Multiquip has you covered with a complete line of light compaction equipment. The completely redesigned AR14 vibratory roller brings greater productivity and improved performance. The MQ Rammax RX1575 is now available with bolt-on drum extensions and our reversible plate line will bring in profits with its dependability and wide model range. Ramp up your profits this Spring with Multiquip compaction!
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4
EDITORIAL
Culture can have a real effect on your organization. by Patrick Flannery
20
Concern about worker exposure to silica dust is growing. Here’s what it means for your grinder and saw fleet.
16 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Shout out to our associate members. by Hank McInnis
6
INDUSTRY NEWS
New training coming to Rental Mart 2018...report from Quebexpo...new president at JCB...
26 COMPACTION TRACTION
Here’s what you need to know about choosing the correct compaction solution.
18 AT YOUR SERVICE
Think carefully about how you reach your customers. by Russ Dantu
10 GETTING UP AND DOWN
AGF Access dominates the world of engineered access rentals.
32 COMPACTION SHOWCASE
Great compaction solutions from Canada’s top suppliers.
38 SAFETY FIRST AND LAST
Breaking safety rules can lead to manslaughter charges. by Jeff Thorne
Two years ago, the Toronto Maple Leafs were a mess. Fans were throwing jerseys on the ice, players were skipping their traditional post-game salute and hockey pundits were looking forward to more years of futility behind big contracts and no salary cap space. This year, Toronto made the playoffs for only the second time in 13 years behind an exciting young team with a brilliant future that everyone loves. What changed?
Culture.
I remember head coach Mike Babcock’s first press conference after being officially introduced and he spent a lot of time talking about creating a “safe space” in the organization for young players where they could focus on learning how to play in the NHL and improving their games without the distractions and pressure that come from playing in hockey’s biggest market. It seemed to me a strange focus at the time. Surely there were bigger concerns on a team mired in the middle of the standings with underperforming contracts and a full rebuild on the horizon. Yet, as I watched the Leafs clean house and play to a last-place finish in the 2015-16 season, it was clear that something had changed that was going to allow the team to do what it had not been able to do for many years. Fans, players, team leadership and the city’s sports media all seemed to have
by Patrick Flannery
accepted the idea that there was a plan and that short-term pain for long-term gain was part of that plan. The bad season was taken in stride and the focus stayed on the bright future of the great new players entering the organization, especially once they drafted one Auston Matthews. By changing the culture, Babcock and the front office had eliminated the cynicism and opportunism that had defined the franchise in the past and obtained the breathing space to do what they had to do to build a winner.
Rental stores are the same. Speaking to Victor Moffat at AGF Access for this month’s profile, I was struck by the realization that what he’s really selling there is a culture. AFG doesn’t have equipment that others don’t have and they can’t rent it less expensively than others can. There is lots of competition in the areas where they operate. What they do have is a specific history in providing access solutions that has shaped the way the whole company is staffed and organized. Their focus is on getting people up and down on jobsites safely and efficiently, and the company is stacked with people who have a great deal of knowledge in how to do that. They don’t care how big the job is or how long the rental is for or what sector it’s in. It’s a culture of working the problem and it works.
Every company I’ve visited (and that’s quite a few now) takes on the personality of its leadership and builds a culture around that. There are companies that are flashy and bombastic, throwing around big claims and slick marketing while figuring out how to fulfill their promises later. There are companies that are tired, taking care of existing accounts with barely concealed resentment for the bother and actively resisting growth. There are companies that are full of ideas and energy, bounding off in five different directions as a new enthusiasm hits. There are cold, calculating companies, organizing every minutia and scripting every interaction with a meter running in the background. And there are friendly, personable companies where walking into the showroom feels like sitting down in Mom’s kitchen. What’s your company’s culture? CRS
The Ditch Witch® SK755 and CX16 provide the perfect one, two punch on your jobsite. Both machines deliver classleading productivity and ease of operation making them the ideal choice for your rental fleet. Key features include a high-drive track system, enhanced operator station, more ground clearance, greater lift capacity, and superior operator comfort and safety.
SK mini skid steers also send more horsepower to the attachment for a knock-out blow to any competitor. For your next fleet addition, insist on the industry-leading performance of quality DitchWitch equipment. Your customers will thank you. That’s Powerful Value. Delivered.
Special Event Rentals has announced it has acquired Parkland Party Rentals in Red Deer, Alta. The union is aimed at improving service to central Albertans with friendly and knowledgeable staff. Special Event Rentals says it will now be better able to meet the demand of the larger scale events emerging in central Alberta.
“Joining together only makes sense”, says Remi LeBlanc, Red Deer branch manager at Special Event Rentals and former owner of Parkland Party Rentals. “We have seen a lot of new events in the area and our annual events continue to grow. This partnership allows us the inventory to do our part in making our customers’ events more successful while continuing to support our community.” Parkland Party Rentals has been involved in the central Alberta community for decades and has grown with its customers interests in mind.
“Having Parkland Party Rentals and Special Event Rentals join forces is an exciting new chapter for us.” says Thomas Pollard, vice-president of Special Event Rentals.
“Acquiring Parkland Party Rentals complements our overall event rental offerings in central Alberta and will now give our customers a complete range of event rental equipment under one roof.”
Both locations were scheduled to be merged together by the end of April inside the current Parkland Party Rentals location under the Special Event Rentals name. The additional showroom space, that is easily accessible from Gaetz Avenue at the bottom of the North Hill, is currently undergoing a number of upgrades. An improved customer pickup and return area along with an enhanced showroom will allow for the best customer experience possible.
The Canadian Rental Mart returns March 6 and 7, 2018 at a new venue and including some neverbefore-seen features. The first big change is the location. For the first time, the Rental Mart will take place at the International Centre in Mississauga, Ont., instead of its long-time home at the Congress Centre. The International Centre is a world-class venue with large, modern exhibit halls and recently renovated lobbies and meeting spaces. It is only a few kilometres away from the Congress Centre, enabling show organizers to leave the official hotel unchanged. Once again, after-show events and gatherings will take place at the International Plaza hotel on Dixon Road. Access to the International Centre from major highways and the airport is similarly convenient, and the parking is still free.
Another major change is the addition of professional customer service training to the Rental Mart education lineup. Russ Dantu, a customer service consultant with 30 years’ experience training and speaking to customer-facing employees, will deliver a half-day program preparing rental store counter staff and drivers to understand and respond to customer needs and to communicate in difficult situations. There is a $79 charge per student, with limited spots available. Registration for the program is now open at canadianrentalmart.com.
“This is our first experiment with offering training at a charge,” explains Ed Cosman, Canadian Rental Mart show manager. “Our objective is to give our attendees real value, with real professional education that they would have trouble finding anywhere else at this price. To that end, we are bringing in a worldclass specialist that will make a real difference in what your employees know and how they behave with your customers. After all, service is the name of the game in the rental business.”
Ed Zynomirski, vice-president of sales for Echo Incorporated, has announced that Michelle Wagter has accepted the position of general manager of Echo Power Equipment Canada. In her new role Wagter will lead the London, Ont., head office management team and additionally will be directly responsible for the financial operations of the company. Wagter officially assumed her new role as of March 28. She joined Echo in November of 2010 as director of finance and has been instrumental in strategic planning and the development and implementation of key initiatives designed to create efficiencies in the business model and deliver added VIP service to customers.
“Michelle is extremely familiar with the unique challenges we face as a distributor of outdoor power equipment in the Canadian marketplace,” Zynomirski commented. “With over 23 years of experience in financial analysis and project management I am confident she can lead our team to realize our goals of growth and profitability for Canada.”
Step inside the spacious operator cab of the KX040-4G and fire up to 4 tons of top tier expertise and innovation. With rubber tracks for lighter impact on the ground, the KX040-4G tears into the dirt with a dig depth of 11’3”. It also comes equipped with our Eco Plus System, which gives you 9% fuel savings on tough digging jobs. Welcome to the big leagues.
After three years exhibiting in Montreal, Quebexpo set up shop in Drummondville, Que., this year. The town is about halfway between Montreal and Quebec City.
“The new location is attracting people from different regions, like Quebec City and Sainte-Foy,” says Canadian Rental Association managing director, Nathalie McGregor. Another draw was the show-only specials offered by 18 of the exhibitors. Fiftyeight companies attended the exposition, held in Centrexpo Cogeco Drummondville, the construction of which was completed two years ago. The facility also includes the Grand Times Hotel, with a block of rooms reserved for the CRA. Products on display included Diager concrete bits and chisels, Dynamic tampers, Frost Fire heaters, a Firebolt woodsplitter, Kodiak generators and products from Pearl Abrasive. Heavy equipment exhibitors included Corniver, Kubota, Bobcat and Cisolift. Long-time exhibitor Tsurumi Canada had a variety of pumps on display, from a three-quarter-inch to an eight-inch submersible. The largest of them was a trailer-mounted six-inch self-priming trash pump with a 73-horsepower John Deere diesel engine. Skyjack had three scissor lifts, one vertical lift, and two boom lifts. One of them, Skyjack’s SJ30ARJE electric boom lift, made its first appearance at Quebexpo and is new this year to the Quebec market. Just 47 inches wide with a 30-foot vertical platform and capable of extending 20 feet, six inches, horizontally it runs 10 hours on a charge. Several companies attended the exposition for the first time this year, including Bobcat, Orion Software, Buropro Citation, IPAF, Bergor and Uniforce Distribution. Contrax Equipment, which joined CRA last December, made its first Quebexpo appearance. Headquartered in Mississauga, with a distribution centre in Montreal, Contrax provides tracks for over 5,000 different makes and models of machines, as well as sprockets, rollers, and idlers, examples of which Contrax had on display. Perkins QM, supplier of replacement parts for Perkins engines, also made its first Quebexpo appearance.
Optimistic about the prospects for the rental industry McGregor commented, “We are entering a better economic period this year than last. We are looking at an increase in the rental industry in 2017 and ‘18.”
Speedy Services has acquired Edmonton-based FC Equipment Rentals and Waste Management from the First Choice Business Group. Speedy Services is owned by the former general manager of First Choice, Adam Snook.
“We’ve decided that it was time to make the move to buy the Edmonton operation. The market seems to have bottomed out and there is a fair amount of optimism creeping back into the Alberta market,” Snook explains. “I’ve got an excellent mix of customers to start building the revenue stream back to what it was before the slowdown, as well as an excellent team. Some of the people, like Mark Thibeault, have been working with me for over 10 years now.”
The company will focus mainly on its large garbage bin and portable toilet rental division, but Speedy will also look to add to its fleet of support equipment as demand increases.
JCB has announced the appointment of Richard Fox-Marrs as president and CEO of JCB Inc., responsible for JCB operations in North America including sales and support for the construction, agricultural, rental, government and defence industries. Additionally, FoxMarrs is responsible for production at JCB North America’s Savannah, Ga., headquarters, where the company manufactures the 3CX backhoe loader, skid steer and compact track loaders, along with the military-specific High Mobility Engineer excavator and Light Capability rough terrain forklift.
“As JCB’s senior executive in North America, Richard Fox-Marrs will further our position as a global leader in technical innovation, product quality and customer service and accelerate our strong business performance and growth across all business sectors,” said Graeme Macdonald, JCB CEO.
Fox-Marrs is a 26-year veteran of JCB. Prior to his current appointment, Fox-Marrs served as JCB North America’s president of agriculture. His previous positions included managing director of the Loadall telescopic handler business unit and managing director of JCB’s global agricultural division. Fox-Marrs’ work in the North American market dates back to 2001 when he was responsible for establishing JCB Agriculture in North America. Fox-Marrs currently serves on the board of the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) and has served on the Farm Equipment Council in the U.K. and was chairman of the Agricultural Engineers Association (AEA) Farm Equipment Council in 2013-2014.
CLASS LEADING 85’ (25.91 m) PLATFORM HEIGHT
DUAL CAPACITY RATING OF 750/500LBS (227/340 kg)
34’ (10.36 m) UP AND OVER CLEARANCE
Launching the newest addition to its growing boom lineup, the SJ85AJ Articulating Boom fills out Skyjack’s offering in the core 40’, 60’ and 80’ boom classes.
Like all Skyjack booms, the new SJ85AJ is engineered with simple reliability in mind.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT WWW.SKYJACK.COM
Getting ‘em up and down, that’s what we do here,” says Victor Moffat, general manager of AGF Access’ central division. It’s a simple proposition, but the challenge of providing engineered access solutions is complex enough that AGF Access Group has grown across the country with its wide variety of solutions and deep well of expertise.
by PATRICK FLANNERY
The company is headquartered in L’Assomption, Que., and owned by Serge Gendron and Vincent Dequoy. AGF Access Group is part of AGF Group, a private company comprised of a global steel rebar division and a scaffolding and access division providing full access-at-heights solutions for construction projects across North America. When we say full solutions, we mean full solutions. AGF Access offers a complete range of access solutions ranging from scissor lift rentals right up to fully engineered and integrated access systems for major projects such as bridges and high-rises. Scaffolding, mast-climbing work platforms, suspended platforms, scissors and boom lifts of all descriptions are all within AGF’s portfolio. The access solution offering is rounded out with tarp and debris chute, fall-arrest systems, fencing and other accessories that gravitate around the access needs related to a jobsite.
The company counts 17 rental branches located throughout Canada and United States. These locations are regrouped under two brand names: AGF Access and Hydro Rents. AGF Access Group also includes two manufacturers: Hydro Mobile and Winsafe. The first one is a North American leader in the design and manufacturing of mast climbing work platforms while the latter focuses on the design of standard and custom solutions involving suspended access technologies. Moffat’s area includes seven rental-focused locations – five in Ontario, one in Atlantic Canada and one in the U.S.
AGF Group as a whole employs over 2,800. AGF Access Group, on its own, counts around 800 employees while Moffat’s region employs
between 200 and 300 depending on the time of year. AGF Access offers erection, dismantle services and industrial services mainly through a unionized labour force. The company also employs in-house engineers to design custom access solutions for the most complicated projects. For instance, AGF Access Group has been involved in such complex projects as the construction of the One World Trade Center building in New York and is now involved in providing multiple access solutions, both standard and custom made, for the new Champlain Bridge in Montreal. AGF Access Group has been created through the steady acquisition of different access providers across the continent starting in 2009 with the acquisition of Hydro Mobile and Du-For Scaffolding, a scaffold rental house that had locations in Trois-Rivieres and Montreal at the time. The AGF Access location in London, Ont., where Canadian Rental Service spoke to Moffat is, itself, 40 years old and was part of Steeplejack Services Eastern, owned by Norm Alix and sold to AGF Group in 2011. The same year, AGF also bought Winsafe, a manufacturer of swing stages and custom suspended access solutions. Western Canada’s roots came in 2013 from the purchase of Hydro-West Scaffolding, a Hydro-Mobile distributor with locations in Calgary and Vancouver. The most recent acquisition of AGF Access Group came in 2017 with Jamco, a Quebec-based leader in jobsite elevator rental. Previously all independent companies under AGF Group, all the Canadian operations were merged last year into one company under the AGF Access Group name and held separate from the group’s steel
division. “We are in a position now to provide scaffolding, mast climbing work platforms, jobsite elevators, man lifts, swing stages, fencing, debris chutes and transport platforms” Lachapelle explains. “All of the access products you might require on a job, we are able to provide.”
This ability to provide equipment for any access need backed by comprehensive expertise to advise customers on the right solution is AGF’s core business proposition. “We’re one of the few who can provide you full access solutions,” Moffat explains. “We can go into a building and advise customers on the best-suited solutions for their specific
needs. We can say ‘You know, that’s better for a manlift,’ or we can go in and say, ‘You know what, you are using multi-trades doing different things – a scaffold’s the way to go.’ Same with a swing-stage: we can give you options for a caulker or if they are doing brick we’ll recommend a mast climber.” Absent the general rental side of the business, AGF relies on being a go-to option for any access challenge to keep the rentals coming in no matter what the market is doing. The farthest thing from their minds is simply pushing equipment out the door and letting the customer figure out what to do with it.
Thierry Lachapelle, executive vice-president of AGF Access Group, explains the philosophy: “Traditionally, access has been perceived and treated as a simple tool or a necessity to get the job accomplished. In that mindset, contractors have had the tendency to act reactively and in later phases of planning when it comes to access. After the plans are validated and contracts awarded, the subcontractors come in and often take a look saying ‘How the hell are we going to install those windows? How are we going to paint those walls?’ Going through such a process usually works relatively efficiently for smaller or simpler projects. But on bigger or complex projects
we can approach the general contractors earlier on in the planning phase and tell them ‘We can look at a project as a whole and, considering all the trades and tasks involved, provide an optimal solution considering a global vision of the project.”
With AGF’s help, the contractor can integrate the access plans into the initial project bid allowing for, in most cases, more aggressive bidding on projects. When the time comes to accomplish the work, this approach allows for the general contractor to better control his jobsite while offering a safer, more efficient work site and avoiding unpleasant surprises down the road.
AGF’s fleet management approach is quite different depending on the specific access sector. The company has less coverage than general rental companies but more than the major scaffold rental companies. One of the keys to AGF Access’ approach is to offer global coverage with the capacity to supply and accomplish major projects while also providing a more localtype feeling with an approach and product offering tailored to the local market.
For regular manlifts, the company buys used equipment from its larger competitors and rents it for another set number of years before refurbishing and reselling it. The key to making this strategy work is to enforce a strong preventive maintenance program and having efficient and well-trained mechanics. Also, targeting specific markets also allows AGF Access to make this venture a success. Smaller construction contractors and small businesses, for instance, do not always need to get the latest product on the market. Aside from the cost savings, buying used allows AGF to be more relaxed about the use the machinery is put to. “A lot of stucco and drywall companies are going to use our machine a little bit rougher,” Moffat explains. “We know that and we’re OK with that because we’re buying a four-year-old unit.” Expertise in maintaining and repairing the units keeps the fleet in the field. AGF Access has 985 lifts right now.
As far as scaffolding is concerned, though AGF buys and rents the same
scaffolding products that everyone else does and does compete on bigger size projects, Moffat says the larger scaffolding providers lose interest in any job smaller than $15,000. So AGF focuses right in on that segment of the market. “I always said we are going to be the best company that deals with $20,000 and under,” he says. Same idea with shoring. AGF lacks the volume of equipment to handle the larger high-rise shoring projects, so Moffat and his team take on the three- and four-storey institutional buildings, parking garages and restoration work that larger providers disdain. “The stuff we are going after is actually a bit of a nuisance to them,” Moffat says. “We’re chasing a market the big guys can’t touch and the little guys aren’t big enough to do.” Moffat says AGF might buy $2 million in scaffold per year, while the largest providers pick up $10 million or more. The overall inventory is around $26 million.
Swing stage is a different story. “We’re in the top three in Ontario for staging,”
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Moffat explains. With 600 motors in Ontario and another 200 in Atlantic Canada, AGF takes a back seat to no one in the market. And since its equipment brand, Winsafe, is so widely recognized as a top provider, AGF ends up sharing and re-renting equipment with many of its competitors. “It’s ironic that the big scaffold guys on scaffold have to work with us on swing,” Moffat laughs. The culture is a bit different in swing stage, he observes, because of the high-profile safety concerns. When something goes wrong on a swing stage, it typically ends up in the evening news. “Everyone in that industry wants to see it done right,” he explains. “So if you are a true swingstage renter, there is a lot of working together.”
AGF Access is also starting to take its stride in the mast climber market with its Hydro-Mobile product. Currently number two in Ontario, Moffat has the confidence that, with the backing of the OEM and the focus that is currently being put on the product, AGF Access
will be gaining more market share in the years to come. “We have just under 60 units that we can put up and we have another 10 out east,” he says. “With that one, we go after the biggest projects.”
Different applications require different strategies for AGF Access, and different geographical locations do, too. Moffat says each store has its own personality, its own equipment needs and its own unique approach. The Michigan store, for instance, is “almost 100 per cent aerial lifts” Moffat says. Yet right across the Detroit River in Windsor, Ont., scaffolding is a much bigger item for the same kind of work. Just a couple hours away in Sarnia, Ont., the petrochemical refineries require AGF’s largest carpenter crews (up to 100 men) to erect scaffolding around the large machinery, tanks and processing plants. The London store is more like a pure rental house, with no labour crew and small contractors and the occasional homeowner coming and going for straight equipment
rentals. Both commercial and residential construction drive the business in Oakville, Ont., from restorations to new builds. AGF Access does not carry manlifts outside of Moffat’s locations. In the Quebec market, for example, AGF carries all other lines of products except the scissors and boom lifts. The focus in the West is on Hydro-Mobile. “The market in Vancouver is really moving, I think anyone in construction out there can agree with that,” Lachapelle says. The story is quite different in Alberta. As the market slowly comes back to life, there is a particular Hydro-Mobile product that is doing very well in Calgary: a transport platform made to lift men and materials for applications no more than 12 storeys high. While performing very well on new builds, the transport platform is perfect for refurbishing, which is work that goes on even in a down market.
AGF Access’ strategy seems particularly well designed to deal with a down market. After all, getting up again is their specialty. CRS
Looking for a strategy you can bank on? Select the ultimate in reliability, ease of maintenance and parts availability for all of your equipment under 115 horsepower. Run your fleet and power your business success with Kubota engines.
by HANK MCINNIS, CRA PRESIDENT
Our associate members can help you.
Spring has finally sprung and it is time to do some clean up and organizing. Snow plows have a tendency to do some damage and leave behind a mess. Check your fences where the snow has been piled and sweep your lots and re-paint lines if needed.
It is also time to show off all the new equipment you purchased at the trade show. Display the large equipment in front of your shop. Now let’s move inside, clean up and rearrange your show room. As you did outside put the new equipment front and centre inside. Change things up. When that customer returns after a long winter you want them to have a “Wow this is new!” attitude. This will cause them to look around and create conversation. Perhaps put something on special for the weekend do-it-yourself customer or have an open house. Either way I am sure one or more of the CRA’s associate members would be willing to help –they love to show off and talk about their products.
The associate members are a great asset. Like many things around us, we do not use them to their full potential. These members have a wealth of knowledge; they are not just traveling salespeople. If you ask, they will be happy to assist you with your open house and take the opportunity to display, demonstrate and talk to your customers and staff about the products they represent. Some will even do training sessions with your staff or have service specialists that will come to your shop and train your mechanics. Others will have training seminars that can be attended free of charge.
Have your staff spend time with the associate representative whenever there is an opportunity. As I said in earlier columns, it is easy to call someone you know for advice rather than just calling a company and talking to a service rep (although I have found these people to be very helpful).
Remember, our associate members are very important to our association and our businesses. They provide us with great service, information and in some cases, friendship. Without them we would not have anything to rent or sell. They show great support to the Canadian Rental Association, the American Rental Association and your local.
The trade shows would not be possible without their support. Not only do they go through the expense and time of travelling to all these shows and moving stock around the country, many of them help with organizing the shows and spend extra money to sponsor.
Along with trade shows they assist with meetings by sponsoring or providing facilities. But more important they attend and have input. I have been to meetings where the associate members have outnumbered regular members. As with some regular members, there are some associates that will always be at your meeting or event regardless of where or when it is. They also do the same for the many social events across the country and the ones that take place at the ARA Rental Show.
As you can see the associate members are a very important part of our organization. Whether you need information or are looking to purchase some insurance, a lawnmower, an excavator or a tent, there is a CRA associate member who can help.
Along with our regular members the associate membership is growing. We currently have 225 associate members, some whom are introducing new products to the rental industry. You can see a full list on the CRA website. So the next time you are speaking with an associate member, don’t just give them a purchase order. Say thank you because without them the CRA would still exist but would not be the same.
I would like to finish by saying thank you to all our associates from all our members, boards, executives and staff. You are a very important part of the Canadian Rental Association. CRS
by Russ Dantu
Let’s think about how you can communicate with your current and potential new customers. Ready?
In person, by phone, email, fax (this one’s fading fast), radio ads, flyers, newspaper ads, maybe even television ads, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat and a barrage of other social media avenues that seem to be popping up everywhere at a very fast rate.
It’s a lot of effort, so we need to evaluate which methods work. To communicate effectively we actually need to tailor our touch points to each specific customer we are trying to reach. Picture the customer you want to reach with a particular message and ask yourself what they would prefer. Posting on Facebook may work well for the 25-to-40-something audience, but many of your not-so-young (as opposed to old) customers might prefer a phone call or an email. When we constantly bombard customers with the same type of touch point, we could possibly push them away. If we use the wrong method to reach out to certain customers, we may never receive a reply.
What about Millennials? They love Instagram, Snapchat and videos. Sending an email to their personal account may mean they won’t check it for weeks.
So whether we are marketing to our existing customers, trying to reach new customers, trying to contact a customer for an appointment or asking them to place another order with us we need to know what method works best for that particular customer.
Case in point: my dentist, whom I consider a master in marketing (most of the time) has had her staff sending out text messages and automated messages through email saying I need to call the office and book an appointment. While this may work well for some of their customers, I prefer a phone call from a live person. Call me old fashioned (not old), but actually talking to someone is what I prefer. I waited four months but still no call – just several text messages and automated messages through email saying I needed to call to re-book. I finally called and the receptionist said, “We’ve been trying to reach you forever. Where have you been?”
To which I replied, “Really? I’ve been waiting for a phone call from you and just wanted to see how long it would take.”
“Well, this is the way we contact our customers now because we are very busy during the day and picking up the phone isn’t as effective.”
“Well, I’ve been with you for how many years now? I have always received a phone call and I still prefer a phone call, please.”
I booked my appointment and when I saw my dentist, I let her know that some people (meaning me) prefer to have a phone call when due for a visit.
Here’s the kicker: my dentist didn’t know that the receptionist wasn’t following her guidelines properly. If the patient hadn’t replied within two weeks of their automated touch points being sent, she was supposed to call each patient to arrange a booking, not send another text or email. Apparently, the receptionist didn’t like calling patients.
The dentist was too busy working on her patients to see that the procedures weren’t being followed properly. When she questioned the receptionist, the receptionist said that she shouldn’t have to chase people like that. The next time I visited my dentist, they had a new receptionist that actually called me to book my appointment.
I’m constantly testing my suppliers all the time with situations like this to see if they are catering to their customers’ needs. More often than not, it gives me great material for articles like this one.
If you are unsure of how your customer likes to be communicated with, try picking up the phone and calling them. I still believe this is the best way to communicate with our customers. Once you reach them, ask them what method they prefer, make a note of it and use it moving forward. Your customer will appreciate it and you will make better use of your time. CRS
Russ Dantu is a 30-year veteran of the rental industry and has been delivering workshops, seminars and keynotes on customer service for over 15 years. For more information, visit russdantu.com or email russ@russdantu.com.
On-the-job exposure to noxious dust particles can be a killer. “Workers in Canada need to be informed of the hazards they may be exposed to, examples of control methods that can be used, and the next steps they should take,” says Tallar Chouljian, occupational health and safety specialist at the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), which advocates for workplace health and safety.
by JACK KOHANE
With tough new measures coming into force in the U.S., makers of grinders and saws for concrete are making sure to include dust collection or water system options for their equipment.
“Every jurisdiction in Canada has specific requirements in place as to what needs to be done in the workplace in order to ensure worker safety,” notes Chouljian, who is based in Hamilton, Ont. “Most of the information can be found in the jurisdictional health and safety regulations, except for Ontario, which has regulations based on the type of industry.” Other provinces may have the requirement for a control program, including a variety of elements such as actual control measures, monitoring plans, personal records, and training. Each jurisdiction also has specific penalties or fines issued by the enforcement agency. These fines or penalties can be imposed on the employer, supervisor or the worker should they not comply with the health and safety regulation.
According to Chouljian, the current maximum
fine resulting from a ticket or summons is $1,000, though most violations are subject to a set fine, which generally do not exceed $300.
“A successful prosecution, though, may result in more severe penalties; individuals may be subject to a fine of $25,000 or imprisonment, while corporations may be fined up to $500,000,” she points out.
In addition to the much-dreaded asbestos, one of the most silent and deadly carcinogens is silica dust, most pervasive in construction industries. About 380,000 Canadians are exposed to silica at work. Inhalation, particularly of silica dust particles, is the most important route of exposure. And silica, notable as one of the most common minerals in the earth’s crust (and a major component of sand, rock and mineral ores), means hiding
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from its ill effects is a major challenge for construction industries and for rental retailers who service them.
“Employers have a duty to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to ensure the protection of any worker in the workplace who is exposed to silica,” urges Jeff Thorne, manager of training and consulting for the Occupational Safety Group (OSG) in London, Ont. Silica in Ontario is a designated substance known to cause numerous health effects, namely silicosis. It can also cause lung cancer or other irreversible lung diseases. It is the crystalline form of silica that is the main concern. Silica is found on almost every construction job-site; cutting, breaking, crushing, drilling or blasting of concrete or stone releases the dust. Workers exposed without the proper protection breathe in the dust and it settles in the lungs.
“Precautions focus on a designated assessment and control program,” explains Thorne. The assessment
explores the methods and procedures used in the processing, use, handling and storage of silica and the measures and procedures that are necessary to control exposure by means of engineering controls, work practices and hygiene facilities and practices. “The employer carries out the assessment in consultation with the joint health and safety committee and the committee may make recommendations respecting the assessment,” he adds. In Ontario, when it comes to exposure to silica dust, employers must reduce OELs (occupational exposure limits) as low as reasonably achievable without giving regard to respiratory equipment. However, there may be many reasons why this is not possible in certain cases. Engineering controls could prevent dust-mitigation measures. Controlling dust may create work practices that are not reasonable or practical. Even with effective dust control, the length of time or the frequency of the exposure might still create problems. In any of these instances, the employer
must provide respiratory protection to the worker.
Most provinces have requirements similar to Ontario to ensure that the OELs are reduced as low as reasonably achievable. British Columbia looked at putting a specific silica regulation in place, which went into draft but was withdrawn until further changes can be made. Saskatchewan has specific requirements that must be followed for silica processing and abrasive blasting found in Part XXIV of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. The regulation applies to sandblasting, cleaning of castings, cutting, splitting, grinding, milling, sieving or mechanical manipulation of gravel, stone or rock.
In all provinces, employers must ensure areas where silica dust can accumulate are regularly vacuumed or, if that is not practical, then wet methods are used. Where dust cannot be prevented from entering the air, workers must be isolated from the air containing the dust. And if OELs cannot be reduced, workers must use approved respiratory equipment and protective coveralls and headgear to reduce exposure.
Because today’s hi-tech concrete drills, saws and grinders produce a lot of dust, the American health and safety authorities have put new regulations in place to try to limit the amount of dust – especially silica dust – that workers inhale and are exposed to. In June 2016 the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enacted new standards to curb lung cancer, silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and kidney disease in workers by limiting their exposure to respirable crystalline silica. In the U.S., the 80-per cent reduction in exposure limits is posing a challenge, though many employers have previously adopted lower limits. OSHA has been working on updating the standard for over 10 years and it’s proven a significant undertaking to update the regulations.
There seems to be no dust-up among equipment manufacturers towards the new regulations. “The exposure limits required by the recent U.S. Federal OSHA standard (50 micrograms per cubic metre) are similar to the Canadian standards (typically either 50 or 25
The Ammann light compaction product line comes in all shapes and sizes, just like the jobsites you work on. The product diversity ensures you have a perfect fit for virtually any application, creating efficiencies that impact your
For more information on how to find cost effective light compaction tools for your jobsite or rental operation, contact your local Ammann dealer.
Alberta – Williamson Equipment Ltd. Tel 780 - 450 - 0055, gwill @ williamsonequipment.com | British Columbia – Westerra Equipment Tel 800-563-7313, www.westerraequipment.com
Manitoba – CUBEX Ltd. Tel 204 - 336 - 0008, ammannsales @ cubexltd.com | New Brunswick – Maritime Case Ltd. Tel 506 - 455 - 2380, chase.mcgrath @ maritimecase.ca
Newfoundland – Madsen Construction Equipment Tel 709-747-7841, info@madsenconstructionequipment.ca | Ontario – Construction Equipment Solutions Tel 905-420-2243, ceswiles@hotmail.com
Ontario – McDowell Equipment Tel 705 - 566 - 8190, www.bmcdowell.com | Ontario – Top Lift Enterprises Tel 866.TOP.LIFT, www.toplift.com
Quebec – Équipements FDS Inc. Tel 800 - 361 - 3346, www.equipementsfds.com | Saskatchewan – Bobcat of Regina Tel 306-347-7600, b.macfarlane@bobcatofregina.com
MM P -1339 - 0 0 - EN | © Ammann Group
Alberta • Wednesday June 7th
Wolf Creek Golf Resort, Ponoka AB
August 13th
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micrograms, depending on the province),” says Marty Schofield, vice-president of product safety/liability for Hilti. “Some provinces have additional requirements, such as the need for written exposure control plans and engineering controls, which are also now required in the U.S.”
Asked what kinds of equipment rental service operators need to be recommending that will keep their customers on the
right side of these regulations, Schofield replies that, in general, engineering controls are required to minimize exposure to airborne respirable silica. Power tool systems incorporating engineering controls use either water delivery (common on gas saws and core drill rigs) or dust collection ( such as the vacuum-based systems for grinders and drills). “While the dust-reduction efficiency of systems vary, there are concepts which are generally beneficial
and it’s also important to properly and regularly maintain control systems to achieve optimum performance,” he continues.
Husqvarna’s all-around power cutters have you covered, no matter the application. The K 760 and the more powerful K 970 power cutters are the perfect solution for most jobs. The K 760 boasts the lowest vibrations, 2.4 m/s2, on the market and both feature a fuel-sipping X-Torq® engine. The K 970 features a more powerful 6.5 hp engine, perfect for highway or demolition work.
To learn more about our power cutters and our whole product offering, visit www.husqvarnacp.ca or call your local representative.
Tougher regulations require innovative tools. The DD250, Hilti’s new diamond coring tool, is a rig-based wet drilling system with a drilling range of 1/2 to 18 inches. “Because the Hilti DD250 is used for wet coring applications it is compliant with the OSHA 1926.1153 standard for respirable crystalline silica dust,” states Schofield.
Mark Michaels also welcomes OSHA’s new rules on crystalline silica exposure. “It defines the amount of dust permissible, which gives all contractors and manufacturers more defined numbers to work towards,” nods the director of product management for Husqvarna Construction Products Americas. “Almost all of our equipment lines already come equipped with water systems. Take power cutters for example. Most feature DEX, a dust management system that controls water flow and therefore minimizes water consumption and slurry. The main benefit to contractors may be in the use of portable water tanks, such as spray bottles.” Husqvarna also has a battery-powered four-gallon tank, the WT 15, that provides continual pressure for water delivery. For vacuums, the company’s new dust and slurry management line of small to large three-phase HEPA dust extractors can be paired with a range of equipment. Electric, gas, and propane versions are offered to allow flexibility for operators to adapt to their particular work site. Husqvarna also offers a line of air scrubbers to help supplement air circulation and cleaning on indoor job sites or locations with poor air circulation.
To help rental retailers educate their construction industry clients, Husqvarna has just released an OSHA Silica Compliance Guide. “The guide is separated into our different product lines and shows how our product lines can help comply with the applicable portion of OSHA’s Table 1,” says Michaels.
“Silica is present on every job site, and it is known that health effects take time to develop and once they are detected they are irreversible.” says OSG’s Thorne. CRS
Compaction remains one of the main profit centres for any general equipment rental house. It occupies that sweet spot where there is a lot of demand on individual projects, but not so much ongoing demand that it makes sense for a small contractor or homeowner to purchase their own machine.
by PAUL MCCLENDON
Regional sales manager, Chicago Pneumatic
Part of the reason for this is the wide variety of project needs and soil conditions that demand different compaction solutions – a contractor purchasing only a roller, for instance, would find himself with the wrong tool for many of his jobs. That’s why a smart rental operator maintains a varied fleet including all the main types of compaction equipment: rollers, rammers and plate compactors. Applying these machines intelligently to the customer’s needs is one of the great value-added services that a rental house can offer.
With that in mind, here are some tips on soil compaction and how to steer your customers in the right direction.
Soil compaction is a process that increases the density of the soil. Before we build anything supported on the ground, the soil is the base layer. At one point or another, you have likely driven on a highway or driveway and noticed cracks running across it, or the surface buckled or bulging. That is mainly due to the base of the dirt not being prepared correctly and poorly compacted. It is critical to get this first step right.
Soil compaction does many things, but mainly it increases load-bearing capacity and stability that allows traffic to drive over it, weight to be supported by it, prevents soil settlement and frost damage and reduces water seepage.
First off, it is important to know what kind of soil you are dealing with. Different soil types feature
Beyond soil condition, the space the customer will have to work in is a key consideration when renting compaction equipment. Rammers excel in tight spaces.
different maximum densities and moisture levels. Cohesive (think clay), granular (think sand), and organic (think potting soil) are the three basic soil groups and only two of the three soil groups are suitable for compaction – cohesive and granular. Cohesive soils have particles that stick together, granular soils crumble easily, while organic soils are not fit to be compacted. Each soil has it’s own unique characteristics from absorbency to compaction difficulty. It is not only important to determine the soil type, but also the moisture content in the soil
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before starting to do compaction work. There is a happy medium to discover in terms of moisture in the soil – too much moisture weakens stability, but too little moisture will result in poor compaction. A quick and simple hand test will show the operator what they’re working with. The test requires you to pick up a handful of soil, squeeze it in your hand, and then open your hand and drop the soil. When doing the hand test, you will find the ideal moisture will mould when you squeeze it and break into a few pieces when you drop it (not too many pieces, however). Determining if there is too little or too much moisture in the soil is rather easy. A dry soil will come out powdery and break into fragments when it’s dropped. On the other hand, if the soil leaves moisture in your hand and the mold of the soil remains intact when you drop it, it has too much moisture to be compacted. The right amount of moisture is important for the foundation. Getting it right will end up saving your customers money in the long run by trimming down the amount of compaction work necessary to get the results they want.
Poor compaction could and likely will result in settlement of the soil. This creates future maintenance issues that could have been avoided or, in extreme cases, complete structural failure. Compaction equipment is made for turning the loose soil at the beginning of the job into compacted soil, giving the right soil consistency before laying down asphalt or concrete.
There are different types of compaction equipment; rammers (sometimes called “jumping jacks”), forward/reversible plates, walk-behind rollers, ride-on rollers and trench rollers. Rammers and trench rollers are best used on cohesive soils, while forward/reversible plates, walk-behind rollers and ride-on rollers are better suited for granular soils.
In dealing with small compaction equipment, users need to be aware that the weight of the machine is about one fifth of the compaction force it is putting out. For example, if the user has a 185-pound rammer they are using in an 11-foot by 11-foot area, that rammer is
outputting nearly 3,000 pounds of force. You can only imagine what that piece of equipment is going through. While compaction is a critical process for construction, the same can be said for a good compaction maintenance program.
It is important to have a service interval plan in place. Make sure you regularly
are inspecting the machine with a finetoothed comb. Compaction is the first step to constructing any kind of structure, so the last thing you want is for your customer to lose time and productivity because the equipment is acting up.
contractor. It is important for customers to take their time through this step and not rush, or it will end up haunting them later. The biggest mistakes typically seen on the job are either overcompaction or undercompaction. Poor compaction can lead to many unwanted results, including cracks in the slab, buckling or bulging, erosion in the foundation and potential pipe leakage and breaks.
Soil can experience overcompaction if the operator makes too many passes with their compaction machine in one direction, therefore reducing the soil density. Undercompaction occurs when the operator does not make enough passes with the compactor, so the particles in the soil are too soft and not getting the cohesion they need to create the right amount of density.
Another important tip is to make sure customers are getting the right amount of lift, which is the depth of the soil layer. As they fill in a trench, they want to make sure they put the correct amount of dirt in there and are providing the right amount of compaction force to the area. When the soil becomes more compacted, the impact on the compacting machine has less distance to travel and more energy returns to the machine, making it come off the ground higher. An incorrect lift –one that has too much dirt and is too deep of a layer – will create a loose layer of dirt, resulting in undercompaction.
Nuclear density tests determine the density of the compacted soil using core samples. After laying an asphalt road, for instance, many times you will see road workers bore about a one-inch hole in different areas right through the asphalt into the ground. What they are doing is checking the density in those areas to see if everything remained compacted the way it should be after laying the asphalt on top of it.
In summary, there are many steps and considerations to take into account when renting compaction equipment. The most significant step is to have your compaction equipment regularly serviced. Compaction products work hard and hit the ground with much greater force than their static weight. Soil has a way of being unforgiving – it is important that customers take their time. CRS
EXTRA LIGHTING ADDED
8 cp.com
Chicago Pneumatic Construction Equipment (CP) now features a brand-new tandem asphalt roller with the AR95. The new diesel roller joins the complete line of CP compact tandem asphalt rollers and soil compactors. The ride-on rollers offer a larger-scale complement to the popular line of CP light
compaction equipment. The diesel roller is designed for easy transport and operator usability. The AR95 is utilized primarily for small-scale compaction work like patching, bicycle paths, small parking lots, and driveways. This roller, like the AR90G, is also available in a gasoline version. Both feature vibration on the front drum, with drive on both the front and rear drums. The AR95 drum width measures 36 inches and weighs 2,976 pounds. There are many benefits to the AR95. This includes easy transport with folding ROPS and towing eyelets at the front and rear. The
roller has a straightforward instrument panel that includes an hour meter, switch horn, warning lights for brakes, hydraulic oil temperature and water sprinkler control. It also features three additional LED work lights that were not included on the AR90G model. Operator-friendly features include a spacious operator platform and an ergonomically positioned step. In addition, the rear drum is equipped with shock mounts that minimize operator platform vibration as well as a sliding operator seat. The diesel roller is also powerful with excellent accessibility, gradeability and a high clearance to allow compaction close to high curbs and other obstacles on both sides of the machine.
8 atlascopco.com
Atlas Copco Construction Tools won the prestigious Grand Award of Design for its upgraded LT6005 rammer in the Public´s Favorite category. The award by the Association of Swedish Engineering Industries was given to Atlas Copco at a ceremony in Stockholm for the tool’s slimmer, user-friendly design that facilitates handling close to walls, posts or in narrow trenches. Atlas
Copco rammers are versatile compaction tools developed for work on cohesive and granular soils, for example for repair and improvements to trenches, ditches and foundations. They have been designed in-house by the group’s Industrial Design Competence Center in Sweden in co-operation with engineers at the Construction Tools division. The Grand Award of Design honours successful design strategies, level of innovation, usability, ergonomics and environmental friendliness.
8 bomag.com
Bomag’s line of vibratory tampers includes a wide range of models that allow users to select a machine that best suits the requirements of a given job. The tampers combine low operating weights with superior compaction performance to optimize both productivity and ease of
operation in applications such as trench construction, utility and cable backfill compaction, landscaping and small repair jobs. Boasting high power in their respective weight classes, the BT60 weighs 128 pounds and delivers up to 3,372 pounds of impact force, while the BT65 weighs 150 pounds and produces 3,822 pounds of impact force. The BVT65 weighs 143 pounds and delivers 3,597 pounds of impact force. The BT60 is ideal for time-intensive use in confined spaces, the BT65 for jobs with the highest compaction demands and the BVT65 for occasional use in typical applications. Each model is powered by an efficient four-cycle Honda engine with a recoil starter and offers a maximum travel speed of 66 feet per minute. Ruggedly built for demanding customer needs and long service life, the tampers include a cover and guards for all-around engine protection, dual air and fuel filter systems (single air filter for the BVT65), and an hour meter and tachometer with an integrated service indicator (optional on BVT65). The units also feature a low oil alert system, easily accessible fuel and engine shutdown switches and splash oil lubrication. A high-strength polyethylene tamping shoe with a steel wear plate and a corrosion-free plastic fuel tank further contribute to enhanced durability. For operator safety and comfort, each tamper is equipped with a vibration-isolated steering handle that minimizes the vibration levels transferred to the operator,
thereby increasing the number of hours an operator can safely use the machine. For added ergonomics, the handle is also height adjustable. The BT60 offers a standard operating width of nine inches, while the BT65 and BVT65 each have a width of 11 inches. Four interchangeable shoe sizes (six, nine, 11 and 13 inches) are available as optional equipment. Additionally, optional 15-inch-tall tamper shoe extensions with four- and six-inch working widths are available.
8 ammann-group.com Ammann offers both articulated and skid-steer trench rollers. Trench rollers, also called multipurpose compactors, perform well in cohesive soil types, such as clays, that can be very difficult to compact. Ammann ARR 1575 and 1585 trench rollers are able to overcome the high moisture content in clays through their extreme compaction energy and the kneading effect of their padfoot drums. The ARR 1575 is the articulated trench roller while the ARR 1585 is the skid-steer body version. The machines perform effectively in less challenging soils, too. Applications include pipeline construction, backfill work, confined workspaces, landfills, electric and cable installation and commercial, residential and industrial development. The rollers are a great fit for rental fleets and users. They are extremely safe, in part because the infrared system is perfectly positioned with no dead angles. The rollers also are intuitive, with
new operators quickly able to utilize key features and take full advantage of the built-in productivity. Highlights of the trench rollers include a quiet, powerful and fuel-efficient engine that meets emissions standards; a low centre of gravity that provides stability while ensuring vibration reaches its target; a circular vibrator and two amplitude settings that help reach compaction goals; integrated solar panels that charge the transmitter; a hood that opens wide to help crew members and technicians access the desired service points; and an easy-toinstall drum extension kit that lengthens drum width from 640 mm to 850 mm.
8 sakaiamerica.com
The Sakai HS67ST –a steerable walk-behind tandem roller – offers a number of features that simplify compaction for a wide variety of earth moving projects. Quality performance and low cost of ownership begin with its gasoline-powered, 6.44 horsepower Honda GX390U1 engine. The steerable front drum adds both manoeuverability and safety beyond the capability of fixed-drum machines. And the tight side-frame clearance of the HS67ST allows exceptionally close compaction next to obstructions. The unit’s operating weight is 1,655 pounds. Compaction width is 25 inches from its 14-inch-diameter drums. Centrifugal/ impact force is rated at 2,655 pounds per foot performed at 3,300 vibrations per minute. The HS67ST also has its own onboard sprinkler system with 7.9-gallon capacity, which makes the unit particularly well-suited to smaller asphalt projects.
8 ca.wackerneuson.com
Wacker Neuson, a pioneer of the vibratory rammer, is introducing the industry’s first emissions-free, battery powered vibratory rammer. Using lithium-ion battery technology, the AS50e is ideal for commercial inte rior construction or renovation projects. Its quiet, emissions-free pow erplant is suitable for use in poorly ventilated areas such as trenches or in sound-sensitive areas such as hospitals, as well as for rental yards and environmentally conscious builders. Wacker Neuson has been able to take the best of the performance characteristics of the rammer, percussion system and ramming shoe and adapt it to the battery-operated rammer, allowing users to experience similar compaction results to those of engine powered units but with zero emissions. The AS50e is convenient to operate with a quick, push button start and is easy to guide along walls. The guide handle is specifically designed for the rammer and results in low hand-arm vibration for the operator. This environmentally friendly rammer is quieter than engine driven rammers, making it ideal for noise-sensitive applications as well as protecting the operator from noise and CO emissions. The AS50e weighs 154.5 pounds and hits at a percussion rate of 680 blows per minute. The long-life battery is separate from the rammer and can be replaced in a few quick steps without any additional tools. Operators and rental centres will see a
low total cost of ownership with the maintenance-free electric motor. The AS50e joins Wacker Neuson’s line of two-cycle, two-cycle oil-injected, four-cycle and diesel models, continuing the legacy of offering a diverse line of rammers for all applications.
8 doosanportablepower.com
Doosan Portable Power offers the BX-60, part of the BX-Series of single direction, vibratory plate compactors for the compaction of granular soils, crushed aggregates, and hot mix asphalt on small- to large-sized open jobsites. Key features of the BX-60 include a compact vibratory plate design that offers great manoeuverability on the jobsite, compaction in confined areas and foldover handles that provide ease of storage. The compactor also has high centrifugal force and a handle-mounted ratcheting throttle designed for improved control around jobsite obstacles. The BX-60 has an operating weight of 182 pounds and delivers a centrifugal force of 3,400 pounds at a vibration frequency of 5,600 vibrations per minute. It travels at a maximum speed of 82 feet per minute, with an area capacity covering 6,943 square feet per hour. The compaction depth of the BX-60 is recommended to 12 inches. Powered by a rugged Honda four-cycle engine at 3,600 revolutions per minute, the BX-60 is engineered with recoil start for years of dependable operation. The BX-60
compactor is also fitted with standard vibration-reducing, padded grip handles that are fully adjustable to maximize operator comfort and transport convenience.
8 altrad-belle.com
The RPC 60/80 from Altrad Belle with a Hatz 1D81Z diesel engine has been designed to offer cost-effective compaction solutions for the toughest environments. Vibration frequency and amplitude are optimized to give the highest compaction on a wide range of materials. Constant high output force is maintained during on-the-spot compaction. Variable forward and reverse control allows effective use in all areas. The RPC 60/80 offers enhanced serviceability. The machine opens up completely for easy access to service points. The side panels are simple to remove, allowing easy access for routine maintenance.
The vibrator drive is virtually maintenance-free. The overall design of the RPC 60/80 incorporates high specification with durable components. The lock-up handle can be raised into the vertical position for storage and the central lifting point offers easy, safe loading. The RPC 60/80 is designed with the operator in mind. Excellent ergonomics allow easy operation, with controls positioned for minimum effort. Operators can achieve maximum performance with limited effort due to the carefully balanced power-toweight ratio. Low hand-arm
vibration keeps operators comfortable for longer and reduces the risk of long-term injury. Other features include highend compaction performance from extra high centrifugal force; easy control with an hydraulic gear-shift mechanism; and engine protection frames to protect the machine from tough site conditions.
8 mbw.com
The ATS/ATP vibratory roller skid steer attachment from MBW features a patented exciter system. The advanced exciter shaft design reduces deflection and reduces system heat by up to 100 degrees. It also improves the service life of bearings, seals and lubricants. The large rotating eccentric weight provides high amplitude for higher impact, developing centrifugal force of 8,850 and 9,765 pounds-perfoot for effective compaction. The compensating valve blocks ensure a correct flow of oil and pressure to prevent overspeeding of the exciter shaft. The ATS/ATP includes an integral knockdown blade for moving soft soils without attaching a bucket. The drive motor is enclosed inside the heavy duty steel frame to prevent damage. Maintenance is reduced to a change of exciter oil at 1,000 hours of service and a simple tightening of hardware. Standard components include 73- or 84-inch working widths; a smooth drum with padded drum options; two six-foot hydraulic hoses with protective oil covers; and a universal adapter plate.
8 multiquip.com
The MQ Rammax RX1575 is an all new articulating trench roller designed to meet contractor expectations for performance and reliability. Experienced operators will appreciate the new design features that simplify operation and reduce downtime. Flexible drum options include easy to remove drum rings that adjust from 33- to 24-inch working widths. The RX1575 delivers optimum compaction performance and increased stability on uneven surfaces with the oscillating articulation joint. Users can gain traction on tough material with steel padded drums and four sets of scrapers. Increased machine control is made possible with a wireless transmitter covering a wider operational area and two ideally positioned receiver eyes. Operators can easily keep the remote control battery charged with a solar panel or cable connector. You customer will be safe on the job with the total safety concept that enables close operator proximity shutdown and with the infrared remote control that requires direct visual contact with the receiver eyes for operation. The powerful Yanmar diesel engine is a liquid cooled, three-cylinder engine that is Tier 4 compliant. It delivers exceptional performance even in high altitude applications.
8 masterpac.eu
Masterpac PCR series
hydraulic reversible plate compactors come in a variety of plate sizes from 90 by 60 to 90 by 70 inches. They feature a hydraulic adjustment control lever for easy direction changes, user friendly isolated vibration handles and a fully sealed and lubricated wear-resistant cast iron vibrator assembly. The PCR series offers on-thespot compaction for problem areas. The handles fold to a 90-degree position for ease of
transportation. They feature infinitely variable hydrostic forward and reverse motion with reverse travel safety protection to ensure the plate automatically reverts to slow forward travel if the operator releases the travel control lever while reversing. PCR plates are impact-resistant with an open self-cleaning base plate. They include builtin transport wheels for easy transportation with a convenient oil drain hose.
8 corniver.com
Rental stores can get equipment designed to meet their reliability requirements with the CT 40 from Corniver. This powerful model delivers 12,500 pounds of centrifugal force on 40 inches with excellent isolation of drum vibration
with respect to frame. The CT 40 ride-on roller compactor is a suitable single drum roller for the trench projects, heavy ramps, sand compaction, inside buildings and for foundation compaction. The operator’s seat is optimally designed to provide an excellent view of the drum’s working area. Included with this system are independent hydraulic circuits for traction, vibration, and steering.
8 webermt.de
Due to its significantly increased stroke and impact
power the SRV620 rammer from Weber compacts even faster and more efficiently. Weber MT has not only increased the impact power, but has also made substantial progress toward operational comfort. A narrow guide bar, an optimized tamping foot and modern engines - all these characteristics ease the operator’s work and provide maximum comfort thanks to low hand/arm vibrations the operator can work for a long period of time.
by Jeff Thorne
Certain cases come along that have the ability to create a shift in the legal landscape in Canada. To be honest, I can’t believe this case isn’t getting more attention.
There was a recent decision made in the Quebec Superior Court that confirmed that an employer’s violations of provincial health and safety legislation can be a determining factor on which a criminal charge of manslaughter is based. This precedent can end up having wide implications for workplaces across Canada and should be an eye-opener for all employers.
On April 3, 2012, an excavation company owned by Sylvain Fournier was tasked with replacing a sewer and water main line on a construction project. The trench was not shored or sloped adequately and Fournier’s worker, Gilles Lévesque, was in the trench when it collapsed. The slopes were improperly shored, and excavation deposits from the trench were left on top of the banks causing it to collapse, engulfing and killing Lévesque.
As a result of the incident, Fournier was charged with criminal negligence causing death, and manslaughter.
Fournier accepted the first charge, but challenged the charge of manslaughter at the preliminary inquiry. The charge of manslaughter is based on section 222(5)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada which outlines that a person commits culpable homicide when he causes the death of a human being by an “unlawful act.” A Criminal Code violation such as manslaughter requires mens rea, meaning “the act is not culpable unless the mind is guilty” or simply put, there is criminal intent.
The argument was made that failure to shore the slopes adequately was a contravention of section 3.15.3 of the safety code for the construction industry, which is a strict liability offence not a Criminal Code contravention. Therefore, the defendant argued that a strict liability offence did not fit the definition of an “unlawful act” under the Criminal Code.
Without getting into too much legal jargon, the Crown argued that the “unlawful act” did not have to be criminal in nature. The Crown stated that Fournier’s failure to adequately shore
the slopes then permitting Lévesque to work in the trench was a highly dangerous activity and a reasonable person would be able to foresee the potential harm in it.
The judge presiding over the case at the preliminary inquiry agreed with the Crown that Fournier’s failure to protect the worker could meet the definition of an “unlawful act” under the Criminal Code.
Fournier challenged the decision via judicial review, however, the Superior Court ruled in favour of the Crown, upholding the preliminary inquiry’s decision. This decision has now established that a strict liability offence can constitute an “unlawful act” under section 222(5)(a) of the Criminal Code of Canada.
In order for an individual or organization to be charged and convicted for manslaughter, the burden of proof rests with the Crown and they must prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, the following:
• The accused committed a strict liability offence
• The offence was objectively dangerous
• The conduct of the accused party constituted a marked departure from the standard of a reasonable person in similar circumstances
• Taking into consideration, all of the circumstances of the case, a reasonable person would have foreseen the risk of bodily harm
If we apply these factors to the Fournier case, we can see how the decision was made. The Safety Code was contravened by not shoring the slopes, the contravention was objectively dangerous, and the contravention or breech of safety duty in this case is a marked departure from a standard of care of a reasonable person who would have foreseen the high level of risk posed by the inadequately shored trench.
This decision is not without its complications. Regardless, these sentences, if convicted, carry a sentence of life imprisonment. CRS
Jeff Thorne is manager of training and consulting for Occupational Safety Group in Londont, Ont. osg.ca
