july 2017 - static1.squarespace.com2017+newsletter.pdf · july 2017 mastec canada newsletter ......

JULY 2017

July 2017 MasTec Canada Newsletter

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CALVIN MOFFAT

NOVEMBER 25, 1959 – JUNE 25, 2017 It’s with sadness we mark the passing of our great friend and colleague, Cal Moffat on June 25, 2017 after a hard fought battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s) disease. Cal’s roots were set in the welding industry and early in his career he became a “high balling” union bead hand known throughout Canada from coast to coast. Cal was a guy who was always looking for ways to do things better, faster and to a higher standard. When the crews couldn’t keep ahead of him he decided to be the man to lead the charge and supervise production to his expectations. Cal began working with Patch Point in 2004. He arrived with a well-recognized name as one of the premier pipeline supervisors in the Peace Region. Cal was a key part of Patch Point’s transition from a small, facility oriented construction company into the broad based contractor we were to become over the next few years. In 2005 Big Country Energy Services purchased Patch Point and Cal recognized opportunity to be part of a transformation at Patch Point. He pushed management to acquire bigger and better equipment, chase bigger work, and take on more complex projects. With Calvin Moffat on the company resume and ambitious new owners & management, Patch Point exploded onto the scene to become the company we are today. Cal has left his mark on each and every one of us who have had the pleasure and honor to work alongside him. On the Right of Way he encouraged people to learn, to laugh and always strive to be better tomorrow than we are today. With a huge grin on his face, he would ask, “You wanna know why we do it this way? Because it’s the best way! Wanna know why it’s the best way? Because it’s my way!!!”

Rest in peace our friend… your Patch Point, Big Country and MasTec family.


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DEFENSIVE DRIVING TIPS

Things to know about speeding & traffic laws: Some roadways are designated as low-speed zones. These include areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as school zones and streets lots of intersections close together. Driving over the speed limit can put you and others at risk of harm.

Never pass a stopped bus displaying a stop sign to its left. That means children are crossing the street.

If you hear a siren coming behind you, pull to the side if you can, stop and wait until the police car or fire truck goes by.

Completely stop at stop signs and look for other drivers and pedestrians before you proceed. Obey the posted speed limit at all times. Speeding tickets are costly, and penalties for

speeding can include fines, court appearances and loss or suspension of your driving privileges. Also, depending on your insurance policy, speeding tickets can raise your rates.

When parking your vehicle, always be mindful of handicapped signs, fire hydrants, bus stop zones, parking restrictions for certain times of day, and parking spots that require permits. Just remember to heed all of the signs. Even if you have to circle the block a couple times, it sure beats getting fined or having your car towed.

What to do when pulled over: If you notice that a police car is following you with the lights flashing, pull over to the side of the road safely and quickly. Wait inside your car for the officer to approach, and be prepared to:

Turn on your interior light at night and keep your hands where the officer can see them, preferably on the steering wheel.

Don't reach under your seat or into your glove box. This may cause the officer to think you're reaching for a weapon or hiding something.

Give your license and proof of insurance to the officer if asked. If the officer asks you to step out of your car, do so without sudden or threatening movements.

Stay calm − don't become argumentative, disorderly or abusive − and never attempt to bribe the officer.

If a citation is issued, present your story in traffic court if you feel you’ve been unfairly treated. You may be represented by a lawyer and, if necessary, you'll be heard by a judge or magistrate.

Remember “Obey the speed limits and have an enjoyable, safe summer.”


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NEAR MISS/HAZARD IDS, BBO SUBMISSIONS & SAFE DRIVING RECOGNITION

Safe Driving and Vehicle Maintenance: 17-FJ016 MasTec Fort St. John Division employee Jonathon Morin and Joe Lang received certificates of appreciation for having outstanding and clean MasTec crew vehicles. They also received MasTec Canada caps.

Jonathon Joe

BBO Submissions: Congratulations to Megan Mothersill, Graden McLeod and Kristy Fantham of the MasTec Canada, Fort St. John Division for their Behavioral Based Observation Submissions and being recognized by their Peers and the Client on Job #17-FJ016.

Meagan Graden Kristy

Megan’s submission: "Noticed cone under 6" line was starting to buckle, went back and picked up pipe and replaced broken cone." Graden’s submission: "Welder’s helper switched out old buffing wheel for a new one. The old one was throwing wires." Kristy’s submission:" Observed worker giving other worker advice on how to hold/use propane so he can be more effective with the heat."


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BBO SUBMISSIONS Congratulations to Brett Boland, Jeff Payne, Matt Penny, Steve Easton, Lee Ellsworth, and Tom Targett with FMR subcontracting to MasTec Canada, Buildings Division, H.V.D.C. Converter Station in Bottom Brook Nfld., for being selected for their Behavioral Based Observation submissions. Presenting the awards is Mr. Garland Wells, Site Health and Safety Advisor.

Brett - May 16, 2017 Jeff - May 23, 2017 Tom - June 1, 2017

Lee - June 8, 2017 Matt - June 14 2017 Steve - June 21, 2017

Congratulations to James Steele and Ron Moulton of the MasTec Canada Brooks Division on being awarded for their Behavioral Based Observation Submissions.

. James Ron James’s Submission: Before workers entered a Man-basket a proper Inspection was done and the task was reviewed between all workers. Ron’s Submission: Worker completed a thorough Pre-use Inspection on the fall protection harness he was about to wear.


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Congratulations to Eric Poehlmann, Mike Lewis, Robert D'Alessandro, Clint Blankinship, Dale Swinamer and Les Haggard of the MasTec Canada, Fort St. John Division for their Behavioral Based Observation Submissions and being recognized by their Peers and the Client on Job #17-FJ016

Eric Mike Robert

Clint Dale Les

Eric’s submission: "We were cradling pipe on to the rollers, one roller was not set properly, and so we went back, picked up the pipe and put it in the proper position". Mike’s submission: "Using only one person to give hand signals when hoisting and lifting suspended loads. Maintain eye contact”. Robert’s submission: "Observed worker make sure the steps into ditch were clear of hazards and ran cables and cords along-side of ditch and clear of stairs." Clint’s submission: for excellence and quality of his FLHA submissions. Dale was nominated by his peers for Safety Leadership. Les Haggard was nominated for most improved in safety by his Peers.


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Divisional Award - Congratulations to Jeff Middleton, MasTec Canada Medicine Hat Division on receiving an Award for work ethics and organizational skills.

Medicine Hat Division Management would like to recognize Jeff Middleton for the maintenance and cleanliness of his designated work area. Jeff goes above and beyond to keep the shop welding area clean and free of debris.

Driving Recognition - Congratulations to Gary Law, MasTec Canada Project Division Heavy Equipment Truck Driver. Presenting the Award is Brian Rohwer, MasTec Canada Projects Division Safety Manager.

Gary Law who was recognized on July 6, 2017 for above and beyond exemplary performance while moving equipment in and out of the Walterdale Bridge Project which is in a very busy area of Edmonton, Alberta. Gary has also shown great improvement with regards to following NCS requirements as of late, and displays a winning attitude towards continual improvement and processes required to enhance our National Carrier Profile.


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Date: April 18, 2017 Division: Virginia Fall through Steps – Lower Back Injury Description: Fall with Injury Project: Roanoke Gas Description of Event: EE was working with other natural gas distribution crew members placing door hangers at customers’ homes in an older neighborhood. To gain access to the customer’s front door, EE had to ascend a set of five steps and walk onto a front porch. The steps appeared to be in good condition and were the only means to access the porch. After the EE placed a door hanger, he exited the porch and descended onto the steps. As he stepped onto the top step with his right leg, the step collapsed. The second from top step also collapsed allowing his right leg to fall through the steps. The EE was able to catch himself with his other leg and by grabbing onto the porch handrail. Shortly after the incident, EE felt a steady pain in his lower back and to the right knee area. He sought medical attention and was diagnosed with a strain of right knee and lower back. He was placed on restricted duty and had to use crutches for several days. Causal Factors: Material Failure: Steps collapsed due to material failure caused by environmental exposure. Steps were manufactured using wood wrapped/covered in a concrete/stucco type of material. Over the years, the concrete/stucco had cracked and allowed water to make contact with the wood. While the wood became structurally degraded, the concrete/stucco stayed mostly intact. Damage to wood not visible: Steps were primary entrance to residence and were used on a daily basis by resident and mail carrier. The concrete/stucco hid any visible damage to the wood making the steps to appear structurally safe for use. Employee did not suspect any issues: Due to the fact that the steps were accessible and were regularly used, employee assumed with confidence that they were safe to use and did not take the time to evaluate his surroundings. Recommendations: Identify potential hazards on the Pre-Job Brief. Being that the work was performed in a neighborhood with older homes, it could be assumed that the structures, yards, and driveways may not receive regular maintenance. Specific hazards associated with the particular environment should be noted and discussed before work begins. Employees must be aware of their surroundings at all times. Lacking awareness of one’s surroundings can place an employee in a high risk situation that could lead to an injury.


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DID YOU KNOW THE ONLY THING YOU SHOULD BE DOING WHEN YOU’RE DRIVING IS DRIVING!

Distracted Driving:

Behind the wheel, nothing is more important than focus. A laser focus on what’s ahead, around and behind your vehicle. Stay aware of road and weather conditions, traffic, pedestrians, your speed, and your need to be in complete control of your vehicle. Do not take a call, make a call, text, apply makeup, eat, let your eyes or mind wander to other people in your car, or do anything other than focus on your driving. If any of the above things must be done, pull safely off the road and out of the traffic flow to do them. Every day people are killed and injured simply because a driver is distracted. Don’t be one of them.

Everyone Home Safe “Safety is your best investment” July 13, 2017 –

Building Division Safety News : Garland Wells, Bottom Brook HSSE


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WHETHER YOU WORK INDOORS OR OUT, HEAT CAN CAUSE MAJOR HEALTH PROBLEMS Working in Hot Conditions: Learn to recognize the symptoms of heat stress in yourself and your co-workers. Prevention techniques:

* Replace Fluids * Eat right * Acclimatize * Dress properly * Increase salt intake

Health effects –Minor Heat edema:

Swelling, often most noticeable in ankles

When workers are not acclimatized.

Heat rashes:

Tiny red spots on the skin, cause prickling

Result from plugged sweat glands

Heat cramps:

Sharp pains in the muscles

Caused by salt imbalance

Failure to replace salt lost with sweat

Health effects –Serious Heat exhaustion:

Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, headache, diarrhea

Excessive loss of water and salt. Heat syncope:

Giddiness and fainting when a person is standing

Loss of body fluids through sweating lowers blood pressure.

Health effects – Most Serious

Heat stroke

Most serious type of heat illness, can be fatal

Complete or partial loss of consciousness, raised body temperature

Sweating not good predictor of heat stress; two types of heat stroke

“classical” – little/no sweating (occurs in children, chronically ill, elderly)

“exertional” – sweating present, body temperature rises due to exertion.

Thanks to Cenovus for this Safety Toolbox Talk.


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June Photo Contest Review

The jackhammer:

While the worker is wearing eye protection and hearing protection, he has no respiratory protection.

Worker’s hearing protection is extruding a fair amount, indicating inadequate insertion.

Worker’s hard had is not worn as designed, and may not offer the full protective benefits.

There is a hose laying around, not wrapped, and creating trip hazard. Also the pressurized hose between the worker’s legs is a hazard if it decouples from the tool.

There is no local exhaust for the chipping work, or other engineering control (like continuous water).

Worker not wearing disposable clothing for RCS dust. The saw horse:

The worker’s footwear is not in good repair.

The standing, orange vested worker has no hearing protection.

It appears one earplug is hanging, and is not inserted effectively on the worker on the right.

The worker is cutting on the wrong side of the horse, creating potential kickback, and the lean could cause a fall after the cut.

The worker operating the saw is not watching his high-risk task.

The saw horse is not in good repair; it is missing a leg.

Snow on the ground and hoodies on other two workers may indicate the worker with the phone is not dressed appropriately, and exposed to cold stress.

The worksite

A 2x4 is leaning on the fence, creating a potential trip hazard, as it may fall over.

Flashing is lying around as slip/trip hazard, as well as cut hazard (edges).

There is poorly stacked lumber (trip hazards).

The label may not be clearly readable on the chemical product in the background.

The lumber directly behind worker creates a trip hazard in the workspace.

The footing to fencing is not firmly planted, fencing may fall over.

Scaffold leaning against wall instead of flat on the ground.


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July Photo Contest

Above is a photo that has been staged to show a number of hazards or dangerous work habits. How many can you spot in this picture?

Submit your thoughts via Near Miss / Hazard ID documents.

Thanks to WorkSafe BC. Please forward any Interesting Editorials, Safety Alerts or Industry Related commentaries myself at [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

july 2017 - static1.squarespace.com2017+newsletter.pdf · july 2017 mastec canada newsletter ......

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