As the air turns crisp and leaves take on autumn hues, the construction industry must adapt to new challenges and hazards with the changing seasons. While the beauty of fall is undeniable, it’s crucial to remain vigilant about safety on the job site. This blog will dive into essential autumn safety and wellness tips tailored specifically for the construction industry.

Slip and Fall Prevention: A Slippery Slope

Slip and fall accidents are a significant concern in the construction industry, especially during autumn. Studies have shown that wet leaves and frost can significantly increase the risk of falls.

Clear Walkways

Wet leaves can create slippery conditions. Make it a point to clear walkways, scaffolds and work areas of wet or decaying leaves. Here’s a guide on how to do it effectively.

Frost Alert

Morning frost can make surfaces like roofs, scaffolds, and ladders particularly slippery. Extra caution is advised during the early hours. Learn more about frost hazards.

Footwear

Opt for boots with slip-resistant soles to minimize the risk of falls. Check out safety standards for recommended footwear.

Dress for the Weather: Layering Up

Flexible Layers

Dress in layers that can be easily added or removed as the temperature changes throughout the day. Here are some layering tips.

Task-Appropriate

Ensure you dress for the occasion and are comfortable while carrying out your tasks. Keep yourself warm and cozy with appropriate clothing that suits your needs.

Lighting the Way: Shorter Days, Dimmer Lights

Well-Lit Areas

Ensure that work areas are adequately lit, especially if you’re working during dawn or dusk. Choosing the right lighting can be a daunting task. However, you can make the process much easier with a few helpful tips.

High-Visibility Clothing

When working in areas with low light or near traffic, it is essential to prioritize safety. To ensure visibility and protection, it is crucial to wear high-visibility clothing.

Equipment Maintenance: Pre-Winter Checks

Damage Inspection

Check tools and equipment for any signs of wear and tear that may have occurred during the warmer months. Here’s a maintenance checklist.

Winterization

Prepare machinery for colder temperatures to ensure they operate efficiently throughout the season. Learn how to winterize your machinery.

Training: Seasonal Hazards and Emergency Procedures

Seasonal Hazards

It’s crucial to equip workers with the necessary skills to recognize and manage the potential hazards of autumn, such as slippery surfaces and strong winds. Proper training can ensure a safe and productive work environment for everyone involved.

Emergency Procedures

Anticipate unforeseen weather conditions, such as early snowfall. Being prepared is key, so consider the steps your team can take to ensure your team and jobsite are ready for any situation.

Mental Health: More Than Just Physical Safety

Supportive Environment

Encouraging a positive work culture and supporting employees can lead to a productive and enjoyable work environment.

Mental Health Resources

Provide resources or avenues for workers to seek help for mental health issues. Here are some recommended resources.

Maintaining Safety and Efficiency

The autumn season presents unique challenges to the construction industry, but we can effectively navigate them with proactive measures and a focus on safety. By taking necessary precautions, construction sites can maintain a safe and productive environment during this beautiful time of year.

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.

Employers in the construction industry have their way of assessing employees to get the right candidate for employment. Equally, employees can evaluate prospective employers before taking a job. Choosing the right employer enhances your job satisfaction and reduces turnover. Here, we examine the qualities of good prospective employers to help you make informed decisions when looking for a job.  

Work-Life Balance

There is a general demand for a work-life balance cutting across all industries. Workers are now, more than ever, concerned about getting a perfect integration between work and personal life. Construction workers should consider working for companies that offer flexible working hours or schedules that provide a work-life balance. The potential employer should have innovative approaches to working hours rather than the conventional construction industry working hours. 

While the work environment may not meet all your demands, it should allow you to earn a consistent wage and still have time for other activities in your life.

Consistent Payment Frequency

The company you want to work for should have a consistent and preferably a weekly payment plan. When you get a company that pays weekly wages, you join the over 70% of construction workers who prefer a weekly payment frequency. In the weekly payment plan, you receive a paycheck every Thursday or Friday.

This payment frequency allows you to plan your expenditures and savings to meet your short and long-term goals. A weekly payment plan also allows you to receive prompt overtime payments and get the motivation to offer your best. 

Competitive Wages

Other than the consistency of the payments, the potential employer should offer competitive wages. A good starting point is to check the average weekly wage for construction workers in your region. In Colorado, the average weekly pay for construction workers is $617, while in New Mexico and Utah, the average weekly wage is $631. It is better to work for a construction company that pays above the average weekly wage. 

Potential for Overtime Opportunities

Besides the weekly wage, a good construction company will provide the opportunity for overtime. Overtime compensates you for hours worked beyond the stipulated working hours. The contract should specify the hourly rates and overtime rates. In most cases, overtime rates are higher than the hourly rates. Understanding the hourly rates allows you to estimate your total weekly wage.

Further, look for a company that pays you during your off days. When you get paid during your off days, you have time with your family and friends without compromising your weekly earnings. Off days also help reduce the risk of burnout and other mental health  issues common in the construction industry. Your prospective employer should also provide monetary and non-monetary incentives like bonuses and opportunities for growth.  

Tenured and Knowledgeable Trainers

Most construction workers want an employer that will help them improve their skills. When looking for a new employer, you should check their policy on employee training and the knowledge of the trainers. Receiving frequent training helps in;

Skill Development

Frequent training sessions help improve your skills and expand your knowledge in the field. The training opens doors for new opportunities and career advancement. Moreover, the training helps you equip yourself with current standards of operations and technology in the construction industry. Lack of training opportunities increases employees’ risk of obsolescence and redundancy.

Increased Self-confidence  

Training helps improve your confidence to take more challenging roles and increases the chances of promotion.

Better Job Satisfaction

Training enhances your interpersonal skills, which leads to job satisfaction. Learning how to resolve conflicts, for instance, helps you to improve the relationship between you and your colleagues. 

Relocation Compensation

Although most employers do not pay relocation compensation for newly employed workers, you can still get one that pays. Employers who pay relocation allowances to new employees do so to attract talent. If you get an opportunity to work for such a company, you could have a high chance of advancing your career as the employer values your talent.

Good Online Reviews

Through platforms like online directories, Google listings, and social media sites, former and current employees provide reviews about their employers. The online reviews aid in making informed decisions on whether to send a job application or not.

Safety Policy

Employee safety is an essential element of the construction industry. When looking for an employer, your safety should be a priority. The prospective employer should provide safe working conditions and install sound measures to mitigate the risks of accidents. Reading your employer’s safety policy offers insight into the general working condition. A safe working environment also reduces the risk of mental health  issues like suicide in the construction industry.

Want to Assess a Prospective Employer? Contact Us

RK understands your desire to work for an employer who will give you a work-life balance, safe working environment, competitive wages, and training opportunities. If you are looking for a career with a company that provides all of this and more, consider applying for a job with RK!

Steel is the backbone of innovation and economic growth for most of this country’s infrastructure. Beginning in the 19^th century, technological advances started making the production of steel cheaper while also improving the quality of the product, helping fuel the growth of American cities, railroads, bridges, and factories. With technological advances making it stronger and even lighter, steel is necessary to build future infrastructure.

Steel is a common and important building material because of the benefits it adds to a structure. It offers high strength durability, performance, flexibility, reduced weight, configuration adaptability and safety. It is also sustainable and cost-effective.

Benefits of Steel in Construction

Steel has not changed much since the 19^th century. The reliability of the product is what makes it essential to construction. Steel is known for its strength, durability and efficiency because it can handle the wear and tear of outdoor environments. In addition, structures made from steel have longevity and require little maintenance. Another benefit of steel is that it does not need excessive space to support a structure, allowing for slender columns and better space usage.

Computer machinery has also made an impact on efficiencies in the steel industry. Prefabricated steel sections can be quickly produced in off-site fabrication shops, providing dimensional accuracy and ensuring that the steel used is the right size and density.

Steel can be shaped, cut and molded to fit different designs, making its versatility vital for all types of construction. In addition, it is one of the most sustainable construction materials due to its ability to be reused and recycled without experiencing any downgrade. Steel reduces the usage of nonrenewable minerals and does not require excessive energy or the use of harmful products. The recycling of automobiles, refrigerators and toasters, to name a few, has allowed steel to increase its overall strength and toughness, providing better resistance to heavy loads. The elements found in these products can include copper, titanium, nickel, chromium and manganese. When combined, it produces alloy steel, resulting in highly resistant properties against corrosion.

Test of Time

Steel can be installed anytime, regardless of the weather, which means projects can remain on schedule. In addition, the prefabrication of steel allows for dimensional accuracy, easy installations and efficiencies in reducing construction waste.

In addition, it is easier to modify steel buildings to accommodate new applications and vertical expansions. Engineers can effortlessly strengthen existing beams or add to existing steel-framed structures. Steel modifications can be done without the need to vacate premises, making steel construction ideal because it reduces costs and allows business to continue as usual.

RK Steel is the heart of many of RK’s construction projects. RK’s foundational knowledge in construction paired with RK Steel’s expertise in fabricating and installing structural steel, custom steel, metal products and miscellaneous metals, results in best-in-class projects.

Written by Ileana Morales

How Steel Can Improve Sustainability in Construction, accessed May 10, 2022, Nearby Engineers

Made in America: The Past, Present, and Future of the Steel Industry, accessed May 10, 2022, Boyd Metals

Pros and Cons of Using Steel in Construction Projects, accessed May 10, 2022, BuilderSpace.com

What is Safety Week?

Construction Safety Week started in 2014 with 40 national and global construction firms from the Construction Industry Safety Initiative (CISI) group and the Incident and Injury Free (IIF) CEO Forum. The goal is to inspire everyone in the industry to be leaders in safety by sticking to the following guidelines:
• Thank workers for supporting safety and recognizing their efforts to be injury-free
• Increase awareness of the importance of being committed to safety, every day
• Encourage everyone to share best practices and to work together to strengthen the industry’s safety culture
• Conduct onsite safety awareness activities to support education

Safety Week aims to strengthen the industry’s safety culture and performance by sharing best practices, tools and resources.

Connected. Supported. Safe.

This year, the Construction Safety Week forum theme is “Connected. Supported. Safe.” Being connected gives workers a collective sense of strength because they are building a stronger, more robust, safer industry together. Supported means fellow colleagues are helping each other stay present and focused on the job, regardless of the role or workplace setting. It means the industry as a whole is equipped with the resources and support they need to work safely every day. Safety is a priority and obligation for all frontline workers. It is a shared responsibility to look after the well-being and safety of everyone on every jobsite, which empowers everyone to do their best work and return home safely every day.

Fall Protection: A Top Priority

The OSHA National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction will also be held during this same week, raising fall hazard awareness across the country to stop fall fatalities and injuries. Falls are the top cause of construction fatalities and account for one-third of on-the-job injury deaths in the industry. Each year in the U.S., more than 200 construction workers are killed, and over 10,000 are seriously injured by falls.

RK and HSE Department Promote Safety Week

RK, under the direction of the HSE Department, is participating in Construction Safety Week by focusing on fall prevention and onsite safety across all business units. The goal of this week is to build up awareness to prevent fall injuries from roofs, ladders and leading edges by
encouraging every RK employee to:
• PLAN ahead to get the job done safely.
• UTILIZE safety resources when planning.
• PROVIDE the right equipment.
• TRAIN everyone to use the equipment safely.

Construction Safety Week allows the industry to reengage workers to remember the importance of safety. Each year there is a theme or specific topic, however, safety must be practiced everyday. The Focus Four are four leading hazards in the construction industry: falls, caught in or between, struck by, or electrocution. Being trained and recognizing these hazards can help prevent work-related accidents and possible fatalities.

RK’s number one core value is safety and empowers employees to take responsibility for their safety and for those working alongside them. The company’s number one priority is always ZERO injuries.

RK is proud to be accredited as an OSHA VPP Star Worksite and OSHA VPP Star Mobile Workforce, ranking in the 0.03% of U.S. companies with VPP certification at any level and as the 53rd U.S. company to earn Star Mobile Workforce status.

Written by Ileana Morales

Connected.Supported.Safe., accessed April 28, 2022, Construction Safety Week

Construction Focus Four Training, accessed April 28, 2022, OSHA

National Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, accessed April 28, 2022, OSHA

Voluntary Protection Programs, accessed April 28, 2022, OSHA

Why is corporate philanthropy important?

Businesses of all sizes and industries can impact the communities surrounding them by having corporate philanthropy programs. These are investments and activities that a company voluntarily gets involved with to account for its social impact, including financial investments, product donations, in-kind services, and volunteerism.

The impacts that philanthropy offers a company, its employees, and society are invaluable. For local organizations, grants, financial support and volunteer hours can help provide supplies, resources and manpower that otherwise would go unfunded. These benefits can help strengthen the community with more opportunities for residents and boost the local economy.

Employee morale and recruitment efforts can also be bolstered through a company’s philanthropic programs. When a company shows that it cares about the community and emphasizes a sense of giving, employees and job seekers can feel that they are or can be part of something bigger beyond the typical scope of work. People are also passionate about serving others, and some companies even offer employee funds that provide monetary funding to colleagues who are going through unforeseen financial burdens.

How companies can get involved

Consequently, when a company has philanthropic programs and is well established, the local community, clients and potential customers can have a positive perception of the company. This positive image encourages community members to utilize the company’s services over a competitor who is not as involved with the community and helping others.

Examples of how small-to-mid-sized business support their communities:

Regardless of the size of a company, businesses can incorporate giving and philanthropy through several different options.

Community Grants: Surrounding community organizations can apply to a company with a community grant program explaining how the grant would support their mission, or the company itself initiates community grants.

Volunteer time off: Volunteer time off is employer-sponsored paid time off to do volunteer work, allowing employees to take a day away from work to contribute to non-profit efforts.

Matching gifts: Companies with matching gift initiatives match the employee’s dollar amount of funds to eligible charities and non-profits.

About RK

RK Industries (RK) is the parent company of seven wholly-owned subsidiaries focused on construction, manufacturing, fabrication and building services. It operates four manufacturing and fabrication facilities in the greater Denver area and has helped construct some of the most prominent buildings shaping the Denver skyline. For close to 60 years, RK has had the privilege of supporting numerous nonprofits and charities that improve the quality of life in the community and the quality of life for its employees. Today, RK continues its proud tradition of philanthropy through the RK Foundation and RK Cares.

RK Foundation

Established in 2011, the RK Foundation allocates grant funding and supports employee volunteer hours to local nonprofits and causes that align with our three focus areas: community development, education, and health. The RK Foundation is funded by recycling all of the scrap metal produced at RK’s four shop facilities, construction projects, and service sites. All proceeds are directed to the RK Foundation, supporting community organizations in a unique and sustainable funding model.

Community Development: RK believes in the power of individuals, groups, and businesses working together to strengthen the communities in which its employees and clients live and work. It seeks to support organizations that innovate and generate tangible solutions to issues affecting communities in the Rocky Mountain region.

Education: Quality education systems are the foundation for successful businesses and communities and are a key driver of disrupting so many families’ poverty cycles. We have a strong connection to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and a passion for developing career technical education and pathways for the skilled trades. Our purpose is to invest in various educational pathways that allow a diverse workforce to flourish. We respect and admire 501(c)(3)s that are relentless in their pursuit of delivering better quality solutions.

Health: Healthy stakeholders and communities are a priority and a driving force behind our giving. RK supports health initiatives in the local communities and focuses on employee wellness, physically and mentally. RK places special emphasis on funding mental health awareness, suicide prevention and men’s health initiatives.

RK Cares

RK Cares serves as RK’s philanthropic and corporate citizenship arm, overseeing employee engagement and community outreach efforts. Throughout the year, RK Cares organizes various volunteer opportunities for RK employees, their families, and friends. Volunteer events include packing food at local food banks, mobile blood drives, making blankets, wrapping holiday presents for kids in need, and assembling care packages for deployed military members, to name a few. RK Cares volunteers regularly log around 400 hours during the group volunteer activities on an annual basis.

In 2019, the RK Cares Foundation was formally established to oversee the new employee hardship fund program, the HERO Fund. The HERO Fund empowers our team to help one another reduce the burden when unexpected emergencies occur. It is an emergency relief fund that is a resource for RK employees and their immediate family members when they experience financial hardships such as medical emergencies, the death of a family member, and loss of housing or transportation due to unexpected circumstances. RK employees donate collectively to support co-workers and their families to help each other recover and rebuild.

RK is proud to support its communities and the health and well-being of its employees. It is a company that understands that helping others is part of its business model. Providing support outside its typical project initiatives is a way for RK to give back and be a helping hand through the power of its financial and employee volunteer resources.

Written by Ileana Morales

10 Year Impact Report, accessed April 8, 2022

Corporate Philanthropy: Definition and Benefits, accessed April 8, 2022, Indeed

RK Cares Hero Fund: An Employee Compassion Fund, accessed April 8, 2022, RK Industries

The Importance of Corporate Philanthropy, accessed April 8, 2022, CHRON.

What is Corporate Philanthropy?, accessed April 8, 2022, Selflessly

Over the last few years, the construction industry has seen an increase in female employees in the field and the office. Men have typically dominated the industry. However, women are breaking down barriers and finding ways to close the gender gap.

The industry offers many opportunities for women. From working on a jobsite or in a shop, to supervising staff, leading departments, or running their own construction companies, women are essential contributors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the construction industry will add about 400,000 new jobs from 2020-2030, which will allow for growth and advancement for anyone seeking a career in the industry.

Despite the vast opportunities the construction industry offers, many companies worry about the ongoing labor shortage issues. Many people on the field are reaching retirement age, and there’s a deficit of young skilled workers ready to take their place. In addition, construction firms compete with other rising industries like healthcare, technology and engineering for younger workers. Trade-specific apprenticeship programs are finding creative ways to connect younger generations to career paths outside of the four-year college route and helping K-12 schools promote it with programs like welding and infusing STEM with construction education.

Women can take on any role in the construction industry and hold titles like architect, administrator, or project manager. Whether they’re wearing a hard hat or keeping things running behind the scenes, women bring value to the jobsite and the office with fresh perspectives. However, they are underrepresented in trade and executive positions. Statistics show that just under 87% of women working in construction hold office positions, and only about 2.5% of tradespeople are women. Women also only make up about 14% of staff executive and 7% of line executive positions.

Organizations like Transportation & Construction Girl are taking the lead in reaching young women before their last few years in high school to demonstrate the value they can have in the industry. As the construction industry looks for solutions to the growing workforce shortage problem, recruiting women appears to be one of the most viable and necessary to ensure long-term industry progress. 

RK takes pride in fostering an environment that encourages men and women alike to learn from one another and strive for excellence in their craft, whether in the shop, a jobsite or in the office. The future is bright for young men and women looking to pursue a career in construction!

Written by Ileana Morales

How Women in Construction are Breaking Barriers in 2021, accessed March 4, 2022, Buildertrend

Women in Construction, accessed March 4, 2022, New England Institute of Technology

Women in Construction: The State of the Industry in 2022, accessed March 4, 2022, BigRentz, Inc.

How to Adapt to the Skilled Labor Shortage in Construction, accessed March 4, 2022, Propeller Aero

Workplace culture has never been more important. After an uncertain few years, people are seeking employment at businesses that offer robust programs to support them outside of the standard benefits packages. Employers must be creative to be competitive in hiring top talent. Integrating philanthropy into a company’s culture can have many benefits and is linked to higher levels of employee happiness, collaboration and innovation. Current and prospective employees are looking for organizations to go beyond the paycheck and get behind social issues. Creating a value-based company can prove to be more resilient to withstand crises like pandemics, disasters, and social unrest because its values keep it anchored in challenging times.

Focusing on causes that employees care about can increase engagement level and connection to the company. Furthermore, people are passionate about serving others they see in their daily lives, so organizations can connect that natural human instinct to create an employee fund that inspires colleagues to help each other with unforeseen financial burdens.

The construction industry is one of the most dangerous fields to work in. Unexpected events can happen on a jobsite, causing injury and possible death. At RK, safety is the number one value, which is infused companywide from field workers to office employees and even their families. However, there are situations that one cannot control. After a cluster of accidents and severe injuries, RK formed a charter committee to research corporate hardship funds and established a 501(c)(3), RK Cares Foundation. By establishing the foundation as a 501(c)(3), funds are granted to individual employees tax-free.

The RK Cares HERO Fund, a grant program from the RK Cares Foundation, was started to encourage RK employees to help one another. It is an emergency relief fund that is a resource for RK employees and/or their immediate family members when they experience financial hardships such as medical emergencies, the death of a family member, and loss of housing or transportation due to unexpected circumstances. RK employees donate collectively to support co-workers and their families to help each other recover and rebuild.

HERO
H – Helping
E – Employees
R – Rebuild, Recover, Restore, Renew, Repair, Reduce, Rally, Return and….
O – Overcome

Since 2019, the RK Cares HERO Fund has granted $106,600 to over 50 employees or their immediate families. In 2021 alone, over $60,000 was granted to RK employees in need. After an initial $25,000 grant from the RK Foundation, the HERO Fund has been entirely funded by employee payroll donations and internal fundraisers. The breakdown of assistance is:

• – Bereavement = 27%
• – Emergency Housing or Transportation = 21%
• – Medical = 52%

The goal is to continuously increase employee awareness of the HERO Fund and promote a company based on values and mutual support for one another. Ultimately, people make a company great, and it is important to show that they are not alone when they need a helping hand.

The RK Cares HERO Fund is a corporate social responsibility program of RK. The HERO Fund is part of the RK Cares Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3), that oversees RK’s philanthropic efforts, as well as employee and community outreach and engagement.

Written by Ileana Morales

 Any Company Can Make Giving Back a Part of its Culture. Here’s How., accessed February 22, 2022, Operator Collective 

How to Make Giving Back Part of Your Company Culture, accessed February 22, 2022, Utah Business

By: RK Steel

The United States is the world’s largest importer of steel, importing approximately 35 million metric tons last year, which accounted for 33% of all steel used in the entire country. Nearly 60% of this total imported steel originates from five countries, 25% of which comes from Canada and Mexico.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration placed tariffs of 25% on steel imports and 10% on aluminum imports coming from various countries to the U.S. The goal of these tariffs is to incentivize U.S. companies to buy steel and aluminum from U.S. producers, with the idea being that this will make the domestic metal industry stronger.

What is a Tariff?

A tariff is a border tax or duty placed on a particular class of imports or exports. Tariffs have been used by governments since the 18^th century. Originally, their main purpose was to raise revenue, now they are more often used in order to make foreign products less attractive to consumers; protecting domestic industries from competition.

Steel and Aluminum in the U.S. Construction Industry

Raw steel has many uses in the construction industry, including reinforcing steel in structural concrete, structural steel framing, miscellaneous metal framing and supports. Although the tariffs will affect all these, the single biggest impact will be on structural steel in steel framed buildings.

The cost of structural steel is typically composed of four main elements – raw material, fabrication, delivery and erection at the site. While the cost of these can vary over time and by geographic location, raw steel is typically around 30% of the total cost per ton of structural steel.

What Effect Do They Have?

For those involved in the construction industry, the tariffs raise direct and immediate issues. Contractors are often required to supply and use large quantities of various types of steel products. These tariffs present contractors with considerable uncertainty and financial risk.

These tariffs are a direct charge on imported steel and aluminum products, however, the effect of the tariffs is not limited to imported steel. Volatility is rising in the domestic steel market due to the anticipation of higher cost imported steel, as this will likely lead to an increased demand for domestic steel. The result has been a surge in domestic steel prices.

Challenges Facing Contractors Moving Forward

Contractors main concern will be in relation to price fluctuations between the time they submit a bid to when the contract is awarded. The most likely response to this heightened risk will be an inevitable increase in bid prices to cover the risk of fluctuation. In addition, they may add a clause which limits the amount of time a price can be held.

By: RK Water

In the second installment of “Understanding Dewatering,” we’re diving into the importance of representative groundwater sampling — one of the most undervalued aspects of temporary dewatering.

According to Pinyon Environmental, “The groundwater chemistry data collected for permit applications is often flawed because the collection techniques don’t adequately mimic the turbidity associated with the various construction means and methods. This results in either an under- or over-representation of the geotechnical impacts. And under-represented geotechnical condition could result in [the] under-design of the treatment system and [introduce] potential project delays and unanticipated costs.”

Groundwater sampling is essential because each of the following behaviors has the potential to distort groundwater treatment requirements by inadequately characterizing the groundwater chemistry:

• Reliance upon one test well for groundwater sampling.
• Only one groundwater sample analyzed for chemistry.
• Inadequate purging of the test well.

Be sure to uplevel the sampling process by taking heed of potential sample biases. A sampling event is merely a description of general chemistry at a specific moment in time. When test wells are installed, not only will the groundwater table vary according to each well, but the chemistry of groundwater will also fluctuate, sometimes drastically.  Clay layering, bedrock, and underground rivers are below the surface, which is what causes naturally occurring obstructions; these obstructions can introduce chemistry variances that will be overlooked if only one test well is used.

Sampling activities over an extended period of time will provide a more accurate measurement of fluctuations in the groundwater table and its chemistry.  Furthermore, water that is allowed to stagnate with soil, will naturally contain higher levels of heavy metals and other contaminants. Through proper purge procedure, or even extending beyond the minimum, it is possible to obtain lower levels of heavy metals in the sample.

Once dewatering commences, groundwater will begin flowing downstream according to the natural flow of alluvial groundwater. Research also needs to be conducted regarding existing dewatering permits in the vicinity of the project to validate results from sampling activities. More importantly, permits upstream of the project will identify the chemistry to anticipate through continued dewatering activities. In the end, it’s not always about the chemistry of the groundwater within the confines of your shoring, but what’s in your neighbor’s groundwater that may make or break a project.