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January 29 2011 Vol. VII • No. 3
“The Nation’s Best Read Construction Newspaper… Founded 1957.” 470 Maryland Drive • Ft. Washington, PA 19034 • 215/885-2900 • Toll Free 800-523-2200 • Fax 215/885-2910 • www.constructionequipmentguide.com
Inside
ASSE Reflects On 100 Years
Briggs Donates Fork Lift to Boy Scouts...8
A conceptual image of the proposed pontoon casting basin in Aberdeen, Wash., on Grays Harbor, shows facilities that would produce 33 concrete pontoons for emergency replacement of the SR 520 floating bridge.
Carter Named Manager at Petereson CAT...8
Two-Part Pontoon Project Set for Washington Bridge By Lori Lovely CEG CORRESPONDENT
Tips for Maintaining Earth Augers...28
Table of Contents ........4 Recycling Section 11-17 Truck & Trailer ....19-20 Attachment Section27-31 Business Calendar…33 Auction Section....36-43 Advertisers Index ......42
As it nears the end of its useful life, the Governor Albert D. Rosellini Bridge that carries State Route 520 across Lake Washington from Seattle to Medina is the focus of two projects, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. The first involves building a casting facili-
ty to construct 33 pontoons for emergency relief in the case of catastrophic failure. The second, a related project, will use those 33 pontoons and 44 more to replace the aging bridge. Known to locals as the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge, it is the state’s oldest and world’s longest floating bridge. Opened as a four-lane toll bridge in 1963, the 60-ft. (18.2 see PONTOON page 10
Construction Firms Plan to Hire More construction firms are planning to hire workers this year than are planning to make layoffs, according to the results of an industry-wide survey released Jan. 24 by the Associated General Contractors of America and Navigant. The survey, conducted as part of the Construction Industry Hiring and Business Outlook, shows the industry may finally be emerging from a severe downturn that has left millions of skilled workers unemployed. “This won't be an easy year for most firms,
but it will be better than last year,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “If current trends continue, this industry will be in a much better position 12 months from now than it is today.” Sandherr noted that while 55 percent of firms laid off staff and only 20 percent of firms added employees in 2010, the outlook is more positive for 2011. He said that 27 percent of construction firms report they plan to add staff in 2011 while only 20 percent report see HIRING page 40
In 1911, coffee prices were at 18.75 cents per pound, a first class U.S. stamp was $.02, and “ready-to-wear” trousers were the newest development on the men’s fashion scene. It also was the year the first airplane was landed on the USS Pennsylvania, stationed in San Francisco, Calif., and the year the first Monte Carlo races were held. 1911 also was the year of one of the most recognized tragedies in the history of workplace safety and the beginning of a movement that would change the way the world viewed safety on-the-job. The modern occupational safety and health movement began in 1911 after the horrific Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City, N.Y., March 25, 1911, where 146 garment workers were killed due to unsafe working conditions and inadequate fire escapes. Seven months later, in October of 1911, a small group of people gathered with the collective goal to reduce injuries and illnesses in the workplace and ensure that employees arrived home safely to their families each day. This group formed the United Society of Casualty Inspectors, now known as the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE). It grew steadily for the past 100 years and its members experienced some of the most pivotal times in American history as highlighted in ASSE’s new Celebrating 100 Years of Safety film. ASSE members work in all industries, including education, government, manufacturing, construction and technology, and are instrumental in helping businesses and the public recognize the importance of being safe at work. Prior to the formation of ASSE in 1911, workplace fatalities were prevalent and workers frequently suffered injuries and illnesses on the job. Children frequently worked dangerous jobs in coal mines and textile mills, see ASSE page 26