safety Archives

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.

Springfield photo of Dog shaking water off

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 this summer:

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

Springfield fall protection anchor points

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. Thankfully, 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.”

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

Closeup of man shoe. Man stepping from a yellow ladder on to a white roof. Ladder is secured by a Springfield Ladder Anchor.

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.”

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.

Hydration

Written by SpringfieldAugust 29, 2016

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

Written by SpringfieldAugust 19, 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.

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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.

Michigan Rooftop Safety: “These boots are made for walking”.

Written by SpringfieldJune 2, 2016

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.

Traverse Bay storm clouds taken by Springfield

Roofing in Michigan: Performing Re-Roof Jobs in Windy Conditions

Written by SpringfieldMay 20, 2016

Storm from Traverse City — Michigan Storms come on quick and Springfield is ready! This picture is of a storm in Traverse City Michigan.

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.