ABC Pelican Spring 2023 Newsletter

Page 1

MERIT SHOP MESSAGE

Spring 2023

Inside this issue

ABC National Convention

Page 06

Legislative Session Forecast Page 14

Spring Events Recap Page 17

A Letter from the President Page 23

Pelican Chapter, Associated Builders & Contractors

ABC Pelican is one of 68 chapters of a national construction industry trade association representing more than 22,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy in 1980, the Pelican Chapter helps our members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, profitably, and for the betterment of the communities in which we work.

Merit Shop is a way of doing business in which companies reward employees based on performance and encourage them to reach their highest level of achievement, and in which contracts are awarded based on safety, quality and value, regardless of labor affiliation.

Merit Shop Message | Spring 2023

MERIT SHOP MESSAGE

SPRING 2023

Editorial/Design

Macie Morgan

Writers & Contributors

Bryan Knost

Ashley Rodrigue, LSFM

David Helveston

Carson DeLarue

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BOARD OF

Chair

Bryan Knost

Wood

Chair Elect

Scott Callaway

Cajun Industries

Secretary

DIRECTORS

Adam Landry

PALA - Interstate

Scott McKnight

BXS Insurance

Lauren Champagne

EXCEL Group

A Letter from the Chair 4

ABC National Convention 6

2023 Legislative Session Forecast 14

Spring Events Recap 17

A Letter from the President 23

LWCC Update 24

LSFM Update 25

New Members 26

Table of Contents CONNECT

John Cassagne

MMR Constructors

Treasurer

Ben Brown

Turner Industries

Vice Chair Education

John Freeman

Brown & Root Industrial

Vice Chair

Membership Growth

Michelle Hardy

Turner Industries

Vice Chair Member Services

Ben Fromenthal

Great River Industries

Vice Chair Governmental Relations

Lance Arvel

EXCEL Group

Vice Chair Outlying Area

Seth Lemoine

LEMOINE

Immediate Past Chair

Josh Rounds

Performance Contractors

Wes Mincin

Performance Contractors

Andrew Thompson

ISC Constructors

Shane Kirkpatrick

Group Contractors

Lance Glaser

Performance Contractors

Danny Campbell

Triad Electric & Controls

Alternate Board Members:

Josh Zumo

Cajun Industries

Colin Percy

Patriot Construction

Legal Counsel: Murphy J. Foster, III

Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP

LWCC Editorial/Subscription/Advertising

mmorgan@abcpelican.com

WITH US! abcpelican abcpelican abcpelican abcpelican 2
3

THE PELICAN CHAIRMAN

Q&A WITH 2023 ABC PELICAN CHAIRMAN: BRYAN KNOST

Meet our 2023 ABC Pelican Chairman, Bryan Knost of Wood! Bryan has been in the construction industry for 33 years and involved with ABC for almost 25 years, serving on numerous committees and now as the Chairman of the Pelican Board of Directors.

How did you become involved in ABC?

Originally I enrolled in electrical training, which I did not complete, but did complete estimating training in the early 90s. Jacobs, an ABC member, hired me to join their human resources department in 1998. This position evolved into a training coordinator role where I became invovled in different training subcommittees at ABC Pelican. These subcommittees eventually became the Education and Manpower committee. Fast forward a few years, I joined the Industrial Contractors Council (ICC) and chaired ICC in 2016. I have been a member of the ABC Pelican Board of Directors since 2013.

Why did you join the construction industry?

My family has generations of industrial experience, starting with my grandfather who had a huge influence on me. He would often tell me “if you see an opportunity, take it, don’t worry about failing, because you probably will, but you will not succeed if you don’t try.”

I started out like most did in the industry, a laborer sweeping floors at a shop that my father managed. After a few months of complaining to my father about how valuable and underpaid I was, he told me to write out my career plan, specifically mapping out who and what I wanted to be.

As you can imagine, my 18-year-old world was really, really small but that career plan did give me direction that lead me to this industry.

You joined the industry, then what?

I started at ABC with the intention of being an electrician, they always seemed clean at the end of the day, and at the time, I thought they made more money. Quickly realizing being an electrician was not for me, I went back to work as a pipefitter’s helper where I eventually progressed into a pipefitter, foreman, general foreman and a superintendent. The opportunity to join Jacobs’ Human Resources department presented itself, but it was something outside of my skillset. Remembering the advice of my grandfather, I took the job, and just as he predicted there were failures, but also many successes. One of the biggest successes being my re-introduction to ABC in 1999.

What do you want to accomplish as this year’s chairman?

I hope to prepare the future board of directors for diversity and inclusion without compromising the integrity and moral foundation of who we are as an association and work to complete the 2023 Strategic Plan. Specifically, board selection, membership growth, and career awareness.

What are your greatest achievements in life?

Personal: Raising healthy and productive kids with my wife, Amanda and accepting God’s grace and believing he has a plan for me.

Professional: I created my path from a laborer to now running the U.S. operations for Wood. Being able to travel to 12 different countries and just about every state in the U.S.

Who is your role model?

There are to many too list but I can start with two. My pawpaw, Homer Knost. He paved the way for some of the most successful companies in Baton Rouge, today.

My father, Tommy Knost for his support and guidance. He always celebrated my achievements and coached me when I failed.

I am also inspired by the successful leaders of Performance, Turner, ISC, Brown & Root and Cajun just to name a few. I am very inspired by successful people that have a desire to win and are passionate in helping others succeed.

What are three things you want the ABC Pelican membership to know about you?

1. I am true to who I am, a person’s word means something to me.

2. I love spending time outdoors, hunting and spending time at our camp in Mississippi.

3. My family is so special to me. I have been married to my wife Amanda for 21 years and we have three beautiful children, Berkley, Thomas and Charley.

4
MEET
5

REPRESENTING THE LOUISIANA MERIT

ABC NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

We are beaming with pride to know that the Louisiana merit shop construction industry was represented so well on a national level this year. Baton Rouge native and past Pelican chairman, Milton Graugnard, Cajun Industries, was passed the gavel at this year’s National Convention and named 2023 ABC National Chairman of the Board of Directors. Milton is an excellent example of #MeritShopProud. He exudes the merit shop philosophy in everything he does, professional and personal. He is passionate about the construction industry, politics, fishing, hunting, and his family and friends. Milton lives by his personal motto: “work hard, play hard and honor our savior along the way.”

The Pelican Chapter could not be more excited to have Milton represent us at the national level this year. We know he will do great things and continue making this association the best!

LONG-TIME

PELICAN MEMBER

AWARDED 2023 CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR

Every year ABC National awards one ABC member as Contractor of the Year. This award recognizes member companies for corporate integrity and commitment to safety, professional development and expert workforce development. This year, ABC Pelican member, Performance Contractors was named 2023 Contractor of the Year!

Performance Contractors is an ABC Top Performer and an ABC Accredited Quality Contractor. Performance has earned the highest level – Platinum – in ABC’s STEP Safety Management System as well as numerous ABC Excellence in Construction® Awards at the national and chapter levels. Established in 1979 as a merit shop general industrial contractor, Performance has grown to a $1.5-billion company with more than 8,000 employees offering construction, maintenance and turnaround services for clients across the United States. In addition to its Baton Rouge headquarters, Performance maintains regional offices in Lake Charles, Louisiana; Houston and Corpus Christi, Texas; and Mobile, Alabama; along with satellite offices in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Evansville, Indiana.

6

MERIT SHOP CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

FIVE

ABC

PELICAN STUDENTS MEDAL AT NATIONAL CRAFT COMPETITION

The National Craft Competition (NCC) featured the nation’s top-performing craft professionals, including carpenters, electricians, pipefitters, plumbers, welders and more, all vying for top honors in 16 competitions with skills on display in 12 crafts. The competition included a two-hour online exam and a six-hour practical performance test.

ABC Pelican is proud to have five students represent our chapter in this competition:

Anthony Maggio, Turner Industries: Millwright, Gold Medalist

Kimothy Guy, ISC Constructors: Instrumentation, Silver Medalist & Safety Award Recipient

Kanyun Hoffpauir, Performance Contractors: Structural Welding, Safety Award Recipient

Brian Floyd, ISC Constructors: Industrial Electrical, Safety Award Recipient

Jacques Pecquet, Performance Contractors: Millwright, Bronze Medalist

“This challenging competition goes from sunup to sundown and displays the exceptional skills, technical knowledge and safety practices of a craft professional,” said Kelly Carpenter, ABC Pelican’s Director of Education. “Louisiana’s finest represented our state’s construction industry well.”

Established in 1987, the National Craft Championships celebrate and recognize upskilling in construction, draw some of the country’s most talented craft professionals and highlight the important role that craft skills training plays in the construction industry.

“ABC’s premier skilled trades competition showcases the best construction craft professionals in the industry,” said 2023 National Chair of the ABC Board of Directors Milton Graugnard, executive vice president, Cajun Industries LLC, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. “These craft students brighten the future of the merit shop industry, build America stronger and highlight the countless career opportunities available in construction. From all across this great country, these craft professionals traveled to Florida to demonstrate their superior skills, education and safe work practices.

7

REPRESENTING THE LOUISIANA MERIT

KEEPING OUR INDUSTRY SAFE

The 2022 National Safety Excellence Award winners were selected from ABC member firms that achieved Diamond, Platinum or Gold status in ABC’s STEP Safety Management System in 2022, reflective of their 2021 safety performance data. During the selection process, contractors were judged on self-evaluation scores, lost workday case rates, total recordable incident rates, leading indicator use, process and program innovations and interviews conducted by members of ABC’s National Health and Safety Committee.

Pinnacle Winners

Specialty Contractors: Starcon International, Inc.

Excellence Winners

Heavy and Civil Engineering Contractors: Performance Contractors, Inc. & Sealevel Construction, Inc.

Merit Winners

General Contractors: EXCEL Group

Heavy and Civil Engineering Contractors: Barriere Construction Company & Brown & Root Industrial Services

Specialty Contractors: Thompson Engineering

“World-class safety and total human health are essential pillars of the culture of ABC member companies—and those priorities are exemplified by these contractors,” said 2023 National Chair of the ABC Board of Directors Milton Graugnard, executive vice president, Cajun Industries LLC, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. “Starcon International, Performance Contractors, Sealevel Construction, EXCEL Group, Barriere Construction Company and Brown & Root Industrial Services at the Pelican Chapter prioritize taking care of their employees, their greatest asset. Among the NSEA winners are several ABC Top Performers, leading contractor members ranked by work hours, demonstrating the positive impact of implementing strong safety programs.”

The National Safety Excellence Awards are presented in three major North American Industry Classification System code categories: NAICS 236—Construction of Buildings; NAICS 237—Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction; and NAICS 238—Specialty Trade Contractors.

The STEP Safety Management System, the standard for developing world-class safety management systems in construction, is designed to help both large and small contractors evaluate every aspect of their corporate safety

13 PELICAN MEMBERS EARN NATIONAL EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION® HONORS

Six Pelican Chapter members won 13 National Excellence in Construction® awards at this year’s National Convention. The EIC awards are the construction industry’s leading national competition that honors general and specialty contractors for world-class, safe and innovative construction projects from across the nation.

“These 13 outstanding construction projects, executed by local contractors, meet the prestigious standards set by this industry’s premier competition,” said David Helveston, President and CEO of the Pelican Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors. “But more importantly, these projects build a better nation and stronger communities by improving our transportation systems, building infrastructure that purifies our water,

8

MERIT SHOP CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

creating modern education spaces for high school and college students, and providing much-needed electricity generation.”

The EIC awards honor every member of the construction team, including the contractor, owner, architect and engineer. The winning projects are judged on complexity, attractiveness, unique challenges overcome, completion time, workmanship, innovation and safety.

Eagle Winners: Specialty Contractors

MMR Constructors: ExxonMobil Mississippi River Feeder Installation Project – Electrical: Industrial > Up to $2 million

MMR Constructors: Dow LAO Frigate Project – Electrical: Industrial > $2 to $10 million

Baker Gulf Coast Industrial: Valero Port Arthur DGD and SRU Expansion Filing Project – Specialty Construction: Industrial > More than $10 million

Eagle Winners: General Contractors

Performance Contractors: Diamond Green Diesel LPG to SMR Mechanical Project – Industrial > Up to $5 million

Cajun Industries: Marathon CatMAX Civil Project – Industrial > $5 to $15 million

Cajun Industries: Wood Pellet Pascagoula Terminal Project – Industrial > $15 to $25 million

Performance Contractors: Cooperative energy RD Morrow Repower Project – Industrial > $25 to $100 million

Trade Construction Company: RPCC PET Plant Project – Institutional > Up to $5 million

Cajun Industries: CSX Transportation Pearl River Abutment – Special Projects > Up to $10 million

Pyramid Winners: Specialty Contractors

GROUP CONTRACTORS

MMR Constructors: Gulf Coast Growth Ventures Project – Electrical > More than $10 million

Pyramid Winners: General Contractors

Group Contractors: Dow Eagleray Project – Industrial > Up to $5 million

Cajun Industries: Plastics 3 – Phase 2 Civil – Industrial > $5 to $15 million

Group Contractors: Oak Park Middle School – Renovation > $5 to $15 million

9
10 Your Vision EXCELLED WE DELIVER EXCELLENCE EXCEL provides turn-key solutions for every project stage. We specialize in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Instrumentation, Midstream, and Disaster Recovery projects, delivering on faster timelines and exceptional value. Our dedication to safety, breadth of project experience, highly skilled craft personnel, and solutions-focused culture allow us to provide our partners with best-in-class services. Visit EXCELUSA.com to learn more. A SELF-PERFORMANCE APPROACH TO EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS 8641 United Plaza Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70809 +1 225.408.1300 | info@excelusa.com CONSTRUCTION | FABRICATION | MAINTENANCE | TURNAROUNDS | DISASTER RECOVERY

REPRESENTING THE LOUISIANA MERIT SHOP CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

LSU CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT COMPETITION TEAM WINS STUDENT CHAPTER OF THE YEAR

The ABC Student Chapter of the Year award recognizes an outstanding ABC Student Chapter for their accomplishments in programming, community service, communications/public relations, and interaction with its sponsoring ABC Chapter during the academic year.

This year’s Student Chapter of the Year was awarded to the ABC LSU Construction Management Competition Team! Eight LSU students represented LSU’s Construction Management Department at this year’s Construction Management Competition.

Rebecca Barrows (Team Captain), Brennan Maher (Team Captain), Charles Coleman, Tyler Bruno, Timothy Wolfe, Abel Turrubiartes, Katie Johnston, Dalton Baglio

11
Photo Credits: ABC National

We are humbled and honored to be named as ABC's 2023 National Contractor of the Year. This incredible achievement marks the level of safety and quality that we strive for every single day and wouldn't be possible without our employees, clients and partners enabling us to be the best version of ourselves. This success doesn't mark the end of our journey, but instead another milestone as we continue to build better every single day.

PERFORMANCE-CONTRACTORS.COM

12
C M Y CM MY CY CMY K PERF23-R March ABC Ad_FINAL.pdf 1 4/3/23 10:13 AM
EVERY BUILDER NEEDS A BOBCAT® Take on the most challenging projects with a Bobcat® on your side. LOCATED AT 12181 AIRLINE HWY. BATON ROUGE, LA 70817 (225) 753-0541 EMERYEQUIPMENT.COM CALL AND RESERVE YOUR NEXT RENTAL MACHINE TO BECOME EMERY EQUIPT! SALES RENTALS PARTS SERVICE

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN THIS YEAR’S LEGISLATIVE SESSION

The circus arrives in Baton Rouge on Monday, April 10 and will head out no later than 6PM on June 8. It’s open to the public, admission is free, and it’s the most entertaining event in Louisiana next to college football. The circus, of course, is the 2023 Regular Legislative Session.

The stars have aligned in such a way that this session will simultaneously be contentious and uneventful. The looming statewide and legislative elections incentivizes folks at the capitol to file some ambitious legislation. Ambitious legislation means change, change means stepping on toes, and stepping on toes hurts re-election bids, so chances are that none of the ambitious bills make it through the process. Additionally, since this will be Governor Edwards’ last regular legislative session, he has no incentive to compromise with the Republican dominated legislature. Therefore, we can expect a gubernatorial veto of any bills passed on party lines.

Speaking of aspirational, expect to see some energizing discussions over reforming Louisiana’s tax code. There are bills out there to follow states like Texas and Florida in eliminating the income tax, other bills that would transition Louisiana to a flat-tax, and others that tweak our system of credits, deductions, exemptions, and exclusions. The Republican gubernatorial candidates are either considering or fully supporting repealing the income tax (state representative and gubernatorial candidate Richard Nelson filed one of the repeal bills) while the Democrat and Independent candidates express significant hesitation over such a move, do expect to hear a lot from them over the next two months.

Outside of fiscal policy, insurance, education, carbon sequestration, and social issues will dominate much of the session. These issues are also hot topics in the gubernatorial race. ABC will not take positions on most of this legislation, but we’ll be watching closely to ensure that any potential amendments do not negatively impact our members.

On the insurance front, several bills aim to reduce premiums by requiring fortified roofs on new construction, encouraging property owners to retrofit existing buildings with such roofs, and requiring insurers to provide premium discounts for fortified structures. For better or for worse, this may be one of the few areas where legislators compromise.

14
SESSION
2023 LEGISLATIVE

SESSION FORECAST

In the education arena, several bills aim to provide families with school choice. Expect to hear the mantra “let the money follow the child” throughout session and on the campaign trail. Governor Edwards vetoed similar legislation in the past, but he may have a change of heart this go-round considering the growing body of research demonstrating the benefit of school choice.

As in other states, Louisianians are fighting over whether libraries should allow minors to access sexually explicit materials and whether they may consent to sterilization or other forms of gender reassignment. When these bills come up for hearing, expect big headlines and potential protests. Furthermore, the personal nature of these bills can make or break relationships among the legislators, so it’s important for us to watch to see where everyone stands with each other.

Carbon sequestration has been a hot topic predominately in Livingston and Tangipahoa Parishes, and now it has made its way to the state legislature. Local concern over proposed carbon sequestration projects spurred a handful of bills seeking to slow down or ban projects around Lake Maurepas. This issue will raise difficult votes for legislators as it pits local government and industry against each other.

As always, ABC’s role in this session is all about defending and promoting free enterprise. We are fighting legislation that restricts employment negotiations, imposes hiring requirements, artificially increases wages, establishes general contractor liability for certain sub-contractor employment practices, and other state impositions on the employer-employee relationship. We’ll also be supporting legislation to improve Louisiana’s unemployment insurance system, loosen unnecessary licensing requirements for certain craft persons, and otherwise give Louisianians an opportunity to reach their highest level of achievement.

15
16

TOPGOLF MERIT MIXER

FEBRUARY 9, 2023

SPRING SEASON EVENTS

17

FEBRUARY 23, 2023

SPRING SEASON EVENTS

SPRING GOLF TOURNAMENT

MARCH 10, 2023

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
18
KICKOFF

MARCH 23, 2023

19 BATON ROUGE CRAWFISH BOIL
SPRING SEASON EVENTS

SPRING SEASON EVENTS

BATON ROUGE TRAINING CENTER CRAFT COMPETITION

MARCH 22, 2023

SOUTHWEST TRAINING CENTER JAMBALAYA COOKOFF

MARCH 21, 2023

20

SOUTHWEST CRAWFISH BOIL

MARCH 30, 2023

MARCH 30, 2023

21
SPRING SEASON EVENTS
SOUTHWEST BUILD YOUR FUTURE DAY
22 Comprehensive Accounting Services Assurance Tax Planning & C onsulting Outsourced Accounting Services Litigation Support & Business Valuation THE TOP CON ACCOUNTING ARMS CONSTRUCTION 2019 EXECUTIVE • Associated Builders & Contractors • Associated General Contractors • American Subcontractors Association CONSTRUCTION 2021 EXECUTIVE Active Members of: CONSTRUCTION 2022 EXECUTIVE • Construction Financial Management Association • Mississippi Valley Associated General Contractors • American Council of Engineering Companies Baton Rouge • Denham Springs • New Orleans • Hammond

CONSTRUCTING A DIFFERENCE A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Why Young Adults Should Consider a Career in the Construction Industry

If you’re reading BIC Magazine, you’re likely already connected to the construction industry. But what about your kids? What would you tell a soon-to-be high school graduate unsure of their plans? Or college student contemplating their career path after graduation?

An abundance of projects are on the horizon in the southeast region of the United States, many slated to break ground this year or early 2024. These projects will significantly increase the demand for construction workers. Now is the time to consider a career in the construction industry for a variety of reasons.

The Paths

A career in the construction industry often comes with a presumption that you must wear hard hats and steel toe boots. That is not always the case, though. There are many paths that do require this, but the construction industry has evolved to offer many more career paths. Just to name a few; IT, business development, engineering, marketing, procurement, safety and more. A career in the construction industry can open doors and create paths that you never knew existed.

A Solid Foundation

There will never be a time where careers in construction are not needed. With new projects starting every day all over the country and the unavoidable need for improvements on existing structures there will always be a need for construction workers. The corporate offices for construction companies are also ever changing. With the growing need for innovative marketing ideas, world-class IT departments and informed human resource departments, the need for “in-office” employees will continue to increase as the construction companies grow.

Right-Brain Thinking

That bridge you take to work every day or that modern office building that just opened on the corner, are all a part of a city’s “look.” As a professional in the construction industry, you would be creating the impression a community leaves on residents and visitors. The way buildings are constructed defines the look of a city – modern, industrial, historical, or a mixture of all three. A career in construction can give you the opportunity to use creativity on the job and quite literally shape the community in which you live, work, and play.

Changing Lives

A career in construction changes the lives of people every day. There is a high level of social

responsibility involved in construction. We have the unique opportunity to use our skills to create lifechanging buildings and structures. That new children’s hospital that was carefully crafted to bring the best possible cancer fighting treatments to a community. The park that was built next to your neighborhood that will bring children joy for many years to come. That sustainable building that was built using only recycled materials, decreasing waste. That college campus that is shaping young adults lives or the bridge that is cutting a working moms commute time in half, allowing her to spend more time with her kids, are all changing lives.

Lasting Rewards

Potentially, the most rewarding part of a construction project is the completed product. Seeing all of the hard work you and your team put in, the obstacles overcome, the setbacks and last minute changes all come together in one completed piece is a rewarding feeling. Not only do you feel the rewards but the community in which those projects took place, will as well.

The new shopping center you helped construct or the new elementary school you ran all the electricity for will positively impact future generations for years to come. That shopping center will create jobs and increase local spending, it will be a place where families and friends will gather to celebrate life’s milestones. The new elementary school in that community will shape the lives of the future generation. For years students will sit in those classrooms you helped to create.

There are many jobs that make an impact on our communities. But being able to physically see the way you positively altered the way of life for a community will always leave a lasting rewarding feeling.

When people think construction, they think hard hats, heavy equipment and bright orange vests, but there is so much more to construction that make it a fascinating and satisfying industry that builds the world around us.

23

LADDER SAFETY

One Step at a Time

Ladders are commonly used tools; however, we often forget about the extra precautions needed when operating. In the construction industry alone, falls from ladders account for about 27% of all fatal falls.

Fortunately, with the right steps in place, ladder safety is both simple and effective.

Find The Right Ladder for the Job

OSHA regulations require that the ladder selected should be able to support the worker's weight and any other materials they will carry while using it.

Safe Ladder Setup

The base of the ladder should be placed on a firm, level surface, and the ladder should be set up at a 75-degree angle to the ground.

Safely Climbing the Ladder

OSHA regulations require that workers maintain three points of contact with the ladder at all times, meaning that either two feet and one hand or two hands and one foot should always be in contact with the ladder.

Situational Awareness and Ladder Use

Ladders should not be placed near doorways or traffic areas where they could be knocked over. Additionally, ladders should not be used in high winds or inclement weather.

LWCC delivers best-in-class workers' comp insurance, focused not only on life-long care of an injured worker, but also on providing improved safety, health, and wellness to workers across the state. We are Louisiana Loyal. Always.

Your Partner in Ladder Safety

policyholders have access to extensive safety resources, including professional guidance from dedicated safety consultants like Richard, online safety training courses, on-demand safety document and video libraries, and more. Learn more by visiting

24
1
2
I advise policyholders during safety visits that the risk of injury and accident increases about four times if you get off the ground, and ladders are one of the most commonly involved factors.”
– Richard Perkins
Lead Safety Services Consultant
3
4

BUILDING FOR SAFETY

AN UPDATE FROM LSFM

For the most part, it’s been a good start to 2023 in the fire service world! However, recently there have been several instances of fires occurring at construction sites, or in sections of occupied buildings that are under renovation, with most of the causes directly related to that construction work. And since May is Building Safety Month, according to the International Code Council (ICC), this quarter’s article is going to focus on all of the ways that campaign is focusing on making and keeping buildings safe for occupancy.

The 2023 Building Safety Month theme is “It Starts With You!” The first two weeks center around personal steps toward safety including “Building Safety Starts at Home” and “Building Safety Professionals and You.” Weeks 3 and 4 expand to the local level with themes like “Prepare Your Community” and “Advocate for Your Community.” The last week calls for “Solving Challenges Together.” For more details about the campaign, visit the ICC’s website at iccsafe.org.

Regarding those recent construction-related fires, we’d like to share the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) top four tips for reducing the risk of these types of fires.

First, create a fire safety plan. Because every building is unique, under construction or otherwise, it is imperative to have a plan to address all of the challenges of your building. That plan should identify as many potential hazards present as possible, call for mitigation of those hazards and heightened awareness for hazards that cannot be mitigated, and lastly, a course of action if that hazard develops into an active danger. Second, have a manager dedicated to maintaining and ensuring that the plan is being followed by all involved. Third, make sure that manager is trained and educated about the specific hazards of a construction site and your construction site especially.

Finally, communication, communication, communication! Communicate with all, with frequency, and with one goal—safety.

We hope your industries continue to have a safe and successful spring season! Thank you for choosing to be appropriately informed, sharing that information with others, and advocating for safety with us.

25

NEW MEMBERS

Gonzales,

Prairieville, Louisiana

Gonzales, Louisiana

Gonzales, Louisiana

Geismar,

Tomball, Texas

Baton

26
Williams Valve Company Louisiana SKR Construction Big Oak Construction, LLC Rouge, Louisiana Momentum Building Services Doka USA, Ltd Foley Specialty Services GHX Industrial, Inc. Louisiana
27
Pelican Chapter, Associated Builders & Contractors 19251 Highland Road Baton Rouge, LA 70809 19251 Highland Road Baton Rouge, LA 70809 www.abcpelican.org 225.752.1415
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.