About Under the Hard Hat

Under the Hard Hat is the go-to resource for construction professionals and the only platform that brings together valuable information for workers of every level in one place. 

If you wear a hard hat while on the job, Under the Hard Hat is for you.

You’ll find industry news, event listings, health and wellness tips, tool reviews, project spotlights, and even recipes to help fuel your day. Sign up for our newsletter to receive weekly email blasts with content you don’t want to miss.

Something you want to see on our platform? Let us know at content@hard-hat.org.

Meet our team

Andrea Barrett

Content Manager

Andrea is a content writer and editor who has spent the last six years freelancing for a wide range of clients, including in the health, wellness, and insurance spheres. She is skilled at creating people-first content that helps users understand complex topics and is excited to leverage this expertise to keep those working in the construction industry informed and engaged. Andrea received her Honours Bachelor of Arts in communication from McMaster University and is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner (Institute of Holistic Nutrition) and a Certified Digital Marketing Professional (Digital Marketing Institute). When she isn’t writing or editing, you’ll find her playing with her son or hiking with her rescue dogs.

Jessica Barrett

Content Consultant

Jessica is a content editor and strategist with experience across a number of verticals, including occupational health and safety and “your money or your life” topics. She spent a decade freelancing as a writer and editor before joining a Silicon Valley startup, where she spent three years focused heavily on insurance content. She is currently a managing editor with WeyMedia, which runs sister sites moneyGenius and creditcardGenius. She has also written extensively on safety in the workplace and covered emerging wearable technology in the construction industry. Jessica holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in political science from McMaster University and a post-graduate diploma in public relations from the University of Victoria. She is currently based on Vancouver Island. Outside of work, Jessica enjoys hiking with her three rescue dogs, gardening, and renovating her home.

Safra Malik

Social Media Coordinator

Safra, an Ottawa-based social media coordinator, brings a passion for mental health advocacy and a diverse background to her digital endeavours. With an Honours Bachelor’s Degree of Cognitive Science, specialising in neuroscience from Carleton University, and a lifelong exposure to construction, Safra offers a unique perspective. From coordinating events in the construction industry to fundraising for mental health-focused non-profits, Safra has consistently leveraged social media to champion causes close to her heart. Now, as a social media coordinator and contributor to Under the Hard Hat, she navigates topics such as workplace well-being and mental health within construction, aiming to ignite meaningful conversations and inspire positive change online. When not online, Safra finds fulfilment in volunteering for various mental health organisations and music festivals, building her physical media collection and crocheting.

Jonathan Barnes

Writer

Jonathan Barnes is a journalist with almost three decades of experience. He is a former award-winning reporter for ENR magazine and has written and edited for publications such as GeoWeek, Fortune, ForConstructionPros, BD&C, BuiltWorlds, Procore, Waste Dive, Xerox, and Rolls-Royce. He grew up in a family of tradesmen and has been immersed in several areas within the construction industry. Outside of work, Jonathan enjoys stonescaping, landscaping, and gardening.