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Risk Management Association - RMA

Prospective Member Breakfast

Thursday, August 1, 2013
Maggiano's Little Italy
1901 E. Woodfield Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173

7:30 am to 8:15 am: Registration and Breakfast
8:15 am to 10:00 am: Program

Join us to learn more about an exclusive workers' compensation program for the "Industry's Best Contractors".

There is no cost for this event, yes, it is free.

Download the registration form.

Register online

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Scaffolding

You should know that over one-third of the serious injuries to workers in the building trades are caused by falls from one level to another. These accidents usually occur because someone is working or standing on an unsafe surface (a makeshift scaffold) or using a scaffold incorrectly or working on one that hasn’t been put up properly. They may seem safe but they can be very dangerous. Makeshift scaffolds should not be used and are made of such things as:
• concrete blocks
• boxes
• buckets
• piles of scrap material
• poorly supported wooden planks
• machinery

Take the time to build a safe scaffold. We are not in such a hurry that we are willing to sacrifice safety. There are a couple kinds of scaffolds that are acceptable if built right. Some examples of scaffolds and things to remember when erecting them are:

Rolling Scaffold
• They should only be used on a level surface.
• The height should not exceed 4 times the minimum base dimension, unless guyed or equipped with outriggers.
• Decking should be full width and secured against displacement.
• They should have guardrails, midrails and toe boards.
• All casters should be locked except when the scaffold is being moved.
• No one should be on it while it is being moved.

Tubular Metal Scaffold
• Should be tied to and braced against the structure at intervals not to exceed 30 feet horizontally and 26 feet vertically.
• They should have guardrails, midrails and toe boards.
• Screwjacks should be adjusted to plumb and level the scaffold.
• All crossbracing should be installed.
• Mudsills should be used on soft ground.
• Planks should be lapped not less than 12” nor more than 18”.
• Ice or snow should be cleaned off before it is used.
• Safe means of access should be provided – Climbing crossbracing is prohibited.

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URGENT! Healthcare Reform Seminar Obama Care, is your company prepared?

Thursday, July 11, 2013

Wintrust Mortgage
9700 W. Higgins Road
Training Room B, 2nd floor
Rosemont, IL 60018
3 pm to 5 pm

RCEC Member no charge
Non Members $45

Download more information and the registration form.

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OSHA urges increased safety awareness in fireworks industry in advance of July 4 celebrations.

WASHINGTON – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is urging the fireworks and pyrotechnics industry to be vigilant in protecting workers from hazards while manufacturing, storing, transporting, displaying and selling fireworks for public events.

“As we look forward to July 4 celebrations with fireworks and festivities, we must also consider the safety of workers who handle pyrotechnics,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. “Employers are responsible for keeping everyone safe on the job and taking appropriate measures to protect workers from serious injuries or death.” 

In March 2012, three workers suffered serious burns caused by an explosion at Global Pyrotechnic Solutions Inc. OSHA cited the Dittmer, Mo., company nearly $117,000 for safety violations relating to explosive hazards.

OSHA’s pyrotechnics directive, Compliance Policy for Manufacture, Storage, Sale, Handling, Use and Display of Pyrotechnics, provides inspection guidance and OSHA requirements as they apply to pyrotechnics facilities and operations. The directive is available at http://www.osha.gov/OshDoc/Directive_pdf/CPL_02-01-053.pdf.

OSHA’s Web page on the pyrotechnics industry addresses retail sales of fireworks and fireworks displays. Information on common hazards and solutions found in both areas of the industry, and downloadable safety posters for workplaces are available at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/pyrotechnic/index.html. It also includes a video, available at http://www.osha.gov/video/fireworks/index.html, which demonstrates best industry practices for retail sales and manufacturers based on National Fire Protection Association consensus standards.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA’s role is to ensure these conditions for America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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RCEC Family Night - Cougars Game 8-2-13 5:30 pm

Friday, August 2, 2013

Kane County Cougars vs Wisconin Timber Rattlers

The event starts at 5:30 pm, Game starts at 6:30 pm.

The event will be held in the Super Suite.

*Post game fireworks show
*Run the bases after the game
*Unlimited food, soft drinks, water and cocktails included.

Join us as we partner with the Fox Valley AGC and the Finishing Contractors Association of Illinois.

General Contractors and Residential Builders will be in attendance.

Adults (11 and up) - $55

Children (3-10) - $30

Register and pay online for this event.

Download the USPS / Fax Registration Form.

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U.S. builders complain they can't find skilled carpenters

Where have all the carpenters gone? Home builders across the United States are scratching their heads for an answer as they struggle to assemble crews to keep up with growing demand.

In some parts of the country, the shortage of skilled carpenters - especially framers - is so bad that builders cannot get projects off the ground and it is taking as much as two months longer than normal to complete a project. "Right now I have framing material sitting on the job site with the foundation on the ground," said Stephen Paul, executive vice president at Mid-Atlantic Builders in Rockville, Maryland. "It's been sitting there a week because I have not been able to get a framer to start the house."

According to a National Association of Home Builders survey published last month, 48 percent of single-family home builders could not find framing crews in the first three months of this year, and builders in all four regions struggled. In the middle of last year, that figure stood at just 30 percent...

Full story at http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/19/us-usa-economy-homebuilding-idUSBRE95I05F20130619

From: Daniel J. B. Mitchell

On the Job Tool Box Talks-Hot Weather

Construction workers generally work outside and are exposed to heat and the sun. Too much heat or cold, especially if combined with high humidity or high winds, can harm your health and interfere with work. Hot, humid conditions can cause heat exhaustion, cramps, and even fainting. Employers have a responsibility to protect workers from extreme temperatures.

At times, workers may be required to work in hot environments for long periods. When the human body’s unable to maintain a normal temperature, heat-related illnesses can occur and may result in death. 

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