| OSHA LULL |
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We are planning to host an OSHA LULL class in March. We need 20 people registered to schedule the certification class. Call today to put your name on the list!!
Contact Deb Macphee at
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| CONGRATULATIONS!! |
| Congratulations to the Eldridge's!
Pete Eldridge, Eldridge Construction, and his wife Leighanne welcomed their daughter Reese Marie Eldridge on January 16th at 6:35 p.m. She weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces, and was 19 inches long.
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| 7th Edition Mass. Code Books Available At Shepley! |
Shepley has a supply of the 7th Edition Code Books. You can pick yours up and charge it to your account, or you can order your own online at http://www.sec.state.ma.us/scripts/cat.idq.
The complete Wood Frame Construction Manual is available for sale at http://www.awc.org/Standards/wfcm.html or you can download a free copy of the WFCM High Wind Guide - 110 MPH from this website (click on Publications, Free Download Library).
And the AWC Guide to Wood Construction in High Wind Areas: 110 mph Wind Zone Massachusetts Checklist for Compliance is available online at http://www.mass.gov. Type "110 mph wind zone" in the SEARCH box and click on Search, click on BBRS Intent on the Subject of High Wind for the 7th Edition, and under BBRS Votes at the April 10, 2007 Meeting, click on the 3 bullet link titled High Wind Construction 110 mph MA Checklist 04 19 07.
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| Tony's Terra Firma, Tony Shepley |
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Contractor Trade Show News
It's hard not to get excited about a major renovation project, especially in times where people are working hard to develop new business. The hotel where we have held our annual Trade Show for the past 12 years has been sold and re- named the Resort and Conference Center at Hyannis. It will finally get a much needed makeover this spring, however, this renovation will take place throughout our Trade Show season. We have exhausted every possibility for a new venue, but frankly, there is no other facility on the Cape that is big enough to handle our show.
Rather than try to change the time of year, we will not be holding the Trade Show in 2008. Freeing up our calendar creates more opportunities to target new business and reward current loyalty at a more direct and immediate level. We will continue to step up our educational seminars - which cover topics including OSHA 10 training, lull certification, new product demonstrations, Green Building, and even best business practices.
Over the years, many of you have told us that you look forward to our Trade Show for its combination of informational, social, and referral opportunities. Our goal has always been to make it a "must attend" event, and we can't wait for spring of 2009 when we can bring it back, bigger and better than ever, in a refreshed facility. We are always very proud of the effort and results our Trade Show team generate and we know that next year will be worth the wait! We will be notifying you of upcoming events through Shepformation and via e-mail. Please log on to www.shepleywood.com, and go to "sign up for our email newsletter". We promise to send you value and information and not clutter up your Inbox! |
| Lumber Update, Jim Baker |
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Over the last several years, we have talked many times about "dumping" and "tariffs," usually as they pertain to the Canadian lumber industry. Well, now there's a new game in town. On January 16, the Department of Commerce (DOC) announced its affirmative preliminary determinations in the antidumping duty investigations of imports of steel nails from the People's Republic of China and the United Arab Emirates.
"Dumping" occurs when a foreign company sells a product in the United States at less than fair market value, thus injuring USA industry. In order to "level the playing field," our government has imposed import duties on nails from these two countries, ranging from 4.47 percent up to 118.04 percent, with an average of around 30 percent. While the DOC ruling is only preliminary, the duties are effective immediately upon publication in the Federal Register-which should be no later than Tuesday January 22nd. Final determinations will be made this June.
Over the last several months, costs have escalated unrelated to the duty. Ocean freight has gone way up. There is a severe shortage of wire rod used to make nails and screws and that has caused prices to skyrocket. Nail costs, including the dumping duty, are now up as much as 50-60 percent and should continue to rise. Wholesale suppliers could not load up with stock for a couple reasons: poor availability, and the fact they could have been hit with a "Critical Circumstances" determination, which would have put a retroactive duty on the wholesaler. There is some good news however-the duty does not include thumbtacks. Stay tuned. |
| ShepSafety, Dick Hughes |
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| Keeping Workers Warm in Cold Weather
Cold weather can be just as dangerous as hot weather when it comes to keeping construction workers safe and healthy. Exposure to cold can cause injury or serious illness such as frostbite or hypothermia. The likelihood of injury or illness depends on factors such as physical activity, clothing, wind, humidity, working and living conditions, and a person's age and state of health.
To keep safe from thermal stress in cold weather:
- Dress appropriately before going out. The air temperature does not have to be below freezing to experience cold emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite. Wind speed can create dangerously cold conditions even when the temperature is not that low. The nose, toes, fingertips, and earlobes (where blood flow is least) are the most vulnerable body parts.
- Avoid being outside in the coldest part of the day if at all possible, or for extended periods of time in extreme cold weather.
- Dress in layers so they can adjust to changing conditions. Avoid overdressing or overexertion that can lead to heat stress beneath the clothing layers.
- Wear an insulated hardhat liner, preferably one that covers the ears. Most body heat is lost through the head.
- Wear insulated gloves as much as possible, they'll slow that onset of joint stiffness and worse that beat older workers.
- To help avoid hypothermia or frostbite by keeping feet warm and dry, wear waterproof, insulated boots with heavy socks. Lug soled boots in good shape will also help you to maintain footing in ice and snow.
- Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.
- Get out of wet clothes immediately and warm the core body temperature with a blanket or warm fluids like hot cider or soup. If you suspect the onset of hypothermia or frostbite, avoid drinking alcohol after leaving work .
- Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia, as potentially a serious medical condition. Symptoms include confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you sense these symptoms.
- Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, bluish, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.
Regardless of how cold conditions become, work can usually continue in a healthy and safe environment as long as workers recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that lead to potential cold-induced illnesses and injuries. Workers should recognize the signs and symptoms of cold-induced medical issues and what to do to help themselves and coworkers if problems should occur. |
| Product of the Month, Dan Kelley |
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The Shepley Website
Log on to www.shepleywood.comand take a look at who we are, where we came from, and how we can make your job, and your life easier.
Try out some of these activities on the Shepley web site:
· Take a tour of our two showrooms-the Shepley Marvin Showcase and Shepley Andersen Showroom
· Check out the Calendar of Events for classes related to the building industry
· Read our Mission Statement, and take a look at our background and history
· Look up the address and hours for all of our locations
· Print out directions to take you right to our door
· Sign up to have our newsletter e-mailed to you (We can also e-mail your quotes and monthly statements.)
· Fill out an account application or an application for employment
· Sign up for "Shepnet" and have online access to your account 24 hours a day
· Download our Media Kit
· Look at our product offerings
· Reprint newsletters from our newsletter archive
· Take a look at our custom milling profiles
This is just the tip of the iceberg. Log on and explore our website, I guarantee you will find something new.
Dan Kelley started with Shepley in 1985, working part time in the shop as a high school student. With years of experience on the production end, Dan has proven to be an asset as our Trim Salesman in the Orleans, Harwich, Brewster and Dennis areas. Dan is supported on the inside by Adam Ting . They can be reached at 508-862-6225.
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| New Trench Safety Regulations Become Law |
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On November 2, 2007, the Department of Public Safety ("Department"), in conjunction with the Division of Occupational Safety promulgated regulations that establish standards to prevent unauthorized access to unattended trenches in the Commonwealth. The regulations, 520 CMR 14.00: Excavation and Trench Safety were written in a joint effort by the Department and DOS following the enactment of Chapter 82A of the General Laws. Chapter 82A, also referred to as Jackie's Law, sets forth the required content of the regulations and was passed by the Legislature following the death of 4-year-old Jaclyn Moore, who was buried when an unattended trench collapsed in a private backyard. The three major components of the regulations are:
·The requirement that excavators obtain a permit prior to creating any trench;
·Establishment of standards for securing a trench when it is unattended; and
·The authority of the Department to fine excavators for the failure to adhere to the regulations.
Other highlights of the regulations:
·The regulations require that municipalities establish a permitting authority to act as the permit-granting body for the city or town where trenches are created on a public way, municipal property, or private property. Municipalities may also choose to create a regionalized permitting authority.
·The regulations require that state agencies designate a permitting authority to act as the permit -granting body for the state agency where trenches are created on state-owned property or property the agency otherwise has an interest in, such as an easement.
·The regulations require that excavators secure unattended trenches by posting an attendant; backfilling; barricading; or covering the trench to prevent unauthorized access by the General Public. Distinguishing between the General Public and the individuals creating and working in the trench is important because the Department of Occupational Health the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA") already administer laws relative to worker safety. The trench regulations are intended and written to provide protections for those individuals not actively working in or around the trench but who are otherwise exposed to it.
·The regulations authorize the permitting authority, the Department, or the DOS to immediately shut down an unattended trench where a safety hazard is identified and prohibit reopening until the safety hazards are mitigated and the site is re-inspected.
·The regulations authorize the Department to issue a fine for each violation of the regulations, in addition to any disciplinary action taken against the excavator by a permitting authority, such as revocation or suspension of a permit.
The Department has delayed the enforcement of the regulations until January 1, 2009 to provide municipalities and excavators with the opportunity to become familiar with the regulations and take necessary steps to implement the required provisions.
Excellence In Safety (508-548-0866, www.excel-in-safety.com) can be contacted for specific compliance training on this new law for your excavations & trenching competent persons and general laborers. |
| What's Happening At Shepley? |
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Business Tools For Contractors Series
Shepley, the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, and Coastal Community Capital are offering this great opportunity at no cost to you! Be proactive about increasing your business and improving your efficiency!
QUICKBOOKS FOR LANDSCAPERS AND CONTRACTORS
February 6, 2008 1-5:00 p.m.
Presenter TBA
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!
Contact Deb MacPhee at 508-862-6200 or dmacphee@shepleywood.com
To be held in the Shepley Marvin Classroom, located at 75 Ben Franklin Way in Hyannis.
Aging In Place
Second Annual Joel Wolfson Community Lecture
Topic: Aging In Place
When: Saturday, May 4, 2008
Time: 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Where: Tilden Arts Center at Cape Cod Community College
Contact: Pearl Wolfson at wolfsononcape@ comcast. net or Dorothy Carver at 508 362 8578
Please join Valerie Fletcher, Executive Director of Adaptive Environments (AE), for this lecture on Aging In Place. Learn how you and your loved ones can adapt the home to suit the needs of age challenges. AE is a 29 year old international non-profit organization, based in Boston, committed to advancing the role of design in expanding opportunity and enhancing experience for people of all ages and abilities. Valerie has been with AE for 10 years.
OSHA 10 Certification
When: Thursday, March 6th and Thursday, March 13th
Time: 2:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Where: Shepley Marvin Classroom-75 Ben Franklin Way, Hyannis
You must attend both classes to receive certification!
This course is designed for construction workers, foremen, job supervisors, and anyone involved in the construction industry. OSHA recommends Outreach Training Program courses as an orientation to occupational safety and health for workers covered by OSHA 29 CFR 1926. Workers must receive additional training, when required by OSHA standards, on the specific hazards of the job.
The cost for the OSHA certificate is $20 per person. Shepley will be responsible for all other expenses.
If you are interested in receiving OSHA 10 certification, please put your name on the waiting list with Deb MacPhee.
You can reach Deb MacPhee at 508-862-6200 or dmacphee@shepleywood.com. | |
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