September 2020

When bed bugs get into your home, getting rid of them is extremely difficult. They have behavioral patterns that help them avoid extermination attempts and adaptive physiology that lets them produce insecticide-resistant offspring. Howe, bed heat bug treatments from PestPro Thermal are available to fight these natural defense mechanisms.

Keep reading to know the reasons heat treatments can effectively these unwanted insects:

Heat Treatments Get into their Hiding Places

Bed bugs tend to move quickly and run to a hiding place when they sense a threat. Their hiding place is often deep inside a wall void or a piece of furniture. However, heat treatment will get into these hiding places as heat radiates. Bugs cannot hide when an entire house is brought up to 120 degrees F.

Heat Treatments Targets the Entire Home

A lot of pest control measures can leave a false sense of security in terms of combating bed bugs. Bed bugs can get into hiding for months without eating. Thus, they could bite you again after trying to plague them before. But, with a heat treatment, you don’t need to worry about the effectiveness of the treatment as it targets your entire home. It ensures all bed bugs in the house are dead.

They Kill Bed Bugs that Resist Insecticides

As bed bugs develop, they shed their skin five times. When exposed to pesticides during the growth process, they can develop a skin that is more resistant to these pesticides. In fact, the bugs can have more resistant offspring, which can create issues when trying to eliminate using just pesticides. And because bed bugs are hitchhiking, they could have been exposed to pesticides somewhere else. Thus, getting rid of them can be harder than eradicating normal bed bugs.  Fortunately, heat treatments kill pesticide-resistant bed bugs as easily as those without resistance. Every bed bug dies when they overheat.

They are a Natura and Quick Process

Heat treatments for bed bugs are a natural process. You don’t have to worry about leftover residuals, gas release, and environmental impacts. They kill bed bugs in hours. Although chemicals can effectively and safely eliminate bed bugs, using them requires follow-up visits and re-retreatments. But, a heat treatment treats a bed bug infestation in a few hours on a certain day. And because you will just be gone from your home for a few hours, you don’t need to worry about spending money on a hotel.

Business owners, managers and entrepreneurs often need to manage many things at the same time. The management system needs to be customized, automated to the best possible extent. There are varied kinds of management systems that can be considered for an enterprise, but that the basic one that almost every company will need is that of task management. There are a few chronical and routine tasks within an organization that must be done on a daily basis, and there are to-do lists and needs to manage. For this a software designed specifically for task management can be extremely handy. In this post, we are discussing further on such software and how to choose one.

What exactly is task management software?

Managing the to-do lists is often complicated, and within a company, there are several projects, requirements and need to assign jobs. This is where task management tools come in handy. In simple words, the basic purpose of a task management tool is to simplify routine tasks and jobs that need attention. Managers will be able to manage what they need to do, can set deadlines, to ensure that projects are done on time, and the management can keep adequate control and supervision. For the employees, the right software ensures that employees know exactly what they are expected to do, while subtasks can be assigned, completed and review easily.

Finding the right software

Expectedly, not all task management software and tools are the same, and it is always wise to do some initial homework on the suite you choose. First and foremost, a software program intended for multiple uses and for diverse users has to be easy to deploy. It is must be manageable, easy to handle for everyone and must be suitable for the goals of the organization. Secondly, the task management should have a mobile interface and should be accessible over cloud, so that changes and updates, and assignment of jobs and subtasks can be done from anywhere. The vendor support, pricing, and other features are aspects to consider, as well.

Final word

When you look for task management software, consider features over the price and work with a vendor that has designed a product with scalability and multiple uses in mind. If that means paying more for a product, the money is worth it, considering it will ease work for your company and will also add to operational efficiency and productivity.

Regardless of your industry, prioritizing workplace safety is crucial. It’s your responsibility to protect your employees. Additionally, research indicates that safer working environments promote higher levels of employee engagement.

With that in mind, the professionals at US Standard Products offer these work safety tips. Apply them now for immediate benefits.

Thorough Communication

Establishing and implementing effective safety policies is important. However, those policies won’t necessarily yield the intended results if employees are unfamiliar with them.

That’s why US Standard Products’ safety experts emphasize the value of communication. This doesn’t merely involve training employees in proper safety procedures once when they’re first hired. It requires consistent reinforcement of said policies. For instance, if you can find the time, you may consider organizing weekly (or at least monthly) safety meetings.

Train Actively

You likely already understand that training employees in safety procedures is crucial. That said, the way in which you train your employees will have a significant impact on how well they understand and follow your safety procedures. Insead of hosting work safety training sessions that take the form of lectures, find ways to make training sessions more hands-on and interactive.

Lead

This may seem like an obvious work safety tip, but it’s actually fairly easy to overlook. When you focus so much on ensuring your workers understand and follow a safety policy, you may forget that it’s also essential for you to set a good example.

Employees often try to mirror the behavior of their superiors. Thus, if your workers see that you make a point of carefully adhering to safety policies, they’ll be more likely to do the same.

Reward Reporting

This is another work safety tip that basically encourages you to enhance a policy you may already have in place. Specifically, many companies already ask employees to report any safety issues they notice on the job. Maybe yours does too.

However, having such a safety policy in place doesn’t guarantee employees actually will report these issues. You need to make sure employees who report hazards are rewarded for doing so.

That’s actually a crucial distinction that many employers don’t consider. At numerous organizations, it’s not uncommon for safety incentive programs to involve rewarding employees for avoiding injuries or safety issues for extended periods of time. In theory, this should promote a safer workplace, but in reality, it tends to result in injuries and hazards going unreported.

Don’t reward your employees for preventing safety issues. Reward them for reporting these issues.

Get Employees Involved

The safety professionals at US Standard Products know that every company is unique. Thus, the safety hazards you must contend with won’t necessarily mirror those of other organizations.

In general, though, leaders at companies of virtually any nature can become somewhat unaware of the hazards their employees may encounter at work. In other words, you need to get employees involved when developing safety policies. Their direct experience can help you establish policies that fully address your company’s work safety needs.

Perhaps most importantly, the experts at US Standard Products and USSP Shipping believe it’s important that these tips translate into habits. You can’t apply them occasionally and hope for the best. You need to make work safety an ingrained value of the organization. For more information on topics like these, follow US Standard Products on Facebook.

If you have been working at home since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, what constitutes your work-at-home workwear? Be honest. Have you found it easy to stay in your pajamas, only dressing from the waist up when it is time for a video call? Have you spent your days in track pants and tank tops?

The last six months have given many of us the opportunity to rethink workwear. Undoubtedly, some have asked whether or not it matters how one dresses while working at home. If you are not going anywhere or seeing anyone, one outfit is probably as good as the next. At least that’s what we are tempted to believe. But is it true?

Dressing for Success

The phrase “dress for success” is well known in the business world. Our parents and grandparents drilled it into our heads when we were young people looking for our first jobs. The thinking was that we would rise to the level of our clothing in how we presented ourselves as job candidates. Back in the day, you wouldn’t even think about going to an interview in casual clothing.

The PopSugar website recently ran a piece tackling this very subject. The piece cites numerous studies that have looked at the psychology of dress over the years. Much of the research concurs that what we wear has an impact on how we think. Clothing certainly affects how we feel about ourselves.

The writer of the piece even mentioned throwing on a dress and completely changing direction on an otherwise bad day. One of the psychologists she interviewed for the piece explained the value of making yourself feel better by treating yourself well.

Dressing in Company Uniforms

Salt Lake City-based Alsco says that the psychology of dressing for success even impacts company uniforms. Workwear uniforms that simultaneously protect workers and reflect company branding encourage workers to identify personally with the companies they work for.

Likewise, many companies require branded uniforms because of the professional image they present. Employees dressed in branded uniforms present themselves more professionally. They tend to be more conscientious about the image they project because their uniforms remind them that they are representing their employers.

Still, working from home with only limited contact is a different ballgame. Add to it the fact that the modern definition of workwear encompasses just about anything you might wear to work and there are legitimate questions of how one should dress while working from home.

A Work-at-Home Uniform

The general consensus among the psychologists interviewed for the PopSugar piece is that a work-at-home uniform can be a positive thing. They stressed the need to establish a regular routine to overcome the negative effects of less socialization, and dressing up for work can be a part of that routine.

Even though you can go an entire workday in your pajamas without anyone knowing, doing so may not be such a good idea. Not getting dressed for work could be hindering your ability to achieve maximum productivity. It might also contribute to anxiety, depression, and more.

The interviewed psychologists recommend getting dressed for work as part of a daily routine. They also suggest experimenting with different colors. Dressing in certain colors can boost one’s mood and productivity. During those times when team meetings or client contacts are made via video calls, the right colors can boost everyone else’s mood as well.

Finally, the PopSugar piece recommends wearing clothing that makes you comfortable. In addition to dressing for success, it helps to avoid being distracted by uncomfortable clothing that makes you feel odd in your own skin.

Employees spend several hours of their life in the workplace. Since they spend a significant portion of their lives in their jobs, it is essential to ensure that the office environment is comfortable and non-discriminatory. They are an innumerable number of employees who have not disclosed their LGBTQ identity to their superiors and often suffer silently.

Creating a program that helps your employees to appreciate themselves in the company is the best to respect the LGBT community who are likely to be discriminated against. You can also set up an inclusive workplace training that educates your employees concerning various issues. A good plan needs to support LGBT employees and assist them in feeling wanted in the working environment.

Best strategies to create an LGBTQ Inclusion Program:

Set up policies

Set up policies in the organization that defines your stand on the various perception of individuals’ sexual orientation. The guidelines should aim at protecting the rights of LGBT employees in the company. For the program to be robust and well-implemented, it is essential to have the policies written down. All employees should understand and implement them within and outside the working environment.

Seek to make adjustments in policies that may discriminate against the LGBTQ community, such as dress code policies, insurance policies, and sick family leaves.  Also, look at policies that may exclude the LGBTQ employees and adjust them to be favorable to this community.

Involve LGBTQ employees in policy formulation

You cannot set up policies on things you don’t understand. Engaging the  LGBTQ employees in the policy formulation helps them better air their concerns and systems they wish implemented. Although not all employees will want to be a part of the policy formulation, involve only those who are willing.

 Punish the policy breakers

The only way the policies will have power is if stringent measures are taken for those who disobey them. As an employer, you need to punish any employees who ridicule or discriminates against the LGBTQ employees. If such measures are present in the organization, employees will be forced to adhere to the rules.

Constant training

All employees should be trained in ways to work harmoniously with LGBTQ employees. All employees need to be educated on various issues surrounding the LGBTQ community. Consistent training boosts an excellent working atmosphere in the office and accepts people of all sexual orientations.

You can set up conferences that seek to address the issues. For remote workers, you can set up mobile learning services that aim to reach those employees.

Employee Resource Group (ERG)

Employee resource group means that employees with the same beliefs and common interests come together and form a coalition. The group allows LGBTQ employees to better express their views and bond with other group members who have similar beliefs.  Creating such groups show your support to the community and creates a better supportive environment.

Bottom Line

It is essential to offer the right environment that is not discriminatory to any employee despite their beliefs or sexual orientation. Such a working environment is favorable for all employees and will enhance the workers’ productivity in the long run.

They are numerous types of kitchen countertops available in Barrie, Ontario. Their variance is determined by the material used to craft the countertops. They main ones sold by Cambria Countertop Dealer Barrie include:

Granite Countertops

Granite is aesthetically appealing, and its resistance to scratching, heat, and staining is incredible. Granite is a natural product that makes the kitchen to be visually appealing and of high value. It is possible to select from over 20 shades of the granite; you can choose what best suits your style and preference.

Most homeowners prefer the black granite, but they are other ranges of colors available you can select. Some colors attract a higher price than others due to scarcity in a specific country. But the properties of the granite will not differ due to the difference in the color.

Marble countertops

Marble is a metamorphic rock that is popular for its beauty. The stone is delicate and requires care and a sealant application to prevent it from being water porous. If you don’t properly care for this material, it will become permanently stained.

Marble has a unique color that clearly distinguishes it from other kitchen countertops. The cost of marble is relatively high in comparison to other countertops, but its beauty is fantastic.

Laminate countertops

Laminate countertops are an affordable and stylish option that offers attractive features. They are numerous patterns, style, and finishes that are available in the market. The countertops require low-maintenance. Some of the advantages of the laminate countertops include:

• Affordability
• Durability
• Easy to clean
• Water-resistant
• Variety of style options available

However, the laminate countertop is susceptible to scratches, and you may notice visible scams after a duration of use. Extreme levels of high temperatures may also damage the countertops.

Quartz countertops

The quartz countertops contain a rich mineral that makes them very durable. The countertops don’t require frequent maintenance. They are also non-absorbent and will not be destroyed by liquids or bacteria.

The quartz is more durable than any other type of kitchen countertops. The material is not destructible and will keep your kitchen tops free from bacteria. However, extreme temperatures can damage the countertops, so you should avoid placing hot equipment on the countertop.

Solid surfacing countertops

The concrete surfacing countertops come in a variety of patterns, styles, and colors. The design of these countertops gives out a seamless integration as the joints are invisible. The advantage of selecting these types of surfacing is because of its resistance to stains. The countertop is prone to scratches, but it is possible to repair them. To extend the countertop’s life span, avoid cutting or chopping vegetables and meat directly on the surface; instead, use a cutting board.

Recycled glass

The recycled glass design is resistant to stains, heat, and scratches. It gives your kitchen a contemporary look and adds value to your kitchen.

Bottom Line

There are various kitchen countertops design available in the market, and you can select according to your taste and preference. Primary considerations in the selection process are the price and material characteristics of the countertop. Opt for materials resistant to staining, scratching, or heat as they are not only aesthetically appealing but will last for long in their original version.

Holistic wellness is an approach that involves looking at your wellbeing holistically. The process considers all aspects of a human being, such as the body, spirit, and mind. There is a need to balance physical health, spiritual nourishment, mental stimulation, and emotional factors.

Holistic wellness in Ottawa mainly focuses on benefits for the residents of that area in a unique manner. They are various aspects of holistic a good holistic wellness center in Ottawa specializes in such as:

Physical wellness

Physical wellness mainly focuses on the healthy and prolonged life span of an individual. It focuses on proper nutrition and physical exercise. To maintain physical health, there is a need to sleep for 8 hours each night, eat plant-based and organic animal products, and eat minimal sugar.

Other smaller components, such as body mass index, glucose levels, skeletal structure, and muscle endurance, are significant physical wellness attributes. Wellness focuses on aspects that promote health rather than diminish it. It focuses to help you live a prolonged and healthy life.

Emotional wellness

Emotional wellness is the capability of expressing self-regulated emotions even in stressful environments. To maintain sturdy emotional health, you need to seek therapy, adopt stress reduction behaviors, and record your feelings in a journal. There is also a need to detach yourself from negative emotions that may trigger extreme anger levels in you.

Most people overlook the emotional health without realizing the impact it has on their lives. If you don’t prioritize your emotional factors, they will have detrimental effects on your physical health.

Social wellness

Social wellness involves connections with family, friends, and the community. The best ways to have a robust social connection is making time for personalized links, getting involved in the local community, and distancing yourself from toxic relationships. People who have a well established social connection are happier in life.

Spiritual wellness

Spiritual wellness does not necessarily mean that you connect with a specific religious belief. It mainly involves a deeper connection with your inner soul and the surrounding world. The best way for significant spiritual wellness is frequent meditation, spending more time in natural environments, and practicing faith for the religious people.

Mental wellness

Mental wellness is a combination of both physical and emotional wellness. Mental health mainly refers to the various cognitive abilities that alter the functioning of the brain.

The best way to maintain good mental wellness:

• Keep your mind engaged
• Avoid the use of drugs
• Consume foods with high levels of antioxidants
• Keep a positive mind

Occupational wellness

Occupational wellness mainly describes job fulfillment and job satisfaction, and it primarily emphasizes happiness in the workplace. It focuses on job satisfaction and balancing a productive life balance.  Thus, primary training focuses on workplace issues and establishing ways to adapt to pressure in the work environment.

Bottom Line

Holistic health is essential, and you need to achieve physical, emotional, mental, occupational, spiritual, and social wellness. Balancing all the aspects of holistic wellness is an incredible way to have a sustainable and astonishing life.

Excavators and construction are synonymous that go together without a doubt. They are the most valuable pieces of equipment on any construction site. With enhanced attachments and technological innovation, excavators are now not just for digging or lifting enormous amounts of soil. Instead, their versatility allows you to demolish structures, lift away waste, excavating mines, drilling operations.

So, whether you’re looking to undertake road construction, mining work, building construction, demolition, dam construction, earthwork, or any other construction work; you have to get one in your fleet of equipment.

You can either purchase one for yourself or go with an excavator rental company. But before going into the shopping process, it is pretty vital to understand different types of excavators, their capabilities and uses to make a well-informed decision.

Excavator types based on size

Standard

Excavators that weight between seven to 45 metric tons come under the heading of a standard excavator. These standard excavators have enough power and hauling capacity to work for a variety of commercial and industrial construction projects.

Mini excavator

The mini excavator also termed as a compact excavator is a type that has a reduced tail-swing or even a zero tail-swing that makes it ideal for working in tight spaces. Its maneuverability in small narrow job sites makes it ideal for residential works and landscaping jobs. Although mini-excavators are not as powerful as standard excavators they can undertake a variety of jobs. Many companies prefer to hire mini excavators on weekly or monthly plans as they are useful with a wide variety of civil construction projects.

Excavator types based on operation

Crawler mounted

As the name suggests, this type of excavator is mounted on a crawler assembly that moves by two rotating tracks the same as that of a tank. Such mobility makes it ideal for uneven and difficult terrains. The hydraulic power of the crawler makes its tracked chassis more stable.

So, if you’re looking to work for steep, rough, or muddy landscapes, it’s the best pick. The only con of a crawler excavator is that it’s slow. So, if you need an excavator on multiple locations of the same project, it may not be the best choice.

Wheeled excavators

This type of excavator is mounted on a wheeled assembly instead of tracks. It’s well suited for jobs on flat/hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete. But because of less traction control, you won’t be able to work well in muddy, soft, sloppy, or hilly terrain. However, it works faster than a crawler excavator and is easier to maneuver.

Long reach excavators

This excavator has a lengthy arm and boom that makes it ideal for head-to-reach areas. Because of its extendable arm of range 40 to 100 feet, the operator can work well from a safe distance. So, if you’re looking to undertake a job where the terrain or construction site prevents the machine and operator from getting too close, this must be your pick.

Hydraulic Shovels

The hydraulic shovel is actually the most powerful type of excavator that’s commonly used for mining projects. So, if you’re looking to handle any job that requires lifting and hauling large rocks or minerals; it has got the power and capacity to deliver.

Dragline

Well, this type of excavator is used for specific jobs especially while excavating underwater. It operates differently than other types. It uses a hoist rope system and a dragline to raise and lower the bucket.