SAFETY STAND-DOWN

MAY 6-10 SAFETY STAND-DOWN

A SAFETY AWARENESS CAMPAIGN FOR EMPLOYERS TO TALK DIRECTLY TO EMPLOYEES ABOUT SAFETY

Did you know thirty percent of all construction fatalities in Washington state are caused from falls? And a worker is four times more likely to fall from a ladder?

According to a 15-year study, 52 percent of the 63 deaths during this time frame occurred on a residential construction site. Of those fatalities, one in five involved a fall from a ladder less than 10 feet.

Member participants in BIAW’s retrospective ratings group program, R.O.I.I. ® Select, also experienced a high rate of ladder-related injuries during the 2017-2018 plan year. These injuries amounted to over $2.3 million in claim costs, with the average being just over $20,000 per claim.

PREVENTABLE INJURIES

So, how can you help prevent these types of injuries from happening on your job site? BIAW members are encouraged to participate in the National Safety Stand-

3 Simple Ladder-Safety Rules

Inspect ladder before each use

Make sure workers take time to inspect ladders before each use. Fiberglass ladders can become brittle over time due to age, sun damage, or vibration and jarring on unpadded truck ladder racks. Make sure damaged ladders are destroyed or taken out of service and not accessible to employees.

Make sure ladder is secure

Take a second to consider if the ladder is in a secure position at the top and bottom and set up at the right angle.

Weekly safety meetings are good opportunity to promote new ideas or reinforce safe working habits.

Down the week of May 6-10.

So what is Safety Stand-Down? It’s when you take a break from normal work activities so your crew can focus on a particular safety topic—such as ladder safety.

The objective is to help break potentially unsafe habits and create better awareness in order to reduce injury and risk of death. Oftentimes older workers can become set in their ways and newer workers may not be as experienced

Employ “hands free” method while using ladder

State law does not allow workers to carry materials while ascending or descending a ladder unless they have both hands free. Never pack a load up a ladder without three points of contact at all times on ladder rungs.

in the proper training.

Stand-Down activities can range from a short “toolbox” talk to scheduled, full-day events. You pick what’s right for your company.

Find more information on the national campaign at:

https://www.osha.gov/StopFallsStandDown/index.html.

Or the Department of Labor & Industries’ campaign at:

https://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Topics/AToZ/StandDown/ default.asp?T=About

WINTER BOARD GATHERING — OLYMPIA MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

AWARDS, ACCOLADES, AND GUEST SPEAKER FEATURED DURING WINTER MEETING IN OLYMPIA

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BOARD MEETING HIGHLIGHTS E [A] BIAW’s Associate Advisory Council’s builder appreciation award recipients and representatives proudly display “saw blade” awards during the membership luncheon. [B] Special guest speaker House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox addresses members and guests during the general membership luncheon. [C] Gary Wray accepts the President’s Award given to him by Immediate Past President Kevin Russell for his dedication to the industry. [D] (l to r) BIAW First Vice President Sherry Schwab, MBA of King and Snohomish Counties member Zak Parpia, MBA of Pierce County member Kurt Wilson, and SICBA member Martha Rose take a moment for a quick photo with Supreme Court Justice Sheryl Gordon McCloud (c). [E] (l to r) BIAW Regulatory and Government Affairs Manager Josie Cummings, SICBA members Scott Yonkman and Gary Wray get to know Senator Mark Schoesler’s dog, Colt, during a visit to his office at the Capitol.

TOP RECRUITERS RECOGNIZED

Luellen Smith, MBA of King and Snohomish Counties member, was named Top Spike of 2018 during the Winter board meeting held last month in Olympia. In addition to Top Spike, and taking home the Omar Brown Award for recruiting 39 new members, Luellen was also winner of the 500-999.5 category. Smith received a logo-emblazoned tote bag and padfolio, as well as a custom commemorative plaque.

Smith’s energy and enthusiasm for signing new members continues to flourish as this is her third consecutive year earning Top Spike—tying the three-peat record set by MBA of King and Snohomish Counties member Patrick McCourt in 1999-2001.

Adding 39 new members to her total now puts Smith with 516 Spike credits.

We can’t wait to see what great things she does in 2019. Congratulations, Luellen!

Building Industry Association of Washington 111 21st Avenue SW | Olympia, WA 98501 (360) 352-7800 | BIAW.com |

(l to r) Spike contest winners Nick Gilliland and also accepting for winner Taylor Ward, HBA of Tri-Cities Executive Officer Jeff Losey accepting for winner Nichole Banegas, Luellen Smith, and Steve Cory.

2018 BIAW SPIKE CONTEST CATEGORY WINNERS

CATEGORY/ AWARD MEMBERS SPIKE CREDITS WINNER RECRUITED

1,000+ Steve Cory 33 500 - 999.5 Luellen Smith 39 250 - 499.5 Erica Ridout 28 100 - 249.5 Martin Sippy 33 50 - 99.5 Nichole Banegas 27 24 - 49.5 Nike Gilliland 13 6.5 - 24.5 Taylor Ward 13