MIOSHA 29th Michigan Worker Death of 2017
Written by SpringfieldNovember 28, 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
Written by SpringfieldAugust 4, 2017 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.
DIY – watch this video and Do It Yourself (DIY)
Written by SpringfieldJuly 13, 2017 
All of us on social media have seen these do it yourself instructions ranging from removing unwanted facial hair to building a backyard volcano for your kids. From taming a wild dog to making lasagna that will even impress your grouchy mother-in-law. Sadly, there is a vast amount of DIY roofing information circulating around on social media.
Please call Springfield before trying any DIY roofing! Working on elevated, uneven surfaces is a dangerous and life threatening endeavor. While DIY is fine for learning how to knit a sweater or tie-dye your old tennis shoes, your safety and life is worth more than the cost of our FREE estimates.
Beat the Heat
Written by SpringfieldJuly 7, 2017
The “DOG DAYS OF SUMMER” are closing in on our talented and physically fit team of construction workers. Our team frequently works without shade which intensifies the heat exponentially. Here are some tips to help you beat the heat
- Drink water early, often and frequently – at least 20 ounces every hour
- When on break, get into the shade or an air conditioned vehicle (if possible)
- Wear synthetic, light colored, athletic clothing that wicks the heat and sweat away from your body
- Come to work well rested and hydrated (note: alcohol consumption the night before work will hinder hydration)
- Take shorter and more frequent breaks
- Take it seriously: Know the signs of heat stress and monitor yourself and co-workers
- Speak up if you notice yourself or a co-worker struggling with any heat related issues
Workplace Safety
Written by SpringfieldJuly 7, 2017 “HONK FOR WORKPLACE SAFETY” signs lined the side of U.S. 31 in Charlevoix after a large 
crane tipped over at a cement plant. No one was hurt. Construction workers from all over Michigan picketed to raise awareness for construction safety. They have reason to be concerned. Without proper precautions, construction can be a dangerous endeavor. Springfield holds its own employees and construction workers everywhere in high regard. We have professional engineers on staff to design, implement, and install fall prevention systems inside and outside of industrial facilities. Springfield Inc. helps clients with rooftop safety programs that keep people safe as well as keeping our commercial clients in compliance with OSHA. We do it all and can help you without costing you an “ARM and a LEG.”
Duro-Last, Inc. Admiral Club Award for 2016
Written by SpringfieldMarch 28, 2017 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.
Learning From Each Other
Written by SpringfieldMarch 17, 2017 “If you are going to ask someone for their opinion, you need to be willing to listen.” Terry Umlor, CEO and founder of Springfield Inc.
Northern Michigan Winters tend to slow down the progress of roof installations. While we do get a few nice “roofing” days in January and February, the Springfield management team is challenged to keep our dedicated and faithful field employees’ busy helping at the shop to minimize/eliminate having to lay them off during the dead of winter. One successful project has been developing our training program. Our field employees serve as our best consultants for this endeavor.
Many facets make up the Springfield training program. Certainly OSHA training, equipment certifications, and scheduled hands-on sessions are key components. However, LISTENING and LEARNING to feedback from our field people is perhaps the most critical component of The Springfield Training Program. We learn our “best practices” from the folks making it happen in the field. Because we listen and learn from our installation team, our training program manual will never be found covered with dust sitting on the back shelf of the storage closet. It is a living, breathing, moving set of documents used frequently and updated regularly
LadderAnchor Press Release
Written by SpringfieldFebruary 22, 2017 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.”
Cold Weather is Coming
Written by SpringfieldNovember 28, 2016 
Winter is approaching/there is still time…….
Winter is rapidly approaching. Up north in Michigan, we know you are busy at home on the weekends putting away your patio furniture, taking your boats out of the lake, and doing last minute projects around the outside of your house before the white stuff arrives. What about at work? Check out the above photo of ice sickles hanging off the side of an industrial building. Does your work building have large ice sickles hanging off it during the winter? Springfield can help alleviate the heat loss which causes that dangerous ice from forming, creating a safer work environment. An added bonus is your utility bills will be lower too. It’s not too late to “Get R Done” before winter. Call us at Springfield. WE can help!
The 16th Michigan Worker Death of 2016
Written by SpringfieldSeptember 9, 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.
