Remodelers seal safety issue with certification

By Phil Stratton
Executive Director
NARI of Madison Inc.

Few construction issues halt the progress of a job more than an injury. NARI remodelers realize cutting corners in safety could cost them plenty in time, energy, profits, reputation and employee retention. Hank Spies, honorary certified remodeler and often referred to as the father of National Association of the Remodeling Industry's certification program, wrote:

"I know that most contractors regard all the safety regulations as a pain in the posterior, but the cost of ignoring them is too high. I sat on a jury in a construction fall case some years ago, where the job as safety officer was given to the person on the job with the least seniority because they had no one they could push it off on. A worker fell four feet because of the obvious absence of a guardrail and was crippled for life. The cost to the contractor's insurance company totaled about $1.7 million. During the trial, the same scaffold was being used on a new federal courthouse job - within sight of the building where the case was being heard - and the guardrail was still missing."

Full service remodelers are unique in that they must be well versed in the entire spectrum of safety issues within the construction industry. With the remodel of a home or business, the remodeling contractor may be faced with hazard issues that are typically unique to only specialty contractors -- concrete/masonry, electrical, insulation, mechanical, plumbing, roofing, siding and windows.

Therefore, the remodeler must be aware of issues revolving around each of these specialties, in addition to the more common general construction and carpentry issues. Adding to the importance of safety awareness on a remodeling project is that oftentimes many, if not all, of these circumstances are compacted into a very small owner-occupied construction site.

Safety component added

To address these concerns, NARI designed a comprehensive safety component into its existing certification program. The issues encompass tools, equipment and construction site safety. NARI's certification program consists of the following designations: certified remodeler (CR); certified lead carpenter (CLC); certified carpenter, remodeler (CC,r); and certified remodeler specialist (CRS).

Designed in 1984 and updated on an ongoing basis, the certification and safety program is specifically geared to the remodeling segment of the construction industry. It soon became the standard of expertise, knowledge and ethical conduct for the remodeling industry. The program was an immediate success in the eyes of professional remodelers as a way to identify themselves as certified industry experts to business leaders and homeowners who were looking for a remodeling professional. And employees of certified remodelers have the security of knowing that his or her employer's commitment to their personal safety is an actual business goal.

Ever changing to meet the demands of an ever-changing industry, the NARI certification and safety program has added key information such as lead and asbestos awareness training to its general safety information section. Other sections of the program include personal safety, financial implications, tools and equipment precautions, special situations, job site, welfare, and how to comply with OSHA regulations. As has been the case since its inception, NARI will continue to update its programs to offer the most comprehensive of its kind within the remodeling industry.

For more information on NARI membership, certification or to find a professional remodeler in your area, contact Phil Stratton at NARI of Madison 608-222-0670, Mary Fox-Hagner at Milwaukee/NARI Home Improvement Council 414-771-4071 or Rick Willer at Fox Valley NARI 920-731-8176.

Photo: Associated Builders & Contractors