MBEX Has the Scoop

One Word: Layers

It's the end of the month, and the weather's dipping below zero.

Working outside has its ups (fresh air, being in the great outdoors) and downs (frostbite, icy work surfaces, hypothermia). If you find yourself working in outdoors year-round, especially during these sub-zero cold spells, how to dress properly for the elements becomes VERY important. And we have one word for you: layers.

Layering clothes of the right fabrics can make a world of difference when facing a long shift on a cold, sub-zero winter day.

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OSHA recommends wearing at least three layers of loose-fitting clothing (tight clothing can affect blood circulation and make it harder for blood to reach extremities):

• Base Layer - The layer which wicks away moisture and removes sweat off the skin. Clothing should lay against the skin (but loosely) so it can effectively move moisture away from the body. A lightweight polyester blend shirt is great for the upper body, and polyester is perfect for the lower body.

• Middle Layer - The layer that insulates and captures heat. Like the base layer, the middle layer should also work to move moisture away from the body. The looseness of the clothing allows heat to become trapped inside and against the body. Fleece and wool are great options, such as a heavy wool sweater. Avoid cotton as it traps moisture and take a lot of time to dry. A pair of midweight fleece pants are a great choice for the lower body.

• Outer Layer - The layer that serves as a shell of protection from the wind, rain and snow. This layer should be waterproof or water-resistant with ventilation, which will help keep you drier. If a lot of physical activity is planned for the day, a breathable outer layer is recommended. For the upper body, a waterproof coat is best, while quality waterproof and breathable work pants work best for your bottom half.

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Other Helpful Tips for Staying Warm on the Jobsite:
It's important to cover exposed skin, which may include hats, thermal liners for under one's hard hat, gloves, and face masks. Double layering one's socks is helpful in keeping feet warm (and it's easy to remove a pair if your feet become damp). Help yourself stay dry even further by wearing a pair of well-insulated, waterproof boots.

Whichever type of protective gear you use, you’ll want to ensure visibility and loose-fitting layers. Wearing bright, reflective clothes is always important, but the early sunset of winter can mean working more in the dark, so high-visibility gear is especially useful. 

It's important to limit exposure to the cold as much as possible, too. Employers should provide a heated area such as a trailer or tent for crews to take frequent breaks and warm up. Employers should also encourage workers to change wet clothes and drink warm beverages in the heated area. Break time is the perfect opportunity to check for signs of frostbite or hypothermia too. Heating devices of any kind should be used safely (as always). 

Workers should drink warm beverages and room-temperture warm to keep hydrated (yes, even when its five below zero). As good as that hot cup of coffee is, it's better to avoid beverages with caffiene or alcohol in them. Caffiene is a diuretic which causes water loss and increases dehydration, which could ultinmately lead to hypothermia. 

10 *More* Construction Gift Ideas on Amazon

Still looking for a gift for a construction worker in your life, and for one that costs less than $300? Have no fear; MBEX recommendations are here!

We put together this list to provide a variety of fun and essential items the construction worker on your list will find useful. And in case you're wondering, yes, the items on this list are suitable for both men and women. 

1.) SOLID Safety Goggles (Amazon, $19.99)
Perhaps not the flashiest gift, but certainly a necessity. Soft rubber sealing molds perfectly to the shape of any face, offering eye protection from all sides. An adjustable headband provides individual and firm fits, and can also be worn over prescription eye glasses.

2.) Huntkey USB Wall Adapter (Amazon, $22.99)
This nifty little device transforms one AC outlet into four AC outlet and three USB charging ports. And all will surge protection! Mutilple devices can be plugged in and charged all in one location without worrying about voltage spikes.

3.) LED Desk Lamp with Clamp (Amazon, $53.99)
This LED fixture has a strong light source that can be adjusted to the users preference. It also has a fairly large three-part arm that also helps get just the right light. It clamps to the desk, and also has an additional "sidelight" to shine light on the desk surface from a seperate direction than the main light source.

4.) Lumburry Build-On Brick Coffee Mug (Amazon, $15.99)
Construction workers of all kinds love Lego and they love coffee, so this fun and functional gift is perfect for anyone within the industry. 

5.) Leica Disto D2 Laser Measure (Amazon, $155.49)
A must-have for those out in the field. Many basic models of this kind of device tend to top out around 150 feet when measuring large spaces. This specific device can get 330 feet! Leica is a high-quality brand and features a solid laser for space measurements.

6.) 100 Ideas that Changed Architecture (Amazon, $23.03)
An inspiring book chronicling the most influential ideas to have shaped architecture. Providing a concise history of the subject matter, this book is a fascinating resource to dive into if design and architecture are your thing. Each innovative and influential concept, technologie, technique and movement include is presented through entertaining text and arresting visuals.

7.)  Ember Smart Mug (Amazon, $129.95)
This ceramic-coated stainless steel meug has an ion-lithium battery inside its base, and allows its user to keep their drink hot for up to 2-hours off the charging pad or all-day long kept sitting on the pad. Don't drink coffee? No problem! It works equally for keeping tea and hot chocolate hot (or whatever your beverage of choice). 

8.) Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera (Amazon, $159.99)
Offering crystal clear footage day or night, speedy load times for its live feed, and a smart notification system makes the Arlo Pro 4 a fantastic choice when it comes to outdoor security camera. It connects directly to WiFi, has a 160-degree wide field of view, and records at up to 2K resolution with HDR. It has an easy-to-use app, and the camera filters motion alerts by people, animals, vehicles, and packages.You will also need an Arlo Secure plan ($3/month for a single camera) to make the most of its features, and it also provides 30 days of cloud video history.

9.) Matein Travel Laptop Backpack (Amazon, $23.99)
Contractors are usually on the move, between getting to the office and various job sites day in and day out. This is where a good backpack is key. This laptop bag by Matein is incredibly useful, offering plenty of storage space and pockets. Made from very durable and sturdy materials, this backpack is functional, safe, and even features a USB port to make sure the carrier's device is always powered.

10.) Carhartt Women's Force Stretch Utility Leggings (Amazon, $59.95)
This one is specifically for the ladies of the construction industry. Pockets, sturdy and stretchy fabric...these leggings will hold up and best of all, they feel like leggings that don't look like leggings.

*Prices indicated by each product were those shown on the company's website at the time of publishing. They may have changed since this list was posted.

10 Gift Ideas for the Construction Pro

Whether shopping for family members, close friends, the neighbors, employees, business partners or valued customers, the holiday shopping list is long and a few suggestions may just spark the gift idea you need. That's where we come in!

We've gathered 10 gift ideas below that would make any construction professional happier;(and warmer) on the job site.Check back every Friday, now through Christmas, as we'll be sharing even more gift ideas throughout the month.

Happy browsing, and may the gift finding odds be ever in your favor:

1.) HOT LOGIC Slow Cooker Lunch Box (Lowe's, $49.95)
Lunch is an essential part of any construction worker's day. This Slow Cooker Lunch Box can cook on-site or in their vehicle if they have a120-volt outlet or power inverter, and warms up a meal in about an hour.

2.) HotHands Hand-Body-Toe Warmers (Target, $11.99)
A great stocking stuffer idea! These air-activated heat packs provide just the right amount of heat without being uncomfortable or depending on batteries.

3.) Milwaukee Tool and Equipment Tracker (Amazon, $28.99)
With this gadget, any construction pro will know when they’re near their gear, whether it’s buried in their tool bag or the back of someone else’s truck.

4.) Women's All-Seasons Hemp Canvas Double Knee Pants (Patagonia, $54.99)
It can be hard to find clothes cut for a woman that can take the physical wear and tear of a construction site. These double-knee canvas work pants are a terrific exception.

5.) Arris Adjustable Heated Vest (Amazon, $149.98)
With eight heating elements and five heat settings, this vest heats from 104-degrees to an ultra-toasty 176 degrees. It's adjustable fit means it's not too snug so the wearer won't feel like their inside a sauna.

6. LoggerHead Bionic Adjustable Wrench - 14 Wrenches in 1 (Amazon, $27.99)
Behold, the wrench of the future. The expandable spanner is technically 14 wrenches in one, is easy to adjust and has an angled grip to get the best angle and the best torque possible.

7.) LED Flashlight Gloves (Amazon, $17.99)
When the sun sets earlier and earlier, it's darker quicker. Find whatever was dropped right quick with these LED Flashlight Gloves on one's hands. Two beams on each hand, the user has four points of light to guide their seeking. 

8.) DEWALT ToughSystem Radio and Battery Charger (Amazon, $239)
One can listen to the radio or play songs through Bluetooth on this speaker. Not only is it portable, it's also stackable and capable of supplying clear and crisp sounds. Resistant to water and dust, it's an ideal construction tool for the workplace and is not likely to sustain damage even after prolonged use.

9.) PEET Original Electric Shoe & Boot Dryer (Peet Dryer, $49.99)
The PEET Original Shoe & Boot Dryer utilizes a unique airflow system that takes the air from outside and warms it slightly before circulating it through the footwear in order to dry it quickly. Not only does the process prevent mold from growing, but it also removes stenches from the footwear that are bound to be there at the end of a tough workday.

10.) WOLFBOX Mirror Dash Backup Camera / Smart Rearview Mirror for Cars & Trucks (Amazon, $199.99)
When the truck is loaded and the jobsite is crowded, backing up safely can be a challenge. This camera will assist and guide the driver to the unloading point which means less craning and straining on the neck.

*Prices indicated by each product were those shown on the company's website at the time of publishing. They may have changed since this list was posted.

Preparing Heavy Equipment for a Well-Deserved Break

Like it or not, winter has arrived. For some, this means the construction season is winding down and your equipment is about to get a little well-deserved time off. Or perhaps you're getting ready to park your fleet in storage. Either way, prepping your machines properly for their downtime now will save downtime come spring.

Hopefully you find this quick winter storage checklist helpful:

• Clean the entire machine. Yes, the entire machine. That includes the engine compartment, the undercarriage on tracked machines and the inside of the cab. Remove all dirt, grease and debris. Just think about how nice it'll be pulling the same machine out of storage come spring and the cab is already spic and span.

• Lubricate any moving parts, including hinges. This will reduce friction and protect them from damaging cold temperatures. Use a high viscosity lubricant --- it won't drop off your equipment in the freezing temps and it coats parts better than low viscosity grease. It's also a good idea to start the machine regularly to keep the engine and all its components lubricated while in storage.

• Top off fuel and fluids. This helps in preventing condensation in the tanks, which can lead to startup issues next season. Also think about adding a fuel stabilizer.

• Check fluids and filters. If you're getting close to your next preventative maintenance internal, replace them before storing the machine. Otherwise, maintain your normal maintenance schedule during storage.

• Check the machine's tire pressure. You may want to slightly overinflate the tires to avoid flattening over time, especially if the machine is going to sit cold the whole time it's enjoying break-time.

• Disconnect the battery. Store it in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays above 32°F.

• Remove and inspect any attachments. Store them in a separate place, also at room temperature (32°F); this will protect hoses and connections from the colder temps and make them easier to attach when they're needed again.

Perform a thorough walkaround. This is the time to check for damage and wear and tear on the machine. Be sure to pay special attention to hydraulic hoses and fittings, which can be more susceptible to cracking and ultimately failure in colder conditions. Repair or replace now, if possible, or make sure to do it right away at the start of the new season.

• Protect the machine from the elements. Store it indoors or in a dry, protected located where it's not exposed to direct sunlight and wind. Use protective covers like cribbing and crane mats to keep out the dirt and moisture that can cause rust. A tarp covering also adds protection from the elements, if an indoor option isn't readily available.

• Tag the machine to indicate it's in storage condition. This will help keep crew members and others from unknowingly putting it into service before its ready and prepped for a working environment.

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When all else fails, it's always a good idea to start with each machine's Operation & Maintenance Manual, which will include model-specific storage instructions. But, if the machine's manual can't be found, this handy list will put you on the right path for your fleet to enjoy a relaxing break from the action.

Why Veterans Make Great Construction Employees

There's no way around it; the construction industry NEEDS more workers. Earlier this year, Associated Builders and Contractors determined the industry will need to hire 650,000 more workers than the typical place of hiring to meet the demand for labor in 2022. 

The United States veteran population offers a prime candidate pool from which to hire from to fill these employment gaps. There are around 19 million veterans in the U.S., with an estimated 200,000 Americans transitioning from the military each year. Some of Skanska's leaders are veterans, so the company is familiar with the professional skills ingrained through military service and has experienced firsthand how those skills transfer to the construction industry quite easily.

As companies large and small grapple with how to address the workforce shortage, here are three of the many benefits veterans offer the industry and open construction jobs:

ADAPTABILITY
An adaptable nature is vital in an industry as variable as construction. It is not simply that veterans are used to picking up and moving to different work locations. A central adaptability allows veterans to quickly and easily comprehend a variety of circumstances. Former service members are fast learners and adept multi-taskers, tackling new assignments with poise and determination.

Veterans’ adaptability skills also come extremely in handy when facing crucial situations calling for flexibility. Sometimes, projects do not move forward as planned. Former service members will have a self-awareness about them to regroup and pivot in a new direction, a skill needed for field-level decisions to figure out a new path forward.

LEADERSHIP
Strong leadership is critically important to construction crews, but not every applicant comes to the table with that experience, and even fewer are able to implement it well. The leadership experience provided through military service enables veterans to effectively manage new and stressful situations in the construction industry.

Former service members are uniquely equipped to make decisions under pressure, safely and successfully instruct their crew through even the most demanding days. That expert demonstration of leadership cultivates a deeper sense of trust between manager and crew, advancing a stronger bond across project teams.

DISCIPLINE
Discipline is an incredibly valuable quality within the construction industry. When a manager brings on a veteran, they can essentially guarantee their employee will not only show up, but arrive on time and ready to work.

Veterans are process-oriented and recognize the importance of following the proper steps of an operation and project --- a very important part of operating on an active (and often dangerous) construction site. Veterans have also honed their attention to detail, a key factor that keeps construction projects on track and helps prevent accidents on the job. Jobsites managed by veterans also tend to be very clean and carefully looked after.

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While technical skills can easily be taught, the adaptability, leadership, and discipline developed through military service are much more difficult to come by. Try engaging with service members prior to their transition out of the military and back into civilian life. As our industry faces a drastic shortage of workers, there are ways our businesses can reach this incredible population of potential employees, and concentrated engagement is key.

7 Tips to Increase Construction Productivity

We all want to say we're "done" with COVID-19, but the latest stats show that we're not out of the woods yet. Experts are calling this upcoming winter a tri-demic, a superstorm of three major illnesses expected to surge once temperatures dip (COVID-19, RSV, and the flu). And the construction industry isn't immune the headaches this could potentially cause for upcoming projects.

The industry has seen project delays, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages. In short, the industry is still reeling, and the smallest firms have been hit the hardest, losing construction productivity on jobs they've won and seeing a huge decrease in profitability. While we need to keep a positive outlook (and there's plenty to feel good about), many contractors are struggling to remain profitable. That's why we've put together this short list of tips to help improve construction productivity, which hopefully in the long run will increase revenue and improve profitability in the coming months.

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TIP 1 - Learn how to track and manage nine key numbers in your business to increase your overall construction profit margins. These numbers include profits, equity, overhead, sales, job costs, contracts, receivables, liability, and cashflow. The more you understand these numbers and track them, the better you'll be in increasing your overall profitability.

TIP 2 - Be more resourceful in terms of finding jobs to bid on by leveraging bidding sites for jobs in your region and subcontractor networks to help source your teams once you do win the bid. MBEX's Online Plan Room, as well as its networking opportunities that come with membership, can help immensely with both pinpointing jobs in your region (especially if your work is in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, or South Dakota) and connecting with subcontractors.

TIP 3 - Set up a CRM. CRM is short for Customer Relationship Management, but it's really a tool to help you track sales, manage sales pipelines, and leverage customer insights to increase sales and grow revenue. A few to try, especially if you are a smaller business, would be Hubspot, ActiveCampaign, or BenchmarkOne.

TIP 4 - Increase social media marketing on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, especially Facebook and LinkedIn Groups. Use smart jobsite technology to upload jobsite photos into a shared album to increase your firm's reach and engagement. Social media is a primary way to find new business, so if you're not currently investing in social media, you should start now.

TIP 5 - Leverage global freelancing platforms like Upwork to hire freelancers or agencies to automate your admin support, finance, lead generation, and basic sales and marketing tasks. With Upwork, you can leverage freelancers for small jobs or discover agencies that can partner with you for long term projects so you can scale your business at a fraction of the cost of hiring full-time employees.

TIP 6 - Set up Slack, GSuite Communities, or Microsoft Teams to improve communication across the company (instead of replying only on email). By improving communication, you'll increase productivity and reduce costly errors that hurt your business's bottom line.

TIP 7 - Developing a detailed and accurate construction estimate or quantity takeoff can help your business win more bids, effectively increasing your revenue, and also save you money by ensuring your project won't incur cost overruns. If needed, consider outsourcing construction estimates to construction estimating services.

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Contractors, especially smaller firms, are seeing project delays, losing resources and funding, and experiencing project losses and decreased profit margins. We hope these 7 tips can help your business not just survive but thrive as we head into winter and beyond.