PROTECT YOUR HEARING OR LOSE IT • PAGE 2
COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION CLIMBS A WALL • PAGE 6
MEET MASTER LAWN'S SHANNON SMITH • PAGE 10
The commercial landscaping world is a noisy place From edgers and excavators to mowers and masonry saws, we are constantly bombarded with sound While we may not think much of it, overexposure to these high-frequency noises can have serious consequences on our hearing health
“Anything at decibels of 85 or higher, you have a risk of hearing loss,” said Kim Deason, CSP, OHC, QSSP of Martin Supply, who recently led a hearing safety training for the Commercial Landscape teams at Michael Hatcher & Associates
Gradual hearing loss associated with age –called presbycusis – is normal, Deason said, which is “why you have to talk to Grandpa louder ”
Noise-induced hearing loss, on the other hand, is permanent, progressive, and preventable
Deason should know. Not only does she have a dozen-plus years of experience in industrial
safety, but she’s also a bona fide TEDx speaker. Her talk, “If You’re Not Protecting Your Hearing, You’re Losing It,” has garnered more than 39,000 views since being posted on YouTube in March
Editor GINNY SHIKLE
Communications Specialist 901-664-8720
ginnys@hatcherlandscape com
Website www hatcherlandscape com
APRIL-MAY 2023
Volume 2, Issue 3
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@hatchlandscape
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Continued on Page 3
The TEDx talk is 14 and a half minutes long, but Deason gave an Scan the QR code to see our current open positions
@hatchlandscape
linkedin com/michaelhatcher-&-associates-inc
Michael Hatcher & Associates is a proud member of
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abbreviated version at two morning launches May 23 and 24 to our Commercial
Construction and Commercial Maintenance teams
The training, also attended by Industrial Account Manager
Chelsea Byrd of Martin, included a demonstration of how to properly insert earplugs, a brief lesson on the anatomy of the ear, and an explanation about how damaging the highfrequency noises from equipment and machinery can be
brain so the brain can interpret it as sound She added that the nerve receptors for higher frequencies are destroyed from noise overexposure, which explains why we lose the ability to hear common everyday sounds of speech like th, sh, f, s, h, ch, k, t, and p
“Not understanding those sounds affects our ability to communicate with anybody, regardless of the tone of their voice, because with noise-induced hearing loss, saying it louder doesn’t help the clarity at all,” Deason said
As for the proper way to wear hearing protection, Deason said disposable, single-use foam earplugs should be rolled – not squished, folded, or twisted – before being inserted
“Sound waves enter the outer ear through the ear canal, and they cause the eardrum to vibrate,” Deason said “That vibration is sent to the three bones in the middle ear, and that sends the vibrations to the cochlea, which is that tiny shell-like organ in the inner ear ”
Inside the cochlea are thousands of tiny hair-like auditory nerve receptors that convert the vibrations into electrical energy and send it to the
“A crease in it allows noise to go right through it,” she said, adding that the proper way to insert an earplug is by reaching behind the head with the opposite hand to pull back the outer part of the ear to “open the door” to place the earplug all the way into the ear canal, where it should be held three to four seconds before letting go
“When I look at you straight on, I should not see your ear plug
sticking out of your ear.”
Deason also addressed those who refuse to wear hearing protection because they’ve already experienced some hearing loss
“People say I’ve already lost my hearing I don’t want to wear earplugs,” she said “Wrong!”
Another common excuse is that hearing protection isn’t cool
“But you know what’s less cool?”
Deason asked “Not
understanding conversations the rest of your life ”
Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, progressive, and preventable– Kim Deason, CSP, OHC, QSSP Martin Supply GINNY SHIKLE Kim Deason of Martin Supply preps for a hearing protection demonstration
Your hearing is invaluable, and taking preventative measures now can help ensure it stays with you for years to come While wearing hearing protection, it’s important to ensure a proper fit to effectively reduce noise exposure
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, hearing loss is the most common occupational disease in the United States and the second most selfreported occupational illness or injury Because noise-induced hearing loss is non-reversible and usually takes place gradually, most people don’t realize it’s happening until it’s too late Noise levels at many of our job sites pose a hazard to your hearing We have procedures and personal protective equipment (PPE) that can protect crew members’ hearing
What types of PPE should you wear to protect your hearing?
• Earplugs and earmuffs are the two main types of hearing protection devices Our company provides earplugs to you at no cost.
How should these devices be used in order to provide adequate protection?
• Earmuffs: Earmuff cups must fully enclose your ears, not just rest on them Adjust the headband so it sits comfortably on your head Tie back long hair to ensure the best possible seal
• Foam earplugs: Shape these earplugs into a thin cylinder by squeezing lightly and rolling Don’t roll the plug into other shapes such as a cone or a ball Insert about half the length of the cylinder into your ear canal Don’t readjust a foam earplug while it’s in your ear Instead, remove and re-roll it
• Pre-molded earplugs: To use these earplugs, pull your ear outward and upward and insert the earplug tightly
into the ear canal
When pre-molded earplugs are properly inserted, they will create a plugged or blocked-up feeling due to the airtight seal Pre-molded earplugs can be
readjusted while in the ear. This type of earplug is sized, and you might need a different size for each ear
• Select hearing protection by checking the NRR (noise reduction rating) on the packaging It will indicate the level of decibels that are reduced through proper use
measures now can help ensure it aring protection, like the earplugs ectively reduce noise exposure.
What are some things that won’t protect your hearing?
• Cotton stuffed in your ears
• Earbuds for use with electronic devices
• Modified earplugs or earmuffs Never modify a hearing protection device If it’s uncomfortable, damaged, or defective, notify your supervisor/crew leader
How should you care for hearing protection devices?
• Foam earplugs are disposable, and you should dispose of them when they become dirty or are no longer pliable Don’t wash foam earplugs
• Prevent contaminating pre-molded earplugs with dirt, chemicals, etc. while in use or storage. Clean with mild soap and water after use and thoroughly dry before reusing Discard them when they become worn or when you can’t achieve an effective seal Clean earmuffs with mild soap and water when dirty Notify your supervisor when the ear cups become damaged or brittle so a replacement can be obtained
• As with all PPE, store hearing protection devices in clean containers where they won’t be crushed or subjected to extreme temperatures
Hearing loss is the most common occupational disease in the United States – National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
As we continue to promote our Core Values and Winning Behaviors, we’re launching a new recognition program called Caught Being Kind
Raul Gonzalez, a Foreman in Commercial Maintenance, recently found a wallet in the grass when he was working at a property in Memphis Some people might have kept it, but not Raul He was a Good Samaritan and turned the wallet in
With the help of the Memphis Police Department, the wallet’s owner was located MPD tells us he was thankful for the return of his wallet, which had been
stolen when his car was broken into back in February, and that he appreciates Raul's act of kindness just as much as we do!
Other team members who’ve been Caught Being Kind since the recognition program began in April are Francisco Najera of Commercial Construction and Clarisa Rodriguez, one of our Recruiting Coordinators
If you catch a teammate being kind, which essentially is Doing the Next Right Thing, let us know. We’d love to acknowledge them with a photo and a small gift of our appreciation
By Ginny Shikle,Water that was causing erosion in a Memphis subdivision was no match for our Commercial Construction crews
“Rain was our enemy many days,” Lead Supervisor Steve Tice said about a project earlier this year to build a retaining wall in a drainage canal in a common area of the subdivision “The most significant thing about the wall was the fact it was in a creek ”
VP of Construction Sales Stephen Shikle was project manager for the job, which began Jan 4 as an enhancement project for the HOA, one of our
Commercial Maintenance customers. The project was completed March 7
“This was a two-tier segmental concrete block retaining wall, 180 feet each, built because slope erosion was endangering a neighboring property, but it was in an active drainage ditch meaning it had water running through it during construction,” Shikle said “We were able to work out the logistics of installing the wall with the water present ”
This ditch typically holds one to two feet of water, he said, but after heavy rains it sometimes has six to eight feet of water Shikle said it is fed by runoff
from the surrounding residential lots and from a nearby golf course
“We would take all the water out with a pump and run it at night,” said Enrique Vargas, a foreman on the job along with Balvino Verdugo “It was 100 percent bad It would start raining and in 15 minutes all the water filled up ”
During the main build of the wall, Tice said three crews were on site, each
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with their own jobs They sometimes wore waders to get the work done
“The bottom of the footing for the lower wall was three feet below the average water level of the creek,” he said. “The top wall could not be built
We would take all the water out with a pump and run it at night It was 100 percent bad It would start raining and in 15 minutes all the water filled up.
than an eighth inch off ”
Not only was the project a perfect example of how our Commercial Construction team overcame the odds to complete the wall safely, but it was also done efficiently and within the estimated hours and materials
his was an outstanding effort across board,” said Kelly Ogden, GM for mmercial Sales and Maintenance erations “I want everyone to know s is the type of work we’re capable ”
Spring Kickoff is a timehonored tradition in the Michael Hatcher & Associates family The morning of April 14 we celebrated the season and showed our appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our Commercial Construction, Commercial Maintenance, and Lawn Care teams at our two locations They play a critical role in providing excellence for our customers, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their efforts
By Ginny Shikle, Communications Specialist
Our monthly spotlight recognition program acknowledges and rewards outstanding performance from our team members for their exceptional work ethic, dedication to our company’s mission and values, and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement The April winner is Wyatt Webb, a Lawn Care Specialist for Master Lawn
“Wyatt has been a standout employee since his very first week on the job,” said his manager, Davey Hooper “I don’t think that we have ever had someone pick up on the intricate details of the job and truly embrace what we do as a company as fast as he did We look forward to seeing him grow in his career here!”
Wyatt, who joined our Team in January, said no other job he’s ever held compares to what he’s experienced here
“I like the freedom of it. I can drive around and talk to customers, get new experiences, and make connections,” he said “I think this is the best job with the best benefits A lot of places don’t care about their employees, but this seems like the place to be ”
Thank you, Wyatt, for your hard work and dedication to our success and for providing superior service to our customers
By Ginny Shikle, Communications SpecialistThe spotlight for May was on Balvino Verdugo, a foreman in our Commercial Construction department
“Balvino has an excellent aptitude for construction work,” said Jeff Peterman, GM of Construction Operations “He doesn’t mind getting in there and doing what needs to be done regardless of the task He is a long-time employee with MHA, and his understanding of getting things done in the proper way is second to none ”
Balvino celebrated eight years as a member of our Team on April 16 He said he likes everything about his
job, especially the people, and he thinks part of his success as a foreman is having a Positive Can-Do Attitude
“You have to make your people happy,” he said “Talk to them nice and they’ll do their job right.”
Balvino’s experience, construction knowledge, and smile make him a huge asset to our team
“We appreciate his dedication to making us the best landscape company in Memphis,” Jeff said.
“Thanks, Balvino!”
By Ginny Shikle, Communications SpecialistFor some folks, the thought of working inside is unbearable Instead, they crave the fresh air, natural beauty, and physical activity that come with working outdoors
That’s Shannon Smith to a tee
“I’m not stuck in one place,” he said “I like being out in the field I’ve always liked agriculture and stuff ”
on one of our Master Lawn residential customers or a Michael Hatcher & Associates commercial account,
Smith, a Lawn Care Specialist with Master Lawn, has tried working other places, including in a warehouse, and said it wasn’t for him Neither was the lawn spray company he was recruited from back in August 2021
“We actually do a lot of stuff here compared to other places,” he said, such as employee
appreciation events, safety incentives, and training opportunities.
“They give you everything you need I get everything I ask for ”
In addition, “The pay is really good in this industry,” Smith said “Here you can actually move up in the company if you choose to ”
That’s exactly what Smith has done, said Davey Hooper, Memphis Market GM for Master Lawn
“During his short amount of time with the company, he has helped us grow our residential routes in Bartlett, Arlington, Lakeland, Oakland, Millington, and Atoka, and he was quickly promoted to a Z-Spray operator on some of our larger residential/commercial accounts,” Hooper said.
Smith sets the bar high, is knowledgeable, and always strives to improve, Hooper said
“Whether he’s working on one of our Master Lawn residential customers or a Michael Hatcher & Associates commercial account, he’s always striving to push the envelope for perfection,” he said “We couldn’t do what we do for our customers without team members like Shannon ”
Whether he’s working
he’s always striving to push the envelope for perfection.
– davey hooper memphis market gmfor
Master lawn
Our CEO Russ Sneed said it best: “The first goal is to come to work and go back home to the ones who love you every day ”
That’s why we were excited to host a Safety Rodeo April 6 to provide training on equipment and promote safe practices for our 200-plus team members
Following a pizza lunch and a heat awareness presentation, our Commercial Construction, Commercial Maintenance, and Lawn Care personnel rotated through stations that covered all the bases from augers to Z-Sprays and everything in between
“Now we take this training and apply it in the field,” said STEFF Manager Josh Wilder, who organized the Safety Rodeo and made sure the event ran smoothly despite the weather challenges.
We thank and appreciate our sponsors, BWI Companies, Inc , Economy Lawn & Ag, Martin Inc , Stateline Turf & Tractor, and Williams Equipment and Supply (a White Cap company), for partnering with us in protecting our team and creating a secure work environment.
Now we take this training and apply it in the field
– joshwilder steff managerKATIE GOODWIN
According to David Loyd, Senior Field Operations Manager in Commercial Maintenance, here are six popular seasonal flowers that Michael Hatcher & Associates plants at our commercial properties:
1
Begonias have vibrant blooms that last throughout the season, are relatively low maintenance, and come in a variety of colors and sizes 2
A great choice for adding vibrant color, lantana comes in a range of colors, from yellow and orange to pink and purple 3
Pentas come in a range of colors, including pink, red, and white and are known for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds
4
A classic choice, petunias are relatively easy to maintain and come in a range of colors, including pink purple and white
5
Verbena is drought tolerant and thrives in full sun It comes in a variety of colors, including red, pink, and purple
6
The low-maintenance vinca, also known as periwinkle, comes in many colors and can thrive in both sun and shade
By Ginny Shikle, Communications Specialist