September 2020

READ THE DIGITAL EDITION

Featured Products

Ideal Industries’ Tool Carrier

NSC Encourages Employers to Instill Culture of Safe Driving

According to a survey released by the National Safety Council (NSC) and Truce Software (a company focused on decreasing workplace distraction and improved worker safety based in Lisle, Ill.), drivers remain “persistently...

Web Exclusive

Integrated Systems

Sep 11, 2020

Let’s Get Technical: The Math Behind the Mystical Decibel of Fiber Optics

Jim Hayes

In my print column this month, “When a Loss Is Positive,” I discussed the confusing definition of decibel (dB) as used in various international fiber optic standards. Even though dB is used in practically every standard for...

Fiber Optics Image Credit: Shutterstock / Ranjith Ravindran

Safety

Sep 11, 2020

Safety Cubed: Novel Tool May Prevent COVID-19 on Job Sites

Katie Kuehner-Hebert

Here’s a novel way to help minimize the spread of COVID-19 on construction job sites: have workers walk through a “cube” that sprays them with an approved disinfectant that’s similarly used in hospital settings. Several...

Your Business

Sep 11, 2020

Dodge Momentum Index Rises in September

William Atkinson

The Dodge Momentum Index, published by Dodge Data & Analytics, Hamilton, N.J., rose 3.7% in September to 130.8. The Dodge Momentum Index is a monthly measure of the first (or initial) report for nonresidential building...

A black & white construction blueprint with a pen and rule laying on top of the paper

Your Business

Sep 11, 2020

Residential Energy Management Systems See Rapid Growth

Rick Laezman

Technology has altered the way we generate and consume energy. Now, it is impacting the way we manage our energy use, and an entire market is emerging around this trend. A published report by Guidehouse Insights finds that...

Web Exclusive

Your Business

Sep 11, 2020

Lead With Character: A Q&A With Retired Lt. Gen. Nadja West

Holly Sauer

Lieutenant General Nadja West’s career has been one of overcoming adversity. She is the first African American three-star general in Army history, and the highest-ranking woman to ever graduate from West Point. She has more...

Your Business

Sep 11, 2020

Lunchtime Chili Demonstration and Recipe

Chef George Rodrigues took viewers through every step of making the chili that led him to victory on “Beat Bobby Flay.” He shared with viewers why he added certain ingredients, how they worked with others and what flavors...

Safety

Sep 11, 2020

OSHA Answered Common Questions About COVID-19 Reporting for Employers

William Atkinson

On September 30, OSHA published three additional frequently asked questions (FAQs) and answers related to employer requirements for reporting employees’ in-patient hospitalizations and fatalities resulting from work-related...

A bottle of hand sanitizer behind a disposable face mask

QUIZ: Training Days

The coronavirus pandemic has forced training to move completely online and instructors are using technology to deliver necessary programs to keep employees safe. OSHA publication 2254 covers training requirements applicable to the construction industry.

Take the Quiz Try Another Quiz

QUIZ: Special Deliverables

Many aspects of a fiber optic project concern a manager, but the ultimate issue is the “deliverables”—the final information that must be provided to prove the project is complete and installation was done properly. How familiar are you with the deliverables of a fiber optic installation project?

Take the Quiz Try Another Quiz

September 2020

Table of Contents

Best Laid Plans: An oral history of the decision to take the NECA Convention virtual

Windy City Electrified

Preventing Brain Drain: Preserving retirees’ institutional knowledge and experience

Avoid the Money Pits of Contracting: Areas where ECs may not know they’re losing money

Charging Ahead: Post-COVID EV boom could offer ECs a revenue boost

Featured Products

Klein Tools' Speaker

DeWalt’s Backpack

Weather Guard’s Tool Holder

Southwire Tools' Bag

Ridgid's Light

Makita Tools’ Speaker

Lind Equipment's Light

Current Tools’ Cart

Ideal Industries’ Tool Carrier

More Stories From This Issue

NSC Encourages Employers to Instill Culture of Safe Driving

Let’s Get Technical: The Math Behind the Mystical Decibel of Fiber Optics

Safety Cubed: Novel Tool May Prevent COVID-19 on Job Sites

Dodge Momentum Index Rises in September

Residential Energy Management Systems See Rapid Growth

Lead With Character: A Q&A With Retired Lt. Gen. Nadja West

Lunchtime Chili Demonstration and Recipe

OSHA Answered Common Questions About COVID-19 Reporting for Employers

September 2020

Table of Contents

Featured Products

More Stories From This Issue

Related Video