminate exposure, you can reduce your risk.

    Protecting yourself and others from silica exposure starts with having a plan to control dust. Ensure workers have the right gear, such as respirators or full face masks, and an ample supply of respirator cartridges.

    Here are five ways to reduce silica exposure on the job.

    1. Wear a respirator

    Respirators help keep harmful particles out of your lungs and should be worn whenever you’re around airborne substances, especially dust. Depending on the type of dust the work creates, different respirators (or cartridges) are used. Make sure you’re using the proper respirator.

    2. Spray work areas with water

    Periodically spraying or misting water where dust is created helps reduce dust levels.

    3. Make a containment area for the dust-creating work

    This approach is sometimes necessary to protect the health of other workers nearby. Create a “tent” with plastic to contain the dust if possible. This option can sometimes be a double-edged sword—it will protect workers outside the work area, but it will increase dust levels for those inside. 

    Pro tip: Always use a vacuum system in a contained area.

    4. Use a vacuuming and ventilation system

    For larger jobs, it is a good idea to have an extensive vacuum system that pulls dust out of the work area and filters the air while expelling it. These systems are required in some instances, such as for asbestos removal. 

    As mentioned, a vacuum and ventilation system may also be necessary in enclosed areas.

    5. Use cement tools with dust suppression systems

    Many power tools used in cement construction have dust controls. Whether a core driller, a table saw, a tamper, or another tool, they’re designed with internal vacuums that remove 80% or more of the dust created. Some tools also use water during cutting or grinding, which suppresses dust.

    Bottom line: Good health is priceless—protect yours

    The important point to remember is that the above measures aren’t something taken from a textbook that isn’t applicable or important to daily life. Construction workers are exposed to a wide array of harmful substances daily, so these are critical measures to take to protect their health.

  • Kyowa Kirin to build $530 million facility in NC

    Kyowa Kirin to build $530 million facility in NC

    Japan-based pharmaceutical company Kyowa Kirin recently announced plans to build a new biologic facility in Sanford, NC. When built, the facility will cover 171,700 square feet and have two reactors that will speed the development and production of biological therapies for patients with rare and serious diseases.

    The disruption of supply distribution lines during the COVID epidemic has prompted yet another company to invest in a production facility in the U.S.

    Biologic therapies will be the focus

    The facility will manufacture biologic therapies for the company’s planned clinical trials and future commercial use and create more resilient supply lines. The planned 75-acre campus in Sanford, NC, will allow for future expansion.   

    Construction of the facility will begin this year and is expected to be fully operational by 2027. Kyowa Kirin’s investment of up to $530 million will be supported by Leaders in the Tarheel State, who wholly back the facility plans and provide $10 million in performance-based state and local incentives to Kyowa Kirin over 12 years. According to the North Carolina Department of Commerce, the investments should grow North Carolina’s economy by $1.05 billion over 12 years. 

    The plant is expected to create more than 100 new high-paying local jobs, with an average salary of $91,496. 

    Images courtesy of Kyowa Kirin

    Research Triangle sweet spot

    Kyowa Kirin said part of the reason the company chose North Carolina is the area’s existing base of skilled workers.

    “The extraordinary complexity of the medicines we manufacture requires specialized skills and resources that are in plentiful supply in Sanford and the Research Triangle region,” said Paul Testa, Executive Vice President, Regional Head of North America/EMEA Manufacturing, Kyowa Kirin North America. “We’re excited to collaborate with area colleges, universities, businesses, and civic leaders to ensure that our plans align with Sanford’s vision for growth, anchored in a rejuvenated manufacturing economy that offers diverse job opportunities and returns value to the community.”

    Another impetus behind this considerable investment is the company’s desire to help treat rare diseases that affect hundreds of millions of people worldwide.

    “Our North American presence continues to grow through strategic investments that are adding new capabilities, new therapeutic expertise, and new talent to our global organization, all in service of meeting patients’ needs,” said Steve Schaefer, Kyowa Kirin North American President. “Among the many qualities that drew us to North Carolina are our shared values, such as harmony and teamwork—known as Wa—which is deeply ingrained in our culture at Kyowa Kirin, evident in our longstanding corporate partnerships, and fundamental to high-quality pharmaceutical manufacturing.” 

    Kyowa Kirin’s global manufacturing network includes sites in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, Ube City, and Yamaguchi Prefecture in Japan.

    The planned facility in North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park region, home to universities and community colleges offering specialized curricula and training, will enable the company to tap the human talent available there. Kyowa Kirin will also benefit from the network of biomanufacturing resources already present.

    The Research Park Triangle is home to many pharmaceutical companies, including Impact Pharmaceutical Services, Cloud Pharmaceuticals, Inc., PharPoint Research, Inc., Aerie Pharmaceuticals Inc., and others. The area also has about 450 life science companies, including Eli Lilly, Novartis, and GlaxoSmithKline.

    Advancing methods through investment

    Kyowa Kirin’s investment in North Carolina will enhance the company’s manufacturing productivity by building upon its methods and technologies. 

    “The new facility will be scalable with our Takasaki Plant in Japan to help ease technology transfer between the two plants and add production capacity. We believe this will help accelerate drug development and production,” said Toshiyuki Kurata, Chief Supply Chain Officer, and Global Manufacturing Head at Kyowa Kirin.

  • Maryland and other states crack down on work zone speeding with steeper fines

    Maryland and other states crack down on work zone speeding with steeper fines

    Maryland has taken a significant step to enhance road safety by doubling fines from $40 to $80 for speeding in work zones where construction workers are present. The new law, which came into effect at the beginning of June, aims to reduce accidents and protect the lives of both workers and motorists. The increase in fines underscores a growing concern over the high number of incidents occurring in these zones, prompting the state to implement stricter measures.

    The spark behind the change

    In March 2023, a horrific accident on Interstate 695 led to an overhaul of Maryland’s work zone safety laws. Investigators revealed that two cars, driven by Melachi Brown and Lisa Lea, were traveling over 100 mph. Brown’s car was clocked at 121 mph when it was clipped by Lea’s vehicle, which was attempting a lane change. The collision caused Lea’s car to veer off course, crashing into an active work zone and tragically striking several workers. The accident resulted in the death of six construction workers—a devastating incident that underscored the extreme dangers present in work zones.

    This tragic event was a catalyst for Maryland’s decision to double fines for speeding in work zones. The new law is part of a broader initiative to improve road safety by discouraging dangerous driving behaviors. The state has also increased the presence of law enforcement in work zones, launched public awareness campaigns, and enhanced safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. These measures aim to protect both workers and motorists, ensuring safer conditions on the state’s roadways. 

    How other states are tackling work zone safety

    Several other states across the country have also implemented stricter measures to ensure the safety of both workers and motorists. These actions include raising fines and employing advanced technology for speed enforcement.

    • New York: The state has launched an automated work zone speed enforcement program, using mobile speed cameras to monitor driver compliance. Fines start at $50 for the first offense and can increase to $100 for subsequent violations within 18 months.
    • Indiana: Indiana has introduced a pilot program with speed cameras placed in four specific work zones. The system includes a warning for the first offense and a $75 fine for any further violations.
    • Delaware: Delaware doubles fines for all moving violations in work zones, employing active enforcement and speed cameras, particularly in high-traffic areas like the I-95 corridor.
    • Wisconsin: In Wisconsin, fines for traffic violations in work zones are doubled, regardless of whether workers are present, to discourage dangerous driving and prevent accidents.

    Effectiveness and challenges of increased fines

    The effectiveness of these increased fines in reducing work zone accidents is a topic of ongoing discussion. Early indications suggest that states with stricter enforcement, like Delaware and Wisconsin, are seeing positive outcomes. Delaware doubles fines for all moving violations in work zones, leveraging active enforcement and speed cameras to maintain safety, particularly in high-traffic areas. Similarly, Wisconsin enforces double fines even when workers are not present, aiming to comprehensively discourage unsafe driving behaviors.

    Despite these efforts, challenges remain. Public awareness and consistent enforcement are critical for the success of these initiatives. As more states adopt similar measures, the hope is that these laws will significantly improve road safety and protect both workers and motorists in work zones.

  • Tough love: Cory Fisk talks about soft skills in a hard industry

    Tough love: Cory Fisk talks about soft skills in a hard industry

    Are you tough enough to try a little tenderness? Under the Hard Hat met with Cory Fisk, founder of Construction Management Online, to explore the importance of soft skills in the construction industry. We discussed the challenges and resistance faced, particularly by women, and Fisk offers tremendous insights into fostering a more understanding and effective workplace.

    Under the Hard Hat: Cory, what are you seeing on job sites? Do “soft skills” have a place in construction? 

    Cory Fisk: It’s definitely something I’ve heard people complain about. They’d see these gruff guys out in the field that were typically short-tempered, always throwing their hard hats around.  

    I had a sense that people didn’t feel they could communicate with people in the construction industry, that they needed more “soft skills”. 

    Growing up in the industry, I felt that I had to conform, I had to stand my ground. I needed to ensure nobody could push me around. I was able to do it, and I was able to do it really well, but it wasn’t fun. It was draining. It used more energy. It was more stressful. It was higher anxiety because you’re not working in flow. You’re working in resistance the entire time. Soft skills will be undeniably critical in the collaborative effort between those who grew up in the “old ways” of authoritative leadership and those new to the construction workforce. 

    UTHH: So soft skills aren’t just about being “nicer.” 

    CF: We can be kind and we can be nice and still not get work done. People can fake being nice. As a teacher, I knew that there were different learning styles, and I needed to have three or four different ways of presenting information to ensure the correct interpretation met each person’s perspective. It was really about human design and human behavior. This is something that has been completely foreign to the construction industry. 

    The key issue is recognizing that soft skills are a practiced skill set, typically trained early in a person’s development. If you don’t practice it, you’re not going to master it. Our internal human design operates independently of external influences. Understanding that fear triggers freeze, flight, or fight responses, we can shift our mindset to focus on faith and positivity. This enables us to develop the necessary skills to interact and engage with others effectively.

    UTHH: That’s quite a shift in conventional thinking.

    CF: Reading human behavior allows us to identify and be aware of our response to incoming information, and then respond to that information. We can either respond in the way that we’re used to communicating, or we can choose to make small, two-degree changes that lead or guide us toward a better way of communicating. To be successful, it’s really something that needs to be seeded as small opportunities to educate and to teach, because everyone is so set in their ways that they are either responding based on outside influences or life experiences, or they’re doing it instinctually. For most of us in construction, it means our reactions are reactionary, rooted in fear, stress or anxiety.

    UTHH: That’s something we’re very good at as women; reading people and meeting them where they live. What resistance have you met with? How did you work around it? 

    CF: I think it’s a huge reason why women are so successful in the construction industry. Many men are focused on the production and the profitability, while women tend to see the big picture, trying to head off problems early instead of having to deal with them in the future. Remember, women in construction are typically heavier in their masculine energy, which provides a better communication line between us and our male counterparts. 

    For me, most of the resistance that I felt was because I was a woman, I was young, and therefore I couldn’t have the right amount of experience. My challenge was to help people understand the importance of staying open to learning and to education so new and future hires could continue building their foundational baseline knowledge and creating the opportunity for vertical growth in the construction industry.

    UTHH: What would you say are the top three “soft skills,” and how could we use them to circumvent some of these long-held traditions and beliefs?

    CF: Awareness is definitely number one. That doesn’t mean you hear a backup bell from a piece of equipment coming at you. Awareness means that you are tuned in to your subconscious mind and the voice inside of you that is telling you this is not the right thing to do. Having that heightened awareness allows you to read the behavior of someone receiving the information that you’re giving and recognize whether or not they’re hearing anything so you can adjust how you’re speaking

    Second is communication, not just talking but actively listening. Everyone forgets how important listening is to communication. We see this when, for example, architects are designing something and they think that they hear what the owner wants, but then their own personal innovation and creativity takes over, and the client ends up with a design that doesn’t meet the budget or doesn’t meet the needs of the users. As a project manager, it’s so incredibly important for us to have a sharp listening ear so that we can be the interpreter or be able to ask questions for clarity.

    UTHH: Listening can be hard in any environment. I imagine it’s really challenging in your field.

    CF: It’s so hard right now. We have five generations of construction workers with different dialects, different modes of communication; we literally have different definitions for the words that we’re using. The potential for miscommunication between one generation to another is very difficult. We have to be very intentional with our language.

    UTHH: What’s the third soft skill?

    The third skill would be mindset and leadership. A lot of us come into construction with limiting beliefs. Most people believe that because I’m a woman, I’m going to have a hard time breaking into this male-majority industry, but in my case, I never felt like I did not belong because my dad raised me to be comfortable in a man’s world. That isn’t to say that I did not face judgment, constant challenges of my expertise, but those incidents spoke more about that person and their own insecurities. 

    Construction has such a low entry level—you just need hands and feet. Because of this, construction offers opportunities to those who may have dealt with addiction, homelessness, prison, even PTSD. Because of their life experiences, they already have those limiting beliefs about their worth; “I only deserve this job,” “I only deserve to be working with my hands and being a grunt or digging a trench.” Helping those people shift their mindset to see the opportunities available to them can be really empowering. We can all be a part of this industry. It’s just a matter of redirecting your thinking and being open to those opportunities. 

    Empathy is hard to give if you haven’t received it yourself.

    UTHH: Are newer, younger generations of construction workers more adept at soft skills?

    CF: It’s funny, older generations didn’t have the kind of hand-holding that younger generations require. There’s some tough love happening there, and with it a lack of understanding of this current workforce. The older generation had to figure it out. And in the construction world, If you’re not tough, you get filtered out. 

    There’s a lot of tough cookies at the top of the ladder who may not have been given empathy in the past. But now, as mentors, they are in a unique position to let younger workers lean on their experience so they don’t have to endure the same battle scars. Having more empathy and understanding is definitely going to help both sides, because empathy is hard to give if you haven’t received it yourself. 

    UTHH: Across disciplines, whether we’re talking about a foreman or a managing lead at an engineering firm or an architect or an older generation of people in construction, what are the things they need to know to start implementing a more understanding workplace?

    CF: Not everybody needs to do it their way in order for it to be done right. It’s really hard for someone who’s been doing something the same way and has been very successful at it. It’s hard for them to recognize that other people might have different paths or ideas. Sometimes that path is longer, sometimes that path is more difficult, sometimes it’s easier. But the experience is in the journey, not in the end result. This is why we have to lean on the experience of others when we’re designing our destination map. 

    The other thing I would say is that older generations in construction need to learn patience. Doing things ourselves just to ‘get it done’ robs someone of the opportunity to learn and grow. We’re not allowing trainees to make those necessary mistakes to broaden their foundation and carry the baton.

    UTHH: What have you seen, if anything, in terms of improvement? 

    CF: I was moderating a panel the other day, and there was a woman that brought something up that made complete sense. Her company did some really deep research and thinking when bringing everyone together for a training meeting. There was a lot of thoughtful detail; when looking at the meeting location, they’d say “Okay, the guys are going to be coming in with dirty boots. We don’t want them to feel bad. We’re going to have concrete floors. Or maybe we’ll have the guys that normally wear suits dress down for informal Friday that day.” They were trying to make the meeting place as neutral as possible for all these diverse, complex people so that the focus was on the people. 

    I thought it was a really creative way of trying to address some of these things that make people feel inferior or not worthy, some of these mindset challenges that need to be reestablished. Because that affects output, it affects time and money and all of the things that are important to get the job done. Ultimately, soft skills make your work better, and more importantly, make you better.

  • Solving the worker shortage, one employee at a time 

    Solving the worker shortage, one employee at a time 

    Employee retention is an issue for most businesses—especially in the construction field. If you want to keep your employees, show them respect, be grateful and give thanks, offer better benefits and perks, and provide growth and learning opportunities.

    What’s the problem?

    Experts say there is a serious shortage of workers in construction, which is impeding productivity and growth in the sector. 

    With wages stagnant in some areas, even among unions whose pay rates haven’t risen equally on pace with inflation, workers’ dollars just don’t buy as much as they used to. It’s disconcerting and often leads employees to consider finding greener pastures. 

    According to some sources, even with foreign-born immigrants swelling the ranks of the industry by upwards of 30 percent, there remains a need for hundreds of thousands more workers in construction. Some even suggest this lack of available workers is holding the industry back from greater success.

    How to improve employee retention

    Keeping workers content and willing to work starts with respect. Companies that don’t value their employees experience poor morale, and workers are unhappy and unproductive. Plus, employees feel trapped in a competitive market where new jobs are few and far between.

    Contractors must be able to build a competitive business that can pivot with market changes and plan for growth while retaining and attracting dedicated and skilled workers.

    There’s more that can be done to achieve this goal, but contractors must be willing to seek advice. 

    To attract and retain good workers, you need to treat them well and show them respect. Treat them as humans and recognize their success is your success. A company is only as good as its employees.

    While talking recently with a semi-retired union-trained insulator, I asked him how his bosses treated him. He laughed at the question, saying: “My boss treats me great.”

    I’d gleaned as much and more in my past conversations with this old friend, so I pried a bit more. “Does your boss ever give you a bonus for doing a good job?”

    “Of course. All the time,” he said.

    It turns out that his current employer gives him an extra day’s pay as a bonus pretty frequently, simply in gratitude for a job well done. The boss pays him well and also buys him lunch often, too. He treats his employees with respect and gives him an “Attaboy” often to thank him for a job well done.

    In addition to frequent praise, this employee has received gas allowances to help offset the cost of a long commute. Bonuses like these are a regular thing for him, and he was surprised that anyone would take note of them.

    When employee respect and value are commonplace within a company, worker retention levels are likely to be higher. 

    The bottom line: Fair payment, value and respect, and job stability are the forces driving employee retention.

    4 factors that improve retention rates

    Solving the employee shortage in construction doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few tips to retain employees and prevent a worker shortage:

    1. Respect. Treat all workers with dignity and respect. Everyone plays a valuable role in the workplace, and despite outside problems, workers show up and put their best effort forward—and that should be recognized.

    2. Gratitude and thanks. Something as simple as “great work today” speaks volumes to employees. People who feel their work is valued are more inclined to work harder and be happy doing it. Recognition and thanks for their effort inspire loyalty and dedication in workers. People need to know their work is valued—and valuable.

    3. Offer perks. Whether mileage payouts, lunch, or a year-end bonus, investing in the happiness of your employees is a direct investment in your company. Small actions can have a big impact.

    4. Growth opportunities. Retaining workers is tricky, but retraining good workers is even trickier. If you want them to stay, incentivize them. Offer learning or training opportunities, better pay, or equity in the company. When employees have a reason to stay (and they’re happy doing their job), they will.

  • 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.