Layers of Safety: Navigating Contractor Responsibilities and PPE on the Jobsite

Contractor Safety Essentials: OSHA Compliance, PPE and Hurricane Season Readiness

In this episode of Ask the Expert, our special guest, Barry Rice, Certified Safety Professional and Environmental and Health and Safety Director for Signal Restoration Services, sat down with host, Kayla McGowan, and discussed the importance of contractor safety. Barry has over 20 years of experience in various industries, including but not limited to environmental restoration, heavy industrial manufacturing and commercial construction and disaster restoration.

Here are the key talking points from this episode:

Barry highlights the importance of understanding OSHA's general duty clause and multi-employer policy when it comes to contractor safety on job sites. This includes ensuring proper hazard communication, PPE compliance and clear contractual agreements.
Barry and Kayla discuss common safety issues like fall hazards, trenching/excavation and chemical/vapor exposures that can lead to OSHA violations and accidents if not are not properly addressed.
Barry stresses how critical respirator fit testing, medical evaluations and training.
With hurricane season here, Barry advises restoration companies to get their respirator programs in order now before it’s too late.

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Kayla McGowan is the Editor-in-Chief of R&R Magazine, with 10 years of experience in marketing and communications in the restoration and cleaning industry. She leads the editorial strategy for R&R and The Experience Events, creating content that informs and connects industry professionals.

Kayla holds a B.S. in Criminal Science and M.S. in Public Safety and Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University. She serves as Co-Chair on the RIA’s Marketing Committee.

Kayla is a Microbial Warrior®, a Certified Forensic Operator® and a High Risk/ High Level Decontamination Specialist™. Kayla is passionate about elevating the industry, is a food lover, enjoys spending time with her family, and embracing the outdoors.