In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin dive into an engaging discussion about safety education in the construction industry with special guest Tracey Cekada, the chair of the Safety Sciences and Environmental Engineering Department at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP).

We kick off the episode with a light-hearted introduction, where Chris and Jon share their excitement about the topic and the importance of safety in construction. Jon highlights the Keystone Contractors Association's scholarship program, which recently awarded its first scholarship to Mackenzie Daniel, a student in IUP's safety program. This sets the stage for our conversation about the significance of safety education and the opportunities available for students in this field.

Tracey Cekada joins the conversation to provide insights into IUP's safety program, which offers a Bachelor of Science in Safety, Health, and Environmental Applied Sciences, as well as a Master's and PhD in Safety Sciences. Tracey explains the recent merger of two departments into one, emphasizing the growing importance of safety education in various industries, including construction, oil and gas, and even sports.

Throughout the episode, we discuss the common questions incoming students and their parents have about the job market and career prospects in safety. Tracey reassures listeners that the demand for safety professionals is high, with many medium to large companies employing safety experts. She shares inspiring stories of graduates who have found success in diverse fields, including a student working for Fox Sports, overseeing safety at major events.

As we delve deeper into the educational experience at IUP, Tracey outlines what first-year students can expect, including foundational courses and hands-on laboratory experiences. She emphasizes the importance of internships and co-op opportunities, which are integral to the program, ensuring that students graduate with real-world experience.

We also touch on the significance of communication skills for safety professionals, as Tracey explains how effective communication can make a difference in promoting safety culture within organizations. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the resources available for those looking to enter the safety field, including certification options and the potential for an associate's degree aimed at smaller contractors.

Overall, this episode is a valuable resource for anyone interested in pursuing a career in safety, particularly within the construction industry. Tracey's insights and the experiences shared by Jon and Chris highlight the importance of safety education and the myriad of opportunities available for students in this vital field. Tune in to learn more about how safety professionals are making a difference and how you can get involved!

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin welcome Kara McCaffrey, a construction industry rock star and chief wellness officer at Houck Group. Kara shares her journey from healthcare IT back to construction, driven by her passion for mental health and suicide prevention, especially after losing her brother to suicide.

The conversation delves into the importance of mental health awareness in the construction industry, highlighting the progress made over the years and the need to transition from awareness to actionable solutions. Kara emphasizes the significance of toolbox talks focused on mental health, training programs like Mental Health First Aid, and the role of resources such as Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) and the national 988 crisis hotline.

Kara discusses her involvement with various organizations, including the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention and Construction Suicide Prevention Week, which aim to provide resources and support for mental health in the industry. She also shares insights on how to approach conversations about mental health with colleagues, stressing the importance of showing care and understanding.

As the episode wraps up, Kara reflects on the incremental progress being made in the industry, noting that while suicide rates remain a concern, more individuals are seeking help and utilizing available resources. The hosts express their gratitude for Kara's contributions and the vital work being done to foster a supportive environment in construction.

Join us for this enlightening discussion that underscores the importance of mental health awareness and the collective efforts to create a healthier construction industry.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin dive into the critical topic of connected construction workflows with our guest, Joe Hasson from Empower Business Solutions. As the construction industry continues to evolve, the importance of integrating technology into everyday operations cannot be overstated.

We kick off the episode with a light-hearted introduction, where Chris sets the stage for an engaging discussion. Joe, a seasoned expert in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, shares his extensive background in the field, highlighting his transition to cloud-based solutions and the significance of real-time data in construction management.

The conversation quickly shifts to the concept of connected construction workflows. Joe explains how modern ERP systems, like Acumatica, streamline processes from take-offs to job planning, ensuring that all aspects of a project are interconnected. He emphasizes the importance of having a single version of the truth, which allows project managers to access real-time data and make informed decisions that can significantly impact job profitability.

We delve into specific tools like Stack, a digital takeoff software that digitizes blueprints and estimates, and how it integrates with job planning software to enhance project management. Joe discusses the challenges construction companies face when upgrading their systems, particularly the resistance to change from employees accustomed to outdated processes. He stresses the need for buy-in from all levels of the organization to ensure a successful transition to modern technology.

As we explore the role of AI in construction, Joe shares his vision for the future, where AI can analyze data from ERP systems to provide predictive insights, helping companies forecast job profitability and make proactive decisions. He also touches on the importance of incorporating Building Information Modeling (BIM) into these systems for even greater efficiency.

Throughout the episode, we highlight the common challenges companies face when adopting new technology, including the need for proper training and the commitment required from staff. Joe provides valuable insights into the ROI of modernizing systems and the impact it can have on employee satisfaction and retention.

As we wrap up, we announce an exciting upcoming three-part webinar series featuring Joe, where he will guide listeners through the intricacies of Stack, job planning, and Acumatica Construction Edition. This episode is packed with actionable insights and expert advice that will resonate with construction professionals looking to enhance their operations through technology.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin celebrate five years of podcasting while diving into a critical topic: opioid awareness and pain management in the context of surgery. They are joined by Brand Newland, the CEO and co-founder of Goldfinch Health, who brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective on how to navigate the challenges associated with opioid prescriptions following surgery.

Brand begins by addressing the opioid crisis, emphasizing the need for a shift in how we approach pain management, particularly in surgical settings. He shares insights from his experience as a pharmacist and discusses the founding of Goldfinch Health in 2018, which aims to improve the surgical experience by advocating for better pain management practices that reduce reliance on opioids.

The conversation highlights the importance of multimodal pain management strategies, which include using non-opioid medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, as well as innovative approaches such as the TLC method (Tylenol, Lyrica, and Celebrex) to manage pain effectively before and after surgery. Brand explains how these methods can lead to quicker recovery times and fewer complications, ultimately allowing patients to return to work sooner—an average of 35 days faster than national benchmarks.

Jon and Chris share their personal experiences with opioid prescriptions, illustrating the common issue of being prescribed excessive amounts of pain medication post-surgery. Brand reassures listeners that there are alternatives and encourages them to advocate for themselves and their loved ones when it comes to pain management.

The episode also touches on the financial implications of better pain management practices, with Brand discussing a recent study that shows a significant return on investment for employers who implement Goldfinch's programs. This is particularly relevant for those in the construction industry, where physical labor is a daily reality, and managing pain effectively can lead to improved productivity and overall well-being.

As the discussion progresses, Brand introduces the concept of enhanced recovery protocols and the importance of preparing for surgery in a way that minimizes pain and anxiety. He shares practical tips, such as staying hydrated and consuming clear liquids before surgery, which can help improve recovery outcomes.

Towards the end of the episode, Brand discusses Goldfinch's new initiative, the Billion Pill Fudge Program, aimed at reducing the number of leftover opioid pills after surgery. He emphasizes the importance of safe disposal methods to prevent accidental poisoning, particularly among children.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin dive into a significant legal case that has captured the attention of the construction industry in Pennsylvania, the Clearfield County Jail case. Joined by legal expert Mike Pascoe from Ice Miller, the discussion centers around the implications of a legal doctrine known as "nullum tempus" and its potential application to the statute of repose in construction law.

The episode begins with Jon and Chris introducing Mike Pascoe, who provides a brief overview of his background in construction litigation. Mike explains that the Clearfield County case involves a renovation of a jail built 40 years ago, during which it was discovered that critical structural elements were missing. The county is now facing an estimated $4 million in costs to rectify these issues. Traditionally, contractors and design professionals would not be held liable for problems arising after such a long period, but the county is arguing that the nullum tempus doctrine should allow them to pursue legal action indefinitely.

As the conversation unfolds, Mike elaborates on the differences between the statute of limitations and the statute of repose, emphasizing that the latter provides a definitive end date for legal claims. The Clearfield County case is significant because it challenges the long-standing understanding of these legal principles, potentially allowing public entities to sue contractors and designers long after the completion of a project.

Jon and Chris express their concerns about the ramifications of this case for the construction industry, particularly regarding the burden it could place on contractors who may be held liable for work completed decades ago. They discuss the practical implications of maintaining extensive documentation for projects that could be scrutinized many years later, highlighting the challenges of record-keeping in an industry where practices have evolved significantly over the decades.

The episode also touches on the financial implications of storing project data over long periods, with Mike providing eye-opening statistics on the costs associated with data management. The discussion underscores the importance of finality in construction contracts and the potential chaos that could ensue if public entities are allowed to pursue claims indefinitely.

As the episode wraps up, Mike shares insights into the current status of the case, including the timeline for briefs and the potential for oral arguments before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The co-hosts express their commitment to keeping their audience informed about the developments in this case, recognizing its far-reaching impact on the construction industry.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin dive into an often-overlooked aspect of the construction industry: physical health. Joined by nurse practitioner and founder of Construction Care Solutions, Linde Collingwood, the conversation explores the unique health challenges faced by blue-collar workers, particularly in the construction sector.

Linde shares her extensive experience working on-site with pipeline construction crews, where she provided on-the-job medical care and developed a strong rapport with the workers. With a staggering 88% of her patients presenting with high blood pressure, she emphasizes the importance of addressing physical health alongside mental health, a topic that has been a focus of the podcast in the past.

The discussion highlights the cultural barriers that prevent workers from seeking medical care, including the stigma around self-care and the fear of job loss. Linde advocates for a shift in mindset, encouraging workers to prioritize their health without feeling weak.

Listeners will gain insights into the innovative telehealth services Linde offers, making healthcare accessible for those who often feel invisible in the system. This episode is a call to action for both workers and employers to recognize the importance of physical well-being in maintaining a healthy workforce.

Tune in to learn more about how Linde is making a difference in the lives of construction workers and how you can support this vital aspect of the industry.

In this exciting episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Jon O'Brien and Chris Martin welcome Brent Darnell, a renowned keynote speaker in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. As we celebrate the unique appearance of a Lego R2-D2 in the background, we dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the importance of emotional intelligence and people skills in the construction sector.

Brent shares his extensive experience of over 25 years, emphasizing the shift in the industry towards recognizing the value of mental, physical, and emotional performance. He highlights how collaborative project delivery methods are becoming essential for success, moving away from traditional hard-bid approaches. The conversation touches on the critical role of communication and relationships in project outcomes, with Brent explaining that most project issues stem from people, not processes.

We explore the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and the necessity of human connection in the workplace. Brent discusses how isolation during the pandemic exacerbated existing challenges and stresses the need for ongoing efforts to foster relationships among team members. He advocates for a cultural shift in the industry, where empathy and communication are prioritized to improve project success and overall well-being.

As the episode comes to a close, Brent shares valuable insights into his coaching methodologies, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and accountability in building emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills—far beyond one-time training sessions. He also offers listeners free resources, including emotional intelligence tests and nutrition surveys available on his website, encouraging proactive steps toward personal growth and well-being. Those resources can be found here: https://www.brentdarnell.com/leadership-program

Join us for this enlightening conversation that not only sheds light on the evolving landscape of the construction industry but also inspires us to prioritize human connection and emotional intelligence in our professional lives.

In this episode of the Building PA Podcast, co-hosts Chris Martin and Jon O'Brien delve into a significant topic affecting the construction industry in Pennsylvania: the Separations Act. With a history spanning over a century, the Separations Act mandates that public construction projects at the state and local levels must hire at least four separate prime contractors—specifically for general trades, electrical, HVAC, and plumbing.

Jon, who has extensive knowledge of the Act, explains its origins, enacted on May 1, 1913, in response to rampant corruption in public contracting, particularly highlighted by the over-budget Pennsylvania State Capitol project. The discussion touches on the historical context of the Act, including early efforts to repeal it and the political dynamics surrounding it, with both major political parties having attempted to modernize or repeal the law over the years.

The hosts explore the implications of the Separations Act on modern construction practices, noting that while it was perhaps necessary in its time, the construction landscape has evolved significantly. They discuss how the requirement for multiple prime contractors can hinder collaboration and efficiency in project delivery, contrasting it with more modern methods like design-build and construction management at risk.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Jon emphasize that they are not taking a political stance on the issue but rather aim to educate listeners about the Act's history and its current relevance. They highlight the need for increased awareness and education among legislators and industry professionals, particularly younger project managers who may not be familiar with the Act.