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Lift Leader
August 2007
Compiled by Brittany Thorsen, Editorial Assistant
Industry Issues+Solutions=Speaking Opportunity
The Aerial Platform Symposium is looking for qualified speakers to deliver solutions on the following issues at its conference Dec. 3-5 at Bally’s in Las Vegas.
• Situational analysis: When is it best to own, to rent or lease aerial equipment?
• Overcoming the language barrier on the jobsite
• Working safe in inclement weather
• Tactics an equipment dealer can use to increase market share
The sessions are 50-minutes long. To be considered, please contact Tim Mack at tmack@milomediapub.com; phone 847-852-4387 ext. 102 or Pat Walker at pat@milomediapub.com; phone 847-852-4387 ext. 104. |
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OHSA and the business and labor for Citi Field Project forms construction safety partnership
The Citi Field Project is a new project that unites multiple associations to ensure safe working conditions for those who are building the New York Mets’ new stadium. Included are the U.S. Department of Labor’s OSHA with the project's construction manager, Hunt/Bovis Lend Lease II, Joint Venture, the building trades, contractor associations and the state of New York.
The partnership’s goals include reducing hazardous conditions through employee training, identification and abatement of hazards, a lost workday injury rate 25 percent below the national average, zero fatalities and a sustainable working relationship among OSHA, project management, site contractors and the building and construction trades.
Everyone will be required to have a site-specific safety and health program given by a qualified person, execute strategies to eliminate serious accidents, provide safety and health training to their employees, conduct a task-specific hazard analysis and conduct weekly inspections of their work areas.
“In this game, the winning score is zero – zero fatalities during this ambitious project,” said Edwin G. Foulke Jr., assistant secretary for OSHA, in a written statement. “That requires teamwork: contractors, management and tradespeople working hand in glove to identify, address and eliminate safety and health hazards before they harm employees.”
“More than 900 trade workers are expected to labor on this project,” said Patricia Clark, OSHA's regional administrator. “Our common goal is to minimize the risks inherent in construction so they can all go home whole and healthy at the end of each and every workday.”
Portland company is awarded first Safety PRIDE status
The Safety PRIDE (Program Recognition Indicating Dedication and Excellence) status was awarded to Emerick Construction Co. of Portland, OR, the first ever recipient, by the Oregon-Columbia Chapter of the Associated General Contractors.
The program was first developed in 2006 by the chapter's Safety and Health Council in partnership with Oregon OSHA. Scheduled inspections of PRIDE recipients are limited to four hazards: falls, electrocutions, struck-bys and caught-ins. There is a three-step process to receive PRIDE status that includes an initial formal application, written program audit and jobsite audits.
“Because of the stringent criteria and qualifications required, achieving PRIDE status is difficult; but it is not surprising that Emerick Construction Company is the first recipient of the program,” said Joe Miller, AGC's safety manager, in a written statement. “Emerick has been very active in the AGC Safety and Health Council since its inception, and has been recipient of the chapter's Recognition of Safety Excellence (ROSE) Award and AGC of America's Construction Safety Excellence Award (CSEA) on numerous occasions.”
The Associated Builders and Contractors recognize safety award winners
Construction firms with outstanding safety records in 2006 were celebrated at the 17th annual Excellence in Construction and National Safety Excellence in Washington, D.C.
The winners were selected from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) member firms achieving platinum status in ABC’s Safety Training and Evaluation Process (STEP) program. In order to be chosen, they were evaluated on the following criteria: each member’s self-evaluation scores, lost workday case rates, total recordable rates and interviews conducted by members of ABC's National Safety Committee.
The National Safety Excellence Awards are presented in three major North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code categories: NAICS 236 — Construction of Buildings; NAICS 237 — Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction; and NAICS 238 — Specialty Trade Contractors.
Rust Construction, Inc., Birmingham, AL, won in the NAICS 236—General Contractor category and S&S Sprinkler Co., Inc., Mobile, AL, won in the NAICS 238--Specialty Contractor category.
“These winners have truly demonstrated their dedication to construction workplace safety,” said Dave Meyer, 2007 ABC national chairman and founding partner of The Meyer Companies, Lee's Summit, Mo.
Governor orders bridge inspections after Minnesota
bridge collapse
After the interstate highway bridge collapsed in Minnesota, Gov. Jon S. Corzine ordered inspections on more than 6,000 bridges in New Jersey to ensure motorists’ safety. New Jersey has 6,400 bridges but only 2,400 of them are under the state’s control. The remaining bridges are either controlled by the federal or local governments, but Cozine said he wanted to see the reports on all the bridges.
“If there are any unsafe bridges, they will be shut down,” Corzine said. “Safety comes first.”
According to federal law, bridges need to be inspected every two years, said Transportation Commissioner Kris Kolluri. However, the drawbridge on Route 36 in Highlands is inspected four times a year because it’s the worst movable bridge in the state. The concrete on the bridge is eroding and the steel is rusting, he said.
About 28 percent of New Jersey’s bridges either lack shoulders or have narrow lanes and that ranks New Jersey as being 34th in the nation in bridge condition.
New Jersey’s latest transportation funding plan calls for spending $509 million per year on bridge repairs, and two years ago it was at $318 million.
OSHA and the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford strike alliance to promote workplace safety
The Department of Labor’s OSHA and the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford’s outreach services have come together to promote workplace safety and health for industrial companies throughout northwest Pennsylvania. They will develop educational programs on safety and health hazards essential to business and industry in the Bradford area.
“This alliance provides the perfect bridge between government and education to give employees the tools they need to stay safe and healthy on the job,” said Ed Selker, director of OSHA's Erie, PA, office.
This partnership will provide employers with information, guidance and access to training resources that will help them protect employees, particularly in reducing and preventing exposure to occupational safety and health hazards in process industries and oil and gas well drilling.
OSHA has 468 alliances nationwide. The health and safety alliances are apart of U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao’s efforts to improve employees’ health and safety on the job through partnerships with trade associations, labor organizations, employers and government agencies.
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Skyjack to purchase CareLift Equipment
Skyjack Inc., a Linamar Company, recently announced it signed a Share Purchase Agreement regarding its purchase of CareLift Equipment Ltd., a manufacturer of telehandlers located in Breslau, Ontario, Canada.
Skyjack is interested in the CareLift business as it complements the mobile industrial products business of scissor and boom lifts already produced by the company. This acquisition further expands Skyjack’s product offering and distinguishes Skyjack as a full line supplier to the equipment rental business.
“The addition of CareLift’s telehandler business along with the design and test abilities of the company opens up another large market for our Skyjack business,” said Linda Hasenfratz, Linamar Corp. CEO. “The global telehandler market is worth $3 billion and growing. CareLift’s popular ZoomBoom brand is well positioned to increase market share by utilizing Skyjack’s well established distribution network.”
CareLift designs rough terrain forklifts. Their telehandler product has advanced reach and can reach heights from 32 to 56 feet. Additionally, CareLift products are well regarded in the industry for high quality and reliability, which aligns with Skyjack’s existing product design principles.
The proposed transaction is subject to, among other things, further due diligence.
Tanfield Group acquires Snorkel International, expands product range
Tanfield Group Plc., owner of UpRight, has finalized its $100 million acquisition of Snorkel International, a manufacturer of aerial work platforms, which has two factories in Kansas and employs more than 500 employees.
On Aug. 2, Snorkel announced the addition of eight former UpRight models to its US-built range, comprising electric scissor, mast and articulated boom lifts aimed at the construction and industrial maintenance sectors and the unique “SpeedLevel” rough terrain vertical lifts.
Some of the new machines will be built at Snorkel’s plants in Elwood and Wathena, KS.
The new models in the Snorkel range include: M1230 personnel lift (formerly the UpRight TM12, a compact, battery powered mast lift that can be driven through standard doorways and carried in passenger elevators; the S2633 scissor lift (formerly the UpRight X26UN), an ultra-narrow self-propelled scissor lift that can fit through a gap less than 3-feet wide; the SR2684SL (formerly the UpRight SL26SL), an arm lift that incorporates unique speed level technology, with oscillating axles; the Snorkel SR3084SL (formerly the UpRight SL30SL), an arm lift with self leveling capability and also provides a large platform area, making any working at height task both safe and easy; the Snorkel M2032J (formerly the UpRight MB20), a lift that is ultra-narrow and can carry two people with tools; the Snorkel M2639J (formerly the UpRight MB26), a mast boom lift that is versatile, compact and highly maneuverable; the Snorkel AB38N and AB38W (formerly the UpRight AB38N/W), self-propelled booms that feature smooth, one-hand proportional joystick control, giving excellent reach and precision in the air.
New vice president and general manager appointed
to Terex AWP
Terex announced the appointment of Linda Mayer as vice president and general manager, global marketing and product management for Terex Aerial Work Platforms (AWP). Terex AWP includes Genie Industries, Terex Lift, Terex light construction products and Terex Load King.
“We are excited to have someone of her caliber and experience joining us as a key member of our executive team,” said Tim Ford, president of Terex AWP. “Given Linda’s proven track record, we look forward to her skills in establishing global practices, building customer relationships, and growing marketing initiatives through diverse channels. In this new role, Linda will have global responsibility to develop and lead marketing and product management strategy for Terex AWP.”
Prior to joining Terex, Mayer was vice president of Corporate Marketing at Rexnord Corporation, a $1.6 billion manufacturer of power transmission and industrial components. She has also served in a variety of roles including marketing, financial analysis and corporate planning and development for the Kohler Company, a leading manufacturer of plumbing products. Mayer also spent time at John Deere Consumer Products, and as SVP of Marketing & Product Development at Moen, Inc.
Manitowoc acquires Shirke tower crane business
The Manitowoc Company, Inc. has acquired Shirke Construction Equipments Pvt. Ltd. Shirke is headquartered in Pune, India, and manufactures Potain tower cranes under license. It is also the Potain distributor for India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.
The newly acquired business will operate in the future as Potain India Pvt. Ltd. and will continue to manufacture tower cranes under the Potain name.
“The Shirke acquisition fits with MCG’s policy of providing industry leading customer service through strong local representation,” said Eric Etchart, president of Manitowoc Crane Group. “Customers in India and the surrounding region will benefit from our investment. In addition, Potain’s resources and capability in the global tower crane market will be further strengthened.”
The acquisition gives Manitowoc Crane Group a strong presence in the fast-growing Indian market. The company has also announced plans for a new Manitowoc Crane CARE facility to ensure its customers in the region receive the very highest levels of service.
Shirke has been in the construction industry since the 1940’s. Since the 1970’s it has focused on tower cranes. The employees and management of Shirke will continue in their current roles.
Potain India names president
T.R. Badarinarayan has been promoted and named president of the new Potain India. He was previously CEO of Shirke Construction Equipments Pvt. Ltd., which was acquired by The Manitowoc Company, Inc. The new business will operate under the name Potain India Pvt. Ltd.
Shirke was a Potain dealer for India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan and also manufactured cranes under license. Potain India will continue to build Potain tower cranes and sell them throughout the region.
Badarinarayan joined Shirke in 1988 and served in a variety of roles and eventually was promoted to the chief executive officer position. During his 19-year association with Manitowoc Crane Group and the Potain brand, he attended numerous training and orientation courses at company facilities in China, France, Germany and Italy. He also regularly represented MCG at trade shows, conferences and other industry events.
“The success of Potain India relies on maintaining the strong relationship Shirke has developed with the market,” said Eric Etchart, president of Manitowoc Crane Group. “So we are delighted that Badarinarayan will be heading up our efforts. He is one of the most experienced and well-respected figures in the Indian crane market and the ideal leader to move us forward. Developing our infrastructure in India and retaining a highly qualified team of people shows our customers our commitment to the region.”
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Non-building construction in May soared 43 percent to $142.3 billion (annual rate). Highway and bridge construction jumped 44 percent, with a huge push coming from the $1.4 billion start of the suspension span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Aside from this massive project, highway construction continued to be very strong in May, with the largest contracting volume being reported in California, New York, and Texas.
— www.construction.com
The current round of construction materials inflation continued in May 2007 with the index up 0.8 percent, the fourth consecutive increase after nine months of no change. Cement, plywood, plastics and steel all posted outsized increases. Prices for all of these products are quite sensitive to demand change. The 1.7 percent month-to-month increase in cement prices and the 3.4 percent rise in plywood prices signal increased materials demand in the U.S. construction market. The 1.6 percent steel price increase and the 0.8 percent rise in plastics prices are partly due to higher world commodity demand, but probably also a sign of improved U.S. construction materials demand.
— www.buildingteamforecast.com
Gasoline refiners around the country say they have been forced to delay or cancel expansions due to skyrocketing building material costs and an uncertain future demand for gasoline. The delays could affect motorists, as fewer expansions mean pushing old refineries to their limits and further delaying relief on gas prices. The American Petroleum Institute said refiners planned to boost the nation's refining capacity almost 11 percent through expansion projects representing 1.6 million barrels a day. Now, the trade group says only about 1 million barrels a day in projects will go forward.
— Houston Chronicle
At a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $612.1 billion, new construction starts in May climbed 8 percent from the previous month, reported McGraw-Hill Construction, a division of the McGraw-Hill Companies. A surge of activity by the non-building construction sector, both its public works and electric utility segments, boosted the dollar amount of total construction starts.
— www.construction.com
Cities in 36 states are going “green,” mainly by running cars on alternative fuel and installing energy-efficient streetlights and traffic signals, says a survey by the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Less than half, however, have taken tougher steps to require energy-efficient homes and businesses. The survey, compiling the responses of 134 cities, is the first snapshot of how cities are trying to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions to offset global warming.
— USA Today
Western New York saw a substantially lower decline in the value of future construction contracts in May than in recent months, and nonresidential projects increased by 57 percent, giving the region optimism of a renewed construction industry. The overall trend is still downward, however, with residential projects dropping 46 percent in May.
— American City Journals/Buffalo
Orders to U.S. factories for big-ticket manufactured goods plunged in May by the largest amount in four months as demand for aircraft, heavy machinery and metals all declined. The Commerce Department reported Wednesday that new durable goods orders dropped by 2.8 percent last month, a far bigger drop than the 1 percent decline economists had been forecasting.
— Chicago Tribune
OSHA is making approximately $10.1 million available in new grants to nonprofit organizations for safety and health training and educational programs under the agency's Susan Harwood Training Grant program. Fourteen training topics were selected for this announcement, including excavation and trench hazards, combustible dust, and driver safety. Details about the grants and application process appear in the June 21 Federal Register.
— OSHA
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For more news, trendlines, calendar items and features, look for the August issue of Lift Applications & Equipment to be hitting your mailbox soon, as well as the August issue of CraneWorks. For more information on Milo Media, or any of our publications, visit www.milomediapub.com. And if you, or your company, have news releases you would like to send us for consideration in our magazines, do not hesitate to contact Lindsey K. Anderson, Managing Editor, at lindsey@milomediapub.com or by calling (847) 852-4387 ext. 106.
Copyright 2007. Milo Media. 730 Madison Ave. Fort Atkinson, WI 53538. |
