// WE Newsletter – June 2019

WE Newsletter – June 2019

Growing Through Cross-Training

As the saying goes, “The road to success is always under construction.”

Walbridge’s Cross-Training program is one way to explore that growth. The program, which brings some employees out in the field and others into the office, allows for a fresh perspective.

Learn what some employees said about their takeaways from growing their skills in the office or on the field.

Read More

Two Mikes and a Mark

Keeping Safety In Mind On The Fourth of July

Mike Palazzola, Mark LaClair and Mike Dawson

If you are anything like me, you like to celebrate the 4th of July with a bang!

That being said, much like construction, fireworks can be very dangerous.

According to the National Fire Protection Association each year, fireworks cause on average 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and nearly 17,000 other fires resulting in thousands of injuries.

In fact, more fires are reported on the 4th of July than any other day of the year.

However, just like we deal with dangers in construction, with appropriate planning and safety measures in place, enjoying a good fireworks display can be harmless to you and your spectators.

If fireworks are legal to buy where you live and you choose to use them, be sure to follow the following safety tips:

  • Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
  • Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear and leather gloves while lighting them.
  • Never light them indoors.
  • Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material.
  • Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
  • Never ignite devices in a container.
  • Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
  • Soak unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
  • Keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.

– Two Mikes and a Mark is a series of articles related to safety from Assistant Vice President of Corporate Health, Safety, & Environmental Mark LaClair, Corporate Health, Safety, & Environmental Director Mike Palazzola and Corporate Health, Safety, & Environmental Manager Mike Dawson.

Risk Assessment Honors

Don Vader

Working with Travelers Risk Assessment, Walbridge and Don Vader, of the self-perform Concrete Service were honored during a site visit to a manufacturing project in Kentucky.

Walbridge was named Contractor of the week for safe and efficient work processes.

Don Vader, Superintendent for Walbridge, was named Employee of the Week by Travelers, for going above and beyond for the team by leading safety meetings each week, writing PTPs and “ensuring each of his employees are setup for a successful and safe day on the job.”

Supporting The Community

Walbridge’s Florida office had one cool experience at the Department of Defense Warrior Games.

Attending the archery finals on Tuesday morning at the Tampa Convention Center, the team joined a number of guests and participants there to watch about 300 wounded, ill and injured service members and veterans participate in the competition, which was established in 2010.

 


Women In Construction

“What’s the desired state for women in this environment?”

Our BN-9-13 project team had a fascinating lunch celebrating women in construction while men and women explored these topics as Microsoft’s Pamela Baughman led the discussion.
“What holds us back from having more women in construction?”

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July!