Grasping the Gravity of High Suicide Rates in the Construction Sector
Research has shown that the construction industry, which is primarily male-dominated, has one of the highest suicide rates among its workforce. Men have been conditioned by society to suppress their emotions, leading to silent suffering. The industry is well-known for its “tough-guy” persona and emphasis on self-sufficiency, appealing to those with risk-taking tendencies. Nonetheless, this culture can also pose obstacles for those seeking mental health support, warranting sensitivity and consideration.
In addition, construction schedules often require extended work hours and job relocations, resulting in feelings of detachment from loved ones. The physical demands of the job, combined with a sense of isolation, can drive individuals to self-medicate with alcohol, drugs, or opioids, further increasing the risk of suicide.
The Significance of Mental Health in the Workplace
Mental health plays a crucial role in construction sites as it directly impacts the safety and well-being of the crew. A mentally healthy workforce is not only happier but also more productive. Key indicators of mental distress include lethargy, lack of motivation, concentration difficulties or absenteeism.
Promoting mental health and wellness within the workplace can foster a positive atmosphere for employees. As a result, this can aid in retaining and recruiting staff members who are interested in pursuing a career in the construction industry.
Comprehending Mental Health
Maintaining good mental health is an ongoing process. Various factors such as personal loss, financial difficulties and relationship issues can negatively impact a person’s mental well-being and ability to concentrate. In environments with a higher risk, operating heavy equipment or getting distracted due to a lack of focus can be dangerous for both workers and the public.
Encouraging an environment where individuals feel comfortable sharing their personal experiences can empower coworkers to check on their crewmates, thereby fostering a safer workspace for everyone involved.
The Role of Management in Driving Change
As a company, it is important to prioritize the well-being of employees. Creating a sense of community and belonging can be achieved by encouraging everyone to be aware of their surroundings and environment. This is especially important in the construction industry, where transitioning from a culture of discipline to one that prioritizes employee mental health and well-being can make a significant impact.
Leaders and employees can provide essential resources to promote mental health by practicing active listening, compassion and empathy towards one another. This approach fosters a supportive environment that enables everyone to thrive.
Identifying Warning Signs on a Jobsite
When observing individuals, paying attention to their behavior and life circumstances can provide valuable insights into their mental and emotional state. Verbal expressions such as discussing suicide, depression, anxiety or feeling like a burden to others can be red flags. Some behaviors, like being absent often, experiencing a sudden decrease in productivity or engaging in risky actions, may suggest that there are underlying problems.
Additionally, personal stressors such as going through a divorce, losing a job or losing a loved one can all impact a person’s emotional well-being. Awareness of these factors can enhance our understanding and enable us to provide better support.
Implementing Measures to Manage and Prevent Workplace Suicide
Companies can play a crucial role in managing and preventing such incidents by taking proactive steps. One of the most important steps is to identify the warning signs, including changes in mood, social withdrawal, talk of wanting to die or giving away personal belongings. Creating a safe environment where employees can openly discuss their issues and feel supported is essential.
Additionally, providing access to mental health resources and safety guides can help employees deal with such issues effectively. Implementing these measures can help companies establish a safe and supportive environment, significantly decreasing the occurrence of suicide in the workplace.
Fostering a Safe Work Environment
Creating a safe and supportive work environment is vital for the well-being of employees. Encouraging open communication about mental health issues, providing access to resources and professional help, and promoting a culture of support can go a long way in achieving this goal. By taking these steps, we can help prevent suicide and save lives in the construction industry.
Prioritizing Employee Mental Health
At RK, the safety and well-being of our employees is of utmost importance. We prioritize creating a work environment that is physically, mentally and emotionally safe for everyone. Safety is our number one core value and priority. We believe in promoting mental health awareness as an integral part of our culture, whether you work on-site, ina shop or in the office. By providing training, our employees are encouraged to check in with their colleagues to express care for their well-being.
Resources for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
During difficult times, it’s common to feel isolated and helpless. However, it’s important to recognize that seeking help is a courageous act that demonstrates strength rather than weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or having suicidal thoughts, remember that assistance is readily available.
Crisis Text Line: Text “Hello” to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988 OR 1.800.273.8255 (English), 1.888.628.9454 (Espanol), 1.800.273.8255 (Deaf and Hard of Hearing)
For more information about mental health and suicide prevention in the construction industry, visit:
- The Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention
- Construction Financial Management Association
- Construction Working Minds
- Man Therapy
Please note that this blog is for informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or mental health symptom. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
At RK Water, we specialize in providing custom water treatment systems to meet the unique needs of our clients. We take care of every part of the fabrication process, from identifying treatment needs to delivering a fully functional operational water treatment system.
Identifying Water Treatment Needs, Goals and Approach
Every custom water treatment project begins with a thorough assessment of site-specific treatment requirements. By understanding our client’s needs, we design comprehensive water treatment solutions that align with desired outcomes. This includes considering contaminant levels, flow rates, and water quality standards. Our team will engineer a system that meets or exceeds desired standards to meet environmental regulations. Based on the needs and treatment goals, RK Water will explore the best available technologies, such as reverse osmosis, medias, resins and chemical treatment.
Creating Schematic Design and CAD Fabrication Drawing
With the treatment approach determined, our experienced engineers create a schematic design that serves as a blueprint, outlining the treatment system’s layout, equipment arrangement and process flow. Using cutting-edge CAD software, RK Water generates detailed drawings of the fabrication process. These drawings provide precise specifications for each component, including dimensions, materials, connections and assembly instructions.
Procurement, Fabrication and Testing
Our in-house team of plumbers and pipefitters will fabricate the designed water treatment systems. By working with other RK business units, we have the in-house capabilities and facilities to ensure every component is installed correctly and according to the design specifications. Once fabrication is complete and signed off, the completed fabricated system is carefully packaged and prepared for shipping to the installation site.
Operational Treatment System
If desired, the RK Waters field team will install the treatment system upon arrival at the site. Before system operation begins, we’ll ensure that all components are properly connected and calibrated, guaranteeing a smooth start-up sequence. Furthermore, RK Water offers ongoing operational and maintenance services, including technical assistance, to keep the treatment system operating at peak performance.
At RK Water, we understand that each water treatment project is unique and requires a tailored approach. Our fabrication process ensures that our clients’ water treatment goals are effectively and efficiently achieved. If you’re looking for a reliable partner in water treatment, count on RK Water to provide comprehensive solutions.
Learn more at rk-water.com.
Steel is the backbone of the construction industry and a driver of many economies globally. Its versatility makes it a material of choice for most construction projects. Steel is also lighter and less bulky compared to other construction materials. Moreover, steel is a strong and durable construction material that fits almost every construction project. Here, we discuss the various steel construction methods and designs to help you expand your knowledge of steel application in the industry.
Conventional Steel Fabrication
Conventional steel fabrication is the traditional method of constructing steel structures. The process involves designing, measuring, cutting, bending, and welding steel plates and sections to create the desired structure. Conventional steel fabrication can happen at the construction site or in a steel fabrication shop. However, most contractors prefer fabricating the steel at a shop and transporting the finished product to the construction site for a faster and safer installation process.
Fabricating at a shop enhances efficiency by reducing wastage and onsite construction time. The construction cost also goes down when fabrication happens in a shop, due to increased efficiency. A factory set setting allows the application of advanced technology and the use of automated machines, lowering labor costs. Onsite conventional fabrication, on the other hand, is labor-intensive and time-consuming.
Bolted Steel Construction
Bolted steel construction is an advancement of conventional steel fabrication. In bolted steel construction, the bulk of the work is done in a fabrication shop. Steel components are fabricated off-site, and transported to the construction site, where they are bolted together to create a structure. The factory setup enhances fabrication efficiency since the shops have the right working conditions, including lighting, technology and the absence of weather anomalies.
Once the fabrication and painting are finished, the steel components are transported to the construction sites using trucks. The size of the steel members is, therefore, dependent on the transporting truck/trailer. Flatbed trucks and trailers range from 20-40’ in length with options for oversized loads being available with added cost. The added trucking cost can outweigh the uptick from field fabrication, therefore, the cost for oversized loads may be the best option.
Many construction firms prefer bolted steel construction due to its quick installation time and lesser field welding requirements. Moreover, bolted steel construction is cost-effective compared to conventional steel fabrication. These advantages make bolted steel construction a preferred method for the construction of industrial buildings, warehouses, and other large structures.
Light Gauge Steel Construction
Light gauge steel construction uses thin steel sections that are cold-formed into shapes in a shop and assembled on-site. This construction method is popular for residential and small buildings, especially in areas with high seismic activity. It’s possible to create walls similar to wood framing with this type of construction. Several benefits of light gauge steel make it a preferred construction material for many projects.
The steel sheets are galvanized to prevent rust and corrosion, which enhances its durability. Unlike wood, steel is more resistant to pests, mold, and fire, which enhances its longevity. It is also stronger than wood and can withstand tremors during seismic activities. Moreover, light gauge steel is less bulky and more flexible than wood, which paves way for enhanced designs and modifications.
Another advantage that makes light gauge steel better than wood in construction is its environmental friendliness. Steel can be recycled or reassembled into a new building. The use of light gauge steel instead of wood also preserves forests, which reduces global warming and climate change.
Modular Steel Construction
In modular steel construction, complete building modules or units are fabricated in a factory and assembled on-site. The modules are constructed in standard sizes and shapes that are easily stacked to create a variety of building designs. These modular units may be fabricated into complete rooms or parts of a room. They can also be fabricated into highly serviced units such as washrooms or elevators shafts.
A notable advantage of modular steel construction is the speed of building erection. Since the prefabs are fabricated in a factory setting, contractors are only required to transport and assemble the units on-site. The rapid installation allows onsite assembly of 6-8 units per day. Modular steel construction is also cost-effective. Repetitive manufacturing, which is typical of factory settings creates economies of scale that reduce the cost of production.
Steel Frame Construction
Steel frame construction is a type of construction that uses steel to construct the structural framework of a building. The skeleton frame made of steel columns and beams supports the building’s weight and loads. The steel beams and columns are prefabricated off-site and assembled on-site. Steel frame construction has several benefits over other structural construction methods. Steel is lighter and less bulky than other construction materials, such as concrete. Using lighter materials for the structural framework reduces the foundation cost and the overall construction cost. Steel is also stronger and more durable than other building materials, and can withstand earthquakes or harsh weather conditions.
Composite Steel Construction
In composite steel construction, steel is combined with other materials, such as concrete or wood to create structures with improved strength and stiffness. Several advantages of using composite steel make it a viable construction option for a structural framework. Composite steel is cheaper than non-composite steel components as you’re able to lighten the amount of concrete used by adding rebar, adding strength and reduces the overall construction cost. Composite steel frames are also lighter, which lowers foundation costs. Moreover, composite steel enhances environmental sustainability by reducing the amount of material used in the fabrication process. A reduction in the amount of materials used in construction reduces the carbon footprint of a construction project.
Pre-Engineered Steel Construction
Pre-engineered steel construction is a modern building technique that uses pre-designed and pre-fabricated steel components that are assembled on-site. This construction process produces buildings that meet specific project requirements for commercial, industrial, and agricultural applications. The pre-fabrication is done in a shop setting using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software. Technology application helps manufacture steel components that can be customized to meet specific requirements of a construction project. Moreover, the shop setting used for pre-engineered steel construction makes the process cost-effective and aids the construction of strong and durable buildings.
Learn More About Steel Construction
RK Steel plays a critical role in many of RK’s construction projects. Our steel construction experience and expertise set the foundation for fabricating and installing structural and custom steel. Contact us today to learn more.
Spring is a great time to consider your facility’s cooling tower system. As the weather warms up, many comfort cooling systems shut down in the late fall and winter will soon be put back into operation. Following a few “good housekeeping” procedures are important before these systems are filled with water and started up. These steps allow facilities managers to save money and avoid headaches during the cooling season.
Step 1: Clean Cooling Tower Fill, Basin and Hot Deck
To prepare a cooling system for the upcoming season, clean the cooling tower fill, basin and hot deck. Dirt and debris from the previous cooling season and winter months can build up and must be removed. Failure to remove this debris can foul and plug system components, leading to poor cooling system performance.
Additionally, debris can be a food source for microbiological growth, which can cause corrosion and fouling of heat exchange surfaces and can lead to airborne pathogens such as Legionella. To avoid these issues, debris should be removed from the hot deck and distribution holes. Any broken sprayers or distributors should be repaired or replaced, and the system should be sanitized before being returned to service.
Step 2: Clean and Calibrate Cooling Water Controller
To ensure the optimal functioning of your cooling systems, it’s crucial to clean and calibrate various components. These include the cooling water conductivity controller, probes, flow switch, level controls and chemical metering pumps. Conductivity, pH, and ORP probes that have not been serviced for several months should be cleaned and calibrated. Chemical metering pumps may also need to be cleaned and primed with fresh chemicals before calibration.
Components not properly maintained during the previous season may need to be repaired or replaced to help your cooling systems run smoothly and efficiently. Check that all parts function correctly to keep the cooling water’s chemical balance and prevent scale buildup and corrosion.
Step 3: Clean and Lubricate Fans and Motors
The final step in preparing for the cooling season is cleaning fan housings, lubricating fans and motors, and checking for oil leaks. Ensure fan belts are tight and in working order and replace them if necessary. Oil leaks in fan motors can foul the cooling water system, reducing heat transfer efficiency and causing microbiological growth.
RK Water can assist with your facility needs by providing maintenance services for cooling tower systems, including cleaning and disinfecting the water tanks, checking and repairing leaks, and ensuring that the system is functioning correctly before the start of the cooling season. RK Water’s expertise can help you save money on energy costs and avoid costly repairs down the line.
Every business needs reliable and safe electrical systems. But did you know that many of the electrical problems in your building can be prevented with a full-service electrical panel check? Let’s look at some of the issues our qualified RK Service technicians will inspect and how we can help keep your business safe from potential hazards and costly repairs.
What does a full-service electrical panel check involve?
A full-service panel check will give you peace of mind knowing that your facility’s circuits, breakers, GFCIs, disconnects, and wiring practices are up to code. With our electrical service panel checklist, our technicians will conduct thermal imaging tests, torque specifications tests, physical testing and amperage load checks of your electrical systems. These tests ensure that potential issues are caught before they become a significant problem for your business.
In addition to the panel checklist, RK Service technicians can conduct a visual walk-through, looking for issues such as proper exit lighting, exterior safety lighting, emergency lighting checks and missing GFCI/ARC fault locations. By doing so, technicians can notify you of any safety measures that must be taken to protect you and your customers from potential dangers lurking within your facility.
Benefits of regular electrical panel checks
Regularly scheduled inspections are essential for keeping your business safe and up to code. By periodically checking all aspects of your electrical system, including wiring practices, you can detect any future problems before they become serious hazards, requiring extensive repairs or even replacement parts. Inspections will give you peace of mind knowing that everything is running smoothly regarding power and energy usage in your building or office space, saving time and money!
Maintain safety, efficiency and code compliance with RK Service
At RK Service, we understand how important it is for business owners to keep their facilities safe and running efficiently. That’s why we offer full-service electrical panel checks, including thermal imaging tests, torque specifications tests, physical testing, and amperage load checks. In addition, RK Service technicians will provide a visual walk-through service looking for items such as exit lighting working properly, exterior safety lighting, emergency lighting checks, and missing GFCI/ARC fault locations.
By having regular electrical inspections done by qualified professionals, you can rest assured that any issue will be identified before it becomes a significant problem, keeping your business safe, efficient and compliant with local codes.
Contact us today for more information on our full-service electrical panel checking service!
Check for proper licensing first.
When you have a plumbing project that may require excavation work that needs immediate, high-quality service, be sure to check your service provider’s licensing before you hire them to do the job. Proper licensing is crucial whether you are managing the repair and replacement of water, sewer or fire service lines.
Time and time again, RK Service technicians receive calls from property owners who hired a provider to perform work on their property without proper licensing and now need to hire a properly licensed company to complete the job. Though the service provider likely offered to complete the job for a lower price, hiring a company to complete a plumbing project, including excavation work, without proper licensing is extremely risky for the property owner.
Why proper plumbing and excavation licensing is essential.
For example, did you know that fire and water lines are tied to the same mainline? When working on a fire or water line, your service provider must flush and chlorinate the line to properly complete the repair or replacement. If lines are not properly flushed, water lines can become contaminated, affecting the quality and safety of the drinking water for your tenants and potentially other buildings that utilize the same city water line.
These requirements are essential for public health and safety. Unfortunately, many plumbing companies may lack proper licensing or are unaware of license requirements.
What happens if you hire an unlicensed contractor to work on your project?
Though they may offer you a better price for the job, never hire an unlicensed company to do your plumbing work. Here are the top reasons why:
- If the provider is caught operating without the proper licensing, they may lose their rights to obtain the necessary licensure, incur a large fine, and be forced to cease to perform the mitigation work they were hired to complete, ultimately leaving you with a mess and an unfinished project.
- As a property or business owner, you could receive a lien on your property due to hiring a company that does not have proper licensing. At the end of the day, the property owner is responsible for the quality of work. For example, the City of Denver can fine the property owner if the street is not properly completed at the end of the project.
What type of licensing should my service provider have?
Many property owners are unaware the company they hired cannot perform certain services. As a property owner, ensure you understand what types of licensing your service provider needs to complete the work they are hired to perform.
Here is a simple guide to types of licenses that may be used in conjunction with plumbing work. Depending on the project’s location and the type of work to be performed, ensure your provider has the proper license to complete the job.
Types of licenses
- Right-of-Way (ROW) Licenses: Various locations may have different regulations. However, ROW licenses are generally required if performing work in the public right-of-way or on other public property for the jurisdiction licensed in. In addition, there are several sub-categories under ROW, such as Cement Sidewalk Contractor, Sewer Contractor, Excavation Contractor, Paving Contractor, Special Contractor, and Structural Contractor.
- Drainlayer License: This license is required for a Sewer Contractor if the company does not employ a Master Plumber. This license is typically used for drain laying, replacement/repair of sewer lines, storm lines and drainage channels.
- Fire Suppression Systems Contractor – Underground: Underground fire line is the start of any fire protection system as it supplies water to the fire sprinkler systems protecting your facility. A customer may need an excavation service to repair, replace and install an underground fire line.
- Utility Contractor License: A license that incorporates the use of tapping and is performed without shutting down the primary utility line, commonly referred to as a wet tap. The license is used to complete work on a sewer connection or where a building’s sanitary sewer system connects to a city or municipality sewer system. This classification of work is performed by a licensed plumber or utility contractor, and local ordinances must be checked to confirm the correct license.
- Water Service License: This license is used to install or repair service lines and appurtenances from the main up to and including downstream valves. When a water main bursts or breaks and impacts the city water line system, a water service license is required to make repairs.
Research first, then hire.
Hiring a company with proper licensing helps reduce costs in the long run and reduces the time of displacement and discomfort for tenants as the job will be completed the first time properly. Spending more time researching and confirming proper licensing is always worth the effort. To ensure the company hired is licensed and can pull the proper permits for your job, call the city first to verify their licensing status.
If you have a water crisis that requires remediation, repair and installation services, RK Service is fully licensed and ready to work on any job, big or small. For information on RK Service and our emergency 24/7 response time, visit rkservice.com.
Construction companies can hardly get enough workers to fill vacant positions that continue to arise as the economy expands. This article will help you understand the positions that are in the highest demand and why there is a general rise in demand for construction workers. Read on to discover how you can take advantage of the rising demand for construction workers.
Why Construction Workers Are in High Demand Right Now?
There is a general rise in the demand for construction workers across the country. Unlike other areas where the number of applicants exceeds the slots advertised, construction companies are struggling to fill their vacancies. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, Inc., there was an increase in construction employment in 31 states in July and August. However, even with the increase in the number of workers seeking employment, construction companies did not get enough workforce. Faced with this reality, the construction industry has sought to understand where most employers are unable to get enough workers. Here are some factors that are fueling the high demand for construction workers:
Federal Infrastructure Funding
In November 2021, Congress approved $1 trillion worth of Infrastructure Investment and the Jobs Act. This approval paved the way for the expansion and upgrading of major infrastructures in the country. The funding meant that thousands of road, railroad, bridges, airports, power lines, and sewer projects were up for grabs by construction companies. As the construction season began, companies that had won the construction bids began to search for qualified persons to fill the numerous job opportunities. However, the number of workers available to fill these positions is way below the demand.
An Aging Workforce
About a fifth of construction workers in managerial positions are due for retirement. However, there are hardly enough young workers to replace the aging workforce. The challenges in the construction industry began during the 2008 recession when thousands of workers left the industry and never came back after the stabilization of the industry.
Inadequate Investment in Training
Few construction companies have invested in the training of their workforce. As a result, the construction industry has become less appealing to young professionals who want to grow their careers in the industry. Further, industry players have also failed to offer internships and career guidance to students preparing to select their future careers.
A Construction Boom
The pandemic brought many challenges to most industries. However, it had a silver lining for the construction industry. With most people spending time at their homes due to movement restrictions and lockdowns, they discovered areas that need improvement. As the country opened up, home makeovers and repair jobs were advertised amidst a growing shortage of construction workers.
Construction Jobs Can Be Fruitful
Working in the construction industry can be more fulfilling and fruitful than other jobs. Here are some reasons why you should consider working in the construction industry:
- Construction jobs provide what most people yearn for when they seek employment. The demand for workers makes it easier for you to demand better working conditions and benefits.
- There are numerous growth opportunities in the industry. You can join the industry at entry levels and move up the career ladder with time.
- You have an opportunity to make people appreciate your skills. Constructing facilities, such as schools and hospitals makes you proud of taking part in building the nation.
- The construction industry fosters collaboration meaning team members have coworkers they can count on when needed.
Construction Jobs That are in High Demand
Learning the construction jobs that are in high demand can help you position yourself for future employment if you are a student. If you have already acquired the required skills, you will also learn whether your area of practice is in high demand. Here are some positions that are highly demanded by employers:
Skilled Trades Roles
Roles in the trades are in high demand. Employers can hardly find enough plumbing and sheet metal installers. If you possess the necessary craftsman skills, it will not be difficult to secure a job in this area. You can also train and get employed after qualification. The good thing is that you can start as a construction laborer or help and start earning between $16 – $18 an hour..
Management Roles
Construction companies are also finding it hard to fill their managerial positions. With an aging workforce, young professionals willing to take managerial positions in the construction industry have never had a greater opportunity. Luckily, the workers can move up the ladder and reach their dream position with time. However, aspiring managers must get the required academic qualifications.
While the craftsmen and managerial roles have the highest demand, you will not struggle to get employment regardless of your area of expertise. Whether you are an electrician, equipment operator, accountant, or project manager, there are thousands of jobs being advertised daily.
Are you Looking for Construction Employment? Contact Us
While jobs in the construction industry are in high demand, you may still encounter challenges matching your skills with the right employer. At RK Industries, we can help you match your skills with employers. We help you understand what employers are looking for and what to look for in a good employer. Contact us today to learn more about construction jobs that are in high demand and how to make your skills attractive to employers.
Water issues are a nightmare for property managers, commercial and apartment building owners, and business owners. Whether a fire or potable water line bursts at 2 AM, sanitary lines back up, causing flooding or tenants report foul smells from a broken sanitary line, water and sewer issues are never fun.
Property managers and building owners often do not know what is happening underground and their first call is to Denver Water or a fire protection company. Though the water company may be able to diagnose the problem, they typically call in the experts to manage the excavation work – your friends at RK Service!
When should I call an excavation service?
Sensors are often triggered when there are issues in the water and fire pipes in your building’s systems. However, those sensors may not accurately indicate what is happening underground. It is a good idea to contact the water utility company or the fire protection company first to shut down the mains and ensure the protection of the surrounding environment. Next, find an excavation and plumbing service provider to resolve the issue.
How do I choose an excavation and plumbing service provider?
The number one thing to consider when choosing an excavation and plumbing service provider is proper licensing, processes and protocols. Denver is the most difficult city in Colorado to get licensed in plumbing and excavation services. Service providers must have all the appropriate licenses to correct the damage.
In addition, watch out for excavating companies that don’t pull the appropriate permits. Excavating without the correct permits and licenses is illegal and may result in a drawn-out resolution for the issue. Further, your business will be at risk of a lien if you do not choose an excavation company that is licensed, insured and has taken the time to pull the correct permits.
What to consider when calling for emergency plumbing services.
With dozens of excavation companies in Denver, you need to know how to choose the best one for your project that can complete all aspects of the work. In addition to appropriate licensing, property owners should look for the following:
- Experience – You want an excavation contractor with years of experience, successful projects and references you can contact.
- Insurance – A Denver excavation company must be insured and understand the responsibility for their work and others on the job site.
- Pricing – Find a competitively priced company that will deliver the quality you need when you need the job done. Choosing the lowest price isn’t always the best option. A successful project, free of issues, is always better than discovering problems caused by the lowest-priced contractor available.
- Responsiveness – As a building owner, you want to resolve the issue as quickly as possible for the comfort and safety of your tenants. Find a service provider that offers 24/7 service and a quick response time. The gold standard response time is within a two-hour window, so if the service provider says they’ll send someone out “tomorrow,” call another provider.
Pipes are fixed. Now what?
Make sure your excavation company cleans up after their work. Did you know the property or building owner is fully responsible for the quality of the excavation provided? For example, when streets are not correctly patched after excavating, the city will often redo the streets and bill the property owner directly. The invoices are typically a more considerable dollar amount than what an expert excavation company would charge.
It is important to choose an excavation and plumbing service that will fix the problem and restore the property to its original condition. You should expect a superior customer service experience from your provider and have your property looking as good as new, or better, once the work is complete.
Choose RK Service as your trusted partner.
If you have a water crisis that requires excavation and plumbing services, RK Service has the knowledge, licensing and expertise to start digging under emergency circumstances. The team can help you navigate the process with our excellent customer support.
For information on RK Service and our emergency 24/7 response time, visit rkservice.com.
Construction has always been an essential force behind a growing economy and is vital to a city’s growth and infrastructure. Labor shortages, however, have impacted the industry with many trade-skilled men and women retiring. To combat the issue, construction companies, community colleges, and high school career and technical education programs are partnering to introduce career options in construction and other skilled trade careers to a new generation.
Apprenticeships provide an opportunity for construction companies to train and develop their workforce. Apprentices can learn a trade while working under the supervision of a journeyman-level expert, receiving real-world and hands-on developmental opportunities.
Importance of Apprenticeship Programs
With the future of the workforce ever-changing, companies and local governments are looking to apprenticeship programs to provide participants with the opportunity to learn trade skills while continuing to make a paycheck. Apprenticeship programs have long been used in the construction industry, but as the needs of the workforce change, apprenticeship programs are evolving to meet the needs of a variety of industries.
For young people looking for an alternative to traditional college, apprenticeship programs offer the opportunity to learn valuable job skills while earning a living. With the cost of college continuing to rise, apprenticeship programs provide an attractive debt-free option for many students. For those already in the workforce, apprenticeship programs offer a way to learn new skills and advance their career. As companies and governments evaluate the future of the workforce, apprenticeship programs will play an increasingly important role in providing workers with the skills they need to succeed.
Building the Future Workforce in Construction
Apprenticeship programs in the construction industry are seeing an increase in popularity, as more companies and local governments partner with schools and organizations to raise awareness about careers in construction and the trades. High schools, colleges, and trade schools are providing students with alternative pathways outside of the four-year college degree, and apprenticeship programs are seen as a way to provide career stability and growth.
Construction is a high-turnover industry, so outreach and retention methods are crucial to keeping workers employed. By providing education around career stability, students can feel confident going into a field that will provide them with the skills and training needed to get the job done and improve their finances for themselves and their families. Apprenticeship programs provide on-the-job training that can give workers the skills they need to be successful in their careers, and companies that offer these programs often have higher retention rates than those that do not.
Workforce Development at RK
RK has a long history of supporting workforce development in the communities it works in. Partnerships with trade schools and most recently, MSU Denver, have opened doors for students to earn a degree in construction management while also learning the hands-on skills necessary to succeed in the industry. Giving people an opportunity to further their careers without going into high debt is something that RK values. Its dedication to workforce development and its apprenticeship program has proven successful, with individuals graduating and pursuing opportunities within RK, further improving the state of the industry.
Grants for the Construction Industry
RK and its 501 (c)(3) organization, RK Foundation, support community organizations, providing grants to help bridge gaps in trade education. Donations to institutions like MSU Denver and The Master’s Apprentice help improve educational programming in construction, making it an attractive and viable career. It also helps fulfill the demand for workers in the skilled trades.
Visit the Department of Labor’s website to learn more about apprenticeship opportunities in construction and other industries. You can also find information about RK’s commitment to workforce development at rkindustries.com/careers/apprenticeship-program/.
Written by Ileana Morales
Apprenticeship act aims to build construction careers, RED, accessed September 19, 2022
Apprenticeship Week in the Construction Industry, DigiBuild, accessed September 19, 2022
Construction Apprenticeships: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow, ConstructConnect, accessed September 19, 2022
Every year, suicide rates in the United States climb higher and higher. On average, there are 133 suicides per day and according to a study by the CDC, over 47,000 people in the United States died by suicide each year.
If we drill down specifically to the construction industry, the problem is even more pronounced. A recent study in January 2020 found that the rate of suicides in construction is the second highest in the country, at approximately 5,500 suicides each year. For every 100,000 construction workers, over 45 will end up committing suicide. This is compared to the national average of over 14, which means that a person working in construction is 3.5 times more likely to take their own life. In fact, construction workers are more likely to die by suicide than from any other cause of death except accidents on the job.
So why are suicides so prevalent in the construction industry? And what can companies do to provide a safe environment for their employees? Let’s take a closer look at mental health awareness in the construction industry and some of the factors that contribute to the high suicide rate.
Factors that contribute to the high suicide rate in the construction industry
Construction work can be incredibly demanding, both mentally and physically. Long hours, tight deadlines, and exposure to dangerous working conditions can all take a toll on a person’s mental health. What’s more, construction workers are often reluctant to seek help for fear of being seen as weak or unable to handle the job. As a result, mental health issues often go unaddressed until they reach a crisis point.
There are several other factors that contribute to the high suicide rate in the construction industry. For instance, employees who are dissatisfied with their jobs are more likely to experience negative mental health outcomes. Because of the nature of the work, many construction workers feel like they don’t have much control over their lives or their working conditions. This lack of control can lead to feelings of helplessness and despair.
In addition to these workplace-related factors, some personal factors can contribute to an increased risk of suicide. For example, alcohol abuse is common among construction workers and has been linked to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Other risk factors include a history of depression or other mental illness, physical illness, financial stressors, relationship problems and a family history of mental illness or suicide.
Steps to manage and prevent suicide in the workplace
While the reasons for suicide can be complex, there are steps that companies can take to help manage and prevent suicide in the workplace. First, companies need to learn about the warning signs of suicide. These can include changes in mood, withdrawal from social activities, talking about wanting to die and giving away personal belongings. If an employee shows any of these signs, it’s important to create an open and safe environment where they feel comfortable discussing their problems, while also encouraging them to seek professional help.
It’s also important to provide easy access to resources for employees and to create safety guides for dealing with mental health, including actions to take if someone appears to be in danger of harming themselves. By taking these steps, companies can create a culture of safety and support that can help reduce the incidence of suicide in the construction industry.
Creating a safe work environment
Companies can create a safe environment for employees by promoting open communication about mental health struggles, providing access to resources and professional help when needed, and encouraging employees to lean on each other for support without shame or judgment. By raising awareness and taking measures to prevent suicides, we can save lives in the construction industry.
Investing in employee mental health
RK values its employees and understands the importance of creating a work environment that is safe, physically and mentally. Safety is the number one core value at RK and mental health awareness is a big part of the culture whether you are on a jobsite or in the office. We encourage employees to check in with their teammates to let them know you care about their well-being and provide training to help them better understand when to seek help for themselves or their teammates.
Mental health and suicide prevention resources
For information on our Employee Assistance Program, you can call 1.800.327.1850 or visit guidanceresources.com. This is available 24/7 for confidential support.
Text “Hello” to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
988 OR 1.800.273.8255 (English)
1.888.628.9454 (Espanol)
1.800.273.8255 (Deaf and Hard of Hearing)
Written by Ileana Morales