Drain cleaning and inspection services offer lucrative opportunities for plumbing contractors, especially with aging infrastructure. New technology makes these services easier than ever.

Wi-Fi technology has improved homes, including water heaters. The changing landscape of water heaters presents challenges for industry professionals. Nick Snell, director of plumbing sales at F.W. Webb Co., emphasizes the importance of working with a supplier that understands the evolving marketplace.

For business leaders in the plumbing contracting industry, it is crucial to understand that problems always hold solutions. Instead of shying away from them or seeking ways to avoid bumpy roads and obstacles, we should embrace challenges.

Processes are the third component of our success strategy — organizational charts, scorecards, and processes. Two months ago, I began a three-part series to focus on each of them. This month, we are going to bring that strategy full circle by discussing processes.

“Water quality has grown 300% across the U.S. since the pandemic began,” says Glen Blavet, founder and CEO of HALO Water Systems. “People are at home, and they’re looking to improve their quality of life and their health, so they’re looking at the water they’re drinking out of the tap.”

When you talk about water scarcity and the lack of clean drinking water, most people think about third-world countries. They don’t realize that there’s a growing threat to clean water right here at home in the United States. Look at the February train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, where a fire forced the controlled release and burn of toxic chemicals to avoid an explosion. The resulting contamination killed thousands of fish in nearby streams and ignited concerns over soil and water quality.

In the world of business, challenges are inevitable. Economic shifts, changing consumer demands and unforeseen crises are part and parcel of running a company.

The donation, presented at WHVACR's 21st Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas, includes $50,000 to be awarded in 2024 and an additional $50,000 in 2025. 

An electrician walked into the equipment room to diagnose and repair an electrical problem in the school. 

Many people look for ways to update their homes to provide a sense of comfort and connection to the outdoors. Outdoor projects are currently flourishing, as people extend their living spaces to feel closer to their natural surroundings.

How is the aging population changing product design? Builders and designers have been hearing from clients that homeowners now want to age-in-place, and they also want to renovate their existing homes to accommodate various generations living under one roof. The lack of housing stock and current mortgage and interest rates have contributed to this phenomenon. This shift in living has been a boon to the renovation industry, and it has given rise to innovations and building processes that elegantly combine technology and health benefits in the service of independence for elderly or anyone with physical challenges.

A thriving plumbing business relies on a collaborative team spanning various functions. Facing challenges like labor shortages and limited resources, many contractors struggle to expand into new markets. Adding a franchise can accelerate growth, minimize risk, and unlock fresh opportunities by leveraging established systems and resources.

Everything in business is important! Not everything in business is urgent — thank heavens!

The Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI) published a new technical report related to the break resistance of PEX pipe and tubing when fluid inside becomes frozen.

It’s without question that technology has improved the mechanical world around us. From my smartphone, I can instantly see the health of hundreds of our boiler plants across the country. 

It was one of those days at HeatingHelp.com when the old guys had the floor. One of the regulars, a retired (and understandably crotchety) fella from Canada had this to say:

Kids have a way of dragging us old folks back in time. My grandson, Brendan put me back on the road, 40 years ago, when I was spending most of my time teaching tradespeople about the joys of steam and hot-water heating.

The analysis of nearly 10 million drug tests reveals a surge in cheating, particularly related to marijuana.

Grant applications must be submitted by August 20, 2024, and grants will be awarded on or before Sept. 30, 2024.

The new Hygienically Clean Certification Portal launched on April 15 as part of the Hygienically Clean Certification Program Enhancement Initiatives. 

The shipping and trucking industry has had to work within unique OSHA standards for years. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, logistics companies will have to adapt to new, changing regulations. Not everything is a matter of law, and some guidelines may be unclear, so this isn't always a straightforward task

Blackline Safety Corp. has announced a 50% increase in its fire-hazmat personal and area gas monitor business in the last year alone.

The trade show and congress cover all aspects of a holistic prevention culture – from corporate health management and personal protection to workspace design and workplace safety management. 

These new services join a comprehensive suite of consulting services offered by J. J. Keller, a leader in safety and regulatory compliance for 70 years. 

PIP Global Safety, TrusTrace’s first customer specialized in the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Workwear and Safety Footwear space, is taking a proactive approach to regulatory compliance by gathering granular traceability data on the cotton used in its products. 

The report said peak shopping times resulted in the “highest weekly injury rates” for Amazon warehouse workers.

As OSHA continues to update its 2016 rule on recording and reporting workplace injuries and illnesses, organizations should be aware of new policies that affect how they treat – and reward – safety in the workplace.

Fastenal Company announced its financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2017. Net sales increased 108% for the year, and 14.8% in the fourth quarter. Gross profit for the year was 10.1%.

Adopting a more personalized design approach to cleaning equipment will help facility maintenance teams build operational resilience, deliver better and safer cleaning outcomes and protect employees.

All work performed in the energy sector presents its own challenges and hazards, but those are amplified offshore.

OSHA ordered the Maersk Line to reinstate the seaman and pay $457,759 in back wages, interest, compensatory damages and $250,000 in punitive damages. 

Expectations drive both the leader and follower. Various forms of research suggest that when leaders have higher types of expectations for their followers, those followers often live up to the expectations.

 As the world’s leading international trade fair for the occupational safety and health sector, A+A is renowned for its wide range of products and international reach.

In mid-December, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released their annual report on fatalities and injuries in the workplace. The report details specific data from the year prior.

A new report conducted by a third-party research firm reveals that the demands of transport workers, as defined by warehousing, transport, manufacturing and construction, are having significant negative impacts not only on industrial workers’ bodies, but also their mental and emotional wellbeing.

MSHA will award these grants as part of its fiscal year 2023 State Grants program.

Many businesses are increasingly using temporary workers during the holiday season and throughout the year, making it challenging to provide safe environments without proper planning and guidance.

Without proper CO2 monitoring, personnel in environments like restaurants, beverage distribution facilities, grow spaces, and laboratories are at significant risk. 

Non-FR/AR rainwear can ignite and melt when exposed to flames or electrical arcs, exacerbating injuries.

Preliminary agency data show a decrease in fatalities the agency is mandated to investigate, including significant reductions in fatal injuries from trench collapses and falls.

With the price of Oktoberfest brews higher than other beers, Oktoberfest beers, festivities bring big sales opportunities that many operators can capitalize on.

Shedding light on beverage alcohol sponsorships, SponsorUnited, a sports and entertainment platform, released its inaugural “Alcohol Beverages Marketing Partnerships 2023” report, which analyzes sponsorship trends and spend across various alcohol brands.

A budding marketing opportunity for brand owners, NIL is gaining traction, but as beverage companies look to engage in this realm, it is important to understand the dynamics.

Honey has a rich history in beverage alcohol whether it’s with the creation of meads — a honey wine — or its addition to whiskey. Now the ingredient is finding itself in more spirits categories as brands look to differentiate.

Market research firm Circana released its report “Tapping Into the Global Consumer Well-Being Opportunity,” where it identified ways consumers pursue their well-being across various sectors, including hydration and increased energy.

The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), along with SOVOS ShipCompliant, a beverage alcohol compliance company, released a 2024 consumer data report, highlighting consumers’ desire for buying craft spirits legally through DTC shipping.

As consumer package companies are increasingly designing more products with sustainability in mind, experts note that within the label industry, more companies are recognizing the need for labeling equipment that also supports a circular economy.

When it comes to beverage packaging operations, today’s diverse beverage marketplace necessitate can filling and seaming equipment that supports flexible, safe operations.

Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), Washington, D.C., released the findings of a new survey conducted in partnership with Morning Consult that measured current alcohol shipping practices, consumer sentiment and purchasing behaviors.

As physical fitness remains top of mind for those seeking healthier lifestyles, experts note that today’s consumers not only are turning to sports drinks to deliver on recovery, but also seek such drinks to help meet overall wellness goals.