Fast Track
Don't Wait...Certify Your Crane Operators with MBI!!

Time is quickly running out for crane operators and their employers to meet the crane operator certification requirements outlined in 29 CFR 1926.1427 Cranes and Derricks in Construction by the deadline of November 10, 2017. 
 
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, any person engaged in a construction activity who is operating a crane must be certified.  Certification for crane operators requires a written exam that includes the safe operating procedures and technical understanding of the subject matter, as well as a practical exam showing the applicant has the skills needed to safely operate the equipment.  In addition to the operator certification requirement, employers are required to ensure that their crane operators are competent to operate a crane safely.
 
Master Builders of Iowa has partnered with Associated Training Services (Sun Prairie, WI), the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (Fairfax, VA), and Terex Cranes (Waverly, IA) to offer Mobile Crane Operator Certification on September 12-16, 2016 in Waverly, IA. This course will provide all of the training, written exams, and practical exams required for operators of Hydraulic Fixed and Hydraulic Swing Cab cranes.
 
For additional information on this course, or to reserve a seat, please contact MBI Director of Education, Tom Fulcher at 515.657.4395 or tfulcher@mbionline.com.

Need Training?  Share Your Ideas with MBI and Enter for a Chance to Win $250!
High Winds Reminder
Legislature Completes Work for 2016 Session
Master Builders of Iowa is in the midst of surveying our members regarding their education needs. The goal of this survey is to assist us in developing valuable and timely training programs through 2017.

We value and appreciate the input of member firms' employees as we work to build the training curriculum for the association, so we ask that you take a moment to complete the Education Needs Survey prior to Monday, June 13, 2016 using the link HERE. 
 
To thank you for taking the time to provide your input, each individual who completes the survey will be entered into a drawing to win a $250.00 Home Depot gift card!
As we begin to roll into warmer weather, we also become more susceptible to high winds and storms popping up quickly. Contractors need to remember that there are more than just one or two items that need to be monitored when it comes to excessive winds. A few job site components to constantly monitor include the following:
 
1.)  Masonry walls being constructed need to be properly supported to guard from falling. This includes a limited access zone being constructed throughout the duration, including the height of the wall plus at least four feet, and running the entire length of that wall.
2.)  Loose debris and lighter items on roofs, or upper areas of construction, need to be secured to prevent them from getting airborne. This is not only to protect the adjacent work and other construction personnel, but the public as well.
3.)  Ensure all swing type doors and windows are securely closed and locked. Each year, thousands of small claims injuries occur because of doors flying open and striking employees in the work area.
4.)  Secure all job site fencing, barricades and warning lines to ensure they do not strike adjacent work, construction personnel or public areas nearby.
5.)  Monitor wind speeds and review all load characteristics for anything that is to be airborne via a crane. The crane operator has the final say on if a pick is safe, but all personnel are responsible for ensuring it's done properly and with as minimal risk as possible. If it is in question, save it for another day. No pick is worth the risk of the consequences that could follow.
 
Keep these things in mind when severe weather is on the horizon. Remember to never cut corners when it comes to safety and to make your job sites safe for everyone involved.
The Legislature took a little longer than expected to conclude its work for the year, but did finally adjourn on Friday, April 29th. From MBI's perspective, there were some highlights and some close calls this past session. One issue in particular would have scooped $232 million from the RIIF fund over the next 13 years for water quality initiatives. In response, over 300 MBI members expressed their concerns to House members.
 
CLICK HERE to read a more comprehensive summary of the 2016 legislative session.
  Master Builders of Iowa | P: 515-288-8904| F: 515-288-2617 | Email | Website
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