Safety Insights

What Restoration Contractors Need to Know About OSHA Fall Protection Requirements

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Learn OSHA fall protection requirements under 1926.501 and how restoration contractors can prevent violations and protect workers.

What OSHA’s Top 10 Violations Mean for the Restoration Industry

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500

The restoration industry lacks an industry-specific labor code, but OSHA’s Top 10 violations offer clear insights into the safety gaps restorers face every day. Here’s what each violation means for your teams and how you can use this data to improve compliance, reduce injuries, and protect your business.

The Sound of Restoration: Why Hearing Protection Is Critical on Every Job Site

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 13:00:00 -0500

From extractors to chainsaws, restoration noise can cause permanent hearing loss, unless safety becomes habit.

Providing Clarity: A Deeper Dive into Contractor Safety and PPE

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Take a dive into the layers of contractor safety, PPE standards and OSHA responsibilities every restorer should know.

Breaking Down Barriers: Making PPE Work for Restoration Professionals

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Tue, 13 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Restoration work is demanding, and personal protective equipment (PPE) can add to the discomfort. Ignoring safety isn’t an option. Learn about the biggest barriers of PPE usage, from poor fit to budget concerns, and practical solutions to help your technicians stay protected while making PPE more manageable in the field.

Managing Restoration Jobsite Wastes

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 15:00:00 -0500

Columnist Barry Rice explains the variety of restoration jobsite wastes and give recommendations on how to manage those wastes.

California Wildfire Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Concerns

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0500

As California wildfires continue to wreak havoc, restoration efforts come with unique Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) concerns. From navigating smoke exposure regulations and realtor hazards to adhering to job safety considerations and understanding air quality management, staying informed is crucial for everyone.

Saltwater Flooding and Fire Risks for Buildings and Electric Vehicles: What You Need to Know

mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 12:00:00 -0500

During Hurricane Helene in 2024, saltwater flooding led to multiple fires in homes and electric vehicles. Understanding the causes and taking preventive measures can protect property and lives.

The ABCs of Health and Safety for a Restoration Company

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0500

The restoration industry faces unique challenges that make health and safety crucial. This article, the first in a series, guides you through creating an effective health and safety manual for your restoration company.

The Hidden Costs of an Injury

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 12:00:00 -0400

Safety expert Barry Rice covers costs related to injuries, including those that aren’t generally thought of.

Applying OSHA’s HAZWOPER Standard to Restoration Work

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0400

OSHA rules require three days of field training.

An End to Asbestos Use, But Does That End the Risk?

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 11:00:00 -0400

On March 18, 2024, EPA finalized its rules banning ongoing uses of chrysotile asbestos.

Safe Stepladder Use in the Restoration Industry

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Tue, 07 May 2024 12:00:00 -0400

One of your most common tools can become a safety hazard if you don’t exercise safe practices.

How Restoration Companies Can Properly and Safely Extract Wastewater

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 09:00:00 -0500

Barry gives us tips of proper water extraction methods to keep restorers safe on the next water loss job!

OSHA Recordkeeping and Reporting for Restoration Companies

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 09:30:00 -0500

In this month’s safety Insight, Barry tells us the importance of recordkeeping and reporting for companies to help avoid issues when having a potential OSHA inspection.

Have You Considered Needle Stick Injuries?

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500

In this month’s Safety Insight, Barry gives us the ins and outs of dealing with puncture wound injuries while on the job and how to be properly protected.

Navigating Visits from Compliance Companies

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0400

How to be prepared should your company receive a visit or receive a fine from a compliance company.

Digital Solutions for Safety

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Barry Rice shares digital solutions for those in transition from traditional documentation methods.

Vehicle Safety Part 2: Fleet Safety and Compliance for Restoration Companies

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Barry Rice gives us Part 2 of his Basic Vehicle Safety for Restoration Companies.

Basic Vehicle Safety for Restoration Companies

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 10:00:00 -0400

A nice refresher on vehicle safety and added safety measures to implement while in the job.

Safety Tips for Using Aerial Lifts on Restoration Jobs

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Fri, 12 May 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Barry Rice gives best practices and safety measures to take when working on restoration jobs at high heights.

Like It or Not, You’re a Safety Leader in Your Restoration Company!

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Barry Rice gives a high-level overview of the importance of managerial leadership as it sets the tone for a company’s culture.

Safety Insight: Choosing and Applying the Right Fall Protection for The Job

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Fri, 31 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Choosing the right fall protection equipment for a job can not only keep technicians safe, but also save lives. Barry Rice gives choices and solutions for the Restoration Industry.

How Restorers Can Protect Against Blood Borne Pathogens — Part 2

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 10:00:00 -0400

Barry Rice Shares Tips on How Restorers Can Stay Safe When Working with Blood Borne Pathogens.

How the Restoration Industry Can Protect Against Blood Borne Pathogens

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 09:00:00 -0500

Blood borne pathogens pose a threat when working on restoration projects. Here’s what restorers can do to reduce the risk.

Will Asbestos Ever Go Away?

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0500

The dangerous substance will be around for a long time, so it’s imperative to learn the proper way to handle it.

What's the Most Common Injury for the Restoration Business?

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 09:00:00 -0500

Sprains and strains can be avoided with the proper training and equipment.

Restorers Need a Written Health and Safety Program

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0500

Creating a plan can be daunting, but consistent guidance is needed.

Looking at Restorer Options for Environmental, Health, and Safety Certification

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Wed, 12 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0400

Here are some of the options for a restorer to advance their environmental, health, and safety knowledge and gain certification.

Job Hazard Analysis – The Proactive Method for Safety Management

barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 09:00:00 -0400

Creating a JHA accounts for the variety of hazards at each job site.