The New York State Department of Labor’s official “Guidelines for meal periods” publication answers the question, “How much time to do I get for lunch breaks?” The long and short for most construction related employees is: “An employee who works a shift of more than six hours, which extends over the noonday meal period, is […]

OSHA 10 Construction Training to be held on November 4th & 5th from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Some time ago we decided to only work with folks who shared our value system.  Values can be difficult to define and even more difficult to prove.  We talk about our values in our Vivid Vision. I sat with a gentlemen who after spending close to 2 1/2 hours with me and my staff, told […]

I wrote a job post extolling the virtues of an inside sales job working at a construction products supply house over the hardships of being a skilled tradesman.  And I have to say that truly I was a little worried about offending all of the many great construction workers that we know.   Well true […]

I first met Ashok Kapoor through a mutual friend.  I asked my friend if I should do business with Ashok Kapoor and Buffalo Scenic Supplies and even though she is related to Ashok she was careful to distance his business dealings from herself.  I should have taken her clues then. Ashok’s son was at the time (apparently) […]

Unemployment in the construction industry fell in June to the lowest level since 2001, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America. That’s because contractors are having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to meet growing demand, association officials said. “Expanding job opportunities throughout the economy make it increasingly difficult for […]

Turning Up The Heat On Wage Theft Alongside the U.S. Department of Labor, the Attorney General announced charges against Abdul Jamil Khokhar, the owner of nine Papa John’s Pizza franchises in the Bronx, and his company, BMY Foods, Inc. The defendants underpaid approximately 300 current and former employees by failing to pay minimum wage and […]

Tape Measure (25′ or 30′ only) Pencil Hammer Chisel Margin trowel Hawk Tuck-pointing tools(various  sizes) Brick trowel Wooden dowel Masonry brush a quality bucket

Sissy roofers are like the harpooners of Moby Dick,
Except they would never wish to harpoon a whale these days.
They would rather ride whales, in the sea and on the land.

ALACHUA, Fla. — NCCER and its Build Your Future (BYF) initiative have recently partnered with the Human Resources Construction Council (HRCC) to create a national BYF scholarship program for deserving individuals pursuing a career in construction through craft and technical programs. Scholarships are available to high school seniors, military service members, postsecondary students or anyone […]

Entry level electrician? Start with this list of tools. Tape Measure (25′ or 30′ only) Electrician’s tool pouch Klein 14 in 1 screwdriver/nut driver 9” Lineman’s side cutting pliers 8″ Long Nose Pliers 8” Diagonal cutting pliers Straight Claw hammer Battery screw gun with hammer drill feature Torpedo level Klein 6 ¼” wire strippers 16 gage […]

The first tools that every entry-level Carpenter should own Rig, tool belt, or Bags Hammer Tape Measure (25′ or 30′ only) Carpenter’s Pencil Retractable Utility knife Journal Tool Box (or in this case, a bucket) Stanley Flat Bar Speed Square Chalk line Yellow-handled Snips Cordless Drill or Driver Screwdriver The Journal of Light Construction Magazine