On the job toolbox safety talks-ACCESS & EGRESS FOR EXCAVATIONS

A competent person must design all structural ramps. Structural ramps used for access or egress of equipment must be designed by a competent person qualified in structural design.

A stairway, ladder, ramp or other safe means of egress must be located in trench excavations that are 4 feet (1.22 m) or more in depth so as to require no more than 25 feet (7.62 m) of lateral travel for employees

Ramps must be:
   
Connected together to prevent displacement;
Uniform thickness;
Cleats on the bottom to prevent tripping, and;
Designed to prevent slipping.

Ladder Safety:

Job-made ladders must be constructed according to ANSI A14.4 – Safety Requirements for Job-Made Ladders.
Ladders are to be used with caution around electrical lines, especially metal ladders, use only non-conductive ladders.
Secure ladders to prevent displacement.
Ladders extend 3-feet above excavation (shield).

The decision to choose a ramp, stair system or ladder for accessing and regressing from an excavation or trench depends largely on the allowable slope or angle that the sides (or ends) are cut back.

For example, in stable rock or with trench shields (boxes), where the sides are nearly vertical (between 75° and 90°), a ladder would be appropriate; ladders must never be used at angles less than 60°. Between 30° and 50° from the horizontal, use a stair system (job-made wood type or earth benched). Less than 20° from horizontal, a ramp can be safely used (unassisted) while maintaining an upright position.
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On the Job Toolbox Safety Talks-Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware of your exposure. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

CO is found in combustion exhaust, such as those produced by cars, trucks and small gasoline engines (generators).
[MORE]

Source: Construction Safety Council

Army Veteran Nick Mapson receives a new home

Thank you to everyone who participates in this very successful event. There were over 100 golfers and 130 attended the dinner.

The highlight of the event was the new home that was given to Army Veteran Nick Mapson and his wife and son.

 View Video 

 

This event was made possible by our sponsors. Thank you one and all.

Welcome Sponsor
Oak Design & Construction

Lunch Sponsor
Daily Herald
PANCAMI
Hinshaw & Culbertson

Continental Breakfast
Tribune Media

Golf Cart Sponsor
Monarch Construction

Beer Tickets
Knell & O'Connor

Bloody Mary Bowls
MB Financial

Active Hole Sponsors
Wausau Building Products
Premier Architecture, Inc.

Sign Only Hole Sponsors
BioView
Extended Home Living
Sun Times Media Group
Comcast
Cinemation
Fisher & Paykel

Contest Hole Sponsors
Chitkowski—Longest Drive
Niew Legal Partners, PC -Closest to Pin

19th Hole Sponsors
Assurance
LP Smart Side Trim Siding

 

Co-Sponsored by the HBAGC

 

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U.S. Supreme Court Validates the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

After much anticipation, the Supreme Court issued its decision on the various legal challenges to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA” or simply “ACA”) on Thursday, June 28. Their ruling upheld the constitutionality of the law, and the only change to the law is a tweak on the rules surrounding the expansion of Medicaid.
The primary legal challenge against the ACA dealt with the requirement that every individual in the U.S. purchase health insurance starting January 1, 2014 or pay a penalty (known as the “Individual Mandate”). The Court decided in a 5-4 vote that the Individual Mandate is a constitutional exercise of Congress’ power to levy taxes. The two remaining challenges only applied if the mandate was found to be unconstitutional, and therefore are now irrelevant.

Impact on Employers

Employers were largely removed from the question on the mandate, as it was directed towards people who were uninsured, not those employees who have benefits from their employer. The decision is a clear signal that it’s “full steam ahead” as far as employers are concerned. ACA compliance efforts currently underway should continue as they have been.
Employers should anticipate, however, a new wave of regulations from the various federal agencies that will run and enforce the ACA will be forthcoming. In light of the January 1, 2014 deadline for full implementation, much work remains to be done. The agencies most likely have been holding back on issuing regulations in anticipation of the decision by the Supreme Court. Now that the decision is made, they can move back into providing needed guidance.

What Happens Now

While the legal challenges to the ACA appear to be over for now, the upcoming election may still alter the future of Health Care Reform, and certainly as the ACA gets closer to full implementation there will be tweaks to the rules. Assurance will keep you fully informed on important developments with the ACA and is planning on holding a series of webinars later this summer to review compliance action steps employers will need to take in 2013 and beyond.

Source  Assurance 888-429-0999
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Opportunities & Risks from Change

Opportunities & Risks from Change

Energy Code Changes, Challenges and Considerations
Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Medinah Banquets
550 Shriners Drive
Addison, IL 60101

4:00 PM -Registration, Cocktails, Hor'derves
5:00 PM to 7:00 PM -Presentation
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM -Cocktails

Registration: $30 at the door
Pre-registered / Paid in Advance: $25


Please join us for a unique learning opportunity with noted building science Consultant Mark LaLiberte.

Mark will discuss: The Opportunities & Risks from Change:

This session will outline the ever increasing challenges presented in both new and existing buildings associated with the many changes in building design, material choices, mechanical system options and consumer expectations. Specifically this workshop will focus on the changes in construction practices and technologies that present new cost effective opportunities and avoid many of the risks inherent in the building process. [MORE]
Register online for this event



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A Golf Outing Honoring Veterans 6/21/12

Annual Golf Outing June 21, 2012 10 AM Shotgun Start

Register online for this event.

Golf Course: The Highlands of Elgin
Sign up now to sponsor the 2012 RCEC/GC/YBC Golf Outing!

Golf Registration $150.00
Includes, continental breakfast, driving range, cart, lunch, steak dinner
Events of the day include:

Parachute jump with American flag at reception.
Singing of the National Anthem.
Announcement of veteran receiving home.
Retired NFL players will be with us.

Please let us know if you are a veteran, we want to celebrate all our heroes!

Golf Outing - download USPS/Fax registration Form and
Sponsorship Form.

Register by phone: 630-512-0552

Using Respirators When Not Required

Respirators are an effective method of protection against designated hazards when properly selected and worn. Respirator use is encouraged, even when exposures are below the exposure limit, to provide an additional level of comfort and protection for workers. However, if a respirator is used improperly or not kept clean, the respirator itself can become a hazard to the worker. Sometimes, workers may wear respirators to avoid exposures to hazards, even if the amount of hazardous substance does not exceed the limits set by OSHA standards. If your employer provides respirators for your voluntary use, or if you provide your own respirator, you need to take certain precautions to be sure that the respirator itself does not present a hazard. 
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This information is provided by the Construction Safety Council