Throughout the year, contractors call and want to talk to me about joining our PROSULT™ networking groups or call to obtain consulting information. I try to take a few minutes and offer some free consulting over the phone. Starting with a simple statement such as "Tell me a little bit about your business" can generate some interesting conversations. I would like to share some of these conversations in the hopes that I can help you think through some of your business issues.
I instruct construction workers in the various OSHA and MSHA standards and how to practically apply them to their professions. That is the simple part of my job. I also train workers to be aware of their own intuition, how it applies to their workday, and what to make of the messages they receive. That's the complicated part.
A seminar on construction law doesn't make for the most enjoyable afternoon, but I attended one several years ago by Chicago construction attorney Stanley Sklar that was good enough to keep my eyelids pried open for four hours. Sklar is a straight shooter. "If you are looking for a fair subcontract, it does not exist," he told the audience.
There are seven days on the annual calendar that you can truly leverage to make a strong cultural impact on your people. Believe me, they will be very, very grateful if you take this to heart.
The dawning of a new year marks a time to evaluate last year's successes and challenges while looking ahead to new possibilities. This year is very special to those of us who bring you Roofing Contractor, as we celebrate our 25th year in 2006.
As an employee, the designated competent person is entitled to enjoy a workplace that is free from existing or potential identifiable hazards that could cause injury, illness or death. But as an extension of the employer, the competent person has an obligation to represent the employer's safety and health program on site by promptly abating hazardous conditions and correcting unsafe acts.
It is no secret that many contractors don't like bookkeeping and paperwork. I frequently talk to contractors and ask how their year is going. Too many reply they are not sure because they have not received the numbers from their accountant. This is like asking a coach how the team is doing, and he replies that he has to talk to the scorekeeper.
A properly implemented roof management and maintenance program could effectively extend the service life of a roof system and eliminate some of the complexities associated with this critical building component. Detailing the procedures and benefits of a well-executed roof management program can help contractors convince building owners of the merits of instituting such a program, to the advantage of both parties.
The roofing industry is now at a point where we should collectively define a uniform standard for the determination of moisture content in roof systems. It is time to move past the days of the "educated toe," i.e., subjective claims of how the system felt as it was walked across. A standard would benefit all sectors of the industry preventing frivolous lawsuits and unsubstantiated claims driven by the pursuit of profit.
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