Movember, a combination of the word moustache “mo” and “November,” is an annual event that involves growing moustaches during the month of November. The focus is on raising awareness of men’s health issues, such as prostate and testicular cancer, poor mental health and suicide prevention.

On average, men die six years earlier than women do, often for reasons that are preventable. Men also account for 75% of all suicides worldwide.

So, what can men do to live happier and healthier lives? According to the Movember Foundation, these are the top five things men should do.

1. Spend time with friends and family: Being around people who make you feel happy is good for your mental health.
2. Talk more: Supporting one another by listening and being there can make a big difference. Connect with someone you suspect is going through a mental health crisis with the ALEC
3. Know your risk: Is there a history of cancer in your family? If so, talk to your doctor and consider being screened sooner than later.
4. Give yourself regular checks: Get to know what is normal for your body and check regularly. If you notice something that isn’t right, contact your doctor right away.
5. Get moving: Add more physical activity to your day. Try simply walking or biking more.

In a culture of masculinity, it can be challenging for men to open up about their feelings or health concerns. Another roadblock is that men’s health issues are not discussed enough. Movember hopes to bring positive change by kicking off the discussion worldwide each November.

Women can help by sharing this information with the men in their lives and encouraging them to be extra hairy during the month of November.

Movember Foundation. Men’s Health. Accessed October 27, 2020

PBS. The culture of masculinity and its negative impacts on men, September 8, 2019. Accessed October 27, 2020

Construction jobsites always impose general risks to the health and well-being of workers. Taking all safety precautions seriously, and proactively implementing measures to mitigate them is extremely important. With autumn upon us and winter right behind, there are few additional construction safety concerns to consider in keeping workers safe.

Flu Shots

Autumn is the start of flu season, and doctors recommended all adults get vaccinated against the flu. Health experts warn that the addition of another respiratory illness, such as the flu, on top of catching the ongoing COVID-19 virus could land people in the hospital much faster. Avoid the possibility by getting your flu shot now.

Ladder Safety

Autumn weather can leave the ground wet and muddy, making it harder to place ladders securely. Gusty winds may even knock over some ladders. In addition, messy boots can also cause slipping as workers ascend. Remember these tips for ladder safety:

• Clean any excess mud or water off boots before climbing on a ladder
• Use the right ladder for the job and inspect it before using
• Never do these:
  • Place the ladder on unstable ground
  • Climb higher than the third rung from the top
  • Try to move a ladder while you are on it

Respirators and Facial Hair

With November, also known as Movember, just around the corner, men will grow mustaches to raise awareness for men’s health issues. Workers need to be aware that facial hair could compromise a respirator’s seal. As long as the facial hair does not protrude under the respirator seal or interfere with the device’s valve function, there should be no issue. Short mustaches, sideburns and small goatees usually do not present a hazard, but always ensure that masks fit properly and snug before beginning work.

Review Standard Procedures

Now is a great time to remind employees about standard procedures that may not regularly be discussed on jobsites. Below are some important examples to cover during fall safety meetings.

• Evacuation: Remind employees of the designated meeting area and the importance of them going there in an emergency.
• Fall Arrest Systems: Provide a refresher on how to inspect fall arrest systems and ensure that they are fitted, rigged and anchored properly.
• Hearing Protection: Remind workers that while loud machines can cause hearing loss very quickly, lower decibel levels can also cause irreparable damage over time.
• Hand Protection: Remind employees to use the right gloves for each task and to keep them on until they are finished to avoid hand injuries.

Safety should always be the top priority on a construction site. Following these autumn safety tips can help ensure knowledgeable and safe workers. For more safety tips, visit the OSHA website.

Earlier this year, RK was featured on Denver 7 News in a story called “Construction company serves as national model for suicide prevention,” which highlighted the importance of removing the stigma around mental health in the workplace.

As an employer of skilled trades’ workers, one of the professions with a high rate of suicide, we take precautions to support and listen to our employees. The construction industry’s high rate of suicide stems from mental health issues, addiction, and a constantly changing job market. To ensure employees have a safe space, we have implemented certain initiatives, such as:

• Open communication culture that encourages employees to express their opinion and emotions in productive, healthy ways
• Mental wellness toolbox talks
• Suicide prevention training for all managers and supervisors
• Annual suicide prevention campaign with informative posters, social media posts, blogs and other company-wide messaging

In addition to RK’s efforts, Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP) suggests companies consider implementing the following resources at work to help reduce the likelihood of suicide.

• Issuing Wallet cards with warning signs and helplines to all employees
• Using Hardhat stickers to promote the CIASP STAND UP pledge
• Making screening tools accessible to help employees identify potential mental health issues
• Sharing Joyages Construction Industry Resource Page & Videos with teams to build awareness
• Asking your employee assistance program provider to present sessions on mental health and coping techniques

RK values our employees and understands the importance of mental health and wellness. Not only do we want our employees to receive the best mental and physical healthcare available, but we’d also like to help other companies provide access to the resources they need to do the same.

If you, or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please reach out to one of the numbers below to get help right away.

1. INTEGRATION RESOURCES, Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention

The refrigerant R-22, also known as chlorodifluoromethane, was banned earlier this year and is currently illegal to make or bring to the United States. It contains HCFCs, or greenhouse gases, that cause damage to the ozone layer when released into the atmosphere. In order to slow the environmental damage that has already occurred, governments have worked together to limit the number of ozone-depleting substances that can be used.

For years, R-22 refrigerant has been in the process of being phased out. Systems that run on it have likely reached their lifespan and are no longer effective. So, if an older R-22 system springs a leak, a tough decision has to be made. Facility managers can either retrofit the system for a replacement refrigerant, or replace the system entirely. Upgrading and retrofitting old R-22 infrastructure to work with a replacement refrigerant can save equipment, energy, money and the environment.

ALTERNATIVE REFRIGERANTS

• R-407C is a zeotropic blend of three hydrofluorocarbons.
  • Difluoromethane serves to provide the heat capacity, pentafluoroethane decreases flammability, tetrafluoroethane reduces pressure
  • Drop-in is not recommended in cases of low refrigerant levels, a full clean-out must be performed first
• R-421A by Choice is a newer option and considered the refrigerant of the future.
  • No unit oil change required, unlike other R-22 alternatives
  • With no measurable pressure difference to R-22, retrofitting is simple and familiar
  • A blend of only two refrigerants, R-421A exhibits consistent box temperatures
• R-458A TdX 20 by Bluon is a blend of five commercially used refrigerants. It delivers virtually identical capacity performance, significant energy savings, and extended equipment life.
  • Average 15% energy savings vs R-22 (up to 25%)
  • Virtually identical capacity to R-22 (+/- 3%)
  • No oil change required; works with POE and MO
  • Operates at lower pressures and temperatures
  • ASHRAE & EPA approved, warranty protected
• MO99 (R-438R) by Freon offers the closest performance match to R-22.
  • Compatible with all traditional and new lubricants, including mineral oil (MO), polyolester (POE) oil, and alkylbenzene (AB) oil
  • Drop-in replacement for R-22; doesn’t require an expansion valve or line set changes
  • Does not require an oil change
  • Easy maintenance once the retrofit is complete
• RS-44 (R-424A) is a non-flammable mixture of HFC 134a, HFC 125, iso-pentane, butane and isobutene.
  • Compatible with mineral traditional lubricants, alkyl benzene and also with synthetic POE
  • Drop-in replacement for R-22, providing an easy and long-term solution
  • Risk of humidity in the refrigerating equipment is avoided
  • Lower discharge temperature eliminates oil decomposition problems

RK Service’s expertly trained team of technicians can evaluate the refrigerant in your commercial system, recommend the right replacement option and execute the required retrofit or replacement. Call 877.576.9696 or email service@rkservice.com to schedule an appointment with one of RK Service’s expert technicians today.

Prevention

Recognizing warning signs of suicidal behavior is the first step in prevention. The following actions may indicate that someone is thinking about suicide.

• • Talking about: feeling hopeless or trapped, death or wanting to die, ways to commit suicide, having great guilt or shame, feeling unbearable pain (physically or emotionally), or being a burden to others
  • Acting anxious, enraged, agitated or withdrawn
  • Giving away important possessions or making a will
  • Suddenly using excessive alcohol/drugs or taking unnecessary risks like excessive speeding
  • Changing eating or sleeping habits
  • Saying goodbye to friends and family

If there is concern that someone may be contemplating suicide, ask them in a discreet and supportive way. Depression can prevent people from opening up. So, if you really believe something is wrong, keep asking and tell them about the changes that you have noticed in them. While it isn’t always easy, asking if an at-risk person has a plan and removing or disabling the lethal means can save their life.

Intervention

If they admit that they are suicidal, be there for them. Listen carefully about what they are thinking and feeling. Acknowledging and talking about suicide can actually reduce suicidal thoughts. Refer them to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and the Crisis Text Line’s number: 741741 for further support. Getting them to a trained professional is important, as they may need to be hospitalized until the crisis has passed.

If you can, consider removing harmful objects from their home that could be used for suicide, such as knives, firearms, ropes, pills and household cleaners containing dangerous chemicals. If the person takes a prescription that could be used for an overdose, encourage them to have someone else safeguard it.

Once someone has made it through a suicide crisis, they will still need ongoing support. Meeting regularly with a therapist is highly advised to work through the issues that brought them to considering suicide. This can help them find coping strategies in case thoughts of suicide begin to emerge again. Honoring milestones, like making it through another week or month is a great way to move forward with healing.

Additionally, after you have helped someone through a suicide crisis, staying in touch with them can make a big difference. Suicide death rates go down when someone regularly follows up with the at-risk person.

Even though it can be frightening to help someone through a suicide crisis, it is important to take action.  Most suicides can be prevented if the warning signs are recognized soon enough. By reaching out and getting them the support they need before it’s too late, you can help to save a life.

National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
1.800.273.8255 (English)
1.888.628.9454 (Espanol)
1.800.273.8255 (Deaf and Hard of Hearing)

Crisis Text Line:
Text “Hello” to 741741

With vacations on hold, fewer people are taking time off work than ever. Many employees feel that they are either too busy to take time off or that they might miss something important by not being there. Some feel guilty for taking the time, believing that they will not be considered dedicated to their job.

The added pressures of the pandemic aren’t helping matters. More employees are reluctant to use their vacation time because of lingering uncertainty, feeling they must prioritize work above all else. The threat of businesses closing or downsizing has many employees wanting to prove that they are dedicated and necessary to the business’s success.

On top of this, mental health has been negatively affected. More than half of adults in the U.S. have worries and stress related to the pandemic. From adjusting to working from home, where employees are working longer hours because they have a hard time distinguishing work versus home life, to concerns of family members getting sick. Moreover, with all of the frightening news and, for some, suddenly becoming a homeschool teacher, everyone is stressed far more than they probably even realize.

Saving all of your vacation time for the holidays or a potential sickness may not be the best idea. Even if travel isn’t possible, occasionally taking a couple of days off to recharge mentally is beneficial. You can use your time to clean up the house, knock out some projects that have been on your list for a while, visit a lake or river for a day of fun in the sun with the family or just order takeout and relax on the couch. Regardless of what you do, taking some time for yourself is necessary to avoid burnout.

Not using the vacation days that you have earned is like working for free. So take off an occasional day or two and detach from work during that time. Regular time off can rejuvenate employees, making them happier and more productive. It also helps to reduce stress levels and improve overall health, possibly even increasing overall lifespan.

In fact, humans can’t endure long periods of stress without experiencing burnout unless they allow for adequate recovery time. What are you waiting for? Request some scheduled days off now and start recharging your mind and body.

1. Rachel Pelta, Why You Should Take Time Off During the Pandemic, FlexJobs, May 15, 2020

2. Shannon McMahon, TRAVELING MAY NOT BE SAFE, BUT LEAVING VACATION DAYS BEHIND ISN’T HEALTHY EITHER, Washington Post, August 12, 2020

3. Heather Smith, Encourage Taking Time Off — Yes, Even During A Pandemic, Forbes, July 14, 2020

4. Vicky McKeever, Why it’s still important to take days off work, if you can, while in lockdown, CNBC, April 22, 2020

Now that many teams around the world are working remotely, keeping lines of communication open is more important than ever. Lack of consistent communication can leave teammates feeling isolated and out of the loop. New approaches are necessary to keep teams engaged and focused. Here are the top 8 ways to maintain cohesion while working apart.

1. Provide the Right Tools
   Giving your team the right virtual tools that allow for online collaboration and project management help make work smooth and effortless, leading teams to be more successful and happier.
2. Do Regular Check-ins
   Check-in with the team regularly not just about projects but also about their wellbeing.
3. Don’t Micromanage
   Aside from the check-ins, trust that your team is getting the work done. Constant micromanaging can be demotivating and distracting. In addition, pay attention to your tone. Typed messages often carry more weight, leaving employees feeling a lack of respect.
4. Offer Transparency
   Transparency and knowledge sharing help members of a remote team do their job more effectively. Whenever possible, involve employees in decisions that will affect them too.
5. Prioritize Video Conferences
   While phone calls can work in a pinch, choose video calls whenever possible. Being able to see each other can reduce the feeling of isolation as well as increase interaction and brainstorming, helping to keep the creativity flowing.
6. Set Clear Expectations and Boundaries
   Reduce frustration by setting clear expectations from the onset such as expected specific working hours and break times, as well as how much you expect them to accomplish each day.
7. Recognition and Gratitude
   Employees and teams need to know when they are killing it, not just when they need improvement. Remember to acknowledge great work and helpful moments, and spread the gratitude to higher levels and other departments.
8. Encourage Social Time
   Having personal conversations with each other and playing games can help to strengthen the team’s connection.

Having a remote team can bring many advantages. With the right tools, communication and policies, teams can enjoy the best of them, while easily managing challenges along the way.

1. Expert Panel, 14 Tips for Keeping a Distributed Team Cohesive, Forbes, July 1, 2020

2. Hannah Price, 5 Ways to Keep a Distributed Team Cohesive, Jostle, accessed July 23, 2020

3. Andrea Woroch, 10 Ways Remote Workers Can Improve Communication Skills, U.S. News, April 2, 2020

COVID-19 unexpectedly swept into 2020 taking away many of the most anticipated events of the year including the summer Olympics, concerts, festivals, birthday parties and any other type of gathering involving many people or a public space. As we continue to live through this pandemic, it is important that we find ways to enjoy summer to ensure our physical and mental well-being. Here are some ideas of things to do this summer to stay safe while having some fun.

Explore Your Community

Summer is the perfect time to explore your own community. Hike or ride your bike on a new trail, spend an afternoon on a canoe or paddleboard in a local lake, or pick up a sport like tennis or golf, which are all considered low-risk activities. Visit a local farm to pick fresh fruits or vegetables. Hit the neighborhood pool or splash pad at off-peak times to avoid crowds. Better yet, turn on the sprinkler and get cooled off at home.

Make it a staycation by getting takeout from a nearby restaurant that you’ve been meaning to try, renting a film that aligns with the food’s ethnicity and immersing yourself in that culture. If you have kids, spend a little time researching that country online and find a fun cultural activity to do together.

Learn New Skills or Pick up a New Hobby While at Home

Spend some free time at home wisely by learning a new skill like painting, gardening, cooking, woodworking or learn how to play an instrument. Or, work on a DIY backyard project to make your outdoor space more enjoyable.

Have a picnic and play some board or yard games outside. Invite over a small group of friends who have been quarantining for a socially distant BBQ. Have your guests bring their own food and drinks to limit the spread of germs and place chairs a safe distance from one another.

Plan a Road Trip

Any travel is risky during a pandemic, but if you simply need to get away, camping is one of the least risky things you can do. Because it takes place outdoors and is isolated, there is less risk of infection. Traveling to a vacation home with just your family or a small selected group of friends can also be a good option.

Regardless of how you spend your time this summer, remember to be diligent about sunscreen. Use a product with high SPF regularly and try to stay indoors or in the shade during the sun’s midday peak to avoid sunburn. By following safety precautions including wearing a mask, keeping distance and washing your hands, you can still plan many fun adventures this summer.

For more tips, check out the CDC guidelines on going out.

1. The Summer of COVID-19: Tips for Families to Have a Safe, Fun Season, Emerson Hospital, June 17, 2020

2. Jill Amsberry, DO , Enjoying Summer Safely During COVID-19, CentraCare, May 28, 2020

3. Editorial Staff, How to Enjoy Summer Activities during the COVID-19 Pandemic, American Lung Association, June 30, 2020

4. Becky Upham, Your COVID-19 Summer Safety Guide, Everyday Health, June 23, 2020

With COVID-19 continuing to spread across the U.S., safety teams remain on high alert. In addition to standard practices, construction sites have already implemented various new policies to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus, including:

• Daily temperature checks
• Requiring employees to stay home if not feeling well
• Wearing a mask or face-covering that covers the nose and mouth
• Maintaining a social distance of at least 6 feet
• Minimizing equipment sharing and regularly wiping equipment down
• Daily sanitization of equipment, frequently touched surfaces and personal clothing
• Practicing proper hand washing throughout the day or using hand sanitizer when a sink isn’t available
• Keeping workers educated about the latest COVID-19 protocols during toolbox talks

Now that summer is in full swing, there are additional hazards and challenges to consider. These top summer safety practices can help keep construction workers safe when the heat is intense.

1. Avoid long periods of work in direct mid-day sunshine. If possible, complete portions of work that must be performed out in the open early or late in the day.
2. Stay hydrated. Do not wait until thirst sets in to drink fluids, drink them regularly throughout the day. Avoid caffeinated and sugary beverages as they can add to dehydration. Instead, focus on mainly drinking water.
3. Eat smart. Eating a heavy meal can make the body sluggish, especially in the heat. Instead, try to choose lighter healthier options for lunch to keep you energized throughout the afternoon. In addition, salty snacks throughout the day can help to replenish sodium lost through sweat.
4. Wear sunscreen and lightweight breathable clothing, in lighter colors. Not only will this protect your skin from UV rays but it will also help keep your body temperature down.
5. Take regular breaks, preferably in shaded areas. While resting, use that time to drink water, eat a small snack and reapply sunscreen. When removing your face covering to cool off or eat a snack, make sure to do so a safe distance from others.
6. Be aware of signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If after excessive sweating, you begin to feel dizzy, nauseous, confused or disoriented, have slurred speech, get a throbbing heading or worse, you suddenly stop sweating altogether, you need to hydrate immediately. If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or anyone else, get immediate medical attention, as this can result in death or disability.

The following resources offer more advice on summer construction safety: Construction’s Top 5 Summer Safety Hazards and What To Do About Them, 17 Summer Safety Tips for Construction: Keep Your Team Safe in the Heat and 10 Hot-Weather Safety Tips for Construction.

Additionally, check out OSHA’s COVID-19 Guidance for the Construction Workforce or the CDC’s What Construction Workers Need to Know about COVID-19, for more advice on how to stay safe during the pandemic.

Thanks to all the hardworking construction workers who are helping to build and grow our communities. Stay safe out there!

As states continue to gradually reopen, people are experiencing high levels of stress as they learn to reintegrate back into the community, public spaces and work environments. With the added pressure of going back into office settings, comes a great deal of anxiety for a lot of people. Whether in the office or continuing to work from home, here are some ways in which you can learn to manage your stress during this pandemic.

Reach Out
Mental health experts agree that reaching out for help during this uncertain time is more important than ever. With therapists now available through apps and conference calls, it’s easier than ever to obtain confidential, therapy from trained professionals. There are various options available through insurance or free from local state agencies. If therapy isn’t your cup of tea, just reaching out to a close friend or family member can also have the same benefits. Sometimes just sharing your experience is all it takes to ease your mind.

Structure
When attempting to maintain a positive work/life balance, it can be difficult to follow a consistent schedule when working from home or remotely. It’s important to provide yourself and your family as much structure as possible to avoid any additional chaotic stress caused by unknowns. Getting a schedule together for your workday and/or family time, schools schedules, etc. may alleviate additional pressure caused by inconsistency.

Be Patient with Yourself
The rapid lifestyle changes that accompanied the pandemic are something that we have never experienced before. Oftentimes, we can put undue pressure on ourselves to “be okay” which can exacerbate the issues. Give yourself the space to experience emotions and also be honest with your peers and management staff on how to best help you through this challenging time.

Take Breaks
Working from home can often quickly lead to burnout. Because a vast majority of individuals are now working from home, the molding of home and work life can have a negative impact on your mental health and well-being. It’s important to give yourself a set work schedule while also ensuring that you are taking time off. Your European vacation may have been cancelled, but still take those days off to make sure you’re giving your body and mind the breaks they need.

Physical Activity
Small amounts of daily physical activity release much needed endorphins to improve mood and overall health. Even if it’s taking your dog for a small walk or a short 30-minute yoga break during the day, your mental health relies on body movement.

RK understands the importance of mental health care and we invest in the well-being of our associates. If you or a family member are struggling with thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255.