NJ Landscape Contractor Winter 2012-13 Issue

Winter 2012-13

The New Jersey

Landscape Contractor

The Official Publication of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association

The Safety Issue When it Comes to Safety, Lip Service is a Disservice We Came, We Saw, We Cut Grass Drivers Pre-Trip Checklist OSHA: Checklist for Safety Audit

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The New Jersey Landscape Contractor magazine is the official publication of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association, dedicated to the professional landscape industry of New Jersey. NJLCA was founded in 1966 as the Bergen County Landscape Contractors Association, and is today comprised of six regions throughout the state of New Jersey.

New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association 465 Boulevard, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407 Phone | 201-703-3600 -- Fax | 201-703-3776 E-mail | info@njlca.org Visit our website at www.NJLCA.org

contents

WINTER 2012-13

FEATURES

19

When it Comes to Safety, Lip Service is a Disservice

21 Tree Work is Not for the Amateur

23

26

We Came, We Saw, We Cut Grass

27

Drivers Pre-Trip Checklist - English/Spanish

29

Wintertime Driving

Publisher/Editor Gail E. Woolcott Contributing Writers John Ball | Louis Crisitello, Jr. | Bob Hibler Dr. Albrecht M. Koppenhöfer | Landscape Safety Training Jody Shilan | Paul Werner | Gail Woolcott NJLCA Combined Board Executive Director | Jody Shilan, MLA President | Bob Pedatella, CLT Vice President | Chris Hricik, CLT Treasurer | Richard Goldstein, CLT Chairman of the Board | Robert Hibler Director | Tom Barillo Director | Tom Canete, CLT Director | David Huber Director | Nelson Lee Associate Director | Richard Gaynor, CIC, CRM Associate Director | Shay Leon, AAI, CIC Advisor | Dr. Bruce Clarke, Rutgers University Advisor | Dr. Steven Fischer, Bergen Community College Advisor | Dr. James Murphy, Rutgers University The New Jersey Landscape Contractor magazine is published triannually. 4,500 copies are distributed to members and professionals in the Green Industry of New Jersey, as well as educational and governmental institutions. Subscription rates: $45.00 per year; $11.50 per copy. New Jersey residents only, please add 7% sales tax.

To advertise in The New Jersey Landscape Contractor, please contact Gail Woolcott at (201) 703-3600 or e-mail gwoolcott@njlca.org.

Article and photo submissions are encouraged and may be sent to NJLCA at the above address. Publisher assumes no responsibility for safekeeping or return of photos or manuscripts, and reserves all rights to edit material submitted for publication. © 2012 New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association. All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher.

PUBLISHED Winter 2012-13 Cover Photos Courtesy of Landscape Safety Training

Reducing labor and ‘pesticide load’ of the environment through optimal use of newer insecticidal chemistries

30 OSHA: Checklist for General Industry Safety Audit

COLUMNS

4

Executive Director’s Message

5

NJLCA News Briefs

5 NJLCA/IANJ Golf Challenge a Hole-In-One

8 Landscape Industry Certified Exam Stresses Safety

13 Welcome New Members 14 Contractor Focus: NJLCA Members Practicing Safety

17

Associate Focus: Gamka Sales Co.

20 NJLCA and ASCA announce a new partnership agreement

25

Index of Advertisers NJLCA.ORG

3

Executive Director’s Message As 2012 is quickly coming to a close, we are very excited to bring you the latest issue of the New Jersey Landscape Contractor just before the year ends. Great things have happened at the NJLCA this year and 2013 is going to our best year ever. With an even greater focus on business education, networking and membership value, combined with a targeted growth strategy for the rest of the state, we are continuing to bring opportunities to our members throughout the land… from Oakland to Roseland to Vineland.

One way that we are able to do this, is by strengthening our relationships with other professional green industry associations that understand the importance and value in working together. While we continue to develop and foster our existing relationships with other state organizations, including the NJTA, IANJ, APLD-NJ and of course, Rutgers University, we are also partnering with national organizations such as PLANET and ASCA. This allows us to help protect our members and our industry, locally and nationally, as we continue to grow our membership, our voice and our brand.

As you might have guessed from the cover of this month’s issue of the New Jersey Landscape Contractor, our focus is on safety, for you, your employees and the public. There are so many risks in the work that we do, that the topic of safety can never become boring. If you don’t believe me then you have not been to a membership meeting lately and witnessed a presentation by our own super hero “Captain Safety”. His article (I mean Bob Hibler’s article) both scolds us and gently reminds us of the importance of safety, not just for the protection of you and your employees, but the importance of it to your bottom line.

In this issue, we are approaching safety in a variety of ways. From the importance of safety training through certification programs like the Landscape Industry Certification Exam, to the recognition of our award winning members in the Safety Training Achieves Remarkable Success (STARS) program, to an article about tree work that protects amateur arborists from themselves.

You will also find an abridged version of the Occupation Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) safety audit checklist provided by LS Training System and a “Drivers Pre-Trip Checklist” created by the NJLCA, written in both English and Spanish. Please tear them out and make copies for all of your employees and all of your vehicles. With winter just around the corner, now is the perfect time to review this information. Speaking of winter, CNA provides us with some important safety tips for winter driving.

Unfortunately, we also have a very important but tragic story about Louis Crisitello, Sr., owner of Lou’s Lawn Maintenance, who was killed in a hit and run accident while he was properly placing the orange safety cones alongside his truck.

Lastly, we have some great pictures of the first NJLCA / IANJ golf outing at the Neshanic Valley Golf course (Sorry Wade, it’s our magazine so we get top billing). As you will see, we had an incredible turnout and fun was had by all.

Though I do have to say that after playing a round of golf with some of these guys, I think we may need to create a safety training class for green industry golfers.

Happy New Year!

Jody Shilan NJLCA Executive Director

Save the Date

New Jersey Landscape 2013 36th Annual Trade Show & Educational Conference

Wednesday, February 27, 2013 - 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Meadowlands Exposition Center - 355 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, NJ 07094

4 WINTER | 2012-13

NJLCA News Brief

NJLCA/IANJ Golf Challenge a Hole in One

by Gail Woolcott, Director of Operations

T

he New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association and the Irrigation Association of New Jersey held it’s first annual combined golf outing on September 10, 2012 at Neshanic Valley Golf Course in Neshanic Station, NJ. The event was a hit with members of both associations, with 117 golfers in attendance and several more attending the awards dinner. Attendees received great giveaways from sponsors including NJLCA/IANJ Golf Challenge branded hats, red from The Toro Company and tan from Aquarius Supply, shirts from Hunter Industries, cooler bags and golf balls from Atlantic Irrigation Specialties, golf towel from Middleton and Company Insurance and large golf umbrellas from Bobcat of North Jersey and Scirocco Insurance. Other sponsors included John Deere Landscapes (Lunch), Halco Lighting Technologies (Beverage Cart), Jesco/Ditch Witch (Hole in One), and Paige Electric (Hole in One).

Recognizing the value and importance of partnering with allied associations here in the Garden State, the NJLCA and IANJ worked together to create a wonderful opportunity for landscape contractors and irrigation contractors to not only work together, but play together. And all who attended had a blast! “We are very pleased with the turnout of golfers, sponsor participation, and the great camaraderie exhibited at today’s event,” said Eric Nelson, president of the IANJ Board of Trustees. “We look forward to doing many more cosponsored events in the future.”

The $10,000 Putt-Off was a great start to the day, with John Cummins from Cummins Engineering coming closest. Although he didn’t win the $10,000, he did win the opportunity to make the $1 Million Hole-in-One shot. With a PGA pro and NJLCA Golf Committee members in tow, John headed out to the $1,000,000 hole. Alas, he did not make it in, but swears he will make it next time. We can’t wait for the day when an attendee makes this shot and goes home $1,000,000 richer!

The rest of the day provided beautiful (albeit windy) weather and a great day on the links. Some of the scores reflected the windy situation, but all had a great time and were talking about the event well after it was over.

Two teams slugged it out for first place with the winning score of -11 posted by Wade Slover, Walter Mugavin, Paul Anderson, and Kevin Lewis. The team from Morgan Stanley/Smith Barney (Wade Martin, Craig Alexander, and John Green) came in second with a score of -10. Most honest team was John Deere Landscapes with a score of +9. Other awards given out were for Closest to the Pin #3 Lake - Rob Corsini; Closest to the Pin #8 Lake Matt Sweatlock; Closest to the Pin #3 Meadow Dan Stapinski; Closest to the Pin #6 Meadow Laura DePrado; Straightest Drive Tom Pacheco; and Longest Drive Mike Gilmore.

During dinner, Neal Portnoy, comic caricaturist entertained guests and drew hilarious likenesses for all to take home with them.

“Neal has a gift for finding the vulnerable part of all of us,” said Pat

Barckett, NJLCA golf co-chair, “and he always brings a smile to my face when I see the results of his caricatures.”

“Sincere thanks to members the NJLCA and IANJ Golf Committees (Pat Barckett, Scott Gillinder, and Gail Woolcott (NJLCA) and Eric Nelson, Wade Slover, Dan James, and Pat Koziol) for their hard work and great efforts in bringing this 1st annual co-sponsored golf outing to fruition,” said Jody Shilan, Executive Director of NJLCA. “We hope to continue this tradition in the future.”

For more information about the NJLCA, please contact NJLCA at (201) 703-3600 or visit www.NJLCA.org. For more information about the IANJ, please contact IANJ at (973) 850-3366 or visit www.IANJ.com.

NJLCA.ORG

5

NJLCA News Brief

NJLCA / IANJ 2012 Golf Challenge

6 WINTER | 2012-13

NJLCA News Brief

NJLCA.ORG

7

NJLCA News Brief

Landscape Industry Certified Exam Stresses Safety

By Gail Woolcott, Director of Operations

T

he Landscape Industry Certified Technician (previously CLT) program deserves your attention, if only for the safety requirements that it can teach you and your employees! The Landscape Industry Certified Technician Exam is an internationally recognized testing program that is exclusively administered by the NJLCA in New Jersey. Administered in conjunction with the Professional Landcare Network, the Landscape Industry Certified Technician Exam is the only hands-on testing program for landscape professionals in the state.

Landscape supervisors, foremen, and field technicians who are certified are recognized as qualified professionals. To you and your employees, that might mean better wages and enhanced profits, as the public becomes more aware of the meaning of doing business with a certified professional. International certification gives companies a way of meeting increased consumer demand for professional landscaping.

However, one of the most important aspects of the exam is that it addresses and puts emphasis on how important safety is.

Candidates are tested by performing safety checks for tools and equipment, recording in logbooks, transporting equipment and materials properly (loading, securing and unloading), storing tools appropriately when not in use, performing site inspections to identify basic hazards and taking appropriate action to reduce accidents, reading labels, MSDS, and operators manuals, establishing appropriate safe work areas, initiating emergency responses, and ensuring underground utilities have been identified, located, and marked prior to excavation.

At the company level, certification establishes credibility and the motivation to improve. By investing in employee’s certification, the company also provides their employees with a feeling of being valued. This professionalism shows in the projects the company completes.

The Landscape Industry Certified program can also offer companies a built-in training program. As employees study for the exam and pass each element, they are being trained for job success and in the safe way of operating. They come away from the test with a great sense of accomplishment, confidence and pride, having proven their qualification and knowledge of the job they perform. All employers value employees with the ambition to better themselves; and quality employees want to work for companies that emphasize and encourage advanced training. It is a win-win situation.

Professional Certification is one of the most important steps an individual can take to demonstrate knowledge and commitment to his or her career. Certified individuals are able to stand out from the crowd as examples of excellence in the Green Industry.

Therefore, certification is an easy choice for any landscape company that takes pride in quality workmanship and professionalism.

8 WINTER | 2012-13

Many landscape companies view the CLT testing program as a tool to take their company to the next level, as certification offers many benefits for the company, the employees, customers, and industry.

The NJLCA held its most recent certification exam on October 6, 2012 at Bergen Community College in Paramus, NJ. On hand were nearly 50 judges and volunteers, with over 50 registered candidates for the test day.

Congratulations to the following for successfully completing all modules in their chosen designation and becoming Landscape Industry Certified Technicians: Brian Blecher – Arrowwood Landscape Design, Fairlawn, NJ Scott Brewer – Environmental Landscape Design, Wall, NJ Perry Greto – Ruppert Landscape, King of Prussia, PA Brittney Hunter – R & S Landscaping, Midland Park, NJ Walter Singer – YardApes, New Milford, CT We look forward to many more individuals becoming certified, as they are just one or two modules away! The next Landscape Industry Certified Technician’s Exam dates are: Written Exam Only: November 28, 2012 Full and Retake Exams: October 2013

NJLCA News Brief

NJLCA.ORG

9

2012 National Landscape Industry Certified Technician Exam

The Landscape Industry Certified Exam is administered by the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association with the support of the Professional Landcare Network & Bergen Community College

Gold Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Test Site Sponsors A & M Landscape Mgmt.

Al D. Landscaping & Tree American Beauty Landscape Atlantic Irrigation Specialties Bartlett Tree Experts Bobcat of North Jersey Central Irrigation & Turf Supply Chris James Landscaping Cutting Edge Landscape Maint.

Gardens By Design Green Meadows Landscaping Horizon Landscape Co. Husqvarna

Impact Irrigation Consulting JML Landscaping Jody Shilan Designs Kodiak Landscape & Design Lupardi’s Nursery Michael Szczecina, CLT Otterstedt Insurance R & S Landscaping Road Runner Service Russo Lawn & Landscape Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey The Standard Group

A big thank you to all of our sponsors, judges, and candidates for another successful certification exam!

10 WINTER | 2012-13

The NJLCA Now Offers Access to Health Plan Benefits!

The NJLCA Benefits Trust and Association Master Trust Finding the proper balance between affordability and the right benefit package for you and your employees can be a challenge. The newly formed NJLCA Benefits Trust and Association Master Trust (AMT) are here to help.

With more than 9,000 participants from 14 member associations, AMT can tap into the same great benefit plans that larger employers enjoy while saving members money by providing self funded group benefit plans without outside broker commissions or shareholders demanding profits.

Plus, AMT contracts with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and the Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey to provide members with access to one of the largest health and or dental provider networks in the state; all at the lowest cost possible.

Who can ask for more, great rates, great coverage and a health benefit plan run by members for members. Contact AMT today to receive a quote and see how NJLCA and the AMT Benefits Trust can help you regain your health plan balance. You can reach AMT by phone at (973) 379-1090 ext. 229 or email www.info@amt-nj.com

66 Morris Avenue, P.O. Box 359, Springfield, NJ 07081 973-379-1090 ext. 236 • www.amt-nj.com info@amt-nj.com Scan to visit our website

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NJLCA News Brief A warm welcome to our newest members...

Ace Outdoor Power Equipment Genesis Turfgrass, Inc. Brian Lonergan Thomas DeFino Bayville, NJ Wilmington, DE

Littlebird Landscaping Ellen Thompson Franklin Park, NJ

Baker Brothers Landscaping Edward Baker Cranford, NJ

Morgan Stanley Samuel Reed Morristown, NJ

The Bilingual Group Edward Correa Dover, NJ Central Salt Bob Persichetti Elgin, IL Cousins Lawn Maintenance Aaron Williams Stewartsville, NJ Elite Design & Landscaping Claudia Delcid Allentown, NJ Evergreen Valley Christmas Tree Farm, LLC Andrew Alpaugh Stockton, NJ

Green Valley Landscape Design & Maintenance Patrick McKenna Verona, NJ Green Valley Lawn & Landscape Roberta Moore Skillman, NJ Greener Concepts Anthony Cortese Sparta, NJ Green Machine Terry Dey Paramus, NJ Jersey Shore Landscaping Brian Sullivan Manahawkin, NJ

National Weather Station Dan Ventola Lodi, NJ Natures Touch Ponds Darren Lucas Paramus, NJ Pennella’s Landscape Designs Bill/Anthony Pennella Towaco, NJ Property Details, LLC Everett Fink Hillsdale, NJ

Raffiani’s Automatic Sprinkler John Raffiani Kyle Wright’s Lawn Care LLC Fair Lawn, NJ Kyle Wright Haddonfield, NJ

Rutgers University – Office of Continuing Education Joe Canzano New Brunswick, NJ Smitty’s Landscape & Irrigation Dan Smith Cedar Grove, NJ Sylbar Landscape & Construction Barry J. Freund Paramus, NJ Young’s Landscape Management, Inc. Mark Del Prato Moorestown, NJ

NJLCA News Brief

Contractor Focus: NJLCA Members Practicing Safety!

T

his issue we thought we would celebrate those of our members who recently won awards for their safe practices.

At the Green Industry Conference, held in Kentucky this past October, PLANET gave awards to companies that have proven their safety track record in the past year by participating in the STARS (Safety Training Achieves Remarkable Success) program.

The STARS Safe Company Program (Safety Training Achieves Remarkable Success) is a free safety initiative designed for companies to set the precedent for safety throughout the industry. The STARS program helps green industry service provider companies lower their total costs of risk by reducing hazards and injuries. With this initiative, PLANET works to connect all green industry companies in an effort to lessen the risks associated with the green industry.

This years program recognized eight NJLCA Members, with two of them achieving “Best of the Best” status, which was created to honor companies with Overall Safety Achievement Award– Gold Performance status for the last three years.

Best of the Best Keep It Green Landscaping (Fairlawn), founded by Dyle A. MacGregor, has been working actively in the landscape field since its establishment in 1981. They offer complete landscape maintenance, lawn care, landscape design and construction, as well as commercial snow and ice management.

Keep It Green Landscaping is certified by the Interlocking Concrete Paver Institute (ICPI), the National Concrete Masonry Association (NCMA) and the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). They are members of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association, the Professional Landcare Network, the Arbor Day Foundation and a Charter Member of the Snow and Ice Management Association.

Owner, Dyle A. MacGregor, has held the positions of treasurer, secretary and vice president of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association. As a nationally certified landscape professional (CLP), Dyle personally oversees all operations and brings over thirty years of proven experience to the table.

“In the green industry we tend to like new things, new trucks, new equipment and new technology; somewhat less glamorous is safety. At Keep It Green Landscaping we are always looking for new ways to talk about and implement safety because just as new equipment or new technology can, safety affects productivity, moral and ultimately the bottom line.” says MacGregor.

14 WINTER | 2012-13

Best of the Best Kodiak Landscape & Design, Inc. (Haskell) was born in 1994 with a handful of lawns and big dreams. Since then, Bob Pedatella has built the business into one of the most reputable companies in Passaic, Morris and Bergen counties. They are known for going the extra mile for customers by working with them to create a maintenance and/or design plan that satisfies their individual needs.

The Kodiak family includes a design staff, an office manager, and maintenance and construction teams that are Certified Landscape Technicians (CLT).

Kodiak is also a supporter of the National Arbor Day Foundation and celebrates Arbor Day annually at local schools. Pedatella says, “I am proud of my employees and my company for winning this national award. I feel safety is very important and without a proper safety program, you’re not going to have a successful business today.”

Overall Safety Achievement Gold Level

Jacobsen Landscape Design and Construction (Midland Park) has more than 30 years of experience in northern New Jer-

NJLCA News Brief

sey. They employ degreed professionals in Landscape Design and Landscape Architecture. Many of the employees also hold Industry Certifications in Landscape Design, Masonry, Irrigation, Lighting and Pesticide Applications.

Jacobsen has won multiple Environmental Improvement Awards for Design/Build from the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) and New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA) and was recognized as a Top 100 Landscape Company in America by Landscape Management Magazine.

Silver Level Farmside Landscape & Design (Wantage) is a full service landscape contractor offering landscape design, installation and maintenance service, in addition to specialty Plant Health Care & Turf Care services.

Farmside has been serving the Tri-State area for over 20 years and is led by a team of professionally-certified Landscape Technicians,

Arborists and Turf Care Managers.

Raimondi Horticultural Group, Inc. (Ho-Ho-Kus) is a fullservice horticultural firm delivering environmentally sound, aesthetically beautiful solutions for corporate and residential clients in the New York tri-state region. Areas of expertise include interior landscaping, full-service florals, high-profile creative events, holiday decorating services, plant rentals and corporate gifts. Among its “green” initiatives, RHG is actively involved in the Green Plants for Green Buildings, US Green Building Council – NJ Chapter, PLANET, and the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association.

employee has completed a basic pesticide training course to insure that any chemical applied is done in a safe and proper manor. They also have ICPI certified employees on staff.

Native Fields Landscaping has previously won multiple awards from the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association Landscape Achievement Awards program and the NJ Daily Record Award for 2011’s best landscaping business in Morris County.

Green Valley Lawn & Landscape (Skillman) was also recognized for No Vehicle Accidents, No Injuries or Illnesses, and No Days Away From Work. Owned and operated by certified Master Gardener Richard Mercurio since 2002, Green Valley offers a comprehensive knowledge of plants, trees, lawn products, and maintenance strategies.

Green Valley is active in the community, sponsoring local organizations and charities, as well as donating their services and expertise pro bono to the local arboretum.

Congratulations to all of the winners and thank you for promoting a safe work environment in the landscape industry!

If you would like to be considered for “Contractor Focus” or “Associate Focus” in our next issue, please contact NJLCA at (201) 703-3600 or e-mail info@njlca.org

Bronze Level Duke’s Landscape Management (Hackettstown) was founded in 1983 by Eric Cross, to serve the landscaping, property maintenance, and snow removal needs of large commercial properties. Duke’s Landscape Management’s service area spans from Pennsylvania to New York City, covering Northern New Jersey. Over the past decades, Duke’s has grown to be one of the largest commercial landscape companies in Northern New Jersey, servicing over 7,000 condominium units and over 1,100 acres of commercial and residential properties from two offices.

Native Fields Landscaping, LLC (Landing) was established in 2005. Their staff is fully trained and certified in all areas of landscape management. Each

Contact NJLCA at (201) 703-3600 or email info@njlca.org NJLCA.ORG 15

NJLCA News Brief

G

Associate Focus: Gamka Sales Co.

amka Sales Company was established in April 1986 at a modest 2,500 square foot facility in Edison, New Jersey by Karl Weiss and his eldest son, JR. Soon, Ron, Karl’s other son, joined the organization. Karl banked upon his three decades of knowledge in the construction supply and equipment distribution business, the assistance of his sons and some outside financial capital to get up and running. Many people ask how the name GAMKA came about. Karl’s backers were Gerry, Anthony, and Michael. They were the G,A and M. The KA is for Karl. The three backers were paid off in a short time and Gamka has been 100% owned and operated exclusively by the Weiss family for years now. Gamka Sales received the 2012 NJLCA Associate of the Year.

The company rapidly outgrew its birthplace and two others, all in Edison.

This geographic location, Edison, was chosen because it is central to servicing contractors working anywhere in the state and just a stone’s throw from the New Jersey Turnpike, Garden State Parkway, Interstate 287 and Routes 1, 9 and 18, etc. In 2002, Gamka again relocated within Edison to a 60,000 square foot, climate controlled warehouse, with offices and showroom on six acres. Gamka’s service department maintains and performs warranty repairs on what machinery Gamka sells with a complete shop and factory trained technicians. We use our own truck fleet to deliver all over New Jersey, Metropolitan New York and Philadelphia.

When asked how the economy has affected business this year, Bob Hibler, Director of Marketing replied, “Actually, this economy

J.R. Weiss, Karl Weiss, and Ron Weiss - Gamka Sales leadership

16 WINTER | 2012-13

started receding in 2008. It is no secret that construction activity has declined dramatically in the commercial, industrial and residential areas. We reacted as did many of our customers by setting our sights lower, diversifying and economizing. Prior to this recession we only followed job reports that were valued above $5,000,000.

In parts of New Jersey that could be a couple of homes and there were too many awards that small to follow. Now when we see that a school is regrouting tile in a lavatory we perk up. Well, that may be a slight exaggeration but we do listen closely when opportunity knocks! Another action we took was to broaden our product lines. Construction may have slowed but the grass still grows, leaves still fall, snow comes down and that must be addressed with outdoor power products. We became a full service, stocking Husqvarna dealer to gain access to both the landscape contractor and homeowner markets. As far as economizing, Gamka tightened its belt, watched expenses and worked harder – that is not genius, just survival common sense. We are still here, it works.”

Gamka is a distributor of a wide variety of construction and landscape products. Their business is in equipment sales and rentals, outdoor power equipment (lawn mowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, snow throwers, etc.), construction chemicals, geotextiles, thermal and moisture protection, diamond cutting, hardware, concrete accessories and safety equipment. Inside their warehouse are more than 46,000 line items including light to medium sized equipment (from a drill to an excavator), construction chemicals, hardware, supplies and over 1,700 pieces of rental machinery. There are 12,000 parts in stock for the equipment lines sold.

About what the landscape contractor is most overlooking in equipment purchases, Hibler states, “Generalizing is not practical with such a mixed base but there are a few things that fit in many instances. For example, people, whether contractors or not, tend to stick with the brands they know: they find a certain comfort level that a closed mind sometimes brings. New technology, pioneered by other makers, might make them more profitable, but it is hard to pry open that shell. It is ironic that millions are spent on R&D and advertising to bring this out but the results are spotty. This is where demos are

NJLCA News Brief hugely helpful to open eyes. And then there is not taking advantage of manufacturer-sponsored financing. Several of the companies we represent want to assist contractors in purchasing their products and they try to make it easy, financially, to do so with generous terms. One recent offer to qualified buyers was for no down payment, no payments until next April, then no interest for the next 48 months. That is like free money. Then there are quantity buys.

Husqvarna offers a substantial 20% discount for fleet buyers. We have also noticed that, in some cases, there has been a reluctance to purchase from a dealer not in their back yard. We feel that as long as the dealer will deliver and pick up, they might as well be next door.”

Not every competitor is alike, but Gamka tries hard to be more than an order taker. They ask questions, listen to the issues and offer solutions that fit the problem or task at hand. Sometimes they can suggest several alternatives. And if they don’t know enough, they will bring in the manufacturer to the party. Hibler likes to think of this as “application engineering”.

When asked about why they are a member of the NJLCA, Hibler replied, “In Gamka’s case belonging to the NJLCA and participating in meetings and events has made it possible to access a new market. In construction, the jobs we visit are active and in one place. Most larger contractors have brick and mortar offices and staff. Their job sites and offices are open at standard hours. We can call upon them. Landscape work generally goes much quicker and if you blink, the crews are done and off to the next task. Landscape contractors are subjected to schedule changes by the weather, the season and the daylight. All that makes getting face-time very difficult, except at the regular the NJLCA meetings and events. Then there is time to talk, no noisy equipment and it is in a relaxed, social atmosphere. As an associate, we have had several opportunities to host and sponsor events at our world headquarters in Edison. The Great Chainsaw Tree Massacre and Zero Turn Mower Race Barbecues have brought us crowds, business and a lot of fun for all. Without being a part of the NJLCA this would never have happened.”

The New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA) and the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) have teamed up to offer you a special ... ... discount on membership dues!

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Feature Story

When It Comes to Safety, Lip Service Is A Disservice

by Bob Hibler, Gamka Sales Co.

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losing the barn doors after the cows have escaped is too little, too late. The same thing goes for safety. Accidents should be prevented, not attended to after the fact. Those of you that come to our NJLCA membership meetings already know this because our own super hero, Captain Safety, reminds us monthly that it is “better to be safe than sorry” (repeat after me). Although he mysteriously appears at each meeting to deliver his message, five minutes is not nearly enough time to cover the topic because according to Captain Safety, “Safety is a 24/7 necessity”.

Let me ask a few questions and we will pretend that your liability insurance agent is not looking you in the eye when you answer.

I am willing to bet a nickel that all of you receive safety bulletins from time to time, right? Okay, and be honest now, how many of those have you actually read or shared with your employees? Let’s back it down a notch: How many of you have even opened and read a bit of their prose? Maybe you plan ahead and put them in a very safe place, in case you need it someday in the future? Or do you just put it in the recycle bin to prove how “Green” you are for bonus points? Last question: Do you owe me that nickel?

Would you run your business without seeing if your invoices have been paid? Being paid is on the mind of every entrepreneur all of the time, right along with scheduling jobs, selling your services and the other things it takes to be a success. And how do you know things are perking along nicely? Profits! Success is measured in profits.

Safety can affect your profits too! Many companies don’t put safety very high on their agenda. Why is that? Because as long as nothing happens, safety is boring. Why do people rubberneck on the highway? Accidents! Accidents are exciting. Yes! I think we all agree that boring safety is better than exciting accidents. However, there is another reason that the safety of your employees should occupy the top rung of your priority ladder and that is money. Accidents cost money. Your money. It’s not just people that get hurt either. Drop that pallet of light bulbs and you can kiss them good-bye. Run a fork through a drum of diesel fuel and call in the biohazard clean-up team to mop up.

Landscape contractors are not in the same category as the people who run a Dollar Store when it comes to risks. The equipment you run every day cuts, slices, aerates, trims, grinds and chops.

That equipment works on grass, trees, lawns, pavers, and people just the same. You deal with chemicals that have warning labels as long as your arm. Moreover, without highly flammable gasoline your equipment will not run.

Some of you climb trees to cut and trim them and it is no secret that Newton’s Law applies here, gravity will get you if you don’t watch out. You and your workers bake in the sun, risking heat stroke and skin cancer during the growing season. In the winter, when it is snowing, you are out there plowing when most people stay home to avoid sliding all over. Frostbite bites! Your trucks and trailers are on the road, driving from job to job. The more miles you drive, the better are the odds that something will happen to those vehicles. It is all about exposure. Landscape contractors operate in a dangerous world.

Let’s also not forget that you are not functioning in a vacuum.

Surrounding your work area are kids, pets, glass windows, things that can get hurt and broken. That is part of your business too; you must look out for them.

One accident can wipe you out financially or a worker out physically. Therefore, safety needs to have the same priority as being paid.

If your company does not have a safety policy of its own, here is one short version for you to adopt! Post it where all of your workers can see it.

• All Injuries and occupational illnesses are preventable; • All workplace and operating exposures can be reasonably safeguarded; • Safety is equal to cost, quality and productivity; • Working safely is an essential element of employee performance; • Safety is a line management responsibility; • Line management has a responsibility to train all employees to work safely; • Safety adds value to your customers, employees and owners; • All injuries and accidents must be reported to the supervisor.

This credo needs to be drilled into your employees and it starts with the boss. Remember the “Monkey see, monkey do” principle and set the example. A short cut that results in an injury saves nothing. Running a safe operation doesn’t just save you money from lost time, insurance claims and OSHA fines, it will actually help increase your profits.

Working safely must be part of your company mission. Remember what Captain Safety says and repeat it to yourself: “Better safe than sorry!”

Bob Hibler is the Director of Marketing for Gamka Sales Co., Inc, a distributor of construction products and equipment serving the state of New Jersey from their world headquarters in Edison, NJ. Bob is a close, personal friend of Captain Safety, who teaches our members that safety is our number one priority.

NJLCA.ORG 19

NJLCA News Brief

NJLCA and ASCA announce a new partnership agreement

By Jody Shilan, Executive Director

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he New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA) and the Accredited Snow Contractors Association (ASCA) are excited to announce a new opportunity for NJLCA members who provide snow and ice management services. NJLCA members who join ASCA will receive a 20 percent discount on ASCA membership dues. In addition to providing this great cost savings opportunity, the ASCA will also return 20 percent of these member dues back to the NJLCA, which will be specifically earmarked for legislative support.

ASCA Executive Director, Kevin Gilbride, reached out to Tom Canete, owner of Canete Snow Management, one of the largest Snow Fighting companies in New Jersey to discuss potential partnership opportunities. Canete, who is both an active member of the NJLCA and the ASCA immediately recognized the potential, “As members of the NJLCA continue to expand into snow and ice management, a real need developed to provide our members with the best training, education, legislative support and protection to help grow and protect their businesses”, stated Canete.

The NJLCA board of directors immediately saw the benefits, value and importance of working together with an organization like the ASCA and how this relationship could benefit members of both organizations. According to Jody Shilan, Executive Director of the NJLCA, “We are extremely excited about working together with Kevin and the ASCA, as the NJLCA continues to partner with professional trade organizations throughout the state of New Jersey and the country, bringing value and support to our members”.

The New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA), a non-profit, trade association for landscape contractors, has been encouraging professional standards and promoting the green industry for more than 45 years and are a valuable resource to the contractor and industry. They offer tools to increase sales and reduce expenses. The NJLCA takes an active advocacy role in protecting and furthering its members’ business interests at both the state and federal levels. The association is dedicated to advancing the integrity, proficiency, profitability, and personal growth of the landscape professional. Through educational seminars, trade shows, social events, networking opportunities, membership meetings, emails, maga-

20 WINTER | 2012-13

Photo courtesy of Kodiak Landscape and Design, Inc.

zines, and professionalism in all that we do, the Association is able to fulfill this mission.

The Accredited Snow Contractors Association is a trade association with the purpose of advancing the professional snow and ice management industry and to promote its role in performing high-risk services to society including: 1. Providing educational programs and publications in all aspects of snow and ice management, finance, business management, marketing and other specialized areas of professional interest; 2. Conducting meetings and other programs designed to promote the exchange of ideas among members and to facilitate the conduct of their business; 3. Collecting and disseminating information pertaining to the snow and ice management industry, including statistical data and other statistical research; 4. Developing and maintaining professional accreditation programs to encourage high standards for snow and ice management professionals; 5. Advocating the interest of the snow and ice management industry to local, state/provincial, federal and international governmental bodies; 6. Advocating the interests of the snow and ice management industry to insurance companies and allied associations.

For more information and to join the Accredited Snow Contractors Association, visit www.ascasonline.org or call 330-5235368. To take advantage of this 20% off discount, you must be a member of the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association (NJLCA). For more information about joining the NJLCA, visit www.NJLCA.org.

Feature Story

Tree Work Is Not For the Amateur

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often write articles for the tree care industry that focus on the various hazards associated with tree work. While there are certainly many more stories to write on the subject of safety (it would be hard to argue that you can have too much emphasis on safety), I thought this time I would focus on a class of Arborists we often do not write about, the homeowner, aka, the amateur arborist.

Professional Arborists might find this article provides some useful discussion points when faced with a homeowner deciding whether to hire a professional or do the work themselves. Homeowners might find in it lots of reasons why they should not to attempt some tree work themselves.

Tree work is among the highest risk professions in the United States, with a fatality rate ranked near commercial fisheries and logging, two industries widely acknowledged for their capability to kill those engaged in the work. Our high ranking is not too surprising, as any activity that combines large, heavy objects, power equipment and height creates a risk-filled environment. I refer to this as high risk, not dangerous, as danger implies there was an element of chance or luck involved in the outcome of an incident. We, as arborists, do not manage danger but we do, and can, manage risk. A tree crew is minimizing risk every day they are in the field by establishing work zones, conducting pre-work inspections and briefings and wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

If you want to see dangerous tree work, watch a homeowner.

The Internet is filled with stories and pictures of homeowners who have removed their dead ash or elm, sometimes using rental lifts but often just from ladders. “The money I saved!” is a frequent comment on these sites. However, with the exception of the comical “tree removal gone wrong” videos that appear on YouTube, you rarely see any postings of the do-it-yourself removals that did not work out so well. If you want to hear about those, you need to look at homeowner insurance claims, emergency room admissions or the obituaries (or monthly in the “Accident Briefs” listed in Tree Care Industry Magazine).

Every arborist has probably heard a homeowner exclaim upon hearing the price for removing a particular large tree, “That’s robbery! I’ll do it myself!” (or the equally humorous, “How much can I save if I take the day off from work and come out to help you”).

Removals do look simple; after all gravity rules and a cut tree will fall. The trick, of course, is having it land in the correct space, a thought that often only occurs to the homeowner when they’re standing with their running saw watching the tree come down in precisely the wrong direction.

By John Ball, South Dakota State University

Each year thousands of homeowners are injured and more than 100 are killed while attempting to perform tree work. Tragically, many of these incidents involve children. No, the children were not felling the tree or climbing high on a ladder cutting branches, rather they were doing what children do outside – play. Unfortunately they were playing in what any arborist would recognize as a work zone, the area in which the tree or branches may land. There have been a number of incidents where children have been killed when the tree came down in a different direction than was anticipated.

One fatal incident involved a child playing in a sandbox in front of a 50-foot tree about to be felled. The homeowner misjudged the height of the tree, a misjudgment that will probably haunt him for life. If the potential customer can refer to our removal price as “robbery,” then surely these tragic incidents done for the sake of saving a few dollars could be called far worse.

Another recent incident proved fatal to a homeowner who was attempting to remove a tree while standing on a ladder. The person cut through the hinge and the tree fell on the ladder crushing him to the ground. Homeowners are killed each year because they fail to notch or back cut the tree properly, resulting in falls that come down in unanticipated directions or roll off the stump, striking the feller. Even simple precautions, such as clearing escape routes or using lines or wedges to assist in directing the fall, are routinely ignored by homeowners who assume the work is simple and straight forward.

Another source of incidents is when homeowners rent a lift to remove the tree in sections. There are numerous portable lifts available on the rental market today. Many are not designed for tree work and are better suited to and more maneuverable for painting the second story of a house or other duties. Most I have seen are not to be used as cranes or in the vicinity of electrical conductors, a thought lost on the renter. These portable lifts have been subjected to dynamic loading as large limbs, tied off to the cage, are cut. Overloading the capacity of these lifts can result in the collapse of the machine – the homeowner does not fall from the lift as much as falls with it. Failing to check the environment for power lines, or failing to understand their hazards, also has resulted in incidents and these incidents are almost always fatal. When a homeowner contacts a 14 kV line while standing in a metal cage, the outcome is as predictable as it is deadly.

Merely running the chain saw creates dangerous conditions for homeowners. A study of emergency room visits in the Midwest found that homeowners attempting to perform tree work were

NJLCA.ORG 21

Feature Story

Tree Work Is Not For the Amateur (Continued) far more likely, in fact five times more likely, to be admitted than professionals, and with much more serious injuries. One reason for this difference was that professionals use personal protective equipment (PPE) – chaps and helmet among other equipment, while homeowners think nothing of running chain saws while wearing shorts and flip-flops.

Homeowners seem to have a very casual attitude toward running chain saws. Despite the fact they are operating a machine that is capable of having 600 cutting teeth per second passing over a single point with each tooth capable of slicing through a quarterinch of flesh; they seem unphased by this hazard. Improper chain saw use accounts for 20 to 40 fatalities each year and more than 40,000 emergency room visits among homeowners. Yet every day you can watch homeowners running saws without any PPE to reduce the severity of a potential saw-body contact. And they are usually running the saw above their shoulders with their kids playing next to them. The fact we have incidents with homeowners running chain saws is not surprising; what is surprising is that most homeowners survive the experience!

Another danger occurs when the tree finally reaches the ground. I used to give quotes for tree removal that were “too expensive” only to be contacted again once the homeowner got the tree to the ground and did not know what to do with the brush. Sometimes after cutting up the branches and limbs (another task filled with hazards, spring poles being a leading source of incidents among amateurs), the homeowners pile the brush in a haphazard manner and then call the tree company back to do the clean-up. They are often surprised to learn, as were some of my customers; that removing the logs and brush may be a significant cost of the removal and a lot more if a mess of tangled branches has to be chipped. I even had some jobs that would have been cheaper had they called us to do the entire removal rather than just dispose of brush!

Homeowners faced with this unexpected clean-up cost (they thought only $50 in the $2,000 quote for the removal was associated with clean-up) resort to renting a chipper in another do-ityourself attempt to save money. Chippers have been a boon to tree businesses. Rather than having to cut branches and stack them in the backs of trucks or flatbeds, now almost the entire tree can be reduce to a pile of chips. But any machine that can reduce a tree to small fragments less than one-inch in size can do the same to a human being.

Chippers are involved in incidents each year in which hands or feet are pulled in accompanied quickly by arms, legs, torso and head. Homeowners (and professional arborists) are killed each year because they decided to use their foot to kick through a jammed

22 WINTER | 2012-13

log, only to have their body inadvertently pulled in as the jam clears.

A few years ago the youngest person killed by a chipper was only 14 years-old. Felling trees and cleaning up the brush is not for most homeowners and certainly is not an activity to involve the kids.

Homeowners may recognize that the work is beyond their capability and hire someone to do the work. While this is the best option, homeowners need to be cautioned in assuming anyone with a saw and a pick-up truck is an arborist. Any time you combine unemployment and storms; there will be a lot of folks who figure they might as well start a tree service. There is a steep learning curve to becoming experienced in tree removals and the homeowner may not want to have their property be the training ground. A good consumer will ask questions to determine the level of experience of a company. How long they have been in business, are they members of the Tree Care Industry Association and are their workers certified in the safe operation of equipment and the work, are all good questions to ask. None of these credentials can guarantee nothing will go wrong, but they certainly are good indicators of a company that is professional and safe.

Homeowners should always enquire about insurance.

Good tree care companies maintain the proper insurance to protect the homeowner if an incident occurs on their property. Many homeowners are surprised to learn, sometimes too late, that a worker invited onto their property may sue them to cover the cost of any injuries resulting from an incident in their yard. Even more a concern, some homeowner policies will exclude coverage for these claims if the homeowner hires a company that did not have the proper workers’ compensation and liability insurance. I have seen instances where an injured tree worker sued the homeowner for the cost of the injury and the homeowner’s insurance did not provide any coverage. The homeowner is expected to check for insurance and failing to do that leaves them vulnerable to a claim, not the insurance company.

Removing a tree is rarely a pleasant decision for a homeowner.

Shade that may have taken a lifetime to create will be missed as well as the other amenities provided by mature trees. However, homeowners should not make matters worse by attempting to do this work themselves or hiring someone who is not qualified or insured to do the work. The loss of the tree should not be compounded by the loss of a life.

Dr. John Ball is a professor of forestry at South Dakota State University, where he instructs courses in arboriculture and serves as the campus arborist.

Feature Story

Reducing labor and ‘pesticide load’ of the environment through optimal use of newer insecticidal chemistries

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By Dr. Albrecht M. Koppenhöfer, Professor and Extension Specialist, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

ver the last few years several new insecticidal compounds, (active ingredient in Acelepryn) has a more than 11.8-fold lower some of which also are in new insecticide classes, have become toxicity to mammals (lab rats) and is used at 1/3rd the rate for white available for turfgrass insect management. These new chemistries grubs, resulting in more than 35-fold reduction in the amount of generally are safer to applicator, non-targets, and the environment toxicity applied. than older chemAnd compared istries such as to the organopyrethroids, carphosphate bamates, and estrichlorfon, pecially organochlorantranilipphosphates. role has a 12.5While the better fold lower toxicecotoxicological ity to mammals profiles of these and is applied new compounds at 1/82nd the may come at the rate, resulting cost of a narrowin a 1025-fold er spectrum of reduction in the activity, many of amount of toxthe insect/mite icity applied. pests that these Below are new materials some suggesno longer cover tion on how to are only rarely Fig 1. Seasonal life cycle of major turfgrass insect pest in New Jersey. WG = white grub; CB = chinch bug; use these new a problem in SWW = sod webworms; BB = billbugs; A = adults; L = larvae; N = nymphs; D = turf damage. materials most turfgrass in the effectively in landscape turf scenarios representing different key Northeast. For the rare cases when these odd pests cause prob- pests and curative or preventive management approaches. For lems, the older chemistries are still available for as-needed curative each scenario and material the application rate and window are applications. given along with any control of other important potential pests Most of the new materials cover most of the important turfgrass that can be achieved with that application. The No. 1 key pest in insect pests in the Northeast against which the vast majority of ap- New Jersey landscape turf is without doubt the white grub complications go out. Moreover, these new materials can cover several plex with other common pest being chinch bugs, billbugs, and sod of the important insect pests with one application if applied at the webworms. Hence, most landscape turf insect pest management right time and rate. Optimized application of these new materials programs should prioritize white grubs when selecting applicacan therefore result in savings in labor cost with fewer applications tion window and materials but attempt to adjust timing and rate and at the same time lower the ‘pesticide load’ of the environment. to cover any other of the important pests if they have the potential The lower ap- to cause problems in a specific site. In doing so, good knowledge plication rates and of the life cycle of the most important pests (Figure 1) is essential. lower toxicity can combine to sig- KEY PEST: WHITE GRUBS; APPROACH: nificant reduc- CURATIVE MANAGEMENT tions in ‘pesticide Most of the newer materials are effective for white grub control load’. For example, only if applied by mid-August. The exception is clothianidin (Arecompared to the na) which gives the option of curative control at least into midrelatively new and September; it might, however, not be fast-acting enough for rescue safe neonicotinoid treatments after this time. When applied in August or September, insecticide imida- clothianidin applied at the higher end of the rate spectrum (0.33 lbs cloprid (active in- ai/acre) will control most white grub species (Asiatic garden beetle gredient in Merit), might only be suppressed) while at the same time also suppressing the anthranilic di- (i.e., limited control) any present chinch bug, sod webworm and amide insecticide billbug populations.

Fig. 2. Third larval stage of white grub. chlorantraniliprole

NJLCA.ORG 23

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Reducing labor and ‘pesticide load’ (continued) KEY PEST: WHITE GRUBS; APPROACH: PREVENTIVE MANAGEMENT Chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn) applied at 0.1 lbs ai/acre between mid-April and late July effectively controls all white grub species. If this application is made during June and July, it will also control sod webworms for the rest of the season and suppress any present chinch bug population. If this application is made between late April and mid-May, it will also control sod webworms for 4-6 months and control billbugs (higher rate may be necessary for high populations - see below).

Clothianidin (Arena) applied at 0.2 lbs ai/acre between early May and mid-August effectively controls most white grub species (for Asiatic garden beetle 0.33 lbs ai/acre). If this application is made in July, it will also control any present sod webworm and chinch bug populations. If applied in June, it will also control billbugs, control any present sod webworm populations, and suppress any present chinch bug populations. If applied in May, it will also control billbugs.

Thiamethoxam (Meridian) applied at 0.2 lbs ai/acre between early May and mid-August effectively controls most white grub species (except Asiatic garden beetle). If this application is made in July, it will also suppress any present sod webworm and chinch bug populations. If applied in June, it will also control billbugs and

suppress any present sod webworm and chinch bug populations. If applied in May, it will also control billbugs.

Fig. 3. Adult of billbug (hunting billbug) (Photo by Clyde Sorensen).

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It’s the fastest-growing segment of our business.”

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Feature Story

KEY PEST: CHINCH BUGS; APPROACH: CURATIVE MANAGEMENT Note that preventive management of chinch bugs is not recommended. Where chinch bugs are a perennial problem, cultural methods including overseeding/renovating with endophytic grasses and/or dethatching should be used for long term suppression of the problem.

Clothianidin (Arena) applied curatively in June/July at 0.2 lbs ai/acre controls chinch bugs but also white grubs and any present sod webworm populations. If this application is made in June it will also control white grubs, billbugs, and any present sod webworms. Note that the residual activity of clothianidin against sod webworms and chinch bugs is only about 20 days.

Fig. 4. Sod webworm larva (Photo by Frank Hale).

KEY PEST: SOD WEBWORMS; APPROACH: CURATIVE MANAGEMENT Indoxacarb (Provaunt) applied at 0.04-0.08 lbs ai/acre controls sod webworms but has only a short residual activity and will not control other important turf insect pests at this low rate.

Spinosad (Conserve) controls sod webworms (0.075 lbs ai/ acre) but none of the other important landscape turf insect pests in New Jersey.

Chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn) controls sod webworms at 0.026-0.052 lbs ai/acre with a residual effect of 1-4 months. At the higher end of this rate range, white grubs should also be suppressed.

KEY PEST: SOD WEBWORMS; APPROACH: PREVENTIVE MANAGEMENT Chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn) has enough residual activity, especially when applied at higher rates, to provide several months of caterpillar control. The residual activity is 1-2 months at 0.025 lbs ai/acre, 2-4 months at 0.052 lbs ai/acre, 4-6 months at 0.104 lbs ai/acre, and at least 6 months at 0.208 lbs ai/acre. The rate should be chosen depending on the time of year (the later the less required to cover the rest of the season) and any potential other pests that may warrant control. At 0.104 lbs ai/acre applied before August, white grubs will also be controlled. At 0.157-0.208 lbs applied in late April/early May, billbugs and white grubs will be controlled.

KEY PEST: BILLBUGS; APPROACH: PREVENTIVE MANAGEMENT Curative management of billbugs is problematic due to the difficulty of detecting the larvae before damage starts to appear. And none of the new compounds is effective at that time. And where billbugs are a perennial problem, rather than using the preventive approaches listed below, overseeding/renovating with endophytic grasses for long term suppression of the problem should be considered.

Clothianidin (Arena) applied at 0.2 lbs ai/acre in May/June controls billbugs but also white grubs. If this applications is made in June it will also control any present sod webworm and chinch bug populations.

Thiamethoxam (Meridian) applied at 0.2 lbs ai/acre in May/ June controls billbugs but also white grubs.

Chlorantraniliprole (Acelepryn) applied at 0.1-0.26 lbs ai/acre in late April/early May controls billbugs but also sod webworms for 3-6 months and white grubs.

Dr. Albrecht M. Koppenhรถfer is a Professor and Extension Specialist at Rutgers University for the Department of Entemology. His research interests and expertise lie in integrated pest management, biological control, insect pathology, entomopathogenic nematodes, white grubs, annual bluegrass weevil, sod webworm, cutworms.

Dr. Koppenhรถfer has written extensively for journals and Rutgers publications. More information can be found at http://rci.rutgers. edu/~insects/amk.htm.

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Feature Story

We Came, We Saw, We Cut Grass: The Untimely Death of My Father

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n the morning of Monday, September 17, 2012, an uninsured motorist in Middletown, New Jersey killed my father, Louis Crisitello, in a hitand-run accident.

As the proud owner of Lou’s Lawn Maintenance for over 30 years, my father was greatly loved and appreciated by all of his customers and the community. He was respected among the brotherhood of landscape contractors and considered himself a friend to everyone in the business. While on the job, my father was walkLouis Crisitello Sr. ing alongside his box truck to get his orange road cone to put on the driver’s side of his vehicle as a safety precaution. Before he was able to reach the back of his truck a young woman struck him violently with her vehicle and continued to drive, fleeing the scene.

According to the latest projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) published in September 2012, approximately 16% of fatal transportation incidents in 2011 involved pedestrians who were struck by vehicles. Of the 312 fatal work injuries involving pedestrians struck by vehicles, 61 occurred in work zones. As a result of the accident, my father’s body was so badly damaged that we were warned not to see him and forced to have a closed casket funeral. The aforementioned statistics symbolize individuals, like my father, who died unnecessary and undignified deaths.

My father was a selfless man who wanted nothing more than to provide for those around him. He was caring, supportive, and warm-hearted. He took great pride in his family and his career.

When it came to work, my father was a bull. I always believed that it was impossible to knock my father down. Though he took some hard hits over the course of his career, I can’t think of a situation where he didn’t just stand up, brush himself off, and return to work. There is no one, at any age, able to work as long and as hard as my dad worked. Now, at 62 years old, as he neared retirement, my father has become another sad statistic.

In 2011, according to the BLS, fatalities in the landscape services industry increased to 167 from 133 in

26 WINTER | 2012-13

by Louis Crisitello, Jr.

2010, rising 16%. Fatal work injuries in the building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupational group were up 14 percent to 265 fatalities in 2011--the highest level since 2006. The biggest increases within this occupational group were among landscapers.

With over 30 years in the landscaping business, my father was always careful to exercise the proper safety precautions while on the job and encouraged his colleagues to do the same. I’ll never know all of the specifics regarding my father’s death, but I’m confident that it was the result of someone else’s carelessness. In this era of short attention spans and a seemingly endless number of electronic devices, distracted driving is becoming a more prevalent danger every day. In 2010, 3,092 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver and an estimated additional 416,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes involving a distracted driver (www.distraction.gov).

My father truly appreciated the little things in life. He had a child-like innocence that was infectious; it only reinforces the fact that he died much too young. My dad taught me to live with gratitude, and I am thankful for every day that I got to spend with him. However, I cannot accept the manner in which he was taken from my family. I wonder what the driver was thinking as she drove away with a broken windshield; did she even look back in her rearview mirror? There is no answer that can excuse the lack of common human decency exhibited by the individual that morning.

The loss of my father has left a void in my life Louis Crisitello Sr. and Louis Crisitello Jr. that I can’t imagine ever being filled. I urge everyone in the landscaping and lawn maintenance business to be extra careful when working nearby roadways and stay alert for distracted drivers. In short, protect yourselves and look out for one another. Together we can make safe driving a new priority and invigorate the public. We have the ability to strengthen local laws and enforcement efforts. Together we can prevent another senseless death from occurring, and in turn, make our roads safer for everyone.

In Loving Memory of Louis Crisitello December 13, 1949 – September 17, 2012 Please visit www.distraction.gov and click on Get Involved, then Employers, for several excellent tools for your company.

Useful Tools Driver’s Pre-Trip Checklist Driver: ____________________________________

Vehicle: ________________________________________

Drivers Assistant: ___________________________

Supervisor Initials: ________ Date: __________________

Please review the following items and check off each item as it is reviewed on the vehicle. If there are any issues, please write them in the space provided next to the item with an issue. Write any additional notes in the space provided below this checklist.

Exterior: Issues Checked  Brakes: ______________________________

Interior: Checked Issues  Wipers: _____________________________

 Lights: ______________________________

 Steering: ____________________________

 Blinkers: _____________________________

 Horn: _______________________________

 Tires: _______________________________

 Instruments: _________________________

 Windows: ___________________________

 Fire Extinguisher: _____________________

 Mirrors: _____________________________

 Seat Belts: ___________________________

 Exhaust: _____________________________

 Warning Lights: _______________________

 Coupling Devices: _____________________

 Flags, Flares, Cones: ___________________

 Tie downs: ___________________________

 First Aid Kit: __________________________

 Locks: _______________________________

 Proper Documentation: ________________

 Vehicle Body: _________________________

 ____________________________________

 Fluid Leaks: __________________________

 ____________________________________

 Fluid Levels: __________________________

 ____________________________________

 License Plates: ________________________

 ____________________________________

 Gas Cap: _____________________________

 ____________________________________

 Trailer Lights: _________________________

 ____________________________________

Please make copies of this document and provide it to your employees for daily use.

Provided by the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association  (201) 703-3600  www.NJLCA.org

NJLCA.ORG 27

Instrumentos útiles Listado de ayuda al conductor para antes del viaje Nombre del Driver: ______________________________ Conductor Auxiliar: ___________________________

Vehículo: _________________________________

Iniciales del Supervisor: ______ Fecha: _______________

Por favor, revise los siguientes puntos y marque cada artículo que se revisa en el vehículo. Si hay algún problema, por favor escriba en el espacio provisto al lado del elemento con un problema. Escriba cualquier nota adicional en el espacio provisto debajo de esta lista de verificación.

Exterior: Problemas Revisado  Frenos: ________________________________

Interior: Problemas Revisado  Limpiaparabrisas: _______________________

 Luces: _________________________________

 Directivo: ______________________________

 Intermitentes: __________________________

 Horn: _________________________________

 Los neumáticos: ________________________

 Instrumentos: __________________________

 Windows: _____________________________

 Extintor: _______________________________

 Espejos: _______________________________

 Cinturones de Seguridad: _________________

 Escape: _______________________________

 Luces de advertencia: ____________________

 Los dispositivos de acoplamiento: _______________

 Banderas, bengalas, conos: ________________

 Amarres: ______________________________

 Equipo de Primeros Auxilios: ______________

 Bloqueos: ______________________________

 La documentación adecuada: ______________

 Vehículo exterior: _______________________

 ______________________________________

 Las fugas de líquidos: ____________________

 ______________________________________

 Fluid Levels: ____________________________

 ______________________________________

 Placas: ________________________________

 ______________________________________

 Combustible Cap: _______________________

 ______________________________________

 Luces del remolque: _____________________

 ______________________________________

Please make copies of this document and provide it to your employees for daily use.

Provided by the New Jersey Landscape Contractors Association  (201) 703-3600  www.NJLCA.org

Feature Story

Wintertime Driving

A CNA Risk Control Bulletin provided by Paul Werner, Risk Control Director

Fair or foul weather driving always presents hazards. But winter months curse drivers with conditions that are far different than those they face during the summer.

key to stopping under control on slippery surfaces is to avoid locking the wheels. A rapid pumping of brakes will provide short intervals of braking and of rolling wheels alternately, and will enable you to maintain steering control while stopping.

7. Use proper lights. Never drive with parking lights instead of headlights in winter’s early dusk and poor visibility. Parking lights can cause an oncoming driver to think you are farther away than you are.. Keep headlights clean; dirty ones can greatly reduce your own seeing distance at night.

8. Be prepared in case your vehicle breaks down or slides off the road. Have the following items on hand: A charged cell phone, a working flashlight, a shovel, an ice scraper, blankets, any critical medications and water/food. Stay with your vehicle, make sure the exhaust pipe is clear and only run the vehicle as much as necessary, and place a bright marker on the antenna.

Tips for Winter Driving 1. Make sure that you are able to see and be seen. Clean all the snow and ice off of your windshield, other windows, outside mirrors, lights and reflectors. Make sure your vehicle is equipped with good wiper blades, and that wiper arms are exerting enough pressure on the blades to ensure a clean sweep. If moisture or ice builds up on the inside or outside of your windshield, stop and clean it off.

2. Tires with good deep treads are essential for good cornering and handling on slippery roads. Check the air pressure frequently to maintain the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

3. Get the feel of the road. Occasionally try your brakes or gently depress your accelerator while driving. When you have found out just how slippery the road is, adjust your speed accordingly.

Rising temperatures greatly increase the slipperiness of ice and snow.

4. Stretch your “following” distance. Knowing that winter surfaces increase stopping distance 3 to 12 times, the smart driver increases his normal dry road following distance. Heavy trucks require a longer stopping distance on slippery roads than passenger cars. And don’t tailgate.

5. Brake before curves. All vehicles are particularly sensitive to over-powering, over-steering, and over-braking on curves.

Unseen hazards around the bend may require an evasive action, so turn your steering wheel slowly and smoothly, keep a constant speed in the turn, and tap your brakes carefully if it’s necessary to slow down or stop.

6. When you must stop suddenly on wet or slippery roads, do one of the following: a. If your vehicle is equipped with an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), put your foot firmly on the brake pedal and allow the ABS to pump your brakes for you. This allows you to concentrate on steering. b. If your vehicle does not have ABS - pump your brakes. The

The information, examples and suggestions presented in this material have been developed from sources believed to be reliable, but they should not be construed as legal or other professional advice.

CNA accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of this material and recommends the consultation with competent legal counsel and/or other professional advisors before applying this material in any particular factual situations. This material is for illustrative purposes and is not intended to constitute a contract.

Please remember that only the relevant insurance policy can provide the actual terms, coverages, amounts, conditions and exclusions for an insured. All products and services may not be available in all states and may be subject to change without notice. CNA is a registered trademark of CNA Financial Corporation. Copyright © 2010 CNA. All rights reserved.

NJLCA.ORG 29

Feature Story

OSHA: Checklist for General Industry Safety Audit

T

he Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires many standards to be met by businesses and industries. OSHA sets standards to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women. OSHA authorizes enforcement of the standards developed under the ACT; assists and encourages the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions; provides for research, information, education, a n d training in the field of occupational safety and health.

A survey conducted by OSHA in 2009 revealed that more than 85% of employers conduct voluntary self-audits of safety and health conditions. Self-audits are performed by employers in order to reduce injury and illness rates within the workplace and reveal any hazards. By conducting selfaudits, employers reduce costs that may incur from workers compensation and sick leave and reduce man-hours lost so productivity can remain high.

In order to complete a thorough self-audit, use regulatory checklists for each work area and OSHA-required record keeping. Although there is not a standard format for checklists, several key features should be included: • Name of auditor and date inspected • Description and CFR cite for all pertinent regulations with a space to note deficiencies • A feasible completion date for material deficiencies • Initials and/or date when all corrections have been completed The following are highlights of OSHA requirements that apply to many general industry employers within work areas and record keeping.

WORK AREAS All work areas should be identified. Within these locations, consider the applicability of each subpart of the OSHA standards.

• Aisles, stairways, and ladders see Walking/Working Surfaces; 1910.21 to 1910.30 • Number of and ease of access to exits within each area and emergency plans see Means of Egress; 1910.35 to 1910.38 • Lifting platforms see Powered Platforms, Manlifts, and Vehicle-Mounted Work Platforms; 1910.66 to 1910.68 • Ventilation, noise, and radiation see Occupational Health and Environmental Control; 1910.94 to 1910.98 • Storing and handling of hazardous materials see Hazardous Materials; 1910.101 to 1910.126 • Eye protection, protective clothing, respiratory protection, head protection, foot protection, electrical protective equipment and hand protection see Personal Protective Equipment; 1910.132 to 1910.139 • Spill cleanup, safe disposal requirements, permit-required confined spaces, lockout/tagout see General Environmental Controls; 1910.141 to 1910.147 Appendix A • First aid availability and training see Medical and First Aid;

30 WINTER | 2012-13

• • • • • • • • •

1910.151 to 1910.152 Fire extinguishers, fixed fire-suppression equipment and other systems see Fire Protection; 1910.155 to 1910.165 Air receiver installation and safety see Compressed Gas and Compressed Air Equipment; 1910.166 to 1910.169 Use and care of forklifts, cranes, derricks, helicopters and slings see Materials Handling and Storage; 1910.176 to 1910.184 Guard requirements for moving machinery see Machinery and Machine Guarding; 1910.211 to 1910.219 Guarding and maintenance of hand-powered equipment see Hand and Portable Powered Tools and Other HandHeld Equipment; 1910.241 to 1910.244 Oxygen-fuel, arc and resistance welding requirements see Welding, Cutting, and Brazing; 1910.251 to 1910.255 Special Industries see 1910.261 to 1910.272 Appendix C Design safety standards, safe work practices, maintenance requirements see Electrical; 1910.301 to 1910.399 Toxic and Hazardous Substances see 1910.1000 to 1910.1450 Appendix B

RECORD KEEPING Written records are often required by OSHA in addition to work area checklists. These standards cite a required written plan or program in place where applicable: • Emergency Action Plan • Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals • HAZWOPER Record Keeping • Respirator Program • Permit-Required Confined Space Program • Lockout/Tagout • Employee Alarm System • Forklift Inspection Log and Training Distribution • Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution • Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices • Blood borne Pathogens: Exposure Control Plan • Hazard Communication Program • Lab Standard: Chemical Hygiene Plan • Subpart Z - Specific Chemical Substances COMMONLY ASKED QUESTION Q. Would using checklists reduce levies from a formal OSHA inspection?

A. Recently, OSHA sought public comments on a policy whereby an employer’s self-audit may be considered evidence of good faith.

CREATING AND MAINTAINING CHECKLISTS Below is an example of what a portion of a workplace checklist could look like for a flammable storage area. Appropriate components depend on individual situations.

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Feature Story Provided by Landscape Safety Training with Information from OSHA INSPECTION REPORT FOR FLAMMABLE STORAGE AREA Location: __________________________________________ Inspected By: _______________________________________ Date of Inspection: __________________________________ (Circle all numbers with deficiencies) Containers 1. Are approved containers and portable tanks used for the handling and storage of flammable and combustible liquids? 29 CFR 1910.106(d)(2) 2. Are all connections on drums and combustible liquid piping vapor and liquid tight? 29 CFR 1910.106(c)(3) 3. Are all flammable liquids kept in closed containers when not in use? 29 CFR 1910.106(e)(2)(iv)(a) 4. Are bulk drums of flammable liquids grounded and bonded to containers during dispensing? 29 CFR 1910.106(e)(6)(ii) 5. Are safety cans used for dispensing flammable or combustible liquids? 29 CFR 1910.106(d)(5)(iii) 6. Are storage tanks adequately vented to prevent the development of excessive vacuum or pressure as a result of filling, emptying, or atmosphere temperature changes? 29 CFR 1910.106(b)(4)(ii) 7. Are portable tanks equipped with emergency venting to relieve internal pressure from exposure to fire? 29 CFR 1910.106(d)(2)(ii) 8. Are storage cabinets that store flammable liquids labeled, “Flammable – Keep Fire Away” ? 29 CFR 1910.106(d)(3)(ii) 9. Are flammable liquids stored in approved safety cans? 29 CFR 1910.106(d)(2); 29 CFR 1910.144(a)(1) 10. Are “No Smoking” rules enforced in areas for storage and use of hazardous materials? 29 CFR 1910.106(e)(9) Fire Extinguishers 1. Are appropriate fire extinguishers mounted, located and identified so that they are readily accessible to employees?

29 CFR 1910.157(c)(1) 2. Are all fire extinguishers inspected and recharged regularly, and marked on inspection tags? 29 CFR 1910.157(e) 3. Is there and adequate number or portable fire extinguishers of the proper type? 29 CFR 1910.157(d) 4. For a fixed extinguishing system, is a sign posted warning of the hazards presented by the extinguishing medium? 29 CFR 1910.160(b)(5) Exits 1. Are exits properly marked? 29 CFR 1910.37(q) 2. Do exit signs have an illumination of at least 5 foot-candles? 29 CFR 1910.37(q)(6) 3. Are exits maintained free of obstructions? 29 CFR 1910.36(d)(1) Correction completion date: ___________________________ Corrections have been completed (initials and date): ________ Supervisor: ________________________________________ Date: _____________________________________________

The Top 10 OSHA Violations in 2011:

1. Fall Protection. Falls continue to be the leading cause of fatalities in construction.

2. Scaffolding. In 2010, 37 workers died from scaffoldingrelated incidents.

3. Hazard Communication: 7,000 violations 4. Respiratory protection 5. Lockout/tagout 6. Electrical 7. Powered industrial trucks 8. Ladders 9. Electrical (general requirements) 10. Machine guarding: 6000 reported amputations

4 key actions to Prevent OSHA Citations

Here are 4 key actions you can take to prepare your organization, make it a safer place and help to prevent citations in the event of an OSHA inspection: • Conduct self-audits and reviews • Implement an injury and illness prevention program • Prepare for an OSHA inspection in advance • Train your managers and employees about safety

Self –Audits and Reviews

Be sure to conduct your self-audits and reviews on a regular basis. Always correct and identify hazards immediately, and document the entire process, even if informally. When you find problems, assign responsibility to get them fixed and discipline accordingly; this shows you’re taking the matter as seriously as you would an external audit or OSHA inspection.

Written safety programs are required under OSHA, and should be updated when necessary. Be sure all safety rules are in writing. Record keeping is one of the first things OSHA will ask for if they come to your facility. You want to audit it…look for any patterns and use the findings to determine patterns and problem areas to fix.

There are however, some pitfalls to avoid in self-audits.

1. Infrequent audits. If you have a self-audit program in place, it is easy to get complacent and not complete it frequently enough to have real impact 2. Incomplete audits. It is also easy to only complete a partial audit instead of a full audit.

3. Not correcting hazards found. Once you identify a hazard, you now have knowledge of it…there’ a piece of paper that OSHA’s going to hold up in court. If you can’t fix something immediately, steps need to be taken to ensure employee safety until the time it can be fixed 4. Failure to document. Not only do you want to document your audits, you can use your audit to ensure documentation—both required records and your safety programs themselves—exist and are current. Also document corrective actions taken.

NJLCA.ORG 31

Bulk Pre-Wet Enhanced Deicer

Effective to

20 degrees

Where service is central