MIOSHA 29th Michigan Worker Death of 2017
We are so saddened to see that MIOSHA has recently posted the 29th Michigan Worker Death of 2017. That death being a 25-year-old roofer from Ludington, MI. “While installing roofing materials on a steep pitched residential roof, the roofer fell approximately 15 feet to the lower level.” He was not wearing fall protection at the time of the fall and later succumbed to his injuries on November 21st.
As commercial roofing installers and fall protection advocates, we cannot stress enough the importance of fall protection when working on elevated areas. Even the most experienced employee can have a minor trip-up that leads to a fall.
We offer facility evaluations to highlight areas in which your facility needs to have fall protection, followed by a proposal of custom solutions that fit any facilities needs; big or small. Please call us with any questions you may have!
A Cause for Celebration
YIKES! We had a NEAR MISS – let’s CELEBRATE!!!!
We do not actually break out into a “happy dance” or have a pizza party when we have a “near miss”, but we do actually celebrate the fact that the system we put in place years ago of encouraging our field employees to speak freely to management about near misses is successful. Springfield requires that all near misses are documented and discussed with the management team. This is done in a non-judgmental, non-condescending manner. While Springfield management has learned quite a bit from extensive OSHA and MI-OSHA training and certifications, we sometimes feel that we learn the most from our own employees and their day in, day out experiences of “hands on” construction work. We honor the men and women who work at construction jobs and we hope the attached “near miss” form will help some of you to develop a culture at your workplace where worker safety is embraced and where near misses are treated as opportunities for improvement.
Duro-Last, Inc. Admiral Club Award for 2016
Duro-Last®, Inc. Honors Springfield Construction with Admission to the Admiral Club
SAGINAW, MICHIGAN – In recognition of outstanding achievement in quality workmanship, customer satisfaction, and 2016 sales volume, Duro-Last, Inc. recently welcomed Springfield Construction to the Admiral Club. Inductees were honored during Duro-Last’s National Sales Seminar held at Loews Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando, Florida, January 29-31, 2017.
“Every year at the Duro-Last Sales Seminar, I am reminded of how our contractors are “Best in Class,” and Springfield Construction is a perfect example of that,” said Duro-Last Chairman of the Board Jack Burt. “Springfield Construction has been consistently going above and beyond for their customers with high-quality work and integrity. We are excited to see what they accomplish in the next year as an authorized Duro-Last contractor.”
About Duro-Last, Inc.
Known as the “World’s Best Roof®”, Duro-Last, Inc. is the world’s largest manufacturer of custom prefabricated, thermoplastic single-ply roofing systems. Factory controlled custom prefabrication eliminates up to 85% of field seams, resulting in lower on-site labor costs and easier installation. This highly sustainable and extremely durable roofing system is leak-proof, virtually maintenance-free and resistant to chemicals, fire, punctures, and high winds. Over two billion square feet of Duro-Last membrane has been installed throughout North America. Duro-Last is headquartered in Saginaw, Michigan with additional manufacturing facilities in Grants Pass, Oregon; Jackson, Mississippi; Sigourney, Iowa; Carrollton, Texas; and Ludlow, Massachusetts. For more information on Duro-Last, call 800-248-0280 or visit www.duro-last.com.
LadderAnchor Press Release
January 29, 2017
Orlando, Florida
Loews Pacific Universal Resort in beautiful Orlando, Florida was the site for the 2017 Duro-Last Roofing National Sales Seminar and Awards banquet. Springfield Inc., a long time winner of quality contractor awards and numerous awards for sales volume climbed another run on the ladder to success with the introduction of the LADDERANCHOR.
The LADDERANCHOR is their recently patented device that attaches to roof making it impossible for a ladder to slip and fall. This product was developed by Springfield Inc. in efforts to keep their own employees safe. Duro-Last Roofing, a progressive roofing manufacturer and supply company noticed the product while doing rooftop inspections of Springfield products.
“We are honored and pleased that the LADDERANCHOR was selected as a featured product for the 2017 Sales Seminar” stated Nick Jacqmain, Springfield President. “We love partnering with Duro-Last to help keep workers safe.”
The 16th Michigan Worker Death of 2016
The 16th Michigan worker death of 2016 occurred on August 10, 2016. Employers and employees are urged to use extreme care and safety diligence in all work activities. The information below shares preliminary details about the most recent fatality reported to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA). The description reflects information provided to MIOSHA at the initial report of the incident and is not the result of the official MIOSHA investigation.
Preliminary summary of incident: On August 10, 2016, a 48-year-old roofer was working at the edge of a roof and fell approximately 17-feet.
We extend our sincere sympathy and best wishes to the family of the deceased roofing employee. Accidents do sometimes happen despite the best efforts to keep people safe from falls. At Springfield we have tremendous respect for the inherent dangers of our occupation and are humbled and saddened to hear of the loss of a fellow roofer.
Hydration
Mother Nature has unleashed record-breaking heat on us. Our Roofing crews were battling extreme temperatures in East Jordan, Traverse City and Elk Rapids this past week. We have compiled a few highlights from our safety meeting on hydration we thought may be helpful to anyone working or playing outside in our Michigan communities.
Before Work: Drink 16 oz. water 2 hours before activity and then 8-16 oz. just before starting work.
During work: Drink 4-16 oz. every 15-20 minutes and take in at least 1 gram per hour sodium (Gatorade/powerade, etc) during heavy activity (more during high humidity). Check in with your body from time to time to be sure you are sweating (if you stop sweating, this could indicate a problem); and that your urine is clear (this ensures you are well hydrated).
After Work: Continue to drink water throughout your time off work to speed up the rehydration process.
Michigan Worker Death
The 16th Michigan worker death of 2016 occurred on August 10, 2016. Employers and employees are urged to use extreme care and safety diligence in all work activities. The information below shares preliminary details about the most recent fatality reported to the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA). The description reflects information provided to MIOSHA at the initial report of the incident and is not the result of the official MIOSHA investigation.
Preliminary summary of incident: On August 10, 2016, a 48-year-old roofer was working at the edge of a roof and fell approximately 17-feet.
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We extend our sincere sympathy and best wishes to the family of the deceased roofing employee. Accidents do sometimes happen despite the best efforts to keep people safe from falls. At Springfield we have tremendous respect for the inherent dangers of our occupation and are humbled and saddened to hear of the loss of a fellow roofer.
“BUTTS” on the Roof
Recently a rooftop fire consumed a restaurant in Grand Rapids Michigan that was caused by a roofing contractor smoking while handling combustible materials.
When you hire Springfield, the only “BUTTS” you will see on your industrial facility rooftop are those of the hardworking men and women of northern Michigan who are hustling around and getting things done for you, our valued clients. We have a strict “no smoking” policy. The lack of cigarette “butts” on your rooftop will enable our Springfield crews to cover your “ASS-ets” in the best, safest method possible. The “butts” we bring to your rooftop are not flammable and will not damage your facility.
Michigan Rooftop Safety: “These boots are made for walking”.
When your employees are strolling, ambling, trudging, and trekking “Out on the roof” of your building, please know that Springfield can help them stay safe (and help you stay in OSHA compliance) with Duro-Last Walk Pads. If you have employees who need to stride, hike, stomp, or sashay across your rooftop as part of their regular job duties you need our Walk Pads.
If you depend on HVAC subcontractors to dawdle, wander, prowl, and traipse across your roof to check on and repair air conditioner units or heating units you need our Walk pads. In fact, as a building owner, you have a legal responsibility to keep people on your rooftops safe from slips and falls. Good news!!! The Duro-Last walk pads, while relatively inexpensive and easy to install, reduce slip and fall accidents by 80%. Saunter on over to the “contact us” portion of our website and give us the opportunity to “walk” you through our roof top safety plan which includes the famous Duro-Last Walk Pads.
Roofing in Michigan: Performing Re-Roof Jobs in Windy Conditions

We love performing re-roof projects in Cadillac, Michigan. The spring weather does bring some very strong WINDS to northern Michigan. Here are some items to consider for windy day roofing.
- Double and triple check all trucks and trailers to make sure the load is securely fastened to the vehicle.
- Tie off your ladder – – attach it to the Springfield Ladder Anchor to ensure the ladder doesn’t slip, slide, or kick out on your employees
- Only load the rooftop with materials that are absolutely essential for that day’s work – – keep those items secure on the rooftop
- Use caution when opening bunks of ISO – – whether on the ground or the rooftop, a single piece of ISO can quickly blow away.
- Is there an area of the rooftop that is sheltered from the wind? Perhaps the rooftop materials can be stored there?
It is important to consider the project when doing a windy day risk assessment. Most of all, weight down your skinny employees by putting some heavy rocks in their tool belts.
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