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Autumn Safety Tips for Construction Companies

October 8, 2024 / Libby Cook

We all know the different safety hazards that can come with each season. Winter brings snow and ice, spring brings crazy tropical storms, and summer brings hot temperatures that cause heat-related illnesses. Autumn brings challenges and conditions, from rainy days and even hurricanes to colder morning temperatures and warmer afternoons. As we enter Autumn, we want to cover some of the possible hazards you can find while working in construction. Stay updated with the latest safety regulations and training to keep you and your crews safe on jobs.

Take precautions in Muddy Conditions

Under rainy conditions, you will most likely encounter mud on a construction site. While mud seems harmless, it can also become a hazard. It increases the risk of slips and falls and makes the ground unstable for equipment. Here are some tips to help prevent mud-related accidents.

Improve Mud Terrain

Set up drainage on your job site to remove some of the mud. In critical areas, consider laying gravel for traction.

Urge Caution on Steps

Remind everyone to wipe their boots frequently, especially before climbing ladders or mounting or dismounting equipment.

Erect Scaffolding Properly

Scaffolding must be erected on a firm foundation and never directly on soft, muddy, or frozen ground. For better stability, use a mud sill. These stable wood planks, placed under the scaffold footings, distribute the weight of the scaffold, keeping it from moving or sinking into the mud. After a storm, always check the scaffolding to ensure it’s still stable before use.

Take Steps to Stabilize Heavy Equipment

Heavy equipment can become stuck in the mud. Even if you’re using a rough terrain forklift, mud can increase the risk of rollover. Tire chains or tracks increase traction in the mud. Heavy equipment mud mats can turn muddy areas into safe access roads. At the end of the workday, hose off equipment to keep mud from caking and jamming machines.

Clear off Leaves

We can all appreciate all the beautiful colors of the trees being changed. However, once the leaves fall, they can cause hazards on job sites. Leaves can hide uneven ground and become slick, increasing the risk of falls. They can also block the air intake or exhaust on equipment. Therefore, properly removing leaves is vital to decrease the risk of accidents.

Store Equipment and Materials

Continuously cleaning leaves and debris from equipment can be annoying and time-consuming. So why not store your equipment in an enclosed space to protect it from storms, leaves, and debris? Portable Storage bins are always a good option when equipment has to stay on the job site.

If you expect a heavy storm (like hurricanes in some regions), take extra precautions by removing and securely storing as much equipment as possible. Move materials into a secure storage area, too. Cover materials and equipment that can’t be moved with a heavy-duty tarp or use tie-downs and sandbags to keep them from blowing away. Take down cranes, scaffolding, light towers, and other equipment that could pose a threat. Board up any windows and doors.

Provide Adequate Lighting

Shorter days mean less daylight. Low light makes it harder to judge objects’ position, shape, or speed and causes eye strain and headaches. OSHA regulations dictate how bright construction sites must be to work safely. Many job site lighting options exist, including string, portable, and towable light towers. However, pick the proper light option for your construction site, follow the setup, and follow the instructions when taking down the lights.

Practice Generator Safety

Due to the risk of electrocution, portable generators and water don’t mix. Don’t operate a generator on a wet surface or in the rain unless your generator has a waterproof canopy. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, use a portable generator only in a well-ventilated outdoor area, at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents.

Review your Evacuation Plan

You should have a site-specific evacuation plan tailored to different types of emergencies. Conduct period evacuation drills to ensure workers know what to do in emergencies.

Make Allowances for Cold and Flu Season

Cold season starts in September, and flu season typically begins in October. You should prepare by eating healthy food, taking vitamins, and drinking water and electrolytes.

As employers, you should accommodate employees’ calls out sick and, as hard as it is, encourage them to stay home when sick.

References

United Rentals. “Autumn Safety Tips for Construction Companies.” United Rentals, 24 Aug. 2022, www.unitedrentals.com/project-uptime/safety/autumn-safety-tips-construction-companies. Accessed 8 Oct. 2024.

Overview of National Safety Month

July 2, 2024 / Libby Cook

June is National Safety Month, established by the National Safety Council in 1996. This June, we joined other organizations and the National Safety Council to bring extra attention to safety issues in and outside the workplace. We shared safety tips and facts about safety issues each week, including safety awareness, roadway safety, risk reduction, slips, trips, and falls. In honor of National Safety Month, we wanted to share tips and facts about each issue.

Week 1: Safety Awareness

At CEI, safety is a major focus in all departments. Throughout the year, our employees undergo specific training, and we continuously share tips and facts to help them be aware of the safety risks they face daily in our industry. Safety awareness is important to keep our employees and others around us safe, whether on a job site or in the office.

Week 2: Roadway Safety

For week 2, we shared tips about staying safe on the road.

Stay focused on the road and your surroundings. Never drive distracted.
Do not use your cell phone or any electronic device while driving. If there is an emergency, safely pull off the road or into a “Texting Zone” before using your devices.
Avoid arguments and stressful or emotional conversations with passengers.
Avoid eating or grooming while driving.
Be sure children are properly and safely Buckled in. Properly secure pets in a pet carrier or portable kennel.
Drive sober. Never drive impaired by alcohol or drugs and discourage others from doing so.

Week 3: Risk Reduction

For week 3, we discussed some basics of risk reduction plans for any industry. Regardless of your industry, target market, and personnel, you will always face a certain level of risk while operating. This is why you must find ways to reduce your company’s risk. Here are basic steps to approach risk reduction:

Risk Assessment & Identification – Identifying and assessing the risk faced through operations.
Risk Mitigation – Find Practices to minimize or reduce the risks.
Preventive Measures – Look for preventive measures to keep workers safe during operations.
Contingency Planning – Contingency planning gives you a blueprint to follow in an emergency.
Monitoring & Review – monitor your risk reduction approaches and practices to ensure they work.

Week 4: Slip, Trips and Falls

In the last week of National Safety Month, we discussed the risk of slips, trips, and falls in the roofing industry. Slips, trips, and falls account for approximately 20% of all work-related injuries. While the risk is even more common in winter, it can be present in any weather condition (rain, ice, snow, or sunny). Here are some things to remember to prevent daily slips, trips, and falls.

Practice Good Housekeeping – removing clutter that can increase trips and slips is important to keep the workspace safe.
Adequate Lighting – Workers can navigate through spaces better with enough light. Given this, it’s best to place proper lighting in access and egress points such as halls, ramps, stairs, and exits.
Be aware of safety signs and markers- Watch out for safety signs telling you of hazardous space, as well as flagged-off areas that can show areas to prevent you from falling.
Clear the area from snow, ice, and spills- Properly clearing the workspace from slippery elements like snow, ice, or water is important to ensure safety.
Wear proper footwear – Wear Non-slip shoes with good traction to protect workers from static electricity, falling objects, explosions, exposure to hazardous substances, and other risks.
Implement safety plans and protocols- A well-thought-out safety plan cements all efforts to promote fall protection, especially in high-risk workspaces. This plan must include in-depth risk assessments, safety standards and practices, training, regular inspections, equipment guidelines, and toolbox talks.

Recap of National Roofing Week 2024

June 11, 2024 / Libby Cook

June started with a bang as we celebrated National Roofing Week, presented by NRCA. June 2nd through 8th was spent showcasing our projects, community involvement, and hard-working employees. This year, we celebrated a different theme each day: Signature Projects, Charity Projects, Employee Appreciation, Employee Training, and Celebration.

Monday – Signature Projects:

We proudly showcased several impactful projects we completed in the past year. The first of these signature projects is Lake Trust Credit Union in Brighton, MI, a sheet metal and TPO roof project with incredible architectural design. The next project is Edgewood Country Club, a shingle roofing project in Commerce Charter Twp, MI. Lastly, the Catholic Central Stem Building in Novi, MI, is a slate, green roof and paver system project for the Detroit Catholic Central School. Each of these projects demonstrates our expertise and contribution to the communities we serve.

Tuesday – Charity Projects:

Annually, we proudly sponsor multiple organizations that do important work. Some of those organizations include Bennett’s Beavers, Clara’s Hope, Hudson Mills Old Power Club, and Reaching Higher. Additionally, this year, we donated and helped roof a barn at the new Freedom River Veteran Recreational Center in Livingston County, MI. Also, we continue to support Cleary University in many aspects, from academics to athletics. Our commitment to giving back to our community is a testament to our values, and we are grateful for the opportunity to continue doing so.

Wednesday – Employee Appreciation:

Our company’s success directly results from our employees’ dedication and hard work. During National Roofing Week, we took the opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation to every one of our team members. We showed our gratitude by providing lunch for our entire staff. Pizzas were delivered to around 10 job sites for our roofing and sheet metal employees, while the service, shop, and office staff enjoyed breakfast sandwiches and a small pizza party. Our staff is the backbone of CEI, and expressing our appreciation is a small way to thank them for their continuous efforts.

Thursday – Employee Training:

Training is very important in any industry, especially construction because we deal with dangerous and unique working conditions. That is why a top priority at CEI is to train our staff on safe work practices. Over the past year, our employees have undergone comprehensive training programs, including CPR training, OSHA 30, ladder safety, defensive driving, and RTF and MEWP training. These programs have equipped our employees with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure their safety and the quality of our work.

Friday – National Roofing Week Celebration:

To wrap up National Roofing Week, we decided to celebrate by gifting our employees National Roofing Week T-shirts designed by Libby Cook. These T-shirts symbolize our pride in the roofing industry and our appreciation for our employees’ hard work. National Roofing Week allows us to recognize the importance of the roofing industry in all aspects while having fun. We are honored to be able to give our employees something to show our appreciation and to celebrate the week.

Heat Illness Prevention: How to Prevent Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion While at Work

May 20, 2024 / Libby Cook

Heat illnesses like heat stroke and exhaustion should not be taken lightly. As roofers, our daily exposure to heat is a significant risk. Roofs, with their ability to absorb heat, can reach temperatures up to 170° F, surpassing the outside temperature. This means that you’re still at risk even if you’re not working directly under the sun. However, the good news is that heat-related illnesses are preventable. Here are some essential tips for keeping yourself healthy and preventing summer heat illnesses!

Types of Heat Illnesses

Heat cramps

Heat cramps are often the first sign of heat illness, resulting in dehydration and a lack of electrolytes. Painful muscle spasming or cramping, usually in the arms, legs, and abdomen, is the most obvious sign of heat cramps and excessive sweating.

Heat Exhaustion

If you are experiencing heat exhaustion, your body is overheating and cannot properly cool due to a lack of salts and fluids. Someone with heat exhaustion will exhibit excessive sweating, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and headache. The excessive sweating associated with heat exhaustion is especially problematic because the body is already dehydrated and cannot replace the fluids lost through sweating, worsening the condition.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat illness, arising from untreated heat exhaustion or independently.

When heat stroke occurs, the body has overheated to the point where the organs malfunction and shut down. The brain swells, the intestines become more permeable, and the blood vessels dilate, causing blood pressure to drop. On the outside, a person experiencing heat stroke will display a fever, dry and hot skin, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, confusion, agitation, and lethargy.

Extreme cases might even result in seizures or a coma. Note that once a person has reached the heat stroke level, they stop sweating excessively and show dry, hot skin. This is because the body has become dehydrated to the point where it can no longer produce sweat to cool itself down, and it marks a significant progression from heat exhaustion to heat stroke. If you or someone else is experiencing a heat stroke, call 911 immediately, start cooling that person down with water and ice, and remove unnecessary clothes.

Signs Of Heat Illnesses

There are common signs and symptoms to watch while working in extreme heat conditions.

Cramps and fatigue
Headaches
Nausea
Weakness or dizziness
Heavy sweating or hot, dry skin
Elevated body temperature
Thirst
Decreased urine output

If you or someone you see are experiencing these symptoms, take action by:

Give them water to drink
Move them to a cooler area
Cool them with water, ice, or a fan
Remove unnecessary clothing
Do not leave them alone
If in doubt, call 911 or seek medical care

Tips to Prevent Heat Illnesses

Drink water before, during, and after work. Avoid energy drinks or sodas while working in the heat or direct sun, as these can quickly dehydrate you.
Take your break in the shade or cool area. Find a cool, air-conditioned, or shaded area on lunch and breaks. If someone or yourself is beginning to experience heat exhaustion or cramps, it’s a good time to take a break to cool off and rehydrate!
Dress appropriately for the heat. Even if the morning is cooler, wear layers that you can take off for warmer afternoons!
Understand your risks when it comes to heat! Working indoors and outdoors can put you at risk for heat illnesses.

Now that you know the signs and symptoms of heat illnesses, you can better prevent them at work. Watch out for yourself and your crew members during these summer months!

Resources:

Foster, K. (2019, June 19). Heat Illness Prevention: Keeping Your Roofing Crews Safe. AccuLynx. https://acculynx.com/keep-your-roofing-crew-safe-from-heat-illness/

Prevent Heat Illness at Work Ways to Protect Yourself, and Others Ease into Work. Nearly 3 out of 4 fatalities from heat illness happen during the first week of work. (n.d.). https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/3431_wksiteposter_en.pdf

Tips for Driving Safely in Winter Weather Conditions

January 16, 2024 / Libby Cook

Cars driving on a highway are stuck in traffic because of a snowstorm.

We all know that winter weather can cause hazardous road conditions. Whether snow, sleet, or ice, preparing yourself – and your vehicle – for the winter weather is vital to making winter driving as easy as possible. We found a few tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for winter weather driving.

The Basics

Most importantly, slow down! Controlling or stopping your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface is more challenging. Increase the distance between you and others ahead so you have plenty of time to stop your car.

Also, don’t crowd a snow plow or travel beside the truck. Snow plows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. If you find yourself behind a snow plow, stay far enough behind it and use caution if you pass the plow.

What to Do in an Emergency?

If your car gets stopped or stalled, be sure to focus on you and your surroundings. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

Stay in your vehicle, and don’t overexert yourself.
Let your vehicle be seen. Turn on your emergency flashers, put bright markers on the antenna or windows, and keep the interior dome light on.
Be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning. Ensure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow, and run your car just long enough to stay warm. Don’t run your car for long periods with the windows up or in an enclosed space.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flasher, and interior lights.
During the winter, you can quickly go through windshield wiper fluid. Be sure to fill your reservoir with “winter” fluid with de-icer before winter snowfall. Also, check your windshield wipers to see if they need to be replaced. Consider heavy-duty windshield wipers!
Make sure your vehicle has enough coolant. If not, check the cooling system for leaks, test the coolant, and drain or replace the old coolant.
Also, it is always a good idea to visit your mechanic to check your vehicle for the basics – oil changes, tire rotations, leaks, and any need for replacements or repairs.

Lastly, before you go out, make sure you gas up, stock your car with essential items – like ice scrapers and emergency kit, and plan your route.

As always, ensure you are safe when driving in extreme winter weather. Go slow and be aware of your surroundings and other vehicles!

References

Insurance Information Institute. (2020). Driving in winter? Be prepared and stay safe | III. Iii.org. https://www.iii.org/article/winter-driving

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. (2022). Winter Weather Driving Tips | NHTSA. Www.nhtsa.gov. https://www.nhtsa.gov/winter-driving-tips

Looking to 2024 – New Year, New Opportunities, New Work!

January 4, 2024 / Libby Cook

Happy New Year, and Welcome to 2024!

CEI will look to expand and grow this year as new projects, opportunities, and even challenges are brought to us! We want to share a special note from our very own President, Eric Cook, that reflects on 2023 and looks into 2024.

Hello there from the President,

2023 for CEI was one of the best years we have had. We want to thank many people, including a hard-working staff of employees and their families, for helping CEI get there! We were able to work about 18% more hours than last year, thanks to Mother Nature for a big part of that, as well as our estimators, who did a great job getting the work that we needed to be able to do that!

CEI is looking at 2024 and is working towards being able to do the same or even better than 2023. We have lined up a great amount of work for 2024 already and are working hard to find even more. With that being said, CEI wants to thank you for a great year, and we are looking forward to the next trip around the sun with all of you.

Please remember that together, we make CEI Rock!

Happy New Year,
The Prez
Eric Cook

Happy New Year!

January 7, 2019 / Joaynna Cook

Happy New Year!

As the year begins we want to take a moment to reflect on the past year and be thankful for the support of our loyal customers, employees, and partners in business. We wouldn’t be here without you. We also would like to announce that 2019 is CEI Michigan, LLC’s 50th year in business. For the past 50 years, we have worked hard to provide our customers with integrity, reliability, and service that is unparalleled, and are excited to continue to serve our community in for the next 50 years.

This is a big year for CEI Group and we are ready to celebrate! Aside, from the normal excitement of a new year, planning, getting new work, etc. We are planning fun events to celebrate all year. The biggest being the 50th-year celebration this spring/summer. Other things in the works are:

Wrap-Up 2018 Video – Coming Soon!
Annual Company Kick-Off Meeting in February.
50th Year Festival for our team and their families
NRCA’s National Roofing Week
+ So much more.

Cheers to another great year! If you have any questions now or into the New Year, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help.

Stay tuned! 2019 is going to rock!

‘Tis the Season For Fall Inspections

September 28, 2018 / Joaynna Cook

Schedule Your Inspection Today-

A Roof Top Assessment is important to add to the list of items to do this Fall. An assessment keeps proper inventory of your roof and may prevent unforeseen complications, especially as inclement weather approaches. Our goal is to present you with a variety of options and fresh possibilities for extending the life of your roof. We have repair solutions that can help you delay installing a costly new roof. Regardless, you will receive a non-bias assessment of roof condition along with action steps for avoiding damage and minimizing cost.

Call and schedule your roof inspection with us today! Visit our website for more information.

OSHA Safe and Sound Week 2018!

August 15, 2018 / Joaynna Cook

Safe + Sound Week

At CEI, we value keeping our workers safe and healthy on the job and making sure they go home to their families every day. That’s why CEI is participating in Safe + Sound Week, August 13-19, 2018.

Safe + Sound Week is a nationwide event to raise awareness and understanding of the value of safety and health programs in workplaces that include management leadership, worker participation, and a systematic approach to finding and fixing hazards.

About 7 years ago, CEI decided that they were going to add a full-time Safety Director to their team. This was the beginning of the Safety Department. In 2016, they created the Safety Manager position. At CEI, we always met our safety requirements but in 2011 we decided that as a company we wanted to excel at safety. to have a safe job site and overall workplace it involves everyone being apart of the Safety Department. When it comes to this department, everyone must focus on the details to keep our projects safe and quality for our customers!

During Safe + Sound Week, we will show our commitment to safety by sharing information about our safety department and articles on safety through our blog/social media. These are designed to raise awareness of workplace safety and highlight the hard work that CEI’s crews and staff put into reaching our safety goals!

Safety Counts!

Safety is all about details! When details are focused on we produce a better, safer and more efficient job. When you focus on the details ahead of time then they won’t slow you down later. This has been and continues to be the focus of our Safety Department. CEI safety team is holding themselves to higher standards, working on a constant pursuit towards excellence. Their overall goal is always to create a safer work environment for all CEI employees.

Disclaimer: This document was created by the Safe + Sound Campaign organizers, OSHA, AIHA, ASSP, CPWR, NIOSH, NSC, and VPPPA. The Safe + Sound Campaign organizers do not necessarily endorse or sanction the company-specific statements in this document.

About CEI

August 8, 2018 / Joaynna Cook

CEI Group has earned a reputation as one of the country’s most progressive roofing firms. They pioneered single ply roofs in the late 70’s and 80’s, were one of the first roofing companies to maintain their own sheet metal shop, and today, they are leading the way in green roofing projects, sheet metal, and composite wall panel projects.

As a union-shop, CEI is also known for their trade craftsmanship. Some of the lost art and techniques for working on architecturally-challenging or historical elements have been preserved and passed down from veteran roofing pros.

CEI customers appreciate the company’s disciplined project management, communication during the project, and ability to consistently meet challenging deadlines.

“We take the stress and uncertainty out of your toughest roofing challenges.” Eric Cook, President, CEI Group

Founded: 1969

Focus: Challenging Commercial Roofing Projects

Specialties: University & Historical Roofs, Slate Roofs, Multi-Level/Multi-Roof System Projects, International Government Work

Services: Leak Hunting & Repair, Extended Roof-Life Service Agreements, Coatings, Waterproofing

The Basics

What to Do in an Emergency?

Prepare Your Vehicle

References

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