rsneltzer@benjaminmedia.com - Petticoat

Transcription

For more information go to www.utilitycontractoronline.com/info
JU N E 201 1 C o n ten t s
June 2011 | www.utilitycontractoronline.com
13
Building a Better NUCA
By Pam Kleineke
In-house planning helps the association
work to better serve its members and
the industry.
On the cover: NUCA’s core team on Capitol
Hill. (From Left) Ed Graber, Eben Wyman,
Ryan Schmitt, Ben Gann and Bill Hillman.
16
20
21
22
24
4
Two for One
By Pam Kleineke
Backhoe loaders offer contractors the productivity
of two machines in one convenient package.
Understanding Upkeep
By Amber Reed
How to maintain your backhoe loader.
Keeping Tracks in Top Shape
By Jorel Cuevas
A quick guide to rubber track maintenance
and repair.
Keeping a Clear Path
By Thomas J. Minihan
Ensure maximum pump productivity by fielding
debris and other jobsite materials.
Being Prepared
By David Alvarado and Tim Rabbitt
Coverage every utility contractor should carry
in an insurance portfolio.
Utility Contractor | June 2011
DEPARTMENTS
8
Groundbreaking News
40
Calendar
41 The Pipeline
42 Advertisers’ Index
NUCA
DEPARTMENTS
6
Chairman’s Message
28
Inside Washington
30
Safety Management
32
NUCA News
16
Benjamin Media
nuc a CH A I RM A N ’ S M E SSAGE
Best in Class
O
ne of my responsibilities here in Jacksonville is with
the University of North Florida (UNF). I’m a member
of the Construction Management Advisory Council for
the Building Construction Management Program, which
is closely involved with the curriculum, students and alumni of the
Construction Management College. As a graduate of this program, as
well as an enthusiast of the construction industry, I find this opportunity
very rewarding. It’s gratifying to know that your input will directly affect
the future of the industry.
On occasion, I serve as a guest speaker for one of the numerous construction classes both as
a representative of NUCA and local construction professional. I find it intriguing to discuss our
industry with young men and women who are just about to make the leap into our industry. They
are, for the most part, very curious and excited to see what opportunities the construction industry
will have for them when they graduate. These students are full of questions, most of which are
related to how I got to where I am now and what prospects are out there for them.
I often reflect on what challenges and opportunities these students have in front of them. When
the students who are about to graduate now started four years ago, they probably decided on the
construction career path when the economy was thriving. Now they are faced with entering their
chosen field at a time when unemployment rates are at more than 17 percent in our industry. No
doubt they will be challenged to find the job they desire upon graduation.
I am certain of a few things for these students: 1) It will be very tough to get a job; 2) Many
graduates will not get their desired jobs, however, some students will; and 3) The students who get
the best jobs will be the top students in their class. All of these young men and women have to go
above and beyond to become their best. Will that be easy? No, but there is an opportunity to land
the job they desire. They just need to follow the formula.
We can all apply the challenges of college graduates to our own careers and businesses. While
times are currently tough, there is a formula for success. You just have to ask yourself, “Am I
the best in my position?” or “Is my business the best in the area?” If your answer is “yes,” you’re
likely to rise to the top and handle this recession with success. However, if your answer is “no,” it
would be wise to make the changes necessary to become the best. And since being the best is not a
destination but a journey, every step you make in that direction will make you a better construction
professional or make your business better than it was yesterday. So don’t sit around and wait for the
economy to solve your problems. Work to become best in class.
Ryan Schmitt
Publishing Team
Publisher
Robert D. Krzys — robk@benjaminmedia.com
Editor
James W. Rush — jrush@benjaminmedia.com
Assistant Editor
Pam Kleineke — pkleineke@benjaminmedia.com
Contributing Editors
Keith Gribbins — kgribbins@benjaminmedia.com
Sharon M. Bueno — sbueno@benjaminmedia.com
Bradley Kramer — bkramer@benjaminmedia.com
Kelly Pickerel — kpickerel@benjaminmedia.com
Graphic Designer
Chris Slogar — cslogar@benjaminmedia.com
Marketing Director
Kelly Dadich — kdadich@benjaminmedia.com
Regional Sales Manager
Ryan Sneltzer — rsneltzer@benjaminmedia.com
Regional Sales Representative
Tim Richards — trichards@benjaminmedia.com
Circulation Manager
Alexis R. White — awhite@benjaminmedia.com
NUCA
Officers
Chairman of the Board
Ryan Schmitt — Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors, FL
Chairman-Elect of the Board
James Barron — Ronkin Construction Inc., MD
Vice Chairman of the Board
Florentino Gregorio — Anchor Construction Corp., D.C
Treasurer
Ronald T. Nunes — R.T. Nunes & Sons Inc., R.I.
Secretary
Bruce Wendorf — Forsberg Construction Inc., FL
Immediate Past Chairman of the Board
Dan East — Reynolds Southwest Inc. N.M.
Asst. Secretary
Bill Hillman — bhillman@nuca.com
NUCA
Board of Directors
CONTRACTOR
DIRECTORS
Lane Berg, FL
Kari Biernacki, N.M.
Mike Donatelli, R.I.
Glenn Ely, PA
Mark Fuglevand, WA
Kara Habrock, NE
Richard R. Harp, GA
Bill Martinak, OR
Chad Reed, DE
Jeff Rumer, CO
Mark Scoccolo, WA
Keith Steen, GA
Andy Wolf, IA
NON-CONTRACTOR
DIRECTORS
Albert Heckmann, OH
Lewis Long, NC
Roger B. Mohr, IL
DIRECTORS-AT-LARGE
Kevin Cripps, NC
Thomas O’Rourke, NV
NUCA
Staff
NUCA Chairman of the Board
Chief Executive Officer
Bill Hillman — bhillman@nuca.com
Vice President of Marketing
and Communications
Bonnie J. Williams — bonnie@nuca.com
June 2011 Volume 35, Number 6, Utility Contractor
(ISSN 1098-0342) is published monthly for the National Utility Contractors Association by Benjamin Media Inc., 1770 Main Street, PO Box 190, Peninsula, OH
44264. Periodicals postage paid at Peninsula, OH and
additional office. One year subscription rates: Complimentary in the USA & Canada and $99 in foreign countries. Single copy rate: $10.00. ©2011 NUCA. All rights
reserved by the National Utility Contractors Association
for articles contained herein except where otherwise
noted. No part of this publication may be reproduced
or transmitted by any means without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the U.S.A.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Benjamin
Media P.O. Box 190 Peninsula, OH 44264-0190 USA.
6
Canadian Subscriptions: Canada Post Agreement Number
7178957. Send change of address information and blocks
of undeliverable copies to Canada Express; 7686 Kimble
Street, Units 21 & 22, Mississauga, ON L5S 1E9 Canada
gr o u n d b rea k i n g n ew s
‘Digging’ for Our Troops
Volvo Rents Employs Patriotic Equipment to Support America’s Finest
By Michael A. Misetic
Companies are constantly looking for ways to support and
honor U.S. military service members and veterans. From writing letters and making care-packages to donating money and
simply displaying the American flag, the options are plentiful. But Volvo Rents decided to go much bigger — and more
eye-catching — when embarking on its latest initiative to help
those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our security and freedom.
A provider of small- to medium-size construction and industrial equipment, Volvo Rents recently announced its national
support of the Folds of Honor Foundation and Homes for Our
Troops organization.
“Today’s servicemen and women bear the incredible burden
of combat and face the same economic strain faced by the rest
of the country,” said Nick Mavrick, Vice President of Marketing for Volvo Rents. “This is the least we can do to show our
gratitude for their sacrifices and ensure that they receive our
continued support.”
Volvo Rents’ “Color for a Cause” initiative will play a key role
in supporting both organizations. Launched in 2009 as a way
to increase awareness and support important charities, “Color
for a Cause” encourages all Volvo Rents stores to paint a piece
of equipment to signify solidarity with a worthy cause and donate a percentage of the rental proceeds to that cause.
“There are so many blessings that we have in this country,”
8
Mavrick added. “We started ‘Color for a Cause’ to draw attention to the significant difference that we as Americans can make
for all of those sacrificing for us. We are inviting our customers
Through its alliance with Folds of Honor, Volvo Rents is
helping to raise funds to provide post-secondary educational
scholarships to the spouses and children of service members
disabled or killed as a result of their military service.
gr ound b r e a ki ng news
and the public to take one step closer to
supporting our service members.”
Through its newly established alliance
with Folds of Honor, Volvo Rents is helping to raise the necessary funds to provide
post-secondary educational scholarships to
the spouses and children of service members
disabled or killed as a result of their military
service. To date, Volvo Rents has donated
more than $25,000 to the foundation.
“We are one nation under God, without
apology. And there are a lot of Americans
in this country who believe in the declaration and what this country stands for,” said
Major Dan Rooney, Founder of the Folds
of Honor Foundation and F-16 Pilot who
served three combat tours in Iraq. “Thanks
to partners like Volvo Rents, we are able to
provide education to these families. We salute Volvo Rents for their great act of patriotism and thank them for helping us make a
difference.”
Simultaneously, Volvo Rents has partnered with Homes for Our Troops to assist
in building specially-adapted homes for
severely disabled veterans. Homes for Our
Troops has already committed to building 35 homes this year and Volvo Rents
will be donating construction equipment
to several of these build locations, along
with volunteers to support injured servicemen and women. Projects are planned in
various states, including Colorado, Florida,
Georgia, Texas, Maryland and Wisconsin,
among others.
“We would not be able to support so
many injured veterans without the fundraising and support from local businesses
like Volvo Rents,” said John Gonsalves,
Founder and President of Homes for Our
Troops. “These veterans sacrificed for our
country, and I’m proud to come together
with Volvo Rents to help restore their freedom and independence through the gift of
a specially adapted home.”
For more information on Volvo Rents
or any of these great causes, visit www.volvorents.com, Folds of Honor at www.foldsofhonor.org and Homes for Our Troops at
www.homesforourtroops.org.
Michael A. Misetic is Vice President of Fishman
Public Relations.
“Color for a Cause” encourages all Volvo Rents stores to paint a piece of
equipment to signify solidarity with a worthy cause and donate a percentage of
the rental proceeds to that cause.
June 2011 | Utility Contractor
9
Cat Dealer Challenges Equipment
Operators to Prove Skills in Rodeo Events
You’re always bragging how you’re the best backhoe operator in the West. Now it’s time to prove your skills at one of 12
Western States Rodeo events. The big regional Caterpillar dealer announced its first ever equipment rodeo at locations across
Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington, aimed at determining the best equipment operators in the area. Contestants will
compete for prizes in a number of skill-focused contests during
the rodeo, including the grand prize of a brand new 2011 Ford
F-250 pickup for the championship winner and a 226B3 skid
steer for the winner’s sponsoring company. Winners from each
location will battle for the Best Equipment Operator title on
August 27 in Meridian, Idaho.
“Cat equipment is known for its reliability and durability,
so it is only fitting that we determine the best operators in our
territory with challenges that test how they do under pressure,”
said Western States President Tom Harris. “We believe our customers and operators are the most talented in their industries
and we are excited to recognize and reward their efforts during
the 2011 Western States Rodeo.”
Each of the local rodeo challenges will include five equipment events to test the skills and versatility of operators, from
backhoe tire stacking to navigating a skid steer through an obstacle course. Individual events may vary slightly by location,
with each local contest winner receiving an award and an invitation to the Championship Round.
“Beyond the competition, the 2011 Western States Rodeo is
also a great opportunity for us to give back to each of the communities we serve through local charities and we thank our tremendous sponsors for making this happen,” continued Harris.
Western States Cat is looking for operators who know
how to handle their iron. Prove your backhoe skills at one
of 12 different rodeo events.
10
Western States
Cat and the
Go On Idaho
campaign are
partnering to
donate $500
to select local charities
at each rodeo
event, which
will
range
from
local
Skills
USA,
Future Farmers of America (FFA) and 4H chapters to diesel mechanic and
construction school programs. Each event will also provide an
opportunity for the selected organization to learn more about
the industries served by Western States Cat and gain valuable
volunteer experience. More than $6,000 will be donated to local charities throughout the course of the campaign.
Cat, Ford, Carhartt and DeWalt are among more than 20
industry sponsors partnering to provide prizes to participants
and event attendees. Together these sponsors will contribute
more than $150,000 in awards and giveaways, including a new
2011 Ford F-250 pickup, a trip to Las Vegas for the National
Finals Rodeo (NFR) and many other prizes. Each event will
offer $2,500 in promotional giveaways. Those interested in
signing up online for exclusive prizes can do so at www.westernstatesrodeo.com.
gr ound b r e a ki ng news
“I Make America” Supporter Mike Rowe Speaks to Congress
About U.S. Manufacturing Jobs
Last month, Mike Rowe, host of the Discovery
Channel’s “Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe,” traded
in his usual work clothes for a polished suit as
he headed to Washington, D.C. On May 11,
Rowe testified before the Senate Commerce,
Science and Transportation Committee’s hearing on “Manufacturing Our Way to a Stronger
Economy” in support of U.S. manufacturing
jobs and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ (AEM) I Make America campaign. In
his testimony, Rowe described his experiences
working with manufacturers and skilled laborers across America, his personal initiatives in
support of jobs creation and the importance of
paved roads and reliable bridges.
In his written testimony, Rowe said, “I
am ready, able and eager to partner with the
federal government to help reconnect our
country to the importance of manufacturing and skilled labor.”
In addition, he demonstrated his support
of the I Make America campaign stating he
was proud to join forces with AEM “...for the
launch of I Make America, a national grassroots campaign to promote U.S. manufacturing jobs through infrastructure investment
and the passage of export agreements.”
“We are fortunate and proud to partner
with Mike on the I Make America campaign,
and in his support of U.S. manufacturing
policies that help create American jobs,” said
AEM President Dennis Slater.
“AEM and I Make America commend Senators Rockefeller and Hutchison for holding this
hearing and for their ongoing commitment to
support policies that promote infrastructure
investment and job creation in the manufacturing sector across the U.S.,” he added.
To learn more about I Make America, visit
www.IMakeAmerica.com. Submit a photo to
the newly launched Picture a Better America
Photo Contest at www.IMakeAmerica.com/
photocontest to win a $250 prize and to help
drive home for your elected officials the reality of America’s crumbling infrastructure
and showcase the hard-working men and
women that make and grow America.
View short videos of employees and
small business owners around the country
telling the real-life stories of how manufacturing impacts the national economy at
www.ADayinAmericanLife.com.
Ever since its
beginnings,
Mike Rowe
(right) has
been a
supporter of
the I Make
America
campaign.
Here, he is at
the fall 2010
launch of the
campaign
with AEM
President
Dennis Slater.
11
JCB Donates Use of Equipment in Georgia and Alabama
Cleanup Efforts
English equipment manufacturer, JCB Inc., has a long history
of donating equipment to organizations and charitable efforts —
just recently assisting with cleanup efforts in Georgia and Alabama following the violent storms that rocked the region on April
27. According to JCB North America Chairman and CEO John
Patterson, the company’s latest donations reflect its ongoing support of disaster relief efforts worldwide.
12
“As a global organization, JCB has assisted with relief efforts in a
number of countries over the years,” Patterson said. “The residents of
Georgia and Alabama are JCB’s neighbors here in the United States,
and upon learning of the devastation left behind by the recent storms,
we knew that we wanted to help them in any way we could.”
In these situations, the type of equipment that JCB manufactures is
necessary to clear tree and building debris from roads and driveways
so that recovery and rescue efforts can take place.
After hearing of the widespread damage throughout the Deep South, JCB employees in Savannah,
Ga., and dealers in Georgia and Alabama devised
plans to donate the use of heavy equipment to
launch the long recovery process in the areas hardest hit by the powerful storms. Spencer Howard,
a member of JCB’s demonstration crew based at
the North American Headquarters in Savannah,
came up with the idea to take a JCB New Generation 280 skid steer loader with fork, bucket and
grapple attachments to Ringgold, Ga., and begin
clearing roadways. Howard ran the idea past Neil
Smith, JCB’s Events and Demonstration Manager,
who fully agreed with his plan.
Peter Cunningham, JCB’s District Manager in
Alabama and Florida, also knew that it was important for JCB to step up in this time of crisis.
Together with Mark Long, President and Owner
of JCB of Alabama, the two were able to secure a
3CX backhoe loader from JCB’s Savannah headquarters to assist in the Alabama relief efforts.
The dealership received the backhoe on May 10,
and municipal workers in surrounding communities will use it to continue clearing debris.
JCB of Georgia also expressed its desire to help
the victims of these violent storms. “We knew
we wanted to donate the use of a machine, but
we needed to find a contractor who was willing
to volunteer his time to operate it,” said Natalia
Welch, Marketing Manager for JCB of Georgia.
“That’s when we contacted David Mills.”
David Mills owns and operates David Mills
Construction in Ringgold, building new homes
and remodeling existing ones. “I’ve purchased
three backhoes from JCB in the past, so they
know me,” Mills said. “When they contacted
me about relief efforts, I’d been using my own
equipment to try and help out, but the use of
the donated 3CX backhoe has helped us remove
even more debris in less time.” Mills will continue to use the 3CX from JCB of Georgia to clean
up and separate tree debris from building scrap
material — a long and arduous process.
Building a
Better NUCA
In-House Planning Helps the
Association Work to Better Serve
Its Members and the Industry
By Pam Kleineke
N
o matter how well an organization runs, there’s always
room for improvement. Since 1964, NUCA has grown
to become the largest and most influential national
trade association working solely for the excavation and underground utility construction industry. After many years of success, the association decided to establish a strategic planning
committee to address the future of the organization and areas
to improve upon.
“While NUCA always has had sound budgeting and planning for the upcoming year, it had been some time since there
was a long-term strategic plan put in place,” explains Ryan
Schmitt, NUCA Chairman and Owner and President of Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors. “NUCA thought it was important to put together a strategic planning committee that had a
cross-section of contractors from around the country, as well as
members who were more recent to the association. This committee, which I chaired, was given the time and resources to
thoughtfully go through this process with the end goal of a
written five-year strategic plan.”
The committee grew to include seven members: Kari Biernacki, AUI Inc.; Mark Fuglevand, Marshbank Construction;
Chad Reed, Teal Construction Inc.; Bruce Wendorf, Forsberg
Construction Inc.; Florentino Gregorio, Anchor Construction;
Bill Hillman, CEO of NUCA; and Schmitt. After the committee was developed, one of the first items of business it decided
to address was to update the NUCA name and logo. At the
time, NUCA stood for the National Utility Contractors Association. However, Schmitt and the others knew it needed to be
revamped to include all of its members equally.
“When we were analyzing NUCA’s membership, we realized
that our members were more than just utility contractors and
that the ‘utility’ name often gave people the impression that we
were an association of utility providers,” explains Schmitt. “NUCA’s members consist not only of utility contractors, but also sitework, excavation and road building contractors. We wanted our
name to be more inclusive of our current and future members
and more descriptive to those outside the association.”
From that, the committee settled on the new name, “NUCA,”
using just the acronym as the name and adding the new tag line:
“Representing Utility and Excavation Contractors” — properly
explaining what the association does and who it represents. An
updated logo was next on the agenda and also received some
attention. The committee settled on a design that it felt was
more distinctive and recognizable than its old logo and still
easily identifiable as the association.
After the association’s name and logo were squared away,
the committee began interviewing NUCA members to evaluate their feelings about the association and its operations. The
committee also took a look at NUCA’s roots to see where there
would be some room for improvement.
“We studied some of NUCA’s history to get a good feel about
where NUCA came from and how we got where we are today,”
says Schmitt. “We also studied the industry, the economy, the
political environment, sociological challenges and competing
associations.”
A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT)
analysis came next. Schmitt notes that this process was very eyeopening for the committee in its path to improving NUCA.
“It’s difficult to discuss your weaknesses — it’s not an easy
thing to swallow,” he says. “This process helped us realize how
some of our current practices were impeding our growth as an
association. However, it also made us realize what great opportunities NUCA has if these issues were resolved.”
Setting Goals
After performing the SWOT analysis, the committee began
to develop goals and strategies for its strategic plan. Schmitt
points out that the plan consists of four goals, each with a subset of multiple strategies to accomplish it. These goals are:
1. Increase membership to 2,500 members by 2015.
2. Build the NUCA brand.
3. Improve member services.
4. Improve the financial health of NUCA.
With progress already being made, the strategic planning
committee is working hard toward its goals of making NUCA
an even better association. By keeping dedicated to these goals,
the committee knows its efforts will truly benefit NUCA and
its members.
“We are 100 percent focused on the implementation of this
plan,” says Schmitt. “This strategic plan is not meant to be
crafted and then filed away. It is a working document that is
meant to measure our progress. The successful implementation
of this plan will make NUCA a larger, financially sound and
better-run association.”
Pam Kleineke is Assistant Editor of Utility Contractor.
13
And the Award Goes to…
Ryan Schmitt Is Selected as the 2010 Ditch Digger of the Year
The Ditch Digger of the Year Award is presented annually at NUCA’ s annual convention
to a contractor member who has made a significant contribution to NUCA and the underground utility construction industry. This past January, the 2010 Ditch Digger of the Year
Award was presented to Ryan Schmitt, NUCA’s Chairman of the Board and Owner and President of Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors.
Schmitt began his career in civil construction working as an entry-level estimator after
graduating with a degree in criminology from the University of Florida in 1990. He then
decided to head back to school and obtain a second bachelor’s degree in building construction from the University of North Florida (UNF). Schmitt received his MBA from UNF and
enjoyed working as a general manager for a company for more than 12 years.
In 2007, he became President and Owner of Petticoat-Schmitt, based in Jacksonville, Fla.
Thanks to Schmitt’s experience and education, he was armed with the tools to tackle the challenges of starting a new company, which continues to grow today. Petticoat-Schmitt recently won
three awards from NUCA. It received the association’s coveted National Community Service
Award for its donation of equipment, materials, manpower and money to the Seamark Ranch — a
privately funded residence for children in need of structured, loving homes, in 2010. This year,
it received an honorable mention for the William H. Feather Safety awards and last year it was
awarded a Feather Safety Award in recognition of its excellent safety record.
Schmitt maintains strong roots within the Jacksonville community; he serves on the Board of Seamark Ranch and he
currently serves on the University of North Florida’s Construction Management Program Advisory Committee.
To learn more about Schmitt’s career and work with NUCA, check out the February 2011 cover story of Utility Contractor
at www.utilitycontractoronline.com/archives.
Congrats Ryan!
NUCA's Ditch Digger
of the Year!
Congratulations
to
Ryan Schmitt
NUCA’s Ditch
Digger of the Year!
A well deserved award for a
valued member of NUCA and
the utility construction industry.
From the staff at Curb
Systems of NE Florida, Inc.
From your
friends at
14
Two
for
One
Backhoe Loaders
Offer Contractors
the Productivity of
Two Machines in One
Convenient Package
By Pam Kleineke
O
n almost any jobsite across the country (from
landscape to utility work), dig-and-load operations are a must, and oftentimes the combination
of a skid steer and excavator fit the bill. However, as jobsites become less accessible with a minimal allowance for equipment and crews, contractors are beginning
to look for a single go-to solution — and backhoe loaders are
filling that niche. By adding a backhoe to a fleet, contractors
are able to eliminate the operating costs of two machines, as
well as free up valuable space on an already crowded construction project.
“A backhoe loader, by definition, is used in many applications as it is virtually three machines in one — a backhoe,
a loader and a tractor,” explains Jim Blower, Senior Product Manager for JCB. “The backhoe loader is the jack-ofall-trades around a jobsite, and it’s usually the first machine
there and the last to leave as it can be used in so many different applications.”
Armed with the right attachment, a backhoe loader can perform a myriad of tasks. On one end, the loader — coupled with
a bucket, grapple or pallet forks — can dig and perform site
prep, as well as transfer material from one spot to another. The
backhoe can combine with a number of attachments such as
brooms, thumbs and augers to lend a hand in brush clearing
and cleanup jobs. Not to mention, this versatile machine has
found its way into utility installations.
“Generally, backhoe loaders boast an extend-a-hoe feature,
which gives the operator the capacity to extend the reach and
16
depth that the machine is able to dig — making them ideal
for utility construction,” says Rob Marringa, Brand Marketing
Manager — North America for Case. “That particular feature,
paired with the backhoe’s ability to lift large loads, allows the
machine to pick up and place items with precision such as
septic tanks and manhole covers.”
Buying a Backhoe Loader
Since a backhoe loader packs a productive punch in one versatile machine, this piece of equipment is becoming quite popular on utility jobsites. With offerings from companies such as
Caterpillar, Case and Volvo to Kubota and JCB, there are plenty
of machines out there to suit any application’s needs.
“The worldwide market peaked in 2007 just shy of 100,000
backhoe loaders sold; the world market took a downturn in
2008 and 2009, but has picked up again in 2010 to around
60,000 backhoe loaders sold worldwide,” explains Blower.
“The North American market is around 20 percent of the
world market.”
Before you buy, make sure to narrow down what you’re
looking for in a machine and what features are necessary for
the job at hand. When looking to add a backhoe loader to
your equipment fleet, Blower says it’s important to note that
these machines come in all shapes and sizes — giving them
the ability to be better suited for the application at hand. To
aid in the decision-making process, Blower offers a list of
questions for potential buyers to answer to help narrow down
the various machine choices:
• How much loader work will be done?
• What material will be handled with the loader?
• What terrain will the machine be running on?
• How much time will be spent driving the machine on the road?
• What dig depth will the backhoe be required to dig to?
• How long of a trench will the machine be digging?
Once these questions are answered, a buyer can confidently
begin the hunt for a new machine. Next, it’s important to decipher which machine features are important for the work an
operator plans on performing. Dig depth is usually the best
place to start.
Backhoe loaders are typically categorized by their dig
depths, which can range from 8 to 17 ft. A 14-ft dig depth is
the most popular, making up about 70 percent of the North
American market.
The engine’s horsepower is another way some categorize these
machines. For example, a compact backhoe loader would fit in
the less than 60-hp segment, and the most popular segment
would be greater than 60 hp, says Keith Rohrbacker, Product
Manager — Construction Equipment for Kubota Tractor Corp.
Aside from dig depths and horsepower, another consideration is the machine’s boom configuration. Backhoe loaders are
offered with either a straight or curved boom, depending on
the manufacturer. For example, Kubota backhoes all feature a
curved boom design.
“The curved boom design makes it easier to reach maximum
dig depth with a minimum trench cut,” says Rohrbacker. “Operators will find it easier to clear worksite obstacles; and truckloading is better with a curved boom
as it’s easier to clear sideboards and
position material in the center of the
truck bed.”
On the other hand, manufacturers such as JCB offer customers a
straight boom configuration since
these machines are often used for
excavation purposes. Blower says,
“The straight boom design allows
the hydraulic cylinders and hoses to
be placed inside the boom for protection while digging and gives the
operator better sight lines into the
trench as well when the boom is
swung to the side.”
With budgets tightening and contractors wanting to get the most out
of their investment, features like good
fuel economy are important to consider. Getting the most out of a new machine is necessary to staying
on the job and finishing a project.
“Lately, the element of fuel economy and productivity has been
a common theme among buyers,” says Marringa. “All manufacturers are striving to utilize electronic injection for their engines,
which offers savings from the use of fuel. Hydraulic configurations are also being optimized to operate at cooler temperatures
and higher capacities so that the backhoes themselves not only
require less maintenance, but boost productivity.”
Operator comfort is another concern especially when the
operator is expected to work long hours. Options like a cab
with air conditioning are available from manufacturers. How
about a coffee maker? Companies such as JCB can outfit your
machine with one. Aside from those perks, safety features are
also vital to keeping the operator comfortable, productive and
safe throughout the busy day.
“It is important for a buyer to consider which applications
they could potentially use the tractor; and make certain that
the machine not only has the power and capacity to meet their
needs, but also provides features for comfort when operating
for long hours,” says Rohrbacker. “When used properly, a certified ROPS/FOPS canopy and retractable seat belts help protect
the operator. Four-wheel-drive and differential lock helps improve mobility of the equipment in mud, sand and snow.”
Getting to Work
After selecting the right backhoe loader for your needs, understanding how to properly operate it is the next step. Rohrbacker
points out that the most important information about using a
backhoe loader can be found in the manufacturer’s operator’s
manual. Here, operators can find safety information, operating
techniques, daily inspection checklists and maintenance schedules and procedures. He says, “Consult with your dealer to understand the operator’s manual information thoroughly — so you
get the best performance out of your backhoe loader.”
It’s also essential to realize the capabilities and limitations of
your new machine. For example, understanding the backhoe
loader’s carrying capacities and hydraulic requirements will ensure that you don’t overextend the machine and leave it open
to premature wear.
Despite a downturn in 2008 and 2009, the market for
backhoe loaders picked up again in 2010 to around
60,000 machines sold worldwide.
“When operating a backhoe loader, the most important thing
to understand is that the machine does have its limits, and you
should not try to exceed them,” says Blower. “Overloading a
machine can lead to excessive wear, breakages and even worse
— injury. These machines are designed and developed to do a
job and do it well, but they can’t be overloaded.”
Pam Kleineke is Assistant Editor of Utility Contractor.
17
Backhoe Loader Showcase
Case
Case Construction Equipment recently updated its loader/backhoe product
line. The Case 580N, 580 Super N, 580 Super N Wide Track and 590 Super N
loader/backhoes deliver dramatic increases in backhoe breakout force and lift,
along with increased loader breakout force, lift and reach. The Case-exclusive
Power Lift channels hydraulic power directly to the backhoe boom with the
touch of a button. As a result, N Series backhoe lifting capabilities outperform
competitive models by as much as 39 percent — while running at low engine
rpms. The N Series loader/backhoes provide lift capabilities comparable to an
8-ton excavator, with superior dig depths. An industry-exclusive side lighting
package helps illuminate the entire perimeter of the N Series machine, enhancing operator and jobsite safety, and boosting productivity.
Caterpillar
The Caterpillar 450E backhoe loader delivers increased performance, enhanced operator comfort, superior controllability, emissions regulations compliance, easier maintenance and new, functional styling when compared to the
446D, which the new machine replaces. The 450E is in the 17-ft dig depth
class and is the largest backhoe loader in the Caterpillar line. The 450E has 124
net hp and a backhoe digging depth of 17 ft, 3 in. when equipped with a standard stick. The new extendible stick pushes the 450E digging depth to 21 ft,
4 in. The 450E also has greater digging forces than the model it replaces. New
combined-function auxiliary hydraulic lines on the backhoe enable the 450E to
support all one- and two-way hydraulic work tools, such as hammers, compactors, thumbs, augers and tilting couplers.
JCB
With a unitized, one-piece mainframe and massive rear frame supports, JCB’s
4CX backhoe is a durable machine that can take on the toughest jobs with ease.
A heavy-duty turbo (92 net hp) diesel engine powers the 4CX, while four-wheel
drive and four-wheel steering provide excellent maneuverability. Limited slip steer
drive axles provide exceptional traction and three steering modes offer the flexibility for a variety of worksite conditions. The JCB 4CX features large capacity buckets with a parallel lift system. There’s an optional tool carrier quick-attach system
for front-mounted attachments. Hydraulic speed control lets the operator divert
power and speed as needed. The 4CX offers great performance, and it doesn’t
skimp on operator comfort either. Choose an open canopy or a deluxe two-post
ROPS/FOPS quiet cab with ergonomically-placed controls and instruments.
John Deere
18
John Deere 310SJ and 410J backhoe loaders — coupled with Total Machine
Control (TMC), an industry-exclusive option — give operators best-in-class
comfort, faster cycle times and the best automatic features of an excavator and
four-wheel-drive loader built into one ultra-productive machine. The TMC
difference starts in the operator’s seat. Armrest-mounted joystick controls
turn with the seat and eliminate pilot towers, resulting in enhanced visibility,
exceptional comfort and reduced heat in the cab, thanks to the absence of
hydraulic oil used in other control systems. Operators can use the exclusive
mini-joystick on the right-hand controller to move the backhoe and loader
simultaneously and deftly maneuver the machine around obstacles. Integral
Accu-swing gives the backhoe precise control, helping the operator dig more
accurately and gently around buried pipe or cable.
Kubota
Volvo
The Kubota L45 TLB tractor-loader-backhoe features an HST
Plus transmission and the versatility of three machines in one,
combining a strong, integrated loader and quick-attach backhoe with a Category I three-point hitch. With a slanted boom
The Volvo center-mount backhoe loaders are fitted with Volvo’s
D5D Tier 3 fuel-efficient, high-performance engines with high
torque and powerful breakout capabilities. The 90-hp Volvo BL70
has a dig depth of 14 ft, 9 in., an operating weight of 17,248 lbs, a
bucket capacity of 1.3 cu yds, a loader lift capacity of 6,953 lbs and
a breakout force of 12,445 lbs. The 83-hp Volvo BL60 has a dig
depth of 14 ft, 5 in., an operating weight of 16,178 lbs, a bucket
capacity of 1 cu yd, a loader lift capacity of 5,460 lbs and a breakout force of 11,330 lbs. Both models can be equipped with a variety of attachments for specific job applications and have standard
Volvo hydrostatic steering and load-sensing hydraulic systems.
design and braceless frame for excellent visibility, the loader
is designed with a lifting capacity of 2,200 lbs. The backhoe
offers a 10-ft digging depth and backhoe crawling mode to
re-position along trenches. Powered by a 45-hp Kubota diesel
engine, the L45 TLB’s immense versatility is ideal for operators
with professional results in mind.
Terex
Engineered to excel in digging, reaching, lifting and loading applications, the new Terex TLB840 backhoe loader is built
to work for the operator. The TLB840 boasts a 79-hp Perkins
engine and is powered by an optional four-speed servo power
syncro transmission with automatic shifting, delivering fuel efficiency and high tractive effort. The new TLB840 has a curved
boom design that offers operators greater clearance to reach
over obstacles and the ability to load closer into trucks for
greater productivity. With a dig depth of 14 ft, 9 in. (extended
to 18 ft, 1 in.) and a reach up of 18 ft, 9 in. (extended 21 ft, 11
in.), the TLB840 is designed with a new slew system that provides high torque for easier backfilling and slewing uphill.
19
Understanding
Upkeep
How to Maintain
Your Backhoe Loader
By Amber Reed
T
he reliability and life expectancy of any backhoe loader
is largely influenced by regular care and maintenance.
“To maximize the life of your backhoe loader,” says John
Semosh, Product Support Manager, Terex Construction Americas,
“invest in a preventive maintenance program, as directed by the
manufacturer’s recommended guidelines in your owner’s manual.”
Daily
According to Semosh, a lot of problems can be caught or prevented if operators simply take 15 minutes before startup each
day to check the fluids and general condition of the machine.
This includes inspecting for loose or missing nuts and bolts, as
well as greasing all lube points.
Specifically, it is important to check the hydraulic fluid, engine
oil, antifreeze and fuel and to refill fluids, if necessary. The next
step is to walk around the machine, checking for any leaks or
damage from previous use. This visual inspection should include
checking common wear points, such as hydraulic hoses, tires,
the bearing bushings and the pins/bolts and making sure all the
machine’s systems are lubricated and functioning properly.
“Always have a grease gun handy during your daily walk-arounds
of the backhoe loader,” says Semosh. “The life expectancy of all the
critical components is dependent on how well the unit is lubricated.”
Semosh recommends each day checking the loader’s safety features,
such as the brakes, lights and mirrors, as well as the condition and
air pressure. “If there is a tire problem, you may feel that the machine
is not tracking correctly or has a rhythmic bump when driving. The
fix is to replace the tire. When replacing a tire, it is very important to
check the rolling radius of the tire — tires must be matched side-toside or you will cause issues with the loader’s drive train.”
At the end of each day, while the backhoe loader is still warm,
it is important to wash down the unit — removing any dirt,
dust, sand or other jobsite material that can accumulate and
contaminate the machine — and lubricate the unit.
Weekly
Weekly maintenance checks are the ideal time to make sure all
ground-engaging points, such as the extend-a-hoe, bucket level20
ing and return-to-dig, are properly adjusted and in good working order. “On the extendable dipper stick, you need to check
the bushings and pins to make sure they are not showing excessive wear,” says Semosh. “And on the backhoe, make sure the
components on the center mount are not loose or worn out.”
Regular engine maintenance is also very important. Air filters
should be inspected daily and changed weekly if the backhoe
loader is working in extreme environments. Another key point
is the fuel system. If the fuel system does get contaminated,
operators will need to drain the fuel tank, clean fuel lines and
then put new fuel in the machine.
One-week inspections are a good time to review manufacturer service bulletins and make updates, as recommended.
Preventive Maintenance Tasks
Every quarter, check the oil on the front and rear axle differentials and inspect the planetary outboard. Change the oil
and repair or replace any worn or damaged components as
needed.
All fluids should be changed, including the hydraulic oil, according to the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines. Engine
oil should be changed every 250 to 500 hours, depending on fuel
sulfur level. Brake fluid should be changed every 500 hours and
hydraulic oil should be changed every 1,000 hours. When changing the hydraulic oil, always refer to the operator’s manual to make
sure the oil’s viscosity is compatible with the backhoe loader and
the operating environment, including the temperature.
At the year mark, it is a good time to look at the maintenance
records to spot any patterns. It is important to look at what
components are failing and to determine why, how and when
they failed, as well as to know which components are holding
up over time and to analyze those trends. Too often, little things
can be an indication of larger problems. Owners, operators and
service technicians should never ignore any warning signs.
Amber Reed is a Technical Writer for Performance Marketing, based in
West Des Moines, Iowa.
Keeping
Tracks
in Top
Shape
A Quick Guide
to Rubber Track
Maintenance
and Repair
By Jorel Cuevas
When replacing rubber tracks, it is a good
idea to replace all of the undercarriage
components because the undercarriage
pieces should all wear at the same rate.
A
broken rubber track on the jobsite is a problematic situation for contractors. It leads to machine downtime and
increased overhead. There are a few cost and time-consuming elements to consider when replacing a track beyond just
purchasing a new one. More often than not, tracks need to be
ordered from out of state or from an unreasonable distance away
which leads to more downtime, along with the cost of delivery
and labor to replace the track. At the end of the ordeal, you could
spend around half the price of a track on expenditures. This is
why regular maintenance is so important to a rubber track’s
lifespan and keeping downtime minimized. Spending a few minutes before and after every use of the machine can significantly
lower the cost spent on replacing tracks every year.
There are plenty of ways to provide better care for your rubber
tracks, and each will add life and performance. Start off by providing proper storage (when a machine is not in use for a reasonable amount of time). Try keeping the tracks out of direct contact to the elements. A common misconception is that because
rubber tracks are made of industrial rubber they can withstand
sitting in the hot sun or snow and cold for extended amounts of
time, but the truth is it reacts like any other rubber would under
extended exposure to the elements. It will dry, crack and become
brittle if not cared for properly. So try to keep the tracks and
machines under a canopy. If that is not possible, just cover the
tracks with a tarp when not in operation.
For machines that are in use or on a jobsite, it is important before
use of the machine to make sure the tensioning level of the tracks is
to specification (found in the owner’s manual). This prevents stretching and ripping when the track is too tight and de-tracking and loss
of horsepower when the track is too loose. Something else to try is to
clean out the undercarriage of debris with an air gun or a water hose/
pressure washer after any major operation. When debris, mud and
different compounds gather in the undercarriage, it slowly eats away
at the components including the rubber tracks. Rocks will break
the rubber from the rollers and expose the metal imbeds inside the
track, while the acidic levels in the mud will cause the sprockets and
exposed metal imbeds to rust and break apart.
Also when replacing rubber tracks, it is a good idea to replace
all of the undercarriage components because the undercarriage
pieces should all wear together. Although it is not noticeable to
the naked eye, there is usually a significant amount of wear to
other components when the rubber track life has ended. Putting new tracks on old components can cause fitting issues and
increase wearing problems. Replacing all the components when
changing out the tracks will ensure a smoother, longer life for the
tracks and components. It might cost a little more, but the extra
life gained from everything saves money in the long run.
No matter the use of your machine, there are many ways that
the tracks and undercarriage can and will be damaged, causing
a loss of time and money. But by taking the time to do a little
preventive maintenance to your tracks and undercarriage, you
can make a drastic difference in the life on your machine. Proper
preventive maintenance for rubber tracks might be tedious and
seemingly time-consuming work, but in the long run will make a
difference and be well worth the few extra minutes a day.
Jorel Cuevas works in aftermarket sales and marketing at DRB
America, based in Whittier, Calif.
21
Keeping a Clear Path
Ensure Maximum Pump Productivity by
Fielding Debris and Other Jobsite Materials
By Thomas J. Minihan
W
hen setting up a pump to bypass a combined sewer,
large creek or any water source greater than 5,000
gallons per minute (gpm), there is more to consider
than just handling the volume. Other major considerations are
what’s coming with the fluid, how to dissipate the discharge
energy and how to stop the discharge scouring impact.
The contractor is held accountable for the after-effects of his
pumping activities and the economic impact of his decisions on
the environment and on the infrastructure. Fines for pollution,
erosion and damage to pipelines are getting higher and are being
levied without hesitation by municipalities and governmental
agencies. More than paying a fine is at stake — the contractor’s
reputation and acceptability are also on the line. Municipalities faced with the problems of crumbling infrastructure and
a shrinking revenue base are being forced to scrutinize their
selection of a utility contractor. The contractor who watches
out for the owner’s interests will get more of the work.
A large-diameter combined sewer can carry chunks of
bricks, plastic drop cloths and other debris from upstream
construction sites that can plug up a pump suction strainer.
An upstream deflector array is good insurance particularly in
flows of 10,000 gpm or higher. Prefabricated chain link fence
panels, like those sold for dog kennels, can be purchased at
all large hardware store chains in 3- by 6-ft and 6- by 6-ft
panels. When clamped together accordion-style, the panels
can be easily transported and positioned upstream from the
pump. By setting the array in the shape of an arrowhead with
the point aimed upstream, large debris can be deflected away
from the pump suction. In creek and river bypasses, this set22
up also offers a defense against grass cuttings, tree limbs and
leaves, particularly in autumn.
The impact of all this focused discharge energy can damage pipelines and erode creek and river banks. To dissipate the energy, a
simple expedient is to put a tee at the end of the discharge line with
the flow going into the side branch of the tee. The tee has to be connected with a restrained joint connection so the force doesn’t cause
it to “blow off.” In this way, the flow is divided and the energy of the
flow is knocked down when it hits the wall of the tee.
High flows can create a “scour affect.” In creeks and rivers,
this can also generate a great deal of turbidity, damaging aquatic life downstream and carrying sediment for miles. To help in
this effort, the contractor can set his “velocity dissipating” tee
on a sheet of polyethylene plastic. The “splash pad” has to be
thicker than 1/16 in. in order to provide some stiffness, but still
be flexible enough to be rolled up for transport. A 20- by 20-ft
splash pad can handle a flow of up to 15,000 gpm. The corners
of the sheet can be tied off with ropes to stakes on both banks
of the creek or river to hold it in place. This method is acceptable to environmental agencies and municipalities, however,
some agencies may ask for the addition of jersey barriers to
further break up the flow stream.
Being proactive in addressing the consequences of handling
high bypass flows is the sign of a responsible contractor. Reviewing these techniques during the pre-construction phase
puts the contractor’s client at ease with the bypass operation
and identifies the contractor as a pumping professional.
Thomas J. Minihan is Vice President of Griffin Dewatering Midwest LLC.
Being
Prepared
Coverage Every Utility
Contractor Should Carry
in an Insurance Portfolio
By David Alvarado and Tim Rabbitt
A
s a utility contractor, the potential for damage and financial risk is high and having strong insurance coverage
is non-negotiable. Unfortunately, the current economy
is driving many contractors to cut back on coverage in order
to conserve budget. While some of these cutbacks make sense
on the front end, much of the coverage eliminated is crucial to
protecting a utility contractor from substantial risk.
Insurance is complicated and it can be overwhelming. Most
contractors rely heavily on the recommendations of their broker or agent because it can be difficult to understand what they
are purchasing or the level of protection that coverage will provide in the event of a claim. Contractors need to know what
insurance coverage is necessary to operate and what additional
coverage is wise to purchase.
General Liability
General Liability is one coverage utility contractors carry
universally because it is required for most public works contracts and it protects against the highest amount of risk to the
contractor. Many contractors do not know the specifics to consider when purchasing General Liability and what exclusions to
avoid. Outside of required coverage limits that can be discussed
on a case-by-case basis with a broker, there are many variables
that impact the protection a policy provides.
A basic element for utility contractors to be aware of is the
difference between Occurrence General Liability and ClaimMade General Liability. Many small contractors have historically
purchased Claim-Made General Liability because it is relatively
inexpensive. When dealing with strict budgets, this option may
24
appear to be a solid way to save money and maintain coverage,
especially in tighter insurance markets. The problem with ClaimMade General Liability is that claims must be made within the
year the damage originated and this can be challenging (if not
impossible) with large, ongoing projects. The contractor who
chooses a Claim-Made policy can be exposed to liability for any
project with continuous triggers or the potential to have claims
crop up outside of the Claim-Made annual time period.
Occurrence General Liability, on the other hand, provides
coverage for the entirety of a project. This allows a contractor to place a claim related to the insured project at any point
before, during or after the work is completed. For example, if
a contractor is completing work on a sewer, paves over it and
then five years later a pedestrian falls in that area, Occurrence
General Liability will provide coverage for this claim. While
Occurrence General Liability may be more expensive up front,
it will provide far more extensive coverage, insuring against
sizeable risks attached to a utility project.
A major component to review when procuring General Liability is what type of additional insured endorsement is being
provided. There are two forms of additional insured coverage:
Onsite coverage (commonly referred to as ongoing operations)
and Products and Completed Operations. Many insurance carriers do not want to offer Broad Form Completed Operations
coverage as this broad form policy has broad implications. The
problem with a limited additional insured endorsement is that
most public works contracts have Type One Indemnity, and
one doesn’t want their insurance company passing on an obligation that the contractor is committed to uphold.
There are other absolutes a contractor must look for such as
full subsidence coverage (in other words no subsidence exclusions), no action-over liability exclusions and no prior works
exclusions. The final thing a contractor should consider when
shopping for General Liability is the retention level.
Excess/Umbrella Liability
Closely related to General Liability is Excess or Umbrella
Liability. Excess Liability supplies higher limits ranging on
average from $10 million to $100 million in coverage and
should be purchased in conjunction with General Liability
coverage. Higher Excess Liability limits may also be attained,
depending on the risk associated with a project. When buying
Excess/Umbrella coverage, seek out the same attributes found
in a strong General Liability policy.
Equipment and Auto Coverage
Public Code 7105 holds public works contractors responsible for 5 percent earthquake and flood coverage. Builders
Risk is the coverage that will ensure a contractor is prepared
for this situation. Traditionally, earthquake and flood are not
included in Builders Risk, but they are possible to obtain.
A utility contractor purchasing this coverage should insist
on finding Builders Risk that includes earthquake and flood
due to the likelihood it might impact the contracts they have
secured. Builders Risk also covers the contractor for things
such as fire, theft and vandalism.
In addition to Builders Risk with 7105 earthquake and flood
coverage, contractors should request a policy that includes Ingress-Egress coverage extensions. Ingress-Egress will provide
financial coverage for a contract that is delayed due to the site
being inaccessible for something such as forest fires. In the situation of a forest fire, equipment may not be harmed but work
cannot be completed for six months and money is lost. IngressEgress will protect a utility contractor trying to recover losses
for a delayed project in many cases. It is generally excluded
from policies so ensure that your broker specifically requests
this stipulation when shopping for Builders Risk insurance.
Pollution on the jobsite is another risk that utility contractors
face. In the course of a job, contractors often use and transport
different pollutants on and off site and the possibility of a spill,
In addition to General Liability, other coverage generally carried by all utility contractors are Inland Marine Equipment and
Automobile policies.
When purchasing an auto policy for a contracting company,
the buyer should consider the financial benefits of carrying
physical damage or liability. If the company’s vehicles are
paid off and are older or have a lower value, liability only
can be a smart choice. Paying high premiums for
a vehicle with low value is often times a waste of
When shopping around for insurance, most contractors
money because vehicles are depreciating assets. If
rely heavily on the recommendations of their broker or
the automobile(s) covered by the policy are either
agent because it can be difficult to understand what
still being paid for or retain a high value, physical
they are purchasing or the level of protection that
damage is important because it will compensate
coverage will provide in the event of a claim.
for the loss of a vehicle that might be difficult or
expensive to replace.
When buying an automobile policy, double check
to ensure the proper symbols are included in the
policy. Many utility contractors have extensive fleets
with lists of equipment and it is possible to miss a
specialized piece of equipment or automobile. By
providing a Symbol 1 auto policy, a contractor does
not have to worry about scheduled automobiles
with the exception of physical damage.
An Inland Marine Policy, or Equipment Floater, is
required to cover this equipment due to its specialty
purpose.
While General Liability, Excess Liability and coverage for equipment make up the minimum coverage needed to protect the business, there are several
options that utility contractors would be wise to
consider carrying in their portfolio.
Cover Your Bases on the Jobsite
When it comes to the jobsite, Builders Risk and
Pollution Liability are both important options that
will guard against accidents and incidents that can
easily occur in the building process.
Builders Risk is not required in all contracts,
but Public Code 7105 generally requires earthquake and flood. Unfortunately, most brokers
and many contractors are not aware of this code.
25
Stuck waiting for a project to start up? Ingress-Egress
coverage can protect a utility contractor trying to recover
losses for a delayed project. It is generally excluded from
policies, so ensure that your broker specifically requests this
stipulation when shopping for Builders Risk insurance.
leak or explosion is strong. When it comes to these accidents,
public agencies do not care what the causation is or who is at
fault. The on-site utility contractor will be held responsible and
required to immediately fix the situation. Whether the pollution comes from an employee tripping
with a bucket, hitting an unmarked pipeline or backfilling a
hole that had pollutants in it prior to the current job, the utility
contractor will need to have coverage to pay for the damages.
For this reason, Pollution Liability is a key coverage utility contractors should carry.
Be Prepared for Litigation
A major concern for utility contractors should be protecting
their company and assets in the case of a lawsuit. Another policy to consider is Employment Practices Liability and it provides
coverage for allegations of sexual harassment, wrongful termination or wage-and-hour lawsuits. Currently, with the economy in a slump, many attorneys are pursuing wage-and-hour
lawsuits due to the growing trend of overtime not being paid to
employees willing to perform unpaid work to keep their jobs.
Wage-and-hour lawsuits (like any lawsuit whether it is legitimate or not) can cost a sizeable amount. Even an upstanding
utility contractor can easily be accused of wage-and-hour violations in the current climate, and those who are not prepared for
the possibility leave themselves open to considerable risk.
Directors and Officers Liability is another coverage to contemplate purchasing, as it will protect the decision-makers
of a company. Officers of a company can be sued by anyone
for basically any infraction or questionable decision. For in26
stance, during the 9/11 disaster, a port authority officer of
New Jersey instructed people to re-enter one of the buildings,
which then collapsed on those people. The port authority officer was sued for this decision. In a situation like this one,
without Directors and Officers Liability, officers of the company are left unprotected from lawsuits pertaining to decisions
made for the company.
Additionally, architects and engineers are also open to lawsuits if they are reviewing, approving or developing plans for
design-build contracts. If a lawyer can prove an architect or
engineer within a company has been negligent, the architect
or engineer can be held personally and financially responsible.
For the protection of those working in this role, Professional
Liability is a wise choice for a utility contractors’ portfolio.
As a whole, utility contractors face substantial operating risks
due to the nature of their work. These risks can be controlled
and planned for by understanding the insurance coverage available and what items are most important. While cutting back on
a policy or two may appear to be a quick way to save money,
it can easily cost a utility contractor far more in the end if they
cut corners. By researching and carrying the proper coverage,
a utility contractor can operate with confidence that their company is prepared to manage accidents or litigation.
David Alvarado and Tim Rabbitt are Managing Principals of the
Construction and Real Estate Practice Group for Edgewood Partners
Insurance Center (EPIC). To learn more about EPIC, California’s fastest
growing insurance brokerage, risk management and employee benefits
consulting firm, visit www.edgewoodins.com.
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2. $500,000 - $1 Million
3. $1 - $10 Million
4. $10 - $25 Million
5. More than $25 Million
How much will your
company spend on
equipment and services
in the next 12 months
1. Under $100,000
2. $100,000 - $250,000
3. $250,000 - $500,000
4. $500,000 - $1 Million
5. More than $1 Million
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Fax to: 330.657.2855 | www.utilitycontractoronline.com | UC0611
Inside Washington
EFB Legislation Looks for
Increased Private Investment
By Eben Wyman
A
ny regular reader of Utility Contractor already knows
the supporting evidence NUCA uses to make the case
for infrastructure investment: hundreds of billions in
national funding needs, construction unemployment
continually hovering upwards of 20 percent, between 1.5 and
2 million construction workers out of work, potential for mass
job creation and economic benefit if investment were increased
— the list goes on and on.
And yet, recent years have shown not just hesitation but
an increasing hostility in Congress to invest in America’s
underground environmental infrastructure. For these reasons,
NUCA has encouraged its allies in the construction industry
and in Congress to double down on efforts to increase
opportunities for private investment in the water infrastructure
market. Recently, key leaders in Congress introduced new
legislation that has the potential to bring in billions annually
without actually spending a federal dollar.
Federal Resources Shrinking
Over the years, NUCA has taken a lead role in advocating
for increased appropriations for important federal financing
programs such as the EPA’s State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs
and the Department of Agriculture’s Water and Environmental
Programs, all of which provide critical funding through loans and
grants for water and wastewater infrastructure improvements
in both large and small communities across America.
Unfortunately, the lack of political will to reauthorize a
successful program like the SRF has led to significant reductions
in federal appropriations. Looking at the appropriations
process over the past few years underscores the recent changes
in perspective on Capitol Hill. In FY 2010, the SRF programs
enjoyed their highest appropriations levels in a long time, to
the tune of $3.5 billion. While this was due in large part to the
recent election of a new and empowered Democratic president,
just one election later things took a dramatic turn for the worse
for the SRF and for the vast majority of federal infrastructure
financing programs.
The SRF took a $1 billion cut in FY 2011, and if many
conservative Republicans have their way, the SRF programs will
28
be cut to $1.5 billion next year. That would be a devastating
$2 billion cut in only two years. And make no mistake: public
demands for spending cuts and deficit reduction have become
the mantra of new “Tea Party” Republicans who stormed into
Congress in January, many of whom would like to see programs
like the SRF go the way of the dinosaurs.
Opening the Door to More Private Dollars
Understanding the need for innovative financing for water
and sewer improvements has brought about an increased call on
both sides of the aisle to consider public-private partnerships to
help fund critical infrastructure improvements. Tax incentives
such as exempt facility bonds (EFBs) encourage private capital
investment, create jobs and enhance local economies while
refurbishing our underground water infrastructure.
EFBs, also known as private activity bonds, are a proven,
effective and entirely inexpensive financing tool for the federal
government to use in providing long-term infrastructure
projects. EFBs are a form of tax-exempt financing for state and
municipal governments looking to partner with a private entity
to meet a “public need” such as a wastewater treatment plant.
The partnership approach makes infrastructure repair and
construction more affordable for municipalities and ultimately
for customers. Tax exempt bonds employ private capital in lieu
of public debt and, importantly, transfer the risk and long-term
debt from the public entity to the private partner. EFBs also
provide lower-cost financing, which translates into lower costs
for the customer.
Unfortunately, federal tax law limits the amount of EFB debt
that may be issued annually in a state. The volume limit or
“cap” is based on the state’s population. This year, the cap is
considered $95 per resident or $277.8 million, whichever
is greater. Because of the cap, “out of sight, out of mind”
water infrastructure projects usually lose out to more visible
infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges and schools. In
2007, only 1.3 percent of all exempt facility bonds were issued
to water and wastewater projects.
Eliminating the state volume cap on EFBs that fund water
and wastewater infrastructure was last estimated by the Joint
Committee on Taxation to cost the federal government $354
million over 10 years, yet it has the potential to generate up to
$50 billion over the same period.
Therefore, NUCA has made legislation to lift the cap on EFBs
our priority issue. The association continues to chair the Clean
Water Council (CWC), a construction-focused coalition with
39 national associations as members. NUCA is also a proud
co-chair of the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Investment
Coalition (SWIIC), a broad-based group of associations,
influential corporations and other heavyweight organizations.
Both coalitions are in full support of the legislation.
EFB Legislation Introduced in House
and Senate
Although the legislation was stripped literally hours before
the 111th Congress adjourned last year, four key leaders
introduced new EFB legislation in the House and Senate on
May 10, just a day before NUCA members took to Capitol
Hill offices for visits during this year’s Washington Summit.
The Sustainable Water Infrastructure Investment Act of 2011
(HR 1802/S 939), introduced by Reps. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.)
and Geoff Davis (R-Ky.) and Sens. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.)
and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) would provide for one thing and
one thing only: lifting water and wastewater infrastructure
investment from under the state volume cap on EFBs.
In a joint statement after the bill’s introduction, all four
lawmakers talked about the importance of the legislation.
“Taxpayers cannot be expected to foot the entire bill for all of
the repairs and updates that our water infrastructure needs,”
Pascrell said. “That is why this legislation will encourage
public-private partnerships that will unlock upwards of $50
billion of private capital for the public good. More people will
be put back to work and more reliable water services will be
provided in communities across the nation.”
Davis agreed. “This bill is an important step forward in
incentivizing public-private partnerships to bring in needed
private capital to ensure that water infrastructure is safe and
reliable. I am pleased to have worked with Rep. Pascrell on
this important legislation that will make the financing of water
infrastructure projects more affordable.”
“We’re all too familiar with the increasing frequency of water
main breaks that unexpectedly flood random areas, disrupting
businesses, transportation and the daily lives of so many on any
given day,” said Menendez. “This legislation could create over
a million jobs leveraging a modest investment by the federal
government into billions of dollars of critical private economic
investment to upgrade and rebuild aging water infrastructure in
communities across the nation. Creating private sector jobs to
ensure American families have reliable access to clean water is a
win for our workers, taxpayers and the communities we live in.”
“Small communities need and deserve federal support to
comply with federal water and wastewater guidelines,” Crapo
said. “This bill would allow local communities to leverage
private capital markets in combination with other financial
mechanisms to finance water and wastewater infrastructure
projects. It makes financial sense for communities and will
improve public health and water quality.”
A CWC study of job creation and economic impacts that
accompany investment in water and wastewater infrastructure
projects recently found that a $1 billion investment generates up
to 27,000 high-paying jobs, triples the demand for goods and
services in other job sectors, adds to personal (household) income
and generates more than $82 million in state and local tax revenue.
At a time when construction unemployment is currently at 17.8
percent, this bill could bring in $50 billion over the next 10 years
at a cost of $354 million and could create up to 1.4 million jobs
over the same period. So what are we waiting for?
NUCA strongly encourages all members to contact your
lawmakers and ask them to cosponsor HR 1802 in the House
and S 939 in the Senate. In the current political environment,
and likely in the foreseeable future, public-private partnerships
may and should play a strong role in rebuilding America’s
critical infrastructure systems.
Eben Wyman is the NUCA Vice President of Government Relations.
29
National Utility Contractors Association
Inside Washington
N
s af e t y m a n ag em en t
Sound Level Meters
and Dosimeters
By George Kennedy
I
n April, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) withdrew its plan to add Hearing Conservation in
Construction to the regulatory agenda. NUCA opposed the
standard because of burdensome proposed requirements that
would require construction employers to develop and implement a
hearing conservation program that included audiometric testing. If
these programs were implemented, construction employers would
have no recourse if employees filed workers’ compensation claims
for hearing impairment, which could have resulted from exposure
to noise while working for other companies and from non-workrelated exposures. For example, research has shown that listening
to loud music especially with ear buds and attending loud music
concerts can cause hearing damage. The problem is how employers
can separate work exposure from outside exposure to noise.
With that said, there is a good reason for the construction industry to monitor jobsite noise and to take action to reduce employee noise exposure. Obviously, different construction trades
present varied noise exposure. According to National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) research, 25 percent of construction workers will become hearing impaired at
exposures to 90 decibels on A scale (dBA), which is the OSHA
permissible exposure level (PEL) for construction workers on an
eight-hour basis. This number is an estimate because experts believe that construction hearing loss is under-reported.
Overexposure to noise can damage an individual’s hearing.
Noise can cause tinnitus, which is a ringing sound in the ears
that never stops. Too much noise can make a person tired and
nervous. Long-term exposure to noise can also raise a person’s
blood pressure and cause stress that can lead to heart disease.
How Loud Is too Loud?
How loud is the noise at your company’s jobsites? There is a rule
of thumb that states if you have to raise your voice to be heard by
someone 3 ft away, the surrounding noise is too loud and you need
hearing protection. However, this is strictly a rule of thumb and
does not provide a true picture of how loud the noise really is.
According to OSHA’s construction standard, workers may
be exposed to the following PELs without hearing protection
based on the time they are exposed to the noise:
Time
Up to 8 hours
Up to 4 hours
Up to 1 hour
15 minutes
30
Sound Level (dBA)
90
95
105
115 maximum
Most noise at construction sites is produced by equipment
and machinery. For example, the following sound levels have
been measured for different types of equipment commonly
used by utility contractors and excavators:
Equipment
Jackhammer
Concrete Joint Cutter
Bulldozer
Earth Tamper
Crane
Excavator
Front-end Loader
Backhoe
Decibels
103 - 113
99 - 102
93 - 96
90 - 96
90 - 96
97 - 94
86 - 94
84 - 93
(Note: The farther away from the source of the noise, the
lower the sound level. However, it is often not possible to place
a distance of 50 ft or more between the source of the noise,
such as an excavator and the crew.)
Noise Survey
Determining if construction workers are exposed to high levels of noise over the course of a work shift can be a difficult task
because various factors must be evaluated. However, instruments are available for investigating noise levels.
The first and least expensive is the sound level meter (SLM).
Sound level meters can be used to spot-check noise levels in different areas around the jobsite. The information obtained can
provide the safety department with basic information needed
to determine if a detailed noise survey is necessary.
In the hands of a knowledgeable individual, the sound level
meter can also be used to determine an employee’s noise dose if
a noise dosimeter is unavailable or may be inappropriate. The
SLM can also be used to identify and evaluate noise sources such
as measuring the noise level of a specific piece of equipment or
of that equipment in a specific situation. For example, note that
the list above does not include a horizontal boring machine in a
pit. An SLM could be used to determine if workers in these pits
exceed the permissible exposure limit for noise.
Also by knowing if workers are or could be exposed to noise levels
above the PEL, employers can determine what type of hearing protectors are required to attenuate the noise level to a safe level. In order
to do this, first you must realize that NIOSH and OSHA recommend
reducing the noise reduction rating (NRR), which should be printed
on the package of all hearing protectors sold in the United States.
They recommend using the following multiplicative factors: 75 per-
cent for earmuffs; 50 percent for slow-recovery foam earplugs and
custom plugs; and 30 percent for all other earplugs. According to
NIOSH, the variable reduction scheme considers the real-world
performance of most different types of hearing protectors.
Suppose you test inside the cab of an excavator when it is
revved up and the SLM reads 100 dBA. The operator will spend
eight hours a day in the machine. Without performing a detailed noise survey, it is fair to say the operator could be exposed
to a time-weighted average (TWA) of 100 dBA. You provide
him or her with soft earplugs and the NRR on the package says
29 dBA. Will these plugs reduce the employee noise exposure
to less than the OSHA PEL for construction (90 dBA)?
By using the following calculation you can get the answer.
Unprotected dBA – (NRR x 50 percent) = Protected dBA. Therefore, 100 dBA – (29 dB x .5) = 85.5 dBA. In this situation, it is
reasonably safe to say that the operator noise exposure is below
the PEL for eight hours, especially when you consider that the
equipment will not be revving up continuously and producing
a steady noise level of 100 dBA. A formal noise survey or dosimeter (explained below) could show that the TWA is more or
less than OSHA’s PEL. (Note: Although OSHA’s PEL is 90 dBA,
experts say that noise levels below 85 dBA are preferable.)
The second type of instrument that can be used to determine noise exposure levels is the noise dosimeter. The noise
dosimeter is designed to measure and indicate the current
sound level in an area, as well as the total noise dose (acoustic
energy) received in a given day. However, the dosimeter is
actually worn by the employee in order to determine the personal noise dose during a work shift or sampling period.
At some worksites, it may not be adequate or feasible to measure noise exposure at a fixed location for the duration of a
work shift because the employee is constantly on the move. The
worker may move in the course of his or her duties or perform
different tasks during the day, each exposing the worker to different noise levels. Following the employee around with a SLM
and recording exposure times may not be practical, therefore
the easiest way to determine his or her exposure is with a noise
dosimeter that he or she can wear. The noise dosimeter will record all the information and perform the necessary calculations
needed to determine the TWA of his or her dose.
One problem with using noise dosimeters is the employee
can affect the noise levels intentionally if he or she wants to
skew the results. Also, noise dosimeters are more expensive
than sound level meters.
Reducing Noise Exposure
Start by educating your employees about noise and how it
can permanently affect their hearing and their lives. Explain
how loud noise on or off the job can damage their ability to
hear. Make them understand that in most situations hearing
loss occurs over time and how they will not know about it
until it is too late. Most important, tell them how they can reduce their daily noise exposure by simply turning down their
car stereos, avoiding loud environments and wearing hearing
protection when noise cannot be avoided on or off the job.
Many workers don’t want to use hearing protection because they
believe they will not hear warning signals, like backup alarms. But
modern hearing protection can let in voices and block other noises.
Earmuffs and earplugs are not the best way to reduce exposure to noise. Although they may appear to be the simplest
and cheapest way to deal with the problem, they are not.
There are other things employers can do. Some may have to be
done over time like replacing equipment with quieter equipment
or using sound-reducing cabs. Other things can be done now
such as ensuring equipment is properly maintained, installing
quieter mufflers and making other changes to equipment.
Administrative controls can be implemented by rotating
employees from noisy jobs to quieter jobs during the day,
when possible. You can also require employees to take rest
breaks away from noisy areas.
But if hearing protection is the only option, have your safety
director research the types, makes and manufacturers of hearing protection. Provide the best hearing protection for the job;
generally it only costs a few pennies more. Give the employee
the option to choose what is most comfortable because he or
she will be more likely to use it. Some workers like earplugs,
while others prefer earmuffs. Some workers may prefer earplugs on a string so they can take them in and out as needed
without losing them and others may prefer earmuffs that attach to the hard hat so they can flip them on and off as needed.
Whatever you do, make sure that someone takes the time to
teach them how to insert the plugs properly and/or wear the
earmuffs correctly so they provide maximum protection.
Conclusion
All the information above is a simplified explanation of what
employers can do about noise and how they can determine if
their jobsites are too noisy. The only way to determine if workers
need hearing protection is to measure noise levels in the work
environment, at the source and in a worker’s hearing zone.
Sound level meters and dosimeters are easy-to-use digital instruments available from most safety suppliers. SLMs start at about
$100 for a basic instrument and dosimeters start at about $400.
Noise surveys should be performed by someone who knows
what he or she is doing, but they can be done in-house as long
as the person performing the task takes the time to learn what is
necessary to complete the task. There is a lot of information available online about hearing conservation from NIOSH, OSHA and
manufacturers. Take advantage of it; most of it is free.
If you think your jobsites are too noisy, obtain a sound level meter or dosimeter and have the safety director perform some basic sampling. If the results appear to be too high get assistance if
necessary, but take action. Companies can reach out to private or
government industrial hygienists for assistance. For example, the
OSHA Onsite Consultants will perform surveys for free if asked.
At this point in time, OSHA is not moving forward with a construction hearing conservation standard, but the PEL is 90 dBA
and compliance officers may identify a noisy jobsite during an inspection. If they believe the jobsite is too noisy, they may submit a
request for an industrial hygienist to perform a noise survey.
Noise is a debilitating hazard that can affect any of us and
action taken now could protect one or more of your employees from hearing loss. Take it from me, a person who knows,
hearing loss can be a problem.
George Kennedy is NUCA Vice President of Safety.
31
sa fe ty ma nage ment
nu ca n ews
2011 NUCA Washington Summit
Contractors Meet with Hundreds of Lawmakers on Capitol Hill “Hey, you guys are everywhere! There must be about 5,000
of you!,” stated a casual Capitol Hill pedestrian, after seeing so
many people wearing NUCA name tags fanned out across the
landscape at NUCA’s annual Washington Summit. The popular
two-part event took place May 10-11, as NUCA “troops” from
24 states and the District of Columbia arrived in Washington,
D.C., for a day of briefings followed by a day of speaking to
important decision-makers. They headed, state by state, to the
offices of their senators and representatives to explain and promote the ideas that will not only serve our industry but the nation, as well. These men and women talked about reducing federal spending, employing construction workers and addressing
the dire need to repair infrastructure.
During the Federal Issues Conference on May 10, the gathered
group heard about opportunities in the private water market from
the perspectives of experts from Wall Street and the private water
industry, with speakers Debra Coy of Svanda & Coy Consulting;
Bruce Morgan, Principal at Water Policy Associates; and Lendel
Jones, Director of Government Affairs for American Water.
The second panel discussed the status of public infrastructure markets, featuring the EPA’s Peter Shanaghan, Team Leader for the Drinking Water SRF Team in the Office of Ground
Water and Drinking Water; the USDA’s Steve Saulnier, P.E.,
Branch Chief for Rural Development, Water & Environmental
Programs, Portfolio Management Branch; and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Janet Kavinoky, Executive Director of Transportation & Infrastructure. A panel of “hot topics” followed,
including: Christian Klein, Managing Member, Obadal, Filler,
MacLeod & Klein, P.L.C., speaking about depreciation bonus
and capital expensing; NUCA Vice President of Safety George
Kennedy, CSP, on OSHA and the removal of AC (asbestos)
pipe; and Tamar Jacoby, President and Founder of Immigra32
By Bonnie Williams
tionWorks USA speaking about immigration reform and the
status of immigration efforts.
The Volvo National Awards luncheon followed and many
awards were given out for safety, leadership, teamwork and
community service. Safety winners included Brad Cole Construction Co. Inc.; DeKalb Pipeline Co. Inc.; Foremost Pipeline
Construction Co. Inc.; Iowa Trenchless LLC; MWH Constructors Inc.; Richard R. Harp Excavation Inc.; Western Summit
Constructors Inc.; and an Honorable Mention to PetticoatSchmitt Civil Contractors Inc.
Chapter award winners included the Georgia Utility Contractors Association; NUCA of Iowa; NUCA of New Mexico;
NUCA of Southwest Florida; Suncoast UCA; UCA of South
Florida; and Lane Berg for his chapter leadership. 2010 NUCA
Chairs were recognized and thanked for their good work in the
last year, including: Glenn Ely, Bruce Wendorf, Jim Barron, Lyle
Schellenberg, Ryan Schmitt, Ron Nunes and Dan East.
On the evening of May 10, in a display of spectacularly good
timing, two identical bills were introduced to Congress — one in
the House and one in the Senate. These bills propose to amend
the IRS code so that the volume cap for private activity bonds
would no longer apply to bonds for facilities for the furnishing
of water and sewage facilities. H.R. 1802, introduced by Reps.
Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) and Jeff Davis (R-Ky.) and S. 939, introduced by Sens. Robert Menendez (D-N.J,) and Michael Crapo
(R-Idaho) would amend the IRS code so that the volume cap
for private activity bonds will not apply to bonds for facilities
for the furnishing of water and sewage facilities.
This simple act, if voted in, will enable private investors (including Wall Street, pension funds, insurance companies, etc.)
to invest an estimated $5 billion a year in state and municipal
infrastructure projects — quickly employing an estimated 27,000
construction workers and tackling some of the most needed
projects. H.R. 1802 was referred to the House Committee on
Ways and Means and S. 939 was referred to the Senate Committee on Finance. The introduction of these two bills gave NUCA
members the opportunity to ask each senator and representative they visited to jump onboard by co-sponsoring the bills.
Scores of members agreed to sign on to the bill on the spot.
NUCA members helped dispel some misconceptions
about the exempt facility (or private activity) bonds, which
do not “privatize” infrastructure, but simply allow for nongovernment investment in infrastructure projects. Members
of Congress were also urged to support EPA funding for state
revolving funds for drinking water and clean water; surface
transportation funding; and the repeal of the 3 percent withholding provision. While federal funding is very tight and the
mood is definitely one of cutting and not spending, there was
tremendous — dare we say nearly unanimous — support for
repeal of the 3 percent withholding rule and, by day’s end,
there was also a quantum leap in Congress’ understanding of
the exempt facilities bond idea.
NUCA members from one of NUCA’s newest chapters —
Colorado — visited with nine Colorado legislators’ offices.
They felt the meetings were very productive and they were
able to confirm one new co-sponsor for repeal of the 3 percent withholding rule. They also secured the commitment of
a follow-up meeting with Rep. Scott Tipton from the western
slope while he is in his district.
Oregon’s Lyle Schellenberg reported that the NUCA of Oregon and Southwest Washington team met with both their
senators — a rarity — and said, “The secret is to make appointments ASAP as their schedules get filled up early. Our
appointments were made at the end of March.”
This arresting photo, from the NUCA Washington
Summit booklet, spoke volumes about the state
of the water distribution systems in our country.
Photo courtesy of Jeff Blomgren, Petticoat Schmitt
Civil Contractors Inc.
Hundreds of these 2011 NUCA Washington
Summit booklets made their way into the hands
of elected officials and their staff during NUCA’s
annual Washington Summit “fly in.”
The Maryland/Washington, D.C., team met with five legislative offices and spoke directly to two elected officials —
Chris Van Hollen (Md.) and Donna Edwards (Md.).
Teams of industry professionals from states ranging from Arizona to Wisconsin had a real impact. After a long day, NUCA
members gathered at Mueller Water Products’ Congressional
Reception in an elegant hearing room in the Rayburn House
Office building and enjoyed a steady stream of members of
Congress stopping by for another chance to relax a little and
learn more about NUCA’s issues.
If you couldn’t be there in person, you can still get word to
your senators and representatives to co-sponsor these bills. If
you have any questions, contact NUCA’s Government Relations Staff Eben Wyman and Ben Gann at (703) 358-9300.
Special thanks go to the Summit’s generous sponsors: Volvo
Construction Equipment (National Awards Luncheon), Mueller Water Products (Congressional Reception), Wacker Neuson (Legislative Briefing Reception) and HD Supply Waterworks (Federal Issues Conference Breakfast) for making the
Summit possible.
Bonnie Williams is the Vice President of Marketing and Communications for NUCA.
33
NUCA news
nu ca n ews
NUCA’s Ben Gann (right) takes time out at
the Congressional Reception to explain to
Congressional staffers how private investment in
infrastructure has worked for ports and airports,
and how it would work for water infrastructure.
Infrastructure champion Rep. Earl
Blumenauer (D-Ore.) (center) speaks with
NUCA’s Vice President of Government
Relations Eben Wyman (left) and NUCA
Chairman Ryan Schmitt.
Members of the Ohio delegation speak with Rep.
Bill Johnson (Ohio) (left) at the Mueller Water
Products’ Congressional Reception.
Rep. Dan Lipinski (D- Ill.) (left) listens intently during a conversation with Utility Contractor President
Bernie Krzys at the Congressional Reception.
NUCA’s Damage Prevention Consultant Ron Peterson
(right) chats with Missouri Rep. Billy Long (left).
D. C.-at-Large Rep. Eleanor Norton speaks with
D.C. and Maryland delegation members Florentino Gregorio (right) and Wen Liang (left).
34
Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) (left) meets with
members of NUCA’s Florida delegation.
Phyllis and Rick Davis chat with Colorado
Rep. Scott Tipton (left) on the terrace at the
Congressional Reception.
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) (center) met
with members of the NUCA of Oregon and
Southwest Washington Chapter.
Members of the Utility Contractors
Association of Rhode Island met with Sen.
Sheldon Whitehouse (center).
35
NUCA news
nu ca n ews
Tom Butler (right) from Tampa, Fla., spoke
passionately to a Congressional staff member at
the reception Wednesday night.
Sen. Mark Udall’s office received a visit from the
Colorado delegation.
Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) (center) was very
supportive of the issues, and here stopped for
a picture with D.C. and Maryland delegation
members (left to right) Courtney Zeiders,
Florentino Gregorio and Wen Liang.
The Colorado delegation visits Rep. Cory
Gardner’s office and NUCA of Colorado
President Jeff Rumer speaks about the
issues to an aid. NUCA of CO Executive
Director Julie Massaro is on the left.
36
nu ca n ews
UCAC Annual Meeting
Helps Member’s Family
At its annual meeting at Wethersfield
Country Club in Wethersfield, Conn., on
May 6, the Utility Contractors Association
of Connecticut’s (UCAC) recently elected
2011 officers posed for a photo. A raffle —
that included great prizes such as Nooks
and a High Viz jacket — was also held at the
meeting to raise funds
UCAC elected officers (from left): Immediate Past President John Vasel, JV III Construction;
for the children of Jeff
Treasurer Dean Logee, Hanson Pipe and Precast; Vice President Victor Serrambana, VMS
White, a UCAC memConstruction Co.; and President David Ambrose, Wethersfield Construction Co. Inc. (UCAC
ber who died suddenly
Secretary Kristopher Bates, Superior Products Distributors Inc., was unable to attend.)
in February.
Chapters Raise Money for Scholarships
Bowling Night in Las Vegas
NUCA of Las Vegas’ second annual Family Bowling
Night attracted 225 adults and juniors and filled 45
lanes at the city’s Orleans Bowling Center — raising
$6,400 for the Chapter’s scholarship fund. Bowlers
competed for a range of trophies and participated
in two raffles. This year’s attendance was 50 percent
more than the inaugural event last year. The word
apparently got out that this was a fun event for the
whole family. The event was the brainchild of Tom
Hollis, this year’s Chapter President, and has turned
into a premier event and, apparently, a new “tradition” in just two years.
First place in GUCA’s Sporting Clays competition went to
Dennis Traylor & Co.
38
NUCA of Las Vegas hit upon a
popular event — bowling — to raise money.
Clay Shoot in Georgia
Fifty-four participants from 21 companies participated in the Georgia Utility Contractors Association’s (GUCA) 2011 Scholarship Foundation
Sporting Clays at the Cherokee Rose in Griffin, Ga.,
on April 18. The GUCA Inc. Scholarship Foundation awards members’ graduating high school seniors attending four-year colleges and universities
in Georgia with scholarships that will assist the
student with tuition and an Industry Scholarship
for those already in college or degree program that
is industry specific to either the building construction, construction management and/or civil
engineering fields. Winner(s) are chosen based on
scholastic achievement, extra-curricular activities,
community service, career goals and completion
of an essay.
NUCA news
High School Students Visit Electrical Plant in Georgia
GUCA Member Charlie Murren, C.A. Murren
& Sons Co. Inc., speaks to Westwood College
Construction Management students about career
opportunities in the utility construction industry.
of 2,159 megawatts [MW]. Support facilities at the site include
two 865-MW coal-fired units and two substations.”
After touring the facility, Southern Co. provided lunch for
the students and employees as they spoke about safety requirements at the plant, internships for high school seniors
and career possibilities in construction — encouraging students to further their education after high school by going to a
construction trade school or college and majoring in a related
construction field.
In April, the Georgia Utility
Contractors Association’s
Education & Safety
Committee hosted 22 high
school students at Southern
Co.’s Plant Wansley near
Carrollton, Ga. During the
event, the students learned
about the many career
opportunities in construction.
GUCA Pipeline Safety Forum
(From Left) NUCA Board Member Richard Harp,
Richard R. Harp Excavation Inc., and Georgia Utility
Contractors Association (GUCA) Executive Director
Vikki McReynolds visited Washington, D.C., in April.
Here, they speak with United States Department
of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Dr. Jey K.
Jeyapalan of Civic Enterprises, Milford, Conn., and Ziad
Saad, Vice President of CEPA (Canada), about issues
facing excavators around gas pipelines. Photo courtesy
of Joe Kohler, U.S. Department of Transportation.
39
On April 21, Georgia Utility Contractors Association’s
(GUCA) Education & Safety Committee hosted 22 high
school students from the Central Education Center in Newnan
at Southern Co.’s Plant Wansley near Carrollton, Ga. GUCA
members C.A. Murren and Sons Co. Inc. and Brad Cole Construction Co. Inc. helped organize the event and are at work at
numerous Southern Co. jobsites across Georgia.
Georgia Power Senior Engineer Tommy Duncan told the students of the many career opportunities in construction including
utility, welding, crane operation, project management and human
resources emphasizing that safety is the No. 1 priority at Southern
Co. Students saw a presentation of the ongoing environmental
construction improvements at Plant Wansley, as well as had a tour
of the plant and the combined-cycle technology that is one of the
cleanest and most efficient methods of producing electricity.
“With this technology, the power plant’s combustion turbines
make electricity by burning natural gas,” said Brian Goldsmith,
a Civil Engineer with Georgia Power. “Waste heat from the turbines is captured and reused to drive a separate steam turbine
that produces additional electricity. Combined-cycle power
plants produce high power outputs at high efficiencies and with
low emissions. The combustion turbine produces electricity at
18,000 volts and the steam turbine produces electricity at 21,000
volts before being ‘stepped up’ in a transformer to 500,000 volts
for transmission. The combined cycle units have a total capacity
in d u s t r y c a l en da r
July 2011
18 — NUCA of Las Vegas Chapter Meeting,
14 — SUCA Membership Meeting & Scholarship Night,
Sierra Gold, Sunset & Jones, Las Vegas, (702) 566-7068.
Columbia Restaurant, Ybor City, Fla., (813) 355-4879.
September 2011
21 — NUCA of Iowa Annual Golf Outing,
8 — NUCA of Indiana Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament,
Amana Colonies Golf Club, (515) 229-2548.
(502) 585-1241.
21-24 — UUCF Annual Convention,
8 or 14 (TBD) — NUCA of Colorado Trench Evacuation Class,
Casa Marina, Key West, Fla., (904) 296-1230.
(303) 808-5643.
22 — UCAW “Last Ditch Open” Golf Tournament,
22 — NUCA of Iowa’s Eastern Iowa NUCA Night,
Washington National Golf Course, (206) 315-7697.
Ox Yoke Inn, Amana, Iowa, (515) 229-2548.
28 — NUCA of North Florida,
27 — UCARI General Membership Meeting,
BBQ & Raffle Drawing, (904) 296-1230.
(401) 996-6965.
August 2011
30-Oct.1 — PUCA Special Event & Annual
12-14 — UCA of South, Central and Mid Florida
Membership Meeting,
Summer Meeting, Vero Beach, Fla., (321) 632-7400.
Omni Bedford Springs Resort, Bedford, Pa.,
(717) 234-8055.
15 — UCARI 33rd Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament,
(401) 996-6965.
40
the pipeline
Interested in seeing
your AD
in the next issue of
Utility
Contractor
magazine?
Contact Ryan Sneltzer
at Benjamin Media, Inc. for
details
(330) 467-7588
rsneltzer@benjaminmedia.com
41
Advertisers’ index
Arntzen
www.arntenpipe.com..............................................................41
Griffin Dewatering
www.griffindewatering.com...................................................44
Astec Underground
www.astecunderground.com...................................................3
Hercules Sealing Systems
www.HerculesUS.com............................................................41
Beard Equipment
www.BeardEquipment.com....................................................15
ICUEE
www.icuee.com.........................................................................2
Benjamin Media Resource Center
www.benjaminmedia.com/book-store...................................42
Jameson LLC
www.jamesonllc.com..............................................................29
Bituminous Insurance Companies
www.bituminousinsurance.com...............................................9
John Deere
www.JohnDeere.com/YoureOn................................................7
CNA Insurance
www.cna.com..........................................................................43
Kenco
www.kenco.com......................................................................41
Curb Systems of NE Florida
http://www.curbsystemsofnefl.com.......................................14
McElroy Manufacturing Co.
www.CertifiedMcElroy.com....................................................41
Efficiency Production
www.usatrenchboxbuilder.com..............................................12
Moffatt Enterprises
541-548-1144...........................................................................35
Foundation Software
www.foundationsoft.com.......................................................11
NUCA Convention 2012
www.NUCA.com.....................................................................23
GMC
www.Gmbusinesscentral.com..................................................5
NUCA of Ohio
www.NUCA.com.....................................................................42
Griffin Dewatering
www.griffindewatering.com...................................................40
Reed Manufacturing
www.reedmfgco.com..............................................................19
Construction Management –
Fourth Edition
From large contractors to small contractors, NUCA of
Ohio is looking for quality members to join us on the
frontlines in Ohio and across the US. We are promoting utility construction work, monitoring the political
front on how it affects our industry, and watching out
for our friends in this ever-changing economy.
Topics Covered Include:
* Construction contracts,
legal structure and the
impact of taxes
* Project Planning,
scheduling, PERT
Networks and Linear
Operations
* Project cash flow/cost
control and project funding
* Equipment ownership,
productivity and safety
* Materials management
Join our
growing
network
of utility
and excavation
professionals,
today!
Author: Daniel W. Halpin (Purdue University) and
Bolivar A. Senior (Colorado State University)
Publisher: Wiley | Hardbound/448 Pages
Price:
$169.99*
Selling
*Shipping
and handling not included.
price subject to change without notice.
resource
center
benjaminmedia.com/book-store
877-811-2126
42
Tim Keane, Ditch Witch of Ohio, W. PA & W. NY
Membership & Recruitment Chairman
ph: 330-283-0502

rsneltzer@benjaminmedia.com - Petticoat

Transcription

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