Organization: MCAA

Sponsor Spotlight 21 Welcomes Mark Marini from Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.®

In the 21st episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Rick Gopffarth, MCAA’s Vice President/Assistant Treasurer welcomes Mark Marini, VP – Morris Group International for Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.®. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

Mark Marini is Morris Group International, Inc. (MGI) Group Vice President since June 2020. Don Morris CEO of (MGI) elevated Mark to his VP role, to blend the resources of the various MGI companies into a cohesive suite of plumbing and fire protection product solutions. Working closely with Jay R Smith Mfg. Inc. we strive to have best in class inventories closest to our customers as well as true manufacturing at our Montgomery, AL facility reducing lead times and controlling quality.  Mark joined Morris Group International, Inc. in 2018 as Director of Sales and Marketing for Chronomite Laboratories, Inc. Prior to joining Morris Group International Inc., Mark worked for Zurn Industries starting in 2000. While at Zurn he worked in various sales roles to include; National Sales Manager for Specification Drains, Director of Contractor Sales, and prior to his departure in 2018 he was Director of Sales. Mark has been active in MCAA since 2008 and enjoys adding value for Contractor partners. Mark has a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Penn State University.

Resource Highlight: MCAA’s Inspecting Materials Handling Equipment Safety Training Video & Accompanying Materials

Each week, MCAA will highlight one or more of the educational resources that are free to MCAA members as a benefit of membership. This week, we focus on MCAA’s Inspecting Materials Handling Equipment Safety Training Video and its materials. Damaged and defective materials handling equipment can be hazardous. Protect your workers by ensuring they receive proper training with these resources.

The video includes:

  • Tips for pre-use inspections
  • Specific recommendations for inspecting jacks, forklifts and other types of lifts, hoists, cranes, and rigging equipment

The video comes with a pocket guide that highlights key training points, a training documentation sheet, a 20-question multiple choice test, and a test answer key.

Download the Video and Accompanying Materials

Video | Video – Spanish | Pocket Guide | Documentation Sheet | Test | Answer Key

You Might Also Like These Resources

Have Questions or Need Personal Assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

Guess What? We’re Back! The 2021 GreatFutures Forum Will Be In-Person & In Scottsdale, Arizona!

We heard you. We know you’re eager to get together with other students and with contractors from around the country. And, honestly, we can’t wait to see you, too!

So, we thought, let’s not wait. Let’s all come together. And what better place than in conjunction with the highly anticipated, in-person MSCA21 Conference this October. Students and contractors can meet, inspire, hire, share ideas, and generally have a great time. 

Here’s where we’ll meet:

JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa
October 17-19, 2021

Here’s what you’ll get to do:

  • Meet with contractors at general sessions, receptions, and pretty much everywhere you go.
  • Get to know the industry and its people, and start forging relationships.
  • Let the industry know you and your talents at the GreatFutures Forum Job Fair.
  • Gain further insight and direction regarding this year’s Student Chapter Competition. (Don’t worry, the project will be announced virtually in September!)

As schools reopen, the country reconnects, and the mechanical contracting industry reunites, you can get the jump on building your great future.

It’ll be great to be together, at last! 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Megan Walsh.

Mask Mandates Are Falling – What Are Employers To Do?

On May 13, 2021 the CDC unexpectedly recommended that, with limited exceptions, fully vaccinated individuals can resume all indoor and outdoor activities without wearing masks or social distancing, except where required by law or workplace guidance. In response to the confusion created by differing State and Federal guidelines, Lindabury, McCormick, Estabrook & Cooper, P.C. has prepared an overview for employers so they can create policies for addressing the vaccination status of their employees.

Department of Labor Issues Cybersecurity Best Practices for ERISA-Covered Plans

ERISA-covered plans often hold millions of dollars or more in assets and maintain personal data on participants, which can make them tempting targets for cyber-criminals. Responsible plan fiduciaries have an obligation to ensure proper mitigation of cybersecurity risks. The Employee Benefits Security Administration has prepared the following best practices for use by recordkeepers and other service providers responsible for plan-related IT systems and data, and for plan fiduciaries making prudent decisions on the service providers they should hire. 

Helm Group, Inc. Streamlines Work, Wins Jobs with Autodesk’s BIM 360

Helm Group, Inc. (formerly Mechanical, Inc.) combines leading technology like BIM 360 within Autodesk Construction CloudTM with Lean construction principles to implement new design, engineering, and construction methods. For example, by fabricating multitrade skids in an offsite fabrication shop, Helm Group increases collaboration and drives efficiencies to deliver highly complex projects while achieving certainty in cost, schedule, and quality. BIM 360 enables the coordination and data sharing that allows the fabrication to be so accurate that, once it arrives onsite, all that is necessary is to lift it into place and install it.

LEARN MORE

Looking for More Smart Solutions?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Loosening of CDC’s Face Covering Recommendations Do Not Alter Employer Compliance Obligations

The CDC recently changed its COVID-19 recommendations regarding the use of face coverings for fully vaccinated individuals. Under the new guidance, fully vaccinated individuals, in most cases, no longer need to wear face coverings indoors or out, or practice social distancing. However, the loosening of the recommendations does not change affected employers’ compliance obligations. Masks and distancing are still mandatory “where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.” Employers should be aware that OSHA recently implemented a special emphasis program to enforce worker COVID-19 protections.

LEARN MORE

Connect With the Latest Training from Trimble and Ridge Tool Company at MCAA.org

The Manufacturer/Supplier Training area of MCAA’s website connects our contractor members with training opportunities available from the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new webinars and training opportunities across their product lines, services, solutions or web pages. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Trimble
Trimble’s services don’t end after the sales transaction has completed. We are committed to partnering with your business to ensure that you are on the path to success. We offer instructor-led classroom and onsite experiences that blend product demonstrations with hands-on exercises and virtual instructor-led training to help you maximize the benefits of your new software as fast and as easy as possible.

Learn More

Ridge Tool Company
RIDGID is #1 in pressing for a reason. In this training we walk through the RP 350 and RP 342-XL. We talk about all the applications and uses to ensure you get the most out of these tools.

Learn More

Interested in More Training from Our Supplier Partners?

Be sure to visit the Manufacturer/Supplier Training area for all the latest offerings.

Learn More

MSCA & You Supporting Convoy of Hope

MSCA has partnered with Convoy of Hope since 2010 to deliver supplies to families in need who live in cities where the association holds its annual conference. This partnership has resulted in the donation of more than $550,000 in food, goods, labor, and equipment that benefit individuals and families nationwide.

This year, we will support the Phoenix Rescue Mission, and we need your help.

TOGETHER, we can:

  • Raise $50,000 to deliver a tractor trailer full of needed supplies to the Mission
  • Support volunteers that will perform much needed tasks and activities at the Mission
  • Enjoy each other’s company while we pack thousands of hygiene kits to help the needy

Check out our 2019 project and packing party, then join us in supporting the Phoenix Rescue Mission. $50,000 is a lofty goal, but we can get there TOGETHER.

LEARN MORE

What to Consider Before Requiring Workers to Get COVID-19 Vaccinations

In most states employers may legally require their workers to get COVID-19 vaccinations, provided that they make reasonable accommodations for medical or religious objections. However, doing so could result in negative consequences, so there are several items your company should consider before deciding whether to require their workers to get vaccinated.

  • If your company requires a worker to get vaccinated and that worker has an adverse reaction to the vaccine, and the results of the adverse reaction meet the criteria for an OSHA recordable injury (medical treatment beyond first aid, days away from work, etc.), OSHA considers the case to be “work-related.” Employers are required to treat the case as a “recordable illness;”
  • If your company requires a worker to get vaccinated and that worker has an adverse reaction to the vaccine, in some states the case could result in a worker’s compensation claim. Be sure to check with your worker’s compensation carrier before you proceed;
  • If your company requires a worker to get vaccinated and that worker has an adverse reaction to the vaccine, and the case is not covered by worker’s compensation the employer may be subject to a lawsuit;
  • Some states may prohibit employers from mandating the vaccines; and
  • Mandating vaccines may violate local collective bargaining agreements.

Find the Latest from Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® and Lochinvar, LLC in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Jay R. Smith Mfg. Co.® a Member of Morris Group International
Our branch-style distribution units are a part of our new Smith Fluid Controls ™ line. You can simply and effectively prime up to four floor drain traps with one trap primer. The branches are flexible for ease of connection and are engineered so that water leaving the trap primer is divided evenly between branches. And of course, a variety of connection types are available.

Learn More

Lochinvar, LLC
Developed for new construction and retrofit projects, our 20-model commercial heat pump water heater product line helps customers meet energy-savings and sustainability goals.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Beyond the Classroom Video Series: The Endless Opportunities of Mechanical Contracting

As we wrap up our Beyond the Classroom series, we wanted to highlight the endless opportunities the mechanical contracting industry has to offer. Scott Hinton, Vice President of Harrell-Fish, Inc. and a member of MCAA’s Career Development Committee and MCAA’s Board of Directors, describes the unique nature of mechanical contracting saying, “People do not seem to get stuck in roles. They get more opportunity to advance and continue advancing throughout their careers.”

A part of advancing within this industry is in surrounding yourself with other professionals. Scott credits MCAA for helping him establish relationships with contractors across the country. These are people he can call with questions, share information and ideas with, and lean on for support. They’re the same type of people, who look forward to welcoming you into this industry and helping you grow.

Take advantage of all MCAA offerings, whether in-person or virtual. Sit next to a contractor at the next in-person MCAA event you attend or send a question directly to a contractor during the next virtual presentation you watch. In short: reach out and get involved! 

Scott, and other MCAA members are ready to help introduce you to the endless opportunities within the industry!

Aquatherm Outlines Steps to Success With Butt Fusing Polypropylene Piping

A properly performed butt fusion on polypropylene piping is a wonder of the modern world: two pieces of pipe (or a pipe and fitting) become one solid piece. The joint is as strong—if not stronger—than the pipe itself. There are no leak paths, and, when properly performed, the fused joint will remain leak-free throughout its 50-year-plus year lifespan.

LEARN MORE

Looking for More Smart Solutions?

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website! You’ll see how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with productivity-enhancing and cost-saving applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Plus, you’ll find tips and ideas on other ways you and your company can save money and enhance your productivity.

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS

Our New Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide Is Available Online

The full-featured digital version of MCAA’s Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide enhances the look and feel of our printed directory. Download your copy for digital-only benefits that help you stay connected throughout the year. Printed copies are in the mail. Whichever version you choose to use, the directory is free as a benefit of membership.

The digital version of the directory helps you:

  • Network from anywhere with linked email addresses.
  • Connect with the companies, products and services that interest you using linked web addresses.
  • Get where you’re going…fast…with bookmarks and a linked table of contents.
  • Find advertisers instantly with a linked advertiser index.

Download Your Copy

Have updates? Please share! Contact Jan Grillo for assistance updating your member record at any time.

Growth Projections Dip, But Many Remain Optimistic as Labor Shortage Eases, Study Finds

The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC)’s seventh annual study on the current state of the union construction and maintenance labor supply throughout the United States finds that many remain optimistic in spite of dipping growth projections. The study, produced in conjunction with the Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC), also shows an easing of the labor shortage.

A year after the COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered the business landscape, professionals in the union construction industry are slightly less optimistic about growth in 2021, but given the circumstances, it’s not as bad as you might expect. Another bright spot: although finding skilled and qualified craftworkers is still a challenge for contractors, fewer employers across the country reported labor shortages last year.

These are just a couple of the interesting takeaways from TAUC’s seventh annual Union Craft Labor Supply Study, based on a comprehensive survey of 1,129 industry respondents conducted in January 2021. Once again, TAUC commissioned the Construction Labor Research Council (CLRC) to conduct the survey and compile the resulting study and analysis. Contractors, building trades representatives, owner-clients, construction managers and association professionals of every size and from every geographic region weighed in and gave their perspectives, creating a truly one-of-a-kind data set.

Last year’s study occurred just prior to the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the data reflect nearly a year of living with the pandemic. Thus, the results from last year’s study compared to this year provide a clean “before and after” look at the data.

There was strong consistency across all nine U.S. geographic regions with fewer people indicating a shortage of union craft workers in 2020 than in 2019 for every region. The largest gains (i.e., fewer reporting a shortage) were in the South Central and Northwest Regions.

And while the study also found reduced optimism regarding growth, even in the midst of a pandemic, about two-thirds of the study participants projected growth. In other words, what makes the findings about growth projections stand out is that they are not lower than they are, given the challenges the construction and service industry face: a pandemic, union craft labor shortage, increasing cost of materials, logistics challenges, etc.

Each year, the study includes a new set of custom questions as a one-time event (previous questions are rotated off). These questions focus on emerging issues or topics critical to the construction and service industries. This year’s questions focused on the funding status of union pension funds, union craft labor portability, and the impact of the pandemic.

DOWNLOAD THE REPORT

MCAA’s Construction Safety Week Celebration Highlights MCAA’s Fall Protection & Prevention Resources

MCAA’s Construction Safety Week celebration concludes with a look back at the fall prevention and protection resources we have been highlighting during the week.

MCAA’s Ladder Safety Training Video

This video will show your fitters, plumbers, and service technicians how to properly inspect, transport, set up and use ladders safely.

The video emphasizes:

  • Common reasons for falls
  • The safe use of ladders, including stepladders and portable straight ladders
  • How new ladder technology has substantially improved ladder safety

Accompanying materials assist you in highlighting key training points, documenting worker training and confirming that workers understand the training concepts.

Download MCAA’s Ladder Safety Training Video & Materials

Video | Pocket Guide | Documentation Sheet | Test | Answer Key

MCAA’s Fall Prevention and Protection Safety Training Video

This video helps the viewer understand the differences between fall prevention and fall protection with emphasis on the components of fall restraint and fall arrest systems and how to use them properly and safely.

The video also guides the viewer through the fall rescue planning process, including how to survive while suspended in a fall arrest harness after falling and until help arrives.

Accompanying materials assist you in highlighting key training points, documenting worker training and confirming that workers understand the training concepts.

Download MCAA’s Fall Prevention and Protection Safety Training Video & Materials

Video | Pocket Guide | Documentation Sheet | Test | Answer Key

MCAA’s Model Fall Protection Program

This model program describes the fall hazards that are anticipated in the mechanical construction and service industry and addresses safe fall prevention and protection measures involving mobile and fixes scaffolds, aerial lifts, floor holes, wall openings, and ladders. These safety measures, which are covered in detail, include  guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, fall restraint systems, and floor hole covers.

DOWNLOAD

MCAA’s Model Fall Rescue Safety Program and Plan

It becomes extremely dangerous for a worker to hang in a fall arrest harness for more than a couple of minutes, so companies are required to have an action plan in place to rescue workers immediately in the event of a fall and subsequent suspension from a fall arrest harness.

MCAA’s Model Fall Rescue Safety Program and Plan helps the user develop a fall rescue plan addressing management responsibility, methods of fall rescue, information on “Qualified Fall Rescuers,” and training requirements.

DOWNLOAD

Check Out All of MCAA’s Safety Resources

Learn more about safety and health in our industry and access safety-related resources in these locations:

If you have questions about any of these resources or MCAA’s Safety Excellence Initiative, contact Pete Chaney.

About Construction Safety Week

Construction Safety Week was started in 2014, when more than 40 national and global construction firms comprising the Construction Industry Safety Initiative (CISI) group and the Incident and Injury Free (IIF) CEO Forum joined forces with a single aim: to inspire everyone in the industry to be leaders in safety.

Sponsor Spotlight 20 Welcomes Greg Lowman from Baltimore Aircoil Company

In the twentieth episode of MCAA’s Sponsor Spotlight series, Robert Beck, MCAA’s Senior Vice President/Treasurer welcomes Greg Lowman, Vice President and Managing Director, North America for Baltimore Aircoil Company. The Sponsor Spotlight Series is a new way for MCAA contractor members to learn more about the Manufacturer/Supplier Council (M/SC) Governing Board members, their products, their relationship with MCAA, and what being a member means to them.

Greg Lowman is the Vice President and Managing Director, North America for Baltimore Aircoil Company (BAC). Greg started his career with BAC in 1997 as a Manufacturing Engineer after completing his undergraduate degree. Throughout the past 24 years Greg has held various roles within the organization across several disciplines. This includes Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Plant Management, Product Development, Product Engineering & Operations. Prior to Greg’s current role, he was Vice President, Global Engineering and responsible for development of BAC’s technology and product roadmaps. Greg has been active with MCAA since 2014. Greg has a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland and a Master of Finance from Loyola University. In his current role, Greg is responsible for BAC’s business in the Americas.

Celebrate Construction Safety Week With MCAA’s Model Fall Rescue Safety Program and Plan

MCAA is celebrating Construction Safety Week May 3 – 7, 2021 by highlighting the resources you need to revisit best safe work practices on fall prevention and protection with your workers. Today we focus on MCAA’s Model Fall Rescue Safety Program and Plan.

It becomes extremely dangerous for a worker to hang in a fall arrest harness for more than a couple of minutes, so companies are required to have an action plan in place to rescue workers immediately in the event of a fall and subsequent suspension from a fall arrest harness.

MCAA’s Model Fall Rescue Safety Program and Plan helps the user develop a fall rescue plan addressing management responsibility, methods of fall rescue, information on “Qualified Fall Rescuers,” and training requirements.

DOWNLOAD

Check Out All of MCAA’s Safety Resources

Learn more about safety and health in our industry and access safety-related resources in these locations:

If you have questions about any of these resources or MCAA’s Safety Excellence Initiative, contact Pete Chaney.

About Construction Safety Week

Construction Safety Week was started in 2014, when more than 40 national and global construction firms comprising the Construction Industry Safety Initiative (CISI) group and the Incident and Injury Free (IIF) CEO Forum joined forces with a single aim: to inspire everyone in the industry to be leaders in safety.

Celebrate Construction Safety Week With MCAA’s Model Fall Protection Program

MCAA is celebrating Construction Safety Week May 3 – 7, 2021 by highlighting the resources you need to revisit best safe work practices on fall prevention and protection with your workers. Today we focus on MCAA’s Model Fall Protection Program.

MCAA’s Model Fall Protection Program describes the fall hazards that are anticipated in the mechanical construction and service industry and addresses safe fall prevention and protection measures involving mobile and fixes scaffolds, aerial lifts, floor holes, wall openings, and ladders. These safety measures, which are covered in detail, include  guardrail systems, personal fall arrest systems, fall restraint systems, and floor hole covers.

DOWNLOAD

Check Out All of MCAA’s Safety Resources

Learn more about safety and health in our industry and access safety-related resources in these locations:

If you have questions about any of these resources or MCAA’s Safety Excellence Initiative, contact Pete Chaney.

About Construction Safety Week

Construction Safety Week was started in 2014, when more than 40 national and global construction firms comprising the Construction Industry Safety Initiative (CISI) group and the Incident and Injury Free (IIF) CEO Forum joined forces with a single aim: to inspire everyone in the industry to be leaders in safety.

Find the Latest from Harris Products Group and Conex Bänninger in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show

MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show connects our contractor members with the members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

Participating companies highlight and link to new products, product lines, services, solutions or web pages of particular interest. Here are just a few of the recent additions:

Harris Products Group
Your customers deserve a better way to manage their industrial and specialty gas usage. DataSMART™ keeps their gas flowing and delivers the most advanced reporting features in the market today.

Learn More


Conex Bänninger (IBP GROUP LLC)
Benefiting from over 100 years’ experience in fittings manufacture and over two decades experience in press system design, >B< MaxiPro is set to revolutionize pipe jointing in air conditioning and refrigeration applications. The >B< MaxiPro range is brought to you by Conex Bänninger, a specialist in providing high quality fittings, valves and accessories across the globe.

Learn More

Need Something Else?

Find many more smart solutions in MCAA’s Virtual Trade Show!

Visit the Virtual Trade Show

Speaking of Smart Solutions

Visit the Smart Solutions Case Studies area of our website to learn how other mechanical contractors found their win-win with cost-saving and productivity-enhancing applications from members of MCAA’s Manufacturer/Supplier Council.

This section of our website also includes tips and ideas to help your company save money and enhance your productivity. Don’t miss it!

VISIT SMART SOLUTIONS