Luby Shoring

by

Since we’re in the business of construction safety and support, we tend to get a little excited anytime we see new technology emerge that will help keep people safe while on the job. It seems like every day new technology emerges to help make all of our lives easier, and the construction industry isn’t immune to these advances. We’re going to outline a few of the new resources heading our way that will be sure to move the industry forward:

  • Smart Helmets – It might look like an ordinary hard hat, but it’s so much more. These smart helmets (there are a few brands out there) can display a virtual version of the work site, which allows you to train easier, see the overall scope of the project quickly and easily, and display instructions to your crew. The helmets can also gather data which will make it easier to comply with safety regulations and maintain your records.
  • Exoskeletons – According to OSHA, over 600,000 workplace injuries each year are attributed to back injuries. The construction industry can be rough on your body, especially your back. The new exoskeletons hitting the market can help ease the strain on your body when you’re lifting heavy materials.
  • Drones – Yes, drones are everywhere. It’s likely your children even have had a chance to try flying one. However, they’re more than just a fun tech toy. They can also help you stay safe on the job by giving you the ability to examine parts of the job site that would be unsafe to enter. More than that, they can be used for planning and surveying projects, even before they begin.

When it comes to safety and efficiency in the construction industry, it’s apparent that the tech sector will be our greatest asset moving forward. It will be exciting to see the ever-changing tech landscape as it relates to our everyday work life.

by

Have you taken our Trench Safety Awareness class yet?You’ve been doing your job for a while, so it’s safe to say you know exactly what you’re doing and that you would never make a careless mistake on the job site, correct?

We hear this all the time, and we know it comes from a good place. After all, no one would ever knowingly put their life or the lives of their co-workers in danger. However, we work with contractors all the time who, for whatever reason, are running a job site with one or more red flags. The last thing you want is to have an emergency on your hands.

We know how hard it is to take time out to read up on the latest OSHA recommendations and the most up-to-date safety guidelines for trench safety. That’s why we offer a regular safety course that is convenient, quick, and offers same day certification. In just a few hours, you’ll learn:

  • What a competent person is, why you need one, and what their duties are
  • Different soil classifications and how to safely work with each condition
  • Requirements for protective systems
  • Site-specific engineering
  • Aluminum hydraulic shoring
  • Sloping and benching best practices
  • And more!

We offer a session once every month at our headquarters in Fenton, MO. Call 636-660-7467 to register for one of the upcoming classes on May 19, June 16, or July 21. Classes start at 8 am and your registration fee includes light breakfast and lunch. Want more information? Email Steve Luby at [email protected]

by

Why are more construction workers dying on the job lately?It seems as if we’re regularly reporting on preventable trench-related injuries and deaths. While it shouldn’t be a “routine” part of the job, unfortunately, it seems like it is. In late November, OSHA reported the number of fatalities in 2016 was 23 (as of today, there isn’t an updated 2016 number to report). In both 2014 and 2015, there were only 11 fatalities. Given how many folks are working in construction across the country, you might think 23 is a low number. To us, it is a frustrating reality, since trench-related deaths are so easily preventable.

Cincinnati-area OSHA director Ken Montgomery attributed the rise in fatalities to an increase in business, thus leading to an increase in exposure for workers. In fact, fatalities in construction overall are the highest they’ve been since 2008, which was also the last time the employment rate in the industry was as high as it is today. It seems there is a direct correlation between the health of the industry and the number of accidents.

In case you hadn’t heard, OSHA has issued a new requirement, effective January 1, 2017 that requires companies to electronically submit injury and illness data. Employers with 20 – 249 employees in high hazard industries must submit data from their 2016 300 A form prior to July 1. Companies with more than 250 employees that are covered by recordkeeping requirements will need to do the same. You can visit the OSHA website for more information on reporting a workplace injury, illness, or fatality.

As always, Luby Shoring Services is available to provide support and guidance during your next construction project. We are well-versed in all OSHA safety regulations and can get you the right equipment for the job. Keep your team safe and avoid those harsh penalties. Give us a call at 636-660-7467.

by

It’s probably safe to say that there’s a bit more uncertainty in the country than usual, and the reports of recent lost jobs in the construction industry can have you feeling a little unsettled. Is this the right career to stick with? What does the future look like for construction?

While no one can predict the future, there are some real numbers that paint of picture of what the industry looks like today and where it’s expected to go in the future. It’s good to arm yourself with real facts and data when you’re making a decision about your career.

According to an article from Construction Dive published in early January, 3,000 jobs were lost in the construction industry in December of 2016. However, there’s been a 1.5% increase in overall jobs in the past year. The jobs that were lost in December were generally from the non-residential sector. The residential sector actually gained jobs.

Also in the last year, wages for those working in the construction industry went up around 3% to hit an average of $28.42 per hour. This is the fastest construction wages have grown since 2009, according to the AGC.

You might think that because jobs are being lost, that means there’s not a lot of room for growth. This isn’t the case. In fact, there is a lot of available work, however, companies are struggling to find skilled people to hire. Once the workforce is strengthened, the sky is the limit! In fact, according to the Dodge 2017 Construction Outlook, the construction industry is expected to prosper this year. The outlook predicts a 5% increase in overall value created by the construction industry this year, which equals more job security and more pay.

When it comes to your next excavation project, rely on Luby Shoring. We’ll help you navigate OSHA safety regulations so you can get the job done quickly, on budget, and safely. We’ll help you determine the right equipment for the job and deliver it quickly. Contact us if you’d like more information on any of our services or rentals. Here’s to a prosperous 2017!

by

The Department of Labor recently made several adjustments to penalties for various agencies, including OSHA. If your company is regulated by OSHA, you will want to make sure you are up to speed on these changes, as they could seriously impact your bottom line or slow down your projects.

Were you aware that OSHA adjusts their penalties to account for inflation? The last time they made an adjustment was in 1990, so this new update is a big one. The maximum penalties have been increased by 78%. The changes went into effect on August 1, 2016, but if the violation occurred after November 2, 2015 you will be subject to the increased penalty rate. Moving forward, they will be adjusted annually so you shouldn’t expect to see a jump like this again.

Want to know what these adjustments look like in dollars and cents? Here’s a quick overview:

Serious, Other-than-Serious, and Posting Requirements Violations – The maximum penalty for these violations was $7,000 per incident. The new maximum penalty is $12,471 per violation.

Failure to Abate – In the past, you could face a penalty of $7,000 per day beyond the abatement date. Now, you’re looking at $12,471 per day.

Willful or Repeated Violations – These hefty violations used to cost $70,000 per violation. After August 1, these penalties are $124,709 each. Talk about a major increase!

In addition to these changes, a new size category has been created to accommodate small businesses. OSHA will provide penalty reductions based on the size of the employer and other select factors. For more information on the changes and what they mean for you, visit OSHA.gov.

 

by

It’s a reality that’s sadly far too common in the construction industry… collapsed trenches due to shortcuts and lack of adequate shoring equipment. The news is regularly reporting on these incidents, which almost always result in injury or even death. You’d think after seeing these tragedies in the headlines, construction companies would pay more attention to OSHA regulations surrounding trench digging, but unfortunately they do not.

When a trench does collapse, the first people that are called are emergency personnel such as the fire department. They put their lives in danger trying to save those that are trapped in trenches, and as a result, many of them suffer injuries as well.

According to an article on FireChief.com, “trench events have a mortality rate 2.5 times greater than all other construction-related events.” The fire department has a tough job to do, and that is why OSHA has specific guidelines in place regarding rescue situations, just like they have guidelines for trench digging. Fire departments must learn and follow these guidelines or else face penalties just like construction companies that fail to use proper procedures.

Of course, the best case scenario would be that all jobs utilize proper shoring equipment and follow all safety guidelines from the start of the project through completion. The fewer rescue situations that are required, the fewer lives are put at risk. We are more than happy to work with you on any job, and recommend the right tools to do the job quickly and safely without any OSHA violations. To learn more, visit our website or give us a call at 636-660-SHOR.

by

Every business owner, manager, or seasoned worker has felt insecure at some point in their career. There’s usually a moment when you read about some new technology that you know nothing about, or you see your competitor offering something you’ve been meaning to research but haven’t found the time. In any field, it’s easy to feel like you have fallen behind. In construction, it’s especially hard because your day-to-day work is so demanding that trying to squeeze in time for innovation can be a challenge.

Did you know that October is National Learning and Development month? This “holiday” was created to encourage Americans to set aside some time to invest in growing their skills. Whether you go all in and take a continuing education course at your local trade school or simply check out a book from the library, the time you take to advance your skills will pay off exponentially.

Don’t know where to start? Start small and spend 15 minutes reviewing the OSHA website to refresh yourself on their recommendations and guidelines. While you’re there, sign up to receive their free QuickTakes emails.

After that, head over to the TED talk website and watch one of the 20 most popular talks of all time. We recommend “The Happy Secret to Better Work” by Shawn Achor. He discusses how working harder can actually lead to a greater amount of happiness and satisfaction with our lives. Many people have been inspired by his words.

Speaking of masterful speakers, Tim Farriss, author of famous books like The 4-Hour Workweek has written a new book called Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers. This book shares the insider tips from some of the most successful people out there, from celebrity entertainers to master engineers. Try stealing some of their habits and you never know… it could be the one thing that stands between you and your next big opportunity.

Whatever you decide to do to celebrate National Learning and Development month, we can guarantee one thing: the time will not be spent in vain. Investing time into yourself and your career, no matter how much or how little, always pays off.

by

Winter is a notoriously tough time for those of us in the construction industry, especially in the Midwest, where things tend to slow to almost a stop once snow hits the ground. If you’re lucky enough to be able to keep busy with jobs during these cold, blustery months, there are a few unique challenges you’re likely preparing to deal with once again.

Staying safe on the job site is always something that should be in the forefront of your mind, but even more so in the winter where conditions can be more dangerous. Here’s a few tips to keep you and your crew safe, healthy, and on the right side of those ever-present regulations this winter season:

  • Dangerous Temperatures – When temperatures drop below freezing, you need to be especially mindful of real dangers like hypothermia and trench foot (a medical condition caused by prolonged exposure of the feet to damp, unsanitary, and cold conditions). Make sure everyone takes breaks indoors to warm up, and offer warm drinks. If temperatures are too cold to work safely, call it a day. Better to fall slightly behind than risk someone’s health.
  • Icy Conditions – Like the risks described above, icy conditions can make it hard for the crew and the vehicles to maneuver safely through the worksite. Use caution and proper footwear to minimize risk.
  • Construction Quality – Certain types of mortar and concrete cannot freeze during the drying time. Paint and drywall mud take more time to set when it’s very cold. There are advancements being made, but having access to this technology is not always a given. Try to plan for the weather, which may mean planning for delays.

It can be frustrating working around conditions you cannot control, but such is life in the Midwest. If you need assistance or equipment on your next job, give Luby Shoring Services a call. Support is our business.