 President's Corner
It's not a down economy, it's a new economy
For the last few years things came easily. New businesses were able to find loans. Established contractors negotiated most of their work. The tough part was finding enough qualified employees to get the job done. Today, nothing is easy. I am hardly sharing breaking news, but my point is to let you know that you aren't alone. Nearly every member I talk to has laid off workers and is scrambling to bid everything under the sun. The best cases are the ones that are landing maybe 30% of their bids, when a year ago they negotiated everything. Instead of looking for workforce, they are staying up late at night worrying about payroll. The number one medical claim in the construction industry has quickly become depression. Oh and the legislature has now passed higher taxes particularly on small business and high income earners. Nothing is easy.
Economists and industry experts hedge when asked about the future at this point, but most do agree that we will see a slow return of residential construction over the next 18 months. This will relieve some of the pressure on commercial contractors by thinning the herd of bidders. And then the commercial market is expected to return. Between now and then what are you supposed to do?
Network for the future. Build those relationships so when the jobs finally come, you can be first in line. And be watching for those special talents who could be of help.
Get educated. From green to BIM, there are new trends expected to kick up heavily in the coming years.
Work the numbers. There are all sorts of ways to clean your books, cut expenses and not hurt your employees. Temporary unemployment dollars may even be an option.
Get political. Now more than ever politics is affecting your business. From labor law to corporate taxes, you business is in the line of fire. If you aren't talking directly or through a group like ABC to your legislators, you are only hurting your own future.
There are bright spots. There will be more positives. Just keep hanging in there and be smarter about how you approach your business. Remember the classic axiom: the same thinking that you got you in this hole will not get you out.
Best of luck and please call me. We are here to help you in any way possible. |
2009 ABC Golf Tournament
Registration for the 2009 ABc Golf Tounament is now open. Joing us August 19, 2009 7:30am at LAngdon Farms for a day of fun, prizes and friendly competition.
Please click here to download a registration form.
For more information on sponsorship/registration contatc: Laurie Kendall - 503.726.5449, lkendall@abcpnw.org |
More Bidding Potential
In an ongoing effort to help our members bid on jobs, listed below are links and contact information for potential projects. Some are project specific, but you may be able to gather some useful information.
www.lrsarchitects.com
www.eeaarchitects.com
www.network.construction.com
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2009 ABC-PNW "Events-at-a-Glance" Calendar Available
Want to check out what's coming down the road at ABC this year? You can view and download our Events Calendar now. Dates are subject to change, so be sure to check our website for updates!
Visit our Newsroom to view the calendar. |
| Upcoming Events |
July 11 - CPR/First Aid Class - Sunbelt Rentals, 8:00am-1:30pm
July 16 - ABC Connections - Macadams Bar & Grill, 4-6:00pm
August
August 12 - CPR Recertification - Sunbelt Rentals, 4-6:00pm
August 19 - Annual Golf Tournament - Langdon Farms, 7:30am
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Quick Links
STEP Program Application - http://www.abcpnw.org/Safety/STEP.aspx
More about us as at -
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Safety Tips Brought to You By:
Equipment Dangers
As a supervisor, you know that the equipment used on construction jobs often creates dangerous conditions for those working around it. Remind your employees of some of the common situations that they should watch for during their work activities.
Potential accidents include being struck by moving equipment like:
· Cranes
· High lifts
· Tractors
· Trucks
Workers should never assume that the operator will see them as they travel around the jobsite. Due to design constraints, a lot of this equipment has poor visibility both ahead and behind. Even though equipped with backing alarms, job noise may mask the sound.
If you are driving a truck and have to back into a jobsite or an area of poor visibility, ask for help to signal. If this is not possible, get out of the unit and check to make sure the area behind the vehicle is clear, and then back immediately.
Stand clear of all swinging counterweights on equipment such as cranes and excavators.
Counterweights can often create a pinch point between outriggers, buildings or other obstructions. Operators should check to see that there is enough room for people to walk by, to post the area with flags or cones, or, best of all, barricade the area so that no one can pass through.
The only appropriate place for riding on a piece of equipment is in a seat with a seat belt on. You should never ride on the running boards, ladders or drawbar. Material loaded on the vehicle, such as forms or masonry blocks, may shift and strike you, or you could be thrown off when moving over rough ground. The rule is: no seat, no ride.
Try this for show and tell
Take the group to a crane on the site, or where they can view moving equipment, and discuss how the equipment is safeguarded or if additional precautions should be taken.
Questions you can use to get them talking
· What can be done to keep personnel from being struck by a swinging
counterweight?
· What is the best way to ensure that a backing truck does not strike another object
or person?
· Why should you never trust the operator to see you?
· Has anyone ever had an accident, or know of one, involving moving equipment?
If you would like more information or have safety-related questions, contact your local Liberty Northwest
loss prevention consultant or call our loss prevention consulting center at 866-761-2141.
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