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Tips for Driving Safely in Winter Weather Conditions

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!

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

Career Opportunities: Operating Engineers Local Union 324 Apprenticeship Application

CEI has and always will be a big supporter of the trades and career education in any of the trades field. Being a business that relies on these skilled workers to keep our business running we are constantly trying to promote job training, apprenticeship and career opportunities.

CEI is partnered with three unions in the southeastern Michigan area. Those three unions include Roofers Local Union 149, Metal Workers Local Union 80, and Operating Engineers Local Union 324. Local Union 324 supports heavy equipment operators and heavy equipment technicians. CEI uses this union to staff crane operators and semi-truck drivers to assist on the high profile and complex projects that CEI takes on.

An operator is a key role in CEI’s team. Without them, CEI would not be able to innovate and construct the highest of quality for there projects. Operators keep CEI’s jobs running smooth and on-time by allowing flexibility to the schedule. Having our own trucks and cranes allows CEI to be autonomous and not always having to worry about rentals and subcontractors to do the work. Along with owning our own equipment, credit goes to the well-trained operators that CEI hires from local 324. CEI is excited to promote a great opportunity for anyone looking into working in this trade.

June 10th- June 14th, 2019 Local Union 324 is taking applications for there Apprenticeship program. This opportunity is provided for anyone 17 or older with a high school diploma or GED certificate. Other requirements include a valid Michigan drivers license and reliable transportation. Applications are limited and are available on a first come, first serve basis.

For more information:
https://www.oe324.org/training/2019application/

Happy New Year!

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!

OSHA Safe and Sound Week 2018!

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

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

Photo of the Month: July 2018

Every month we host a photo of the month. All of the photos are taken and sent in by our staff. This month we focused on the efforts of our safety department. Our photo of the month came from one of the monthly safety meetings that we have at CEI. We get together all of our field staff and some of our office staff to discuss various safety measures.

Heat Safety for Roofers

The weather is going to be getting extremely hot in the upcoming month. Being informed on how to properly work in the heat is more than important. The weather in the following weeks is looking to reach record high’s. Roofers are placed out in the sun high up with often times nothing to cool them off, no shade and a hot roof. This can make for an even hotter environment. Being informed about taking care of yourself and your crew in these conditions is important for making a safe and productive job site.

  • Stay Hydrated- This means drinking lots of water (even if you are not thirsty) and avoiding sugary or caffeinated beverages because they speed up dehydration. According to NERI, 1 quart of water per employee per hour is ideal.
  • Sun Protection- Wear sunscreen and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
  • Get out of the sun- during breaks sit in the shade or someplace with air conditioning. Those not accustomed to the heat should take more frequent breaks or limit the amount of physically demanding work.
  • Sunglasses- make sure you are protecting your eyes from the sun with a proper pair of sunglasses.
  • Know the sign and symptoms of heat sicknesses- Watch out for your fellow crew members and help them if they show any signs or symptoms of heat exhaustion.
Signs and Symptoms of Heat Illness (From NERI Insurance Group) 
Heat Rash:
Heat rash occurs when the skin’s sweat glands are blocked and the
sweat cannot get to the surface of the skin to evaporate. This causes
inflammation which results in a rash, which appears as reddened skin
with tiny blisters. It often occurs in skin creases or areas where your
clothing is tight against your skin restricting air circulation.
Common symptoms of heat rash included; red bumps on the skin
and an itchy or prickly feeling to the skin, also known as prickly heat.
Heat rash will usually fade away when the skin is allowed to cool.
Medical treatment is only necessary if the area becomes infected.
To avoid heat rash, try and avoid or minimize the duration of time spent in hot and/or humid
conditions, wearing loose-fitting clothing and use air conditioning or fans to allow air to circulate
over your skin.
Heat Cramps:
Heat cramps are an intermittent, involuntary spasm of larger muscles which occur in individuals
who are physically active in hot weather conditions. While heat cramps are the least serious
form of the heat-related illnesses they still may be very painful and also serve as the first
a warning sign or symptom that you are suffering from heat exposure.
The primary symptom of heat cramps is profuse sweating with involuntary spasms of the large
muscles in the body and could also be the first sign that you’re suffering from heat exhaustion.
Heat cramps most often affect the lower extremities and abdominal cavity.
The treatment for
heat cramps include; rest, cooling the body, hydration and stretching the muscles that are
cramping.
To prevent against heat cramps, try and avoid or minimize the duration of time spent
performing physical activities in the heat, drink plenty of water and rest in a cool or shaded
area.
Heat Exhaustion:
Heat exhaustion is often caused by ignoring the signs of heat cramps and can quickly
progress to heat stroke. This occurs when the body’s temperature regulation fails. The person
often exhibits a change in their mental status, becomes confused, lethargic and may even suffer
a seizure. When experiencing the effects of heat exhaustion, the skin stops producing sweat
and their body temperature significantly rises. This is a life-threatening condition and
immediate emergency medical attention is required. Additional signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include; profuse sweating (at its earliest stage), weakness, nausea, vomiting, headaches, lightheadedness, and muscle cramps.
Treatment for heat exhaustion starts with being able to recognize the signs and symptoms, stopping the activity you were performing, moving to a cooler environment and rehydration with water or a sports drink which is high in electrolytes. Rehydrating yourself is the most crucial treatment procedure for heat exhaustion.
Heat Stroke:
Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia, in which the body temperature is elevated dramatically.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated.
Heat stroke is caused by an elevation in body temperature, often accompanied by dehydration.
The signs and symptoms of heat stroke are; confusion, agitation, disorientation, the absence of
sweating and coma. The most effective way to prevent against heat stroke is to stay hydrated
and be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat cramps to avoid reaching
the level where heat stroke will come into play. If anyone is exhibiting the signs of heat stroke
911 MUST be called immediately, as it’s a matter of life and death.

Project Spotlight: Kreeger Elementary School

The Fowlerville School District proposed a bond to go to vote in May of 2018. They are using the money to improve many of the schools building. They are a focusing on repairs for “Boilers, classrooms, instructional technology, and athletic fields”, according to a report from WHMI. Yet, the biggest project was replacing the shingle roof on Kreeger Elementary that was long due for repair.

CEI started the project in the middle of May. It is their first shingle roof project in over 10 years, making this an exciting project. The job included a full shingle tear off and replacement, as well as an addition of custom ridge vents fabricated by CEI’s sheet metal shop.  Kreeger is a good change and gives the crews something different to work on. In the last 4 weeks, CEI has completed about half the reroof. They are still pushing forward as we begin to craft the ridge vents. The project is set to be done by August. 

 

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