Archives: News Items

Is Your Company’s Fleet Safety Program as Effective as it Can Be?

This is a great time of year to evaluate your company’s fleet safety program. Doing so can help you ensure that the program is effectively protecting affected workers and that your company is benefiting from the most current safe work practices and technologies.

  • Sobering Facts:
  1. Motor Vehicle Fatalities Are the Leading Cause of Preventable Deaths
  2. They Continue to Increase – Up 14% since 2014
  • Minimum Fleet Safety Program Components
  1. Identifying All Company Drivers

-Workers Who Take Vehicles Home

-Subcontractors

-Driving Own Vehicles for Company Business

  1. Screening and Selecting Drivers Carefully

-Employment History

-Motor Vehicle Reports

-Drug/Alcohol Violation History

-National and Local Criminal Background Checks

-Pre-employment drug testing

-Pre-employment physical exams

-Pre-employment eyes exams

-Licenses/Certifications

  1. Driver Training

-All Applicable Training

  1. Monitoring Driving Behavior

-Real-Time Insight into Driving Habits

-Software Tools/Sensors/GPS, etc.

  1. Formal Vehicle Inspection Processes/Vehicle Maintenance

-At least monthly

  • Collision Avoidance Technologies
  1. Automatic Breaking
  2. Forward Collision Alert
  3. Lane Change Alert
  4. Cross Traffic Alert While in Reverse
  5. Rear Parking Assist (Provides Distance to Objects)
  6. Rear View Cameras
  • Real Time GPS Tracking
  1. Provides Extra Element of Safety

-Getting Help to Drivers ASAP by Always Knowing Exact Locations

  1. Reduces Fuel Costs

-Curbs Poor Driving Habits

-Automated Alerts to Non-Compliance

  1. Improves Productivity & Reduces Operating Costs

-More Accurate Calculations of Time spent Traveling

-Optimizes Driver Routes – Quickest Routes/Fewest Stops

  • Video and Drive Data Sensors for Predictive Analytics
  1. Internal and External Cameras Monitor Drivers’ Behaviors
  2. Sensors Record Erratic Driving
  3. Data Analysis Software Analyzes Driver Performance
  4. Fuel Management by Measuring Speed
  • Sensors
  1. Speeding
  2. Rolling Stops
  3. Texting/Distractions
  4. Drowsy Driving
  5. Lane Departures
  6. Rollover Stability
  7. Following Distance
  • Distracted Driving Prevention Technologies
  1. Can be set so phones won’t work if vehicle is in motion except for 911
  2. Can be set so phones won’t work unless hands free technology is detected

Long-time partner in safety CNA has provided MCAA with several informational bulletins on various fleet safety subjects. Visit the following links to view the bulletins.

  1. Sample Fleet Safety Program Guide
  2. Driver Selection
  3. Sample Cell Phone Use Policy
  4. Vehicle Personal Use
  5. Winter Driving
  6. Negligent Entrustment
  7. Crash Investigations

 

Looking for New Talent to Secure Your Company’s Future? Find it at MCAAGreatFutures.org!

MCAAGreatFutures.org helps you connect with the talent you need to secure your company’s great future. There, you’ll find the resumes of the bright students who participate in MCAA Student Chapters. Looking for a specific skill like BIM or Autocad? Enter it into the keyword filter and you’ll get an instant list of students who fit the bill. Prefer to search by university? We’ve got you covered – just select the university from the list and hit “Submit.” Just want interns? Only looking for full-time professionals? The results can also be filtered by job type, so you can narrow them down depending on your needs.

Access to the resumes is exclusively for MCAA members, giving members first dibs on the talent the association’s Career Development Initiative has helped to nurture. To see candidate details, simply login with your MCAA.org username and password.

Our Universities

While you’re there, check out our university home pages. Each page provides a more detailed look at the university’s academic program, awards, and activities along with the basics, like contact information. In addition, each page highlights resumes of the university’s students who are looking for their great futures.

An interactive map at the top of the page lets you filter the results to find universities near you. Or, skip the map to browse all universities.

News & Resources

This area of MCAAGreatFutures.org highlights job-related news content, including news submitted by our student chapters. For MCAA members, this means information about how to manage interns, applying for internship grants, and the like.

What are you waiting for? Secure your company’s great future today!

 
Visit MCAAGreatFutures.org

Need to Prepare Workers to Enter Confined Spaces? This Video Can Help!

MCAA’s Confined Spaces in Construction Safety Training Video will show your workers how to identify and protect themselves from the most common hazards in mechanical construction industry confined spaces.

Your workers will learn about:

  • Confined space classifications
  • Potential confined space hazards
  • The methods used to isolate or control these hazards
  • The duties of an authorized entrant
  • The duties of an authorized attendant

Download or play the video

There’s More…

Accompanying materials are also available to assist you in highlighting key training points, documenting worker training and confirming that workers understand the training concepts:

Highlight key training points

Download the Pocket Guide

Document worker training

Download the Documentation Sheet

Confirm that workers understand the training concepts

Download the Test

Download the Test Answer Key

Want Even More Safety Resources?

MCAA has you covered, with a full range of resources to help you protect your workers from injury and comply with applicable safety regulations. Here’s where to find them:

On our Direct Links to MCAA & MSCA Safety Resources page, where they’re listed by category with links.

Go there now

In the Resource Center, where you can use the blue Refine Your Search bar to pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for.

Visit the Resource Center

Have questions or need personal assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

Explore the Latest from Viewpoint Construction Software, Winsupply and More 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:


Viewpoint Estimating MCAA Virtual Trade ShowViewpoint Construction Software

Tired of managing Excel formulas for managing estimation? 33% of construction companies still use Excel or manual methods for takeoff and 44% use Excel or manual methods for estimating, and, “you have a recipe for a process that is both time consuming and fraught with opportunity for human error,” reported by the 2016 JB Knowledge Technology Report.

Learn More

Winsupply
Because we bring national buying strength to local support directly to you.

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

Discounted OSHA 10 and 30-Hour Safety Standards Courses Available Online

Online OSHA 10- and 30-hour construction safety standards courses, and the OSHA 10-hour general industry safety standards course (for fabrication shops and mechanical service work) are available to MCAA and MSCA members at discount prices.

OSHA 10 Hour Construction (Discount not available for CAL OSHA 10-hour course)

Regular Price – $89        MCAA Member Price – $80.10

OSHA 30 Hour Construction

Regular Price – $189      MCAA Member Price – $170.10

OSHA 10 Hour General Industry

Regular Price – $89        MCAA/MSCA Member Price – $80.10

The provider of the courses… ClickSafety is one of the few companies authorized by OSHA to provide these courses online. The company has a great deal of experience presenting top-qualify safety training. To take advantage of your 10% discounts, visit ClickSafety  and use the MCAA VIP discount code: MCAA2017, which is valid through 2018.

View the Brochure

Commonwealth Plumbing Finds Viega Double Drop Elbows Are Perfect Fit for Historic Building

While renovating a historic building, Commonwealth Plumbing found that Viega’s double drop elbows were the best solution for accommodating new bathroom sinks in a tight space with limited design options. By using pressed fittings, Commonwealth not only saved time on installation but also avoided soldering in an old building with a lot of wood.

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

OSHA Releases Interim Enforcement Guidelines for Silica Rule – MCAA’s Resources Will Help You Comply

OSHA recently released interim silica enforcement guidelines for its Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs). The guidelines, which are attached, may be helpful to you in preparation for OSHA’s enforcement of the standard.  MCAA expects that OSHA will begin full enforcement of the standard on October 23, 2017.      Guidelines

MCAA has a bank of silica safety resources that will help you protect your workers from overexposure, and help your companies comply with the standard. All the resources, including a worker safety training video, are available to members for free as a benefit of membership.  Direct links to the resources follow.

 

 

Mid-Atlantic MCA Contributes to MCERF…Again

The Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation recently received another $5,000 contribution from the Mid-Atlantic MCA—their third of 2017—raising its total contributions to $64,000. The association, via its NC Piping Promotional Fund, has really stepped up to support the Foundation, which continues to fund education and research programs that help our industry grow and advance.  Mid-Atlantic MCA Executive Director, Jack Weaver, said, “We are happy to help our industry’s Foundation as much as we can, when we can!”

The MCERF Board of Trustees sincerely appreciates not only the Mid-Atlantic contributions, but especially the continuing nature of its support. MCERF President Mark Rogers called the Mid-Atlantic effort a “model” for others to look to for inspiration.

Find out more about MCERF and its programs.

MCAA Member Builds the Largest Construction Project of its Kind Ever Attempted in the U.S. – You Must Watch this Video!

HRSGDurr Mechanical Construction and its joint venture partner Megrant recently wrapped construction on the largest prefabricated Heat Recovery Steam Generator (HRSG) ever built in the U.S. Union built under the National Maintenance Agreement in Coeymans, New York, the HRSG was floated by barge down the Hudson River to its destination in Sewaren, New Jersey, where it will be installed at a new combined-cycle power plant.

Durr HRSG Passing Under a Bridge

The HRSG is the heart of the power generation process. This unit stands 140 feet tall, 70 feet wide, over 110 feet long, and weighs approximately 4,000 tons. Components for the HRSG came in ten 600,000-pound C-Frames along with all its piping, casing, drums, cat walks and accessories. Over seven months, the C-Frames were assembled, welded together, drums installed and dressed out with piping, valves, instruments, platforms and accessories. The penthouse was separate to allow for sufficient clearance under the Hudson River bridges.

At an average speed of 4.4 knots (5 MPH), the one and one-half day trip down the Hudson River was uneventful and it arrived at Sewaren on schedule. What wasn’t expected with the extensive public and news organization interest as the HRSG travelled down the Hudson. Durr received a constant stream of videos, photos, and comments as it made its way south.

Need to Teach Your Service Techs to Work Safely Around RF Radiation? This Video Can Help!

MCAA’s Radio Frequency Radiation Exposure and Protection Safety Training Video will teach your mechanical service technicians how to identify sources of RF radiation and protect themselves from overexposure.

Your techs will learn about:

  • Potential rooftop RF exposures
  • The best safe work practices
  • Other protective measures for situations where standard safe work practices may not provide enough protection

Download or play the video

There’s More…

Accompanying materials are also available to assist you in highlighting key training points, documenting worker training and confirming that workers understand the training concepts:

Highlight key training points

Download the Pocket Guide

Document worker training

Download the Documentation Sheet

Confirm that workers understand the training concepts

Download the Test

Download the Test Answer Key

Want Even More Safety Resources?

MCAA has you covered, with a full range of resources to help you protect your workers from injury and comply with applicable safety regulations. Here’s where to find them:

On our Direct Links to MCAA & MSCA Safety Resources page, where they’re listed by category with links.

Go there now

In the Resource Center, where you can use the blue Refine Your Search bar to pinpoint exactly what you’re looking for.

Visit the Resource Center

Have questions or need personal assistance?

Contact MCAA’s Pete Chaney.

Find the Latest from Uponor, Inc., Lifting Gear Hire Corporation and More 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:


Uponor ProPEX EP Opposing-port TeesUponor, Inc.

Uponor ProPEX® Engineered Polymer (EP) Opposing-port Tees – Ideal for use in hydronic heating and cooling riser applications, ProPEX EP opposing-port tees from Uponor reduce the number of required fittings by 75% and required connections by 60%.

Learn More

Lifting Gear Hire Corporation Virtual Trade ShowLifting Gear Hire Corporation
Hand chain hoists are available in 1-50 tons and are most ideal for shorter heights of lift. Electric chain hoists are available between 1-10 tons and can provide longer heights of lift. Air chain hoists are available between 0.5 to 60 tons and are lighter and require less headroom.

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

SPX Donates Cooling Tower to Steamfitters Trades School

When the Steamfitters UA Local 602 Mechanical Trades School needed equipment to use in its apprenticeship program, SPX Cooling Technologies donated a Marley® NC cooling tower, enabling the school to present students with a real-world environment. Instructors use the complete new cooling system to teach students how to troubleshoot and fix problems with HVAC systems.

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

MSCA of New York Makes MCERF Contribution

The Mechanical Contracting Education & Research Foundation (MCERF) recently received a $2,500 contribution from the MSCA of New York, Inc. which raised it’s total contributions to $12,500.

“We are proud to support MCERF’s many efforts on behalf of our industry,” said Anthony Saporito, Executive Vice President of the MCA of New York. He added that, “…many of the members of our association benefit from the Foundation’s efforts and we want to support those efforts.”

MCERF President Mark Rogers thanked the MSCA of New York for their generous support of the Foundation.  Rogers urges everyone to find out more about MCERF’s programs and activities and to consider making a contribution.

Contact Dennis Langley for more information.

Looking for an MCAA Student Chapter Near You? Check Out MCAAGreatFutures.org!

Sure, MCAAGreatFutures.org connects you with the students who will comprise the industry’s future workforce. But do you know that it also provides an easy way for you to locate and connect with nearby student chapters?

Visit the Our Universities section of the site, one of our latest additions. There, you’ll find an interactive map that lets you filter the results to find universities near you. Or, skip the map to browse all of the universities with student chapters.

Each page provides a more detailed look at the university’s academic program, awards, and activities along with the basics, like contact information. In addition, each page highlights the resumes of the university’s students who are looking for their great futures.

So reach out and get in touch. You may just find the next star employee to ensure your company’s great future!

Check Out Our Universities

BuiltWorlds Publishes a New Report on IoT Solutions

BuiltWorlds, one of the industry’s leading resources for technology related to the building industry, released a new report titled, The Internet of Things: connecting the job site like never before.  It details how internet devices are working in conjunction with new software, hardware and processes to make the construction process more efficient and connected.

The number of IoT devices continues to grow as smart buildings are creating the demand for new ways to monitor and track building systems.  The report states that the potential impact of IoT devices is could reach $6.2 trillion annually by 2025.

As an MCAA Technology partner, BuiltWorlds has provided the report free to all MCAA members.

MCAA’s “A Day in the Life of Ted” Video – A Must-See for College Students!

“Despite being on the executive board of my school’s MCAA Chapter, I still didn’t fully appreciate what it is actually like to work for a mechanical contractor until this presentation. The “A Day in the Life of Ted” video was an excellent view as to what makes your section of the industry different than a typical building contractor.” That was one student’s reaction to the video at MCAA’s GreatFutures Forum.

The video follows Ted McHugh of West Chester Mechanical in Aston, PA through a typical workday. In addition to highlighting the daily demands associated with keeping a project on time and within budget, it showcases for students how a great future is achievable in the mechanical industry!

MCAA’s Disaster Relief Fund at Work

Nineteen plumbers, pipefitters, HVAC techs and office employees of MCAA member Graco Mechanical were victimized by Hurricane Harvey. Each received a $1,000 check from MCAA’s Disaster Relief Fund, thanks to the incredible generosity of MCAA’s affiliated associations, contractor, manufacturer and supplier members and many individual donors. We should ALL be proud of the good work we are doing to help our UA and MCAA family members whose lives have been turned upside down by Harvey. We are, together, indeed MCAA&UA STRONG!

“I have never been more proud to be a plumber for a union contractor…”

MCAA is a family. Tragically, members of our family now need our help. Many of our MCAA and UA families had their lives turned upside down by the unbelievable tragedy named Harvey.

That’s why MCAA established the MCAA Disaster Relief Fund. THANK YOU to those MCAA-affiliated local associations, individuals and member companies, both contractors and manufacturer/suppliers, that have contributed to our Relief Fund.

Together, We are Making a Difference!

If you would like to make a contribution to our Fund you can easily do so via a check made out to the “MCAA Disaster Relief Fund.” Checks can be mailed to the attention of MCAA CEO John Gentille at the MCAA National Office, 1385 Piccard Drive, Rockville, MD 20850.