Safety for Restoration Contractors .taxonomy-header__description{ width: 675px !important; max-width: 100% !important; }

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Coverage on safety standards and best practices to protect your crew and your business. Learn the do's and don'ts from industry professionals, lessons learned on the job, and how to build a strong safety culture through smart hiring, training, communication and more.

]]> https://www.randrmagonline.com/rss/4912 en-us What Restoration Contractors Need to Know About OSHA Fall Protection Requirements barrynrice@gmail.com (Barry Rice) Learn OSHA fall protection requirements under 1926.501 and how restoration contractors can prevent violations and protect workers.


]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91905 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91905-what-restoration-contractors-need-to-know-about-osha-fall-protection-requirements Taking Care of Yourself in the Cleaning & Restoration Industry – Part 1 An industry veteran and cleaning and restoration professional shares his personal lessons on his health, burnout, and building a solid career foundation.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91903 Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91903-taking-care-of-yourself-in-the-cleaning-and-restoration-industry-part-1 The Evolution of Containment Systems in Restoration and Remediation Part 2 Modern containment systems used today are rooted in safety, asbestos regulation, and infection control. Understanding the history helps restoration professionals build safer and more effective containment systems today. 


]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91886 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91886-the-evolution-of-containment-systems-in-restoration-and-remediation-part-2 W.steps Introduces New Ladder Accessories Designed for Convenience and Safety W.steps’ new accessories make using and transporting its ladders to and from jobsites easier and safer. The accessories include a backpack carrier, top support, tool tray, adjustable safety feet and ground spikes.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91881 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:30:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91881-wsteps-introduces-new-ladder-accessories-designed-for-convenience-and-safety W.steps ladder backpack The W.steps ladder backpack provides transport convenience for professionals carrying a ladder to the jobsite. W.steps Top Support accessory The top support accessory from W.steps helps position its ladders for safety and ergonomics. W.steps Tool Tray The tool tray from W.steps is a click-on attachment that holds tools, screws and other necessary items. W.steps Adjustable Safety Feet and Ground Spikes The adjustable safety feet and ground spikes from W.steps deliver additional stability and ground contact. W.steps Adjustable Safety Feet and Ground Spikes The adjustable safety feet and ground spikes from W.steps deliver additional stability and ground contact. W.steps PRIME ladder undergoing load testing In this horizontal load test, the W.steps PRIME ladder supported 975 lbs. Essential Safety Habits for CAT Response mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) Paul Davis Restoration’s John Reasoner shares key safety habits during CAT season, from PPE to buddy system, to keeping your team safe and ready.



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91864 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91864-essential-safety-habits-for-cat-response Why Reading, Regulation, Learning Theory, and Citation Matter in Restoration Industry experts explain why reading regulations, understanding ANSI/IICRC Standards, and using evidence-based training are essential for restoration compliance.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91861 Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91861-why-reading-regulation-learning-theory-and-citation-matter-in-restoration CAT Planning and 3D Documentation Essentials mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) In this week’s Technical Tip Tuesday, John Reasoner of Paul Davis Restoration explains the two CAT preparedness practices that consistently save time and reduce secondary damage during major storm events: disciplined claim distribution and mandatory 3D/360 documentation at every phase of the loss. His approach shows how the right mix of planning and technology protects both crews and claim defensibility. 



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91855 Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91855-cat-planning-and-3d-documentation-essentials The First 10 Minutes: How Technicians Establish Control on CAT Loss Sites mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) In this week’s Technical Tip Tuesday, John Reasoner breaks down why the first 10 minutes of a CAT loss are unpredictable, and how technicians can quickly control, stabilize, and protect the team and occupants before any restoration work ever begins.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91849 Tue, 17 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91849-the-first-10-minutes-how-technicians-establish-control-on-cat-loss-sites Managing Multiple Job Site Hazards with Job Hazard Analysis mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) Barry Rice, CSP, explains the importance of Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and how it helps restoration contractors safely manage multiple overlapping hazards on active job sites. 



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91838 Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91838-managing-multiple-job-site-hazards-with-job-hazard-analysis Containment: Controlling Contaminants During Remediation and Restoration Activities Containment is one of the most critical, and misunderstood, controls in remediation.  This article breaks down how temporary barriers, airflow management, and negative-pressure systems work, and what industry professionals need to get right to prevent cross-contamination. 

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91825 Wed, 04 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91825-containment-controlling-contaminants-during-remediation-and-restoration-activities Why Respirator Fit Testing Is Essential for Restoration Safety mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) This week’s Technical Tip shares why annual respirator fit testing is critical for OSHA compliance and worker safety. Barry Rice, CSP, highlights key aspects of fit testing, what it prevents, and why consistency is key.



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91823 Tue, 03 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91823-why-respirator-fit-testing-is-essential-for-restoration-safety What OSHA’s Top 10 Violations Mean for the Restoration Industry mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) 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. 

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91817 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91817-what-oshas-top-10-violations-mean-for-the-restoration-industry Assessment of Heavy Metals in a Wildfire and a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Homeowners face information overload after WUI fires, while real risks linger indoors. This article translates science into practice and defines burn/near/far-field impact zones, separates visible from invisible, outlines forensic sampling strategies, and provides heavy-metal background context with defensible, ALARA-based PRV targets restorers and IHs can use to close complete their projects confidently.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91814 Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91814-assessment-of-heavy-metals-in-a-wildfire-and-a-wildland-urban-interface-wui-fire Asbestos 101: What Restorers Need to Know About Testing, Work Practices, and Compliance mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91809 Wed, 28 Jan 2026 09:30:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91809-asbestos-101-what-restorers-need-to-know-about-testing-work-practices-and-compliance Navigating the Gray Areas of Respiratory Protection After Fire Losses mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) Barry Rice, CSP, shares how restorers can make informed, defensible respiratory protection decisions in post-fire environments where conditions constantly change. 



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91810 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91810-navigating-the-gray-areas-of-respiratory-protection-after-fire-losses Containment Basics to Prevent Cross-Contamination on Restoration Job Sites mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) Safety Expert Barry Rice, CSP, explains why daily containment checks including tape, zippers, negative air pressure, and equipment are critical to preventing cross-contamination on restoration job sites. 



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91797 Tue, 20 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91797-containment-basics-to-prevent-cross-contamination-on-restoration-job-sites The Most Overlooked PPE in Restoration Jobs mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) Safety starts with the basics, but critical PPE is still getting overlooked on restoration jobsites. Barry Rice, CSP, of Signal Restoration shares why and how simple and consistent safety habits can close that gap. 



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91782 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91782-the-most-overlooked-ppe-in-restoration-jobs Safety, Leadership & Restoration Excellence mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) Dan Derbes of Lightspeed Restoration shares how his Navy service drives a mission-focused approach to home safety, operational excellence, and customer care.



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91773 Wed, 07 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91773-safety-leadership-and-restoration-excellence Mold and Mental Health: The Dual Crisis Facing Indoor Environmental Remediation Teams In mold remediation, physical safety often takes the spotlight, but beneath those layers of protection lies another crisis in the mounting psychological toll on the very workers trained to restore safe environments.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91711 Thu, 20 Nov 2025 11:30:34 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91711-mold-and-mental-health-the-dual-crisis-facing-indoor-environmental-remediation-teams KEEN Utility’s Liberty 90° Heel Work Boot The Liberty 90° heel adds grip and stability for ladders and soft surfaces.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91698 Fri, 14 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91698-keen-utilitys-liberty-90-heel-work-boot The Sound of Restoration: Why Hearing Protection Is Critical on Every Job Site From extractors to chainsaws, restoration noise can cause permanent hearing loss, unless safety becomes habit.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91687 Tue, 11 Nov 2025 13:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91687-the-sound-of-restoration-why-hearing-protection-is-critical-on-every-job-site Why Fire Smoke Residue May Be as Dangerous as Thirdhand Tobacco Smoke Emerging science reveals that lingering fire smoke residues may pose health risks similar to thirdhand tobacco smoke.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91675 Mon, 03 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0500 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91675-why-fire-smoke-residue-may-be-as-dangerous-as-thirdhand-tobacco-smoke How to Set Up and Operate a Spider Box (Portable Power Distribution Center) Spider boxes simplify temporary power, but without proper setup and testing, they can become a serious safety risk.



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91685 Mon, 27 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91685-how-to-set-up-and-operate-a-spider-box-portable-power-distribution-center Why Diversifying Your Training Approach is Crucial for Your Restoration Business mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) Learn how a diversified training strategy empowers restoration teams to lead, adapt and thrive.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91656 Thu, 23 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91656-why-diversifying-your-training-approach-is-crucial-for-your-restoration-business How to Use Pneumatic Tools Safely on Construction Sites Learn how to operate pneumatic tools safely, avoid injuries and meet OSHA standards with KnowHow’s how-to guide.



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91652 Mon, 20 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91652-how-to-use-pneumatic-tools-safely-on-construction-sites Tear Gas: Job Hazard Analysis, Testing and Jobsite Safety Remediating tear gas contamination indoors demands expert hazard assessment, strict safety standards and customized contracts to protect workers and property owners.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91628 Thu, 09 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91628-tear-gas-job-hazard-analysis-testing-and-jobsite-safety KEEN Utility’s Skokie Work Boot KEEN Utility introduces the Skokie, a waterproof work boot with carbon toes and energy-returning comfort.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91623 Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:59:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91623-keen-utilitys-skokie-work-boot American Built Stronglite by KEEN Utility: Rugged Comfort for Demanding Jobsites KEEN Utility’s Stronglite delivers waterproof protection, lightweight comfort and rugged durability.

]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91572 Fri, 12 Sep 2025 13:42:33 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91572-american-built-stronglite-by-keen-utility-rugged-comfort-for-demanding-jobsites Compassion in Biohazard Remediation: Restoring more than just Spaces mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) Jordan Frady shares how compassion, training and teamwork help elevate biohazard remediation beyond the cleanup.



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91554 Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:10:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91554-compassion-in-biohazard-remediation-restoring-more-than-just-spaces Layers of Safety: Navigating Contractor Responsibilities and PPE on the Jobsite mcgowank@bnpmedia.com (Kayla McGowan) Barry Rice shares his expert insights on contractor safety, OSHA policies and respirator readiness.  



]]> http://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91544 Wed, 27 Aug 2025 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/91544-layers-of-safety-navigating-contractor-responsibilities-and-ppe-on-the-jobsite