ABC Pelican is one of 68 chapters of a national construction industry trade association representing more than 21,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy in 1980, the Pelican Chapter helps our members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, profitably, and for the betterment of the communities in which we work.
Merit Shop is a way of doing business in which companies reward employees based on performance and encourage them to reach their highest level of achievement, and in which contracts are awarded based on safety, quality and value, regardless of labor affiliation.
MERIT TheABCLAABCMESSAGESHOPPage5Page11LegislativeWeekStateConventionBusinessofDiningPelicanChapter, Associated Builders & Contractors ABC AT THE BEACH - 2022 STATE CONVENTION Inside this issue
Merit Shop Message | SummerPage20228Summer 2022 BRTC Graduation Page 18 Suicide Prevention Month Page 27 Law Update Page 32
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MERIT SHOP MESSAGESUMMER2022Editorial/Design Macie Morgan Writers & Contributors Joe Delaune, LSFM John Andrishok, Taylor Porter Rita Colorito Janie Arceneaux David BrennaHelvestonLeMaireJoshRounds Editorial/Subscription/Advertising mmorgan@abcpelican.com A Letter from the Chair 3 ABC Legislative Week 5 The Business of Dining 8 ABCLA State Convention 11 2021-22 BRTC Graduation 18 Suicide Prevention Month 27 Law Update 32 LSFM Update 33 Political Update 36 New Members 39 Chair Josh Rounds Performance Contractors Chair Elect Bryan Knost Wood Group Secretary Scott Callaway Cajun Industries Treasurer Ryan Girouard Hancock Whitney Bank Vice Chair Education Lance Arvel EXCEL Group Vice Chair Membership Growth Seth LEMOINELemoine Vice Chair Member Services JohnBrownFreeman&Root Vice Chair GovernmentalRelations JohnMMRCassagneGroup Vice Chair Outlying Area Donnie Braud L.S. Womack Immediate Past Chair Shawn WorshamWorley Ben Brown Turner Industries Beau Leitner Doyle Electric Adam Landry PALA - Interstate Scott McKnight BXS Insurance Lauren Champagne EXCEL Group Wes Mincin Performance Contractors Andrew Thompson ISC Constructors Ben Fromenthal Great River Industries Michelle Hardy Turner Industries Danny Campbell Triad Electric & Controls Alternate Board Members: Lance Glaseer Performance Contractors Legal Counsel: Murphy J. Foster, III Breazeale, Sachse & Wilson, LLP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2 Table of Contents CONNECT WITH US! abcpelicanabcpelicanabcpelicanabcpelican
We inform the
industryconstructiontheopportunitiesofthansoonergeneration,nextratherlater,thejobhasto
The Louisiana construction industry is a booming and thriving one because of its current leaders and I know we can all agree we would like to see this pattern of progress continue. But how do we do that?
ABC Pelican is hosting another Build Your Future Day on October 20th at the Lamar Dixon Expo Center. I encourage each of you to consider having a presence and displaying your company’s services at this event so you can be a part of shaping the next generation of the construction workforce. For more information, you can reach out to the ABC Pelican Training Center. from 2022 ABC Pelican Chairman
After talking to many companies and interacting with some of the attendees, it became evident that the increase in the construction workforce shortage numbers was a result of the lack of information young people have about the construction industry and its jobs.
offer. We must engage in career fairs at local colleges, Build Your Future Days hosted by ABC Pelican, attend events with Construction Management students, improve our industry image, inform high school counselors of the infinite careers in construction, and take the time to talk to the next generation of the construction workforce. My children are ages 23, 19 and almost 16. I promise you I have recruited many of their friends into the industry and certainly shed some light on opportunities providing them with viable options. They need to understand that construction is simply the service we provide and our business’ are run like any other out there.
3 A letter
by: JOSH ROUNDS, PERFORMANCE CONTRACTORS
How can we inform school age students about a fulfilling career in construction? As we approach October, Careers in Construction month, I can’t help but reflect on my own rewarding career. I am reminded of the impact we have on our next generation and how we as an industry and association can positively influence and inform them of the fulfillment they will also receive from a construction career.
As an 18-year-old high school graduate, I had no idea of the impact choosing a career in construction would have on my life. Almost 30 years later, I wake up each day thankful for my career in this industry, the lessons it has taught me, and the people I have met and formed relationships with along the way.
Construction is one of the few industries with a large variety of jobs that all look different –giving students and future graduates the option to explore a plethora of career paths all within one industry. From laborers, to site managers, to project managers, to accounting, to finance, to marketing, to flying drones, to technology specialist, a career in our industry can look different for each individual. In March, I had the pleasure of attending the Spring Build Your Future Day hosted by the ABC Pelican and ABC Bayou Training Centers. For those of you who have not attended, this is a day where contractors and suppliers from all over the state gather to teach high school aged students about the construction industry and specifically the career opportunities it has to offer.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT & THE NEXT GENERATION
the
Building for a better tomorrow means performance at the highest level. We've given our all to power the standard of safety and quality in our industry forward, and now we’re driving that consistency and commitment full force into the future. Through innovative industrial construction, TPerformance hrough Performance Contractors is dedicated to implementing solutions that lower our carbon footprint and enhance all that the Energy Transition industries offer the world, so we can build a path to a better, greener future for all.
THE RIGHT WAY
ABC OF LOUISIANA HEADS
TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
Representatives from member companies such as Performance Contractors, Cajun Industries, Group Industries, EXCEL Group, Brown & Root Industrial, Wood Group, Turner Industries, CIS Industries and Postlethwaite & Netterville, attended an Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Summit, a few legislative breakout sessions, a Free Enterprise Alliance Reception and of course, Legislative Day on the Hill.
BY: MACIE MORGAN, MANAGER
JUNE 2022
|
Seven of the eight members of the Louisiana Congressional Delegation and their staff attended the ABC of Louisiana hosted lunch at the Capitol Hill Club on Wednesday, July 15. ABCLA members met with Senator Bill Cassidy and a member of Senator John Kennedy’s staff, United States Representatives, Steve Scalise, Clay Higgins, Mike Johnson, Julia Letlow and Garret Graves. We were able to squeeze in a little fun in D.C. with some member dinners, a tour of the United States Capitol and some nighttime electric scooter riding around the monuments in D.C. Thank you to ABC National for hosting an incredible week in D.C. and thanks to our members that were able to come up for the week. We hope to see more of you there next year.
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In June the Pelican and Bayou chapters headed to Washington D.C. for ABC National’s Legislative Week. Legislative Week is a chance for members to engage with top political leaders and experts and meet with their U.S. Representatives and Senators to advocate for the critical policy priorities of ABC and the meritshop construction industry.
COMMUNICATIONS
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BY: BRENNA LEMAIRE, SERVICES COORDINATOR of Dining
MEMBER
8
| MAY 2022 The Business
Our Young Professionals had the opportunity to learn “The Business of Dining” with Mrs. Jill Rigby from Manners of the Heart on May 24th at the Embassy Suites of Baton Rouge. Photographer, Don Kadair, was also setup to take Headshots of those in attendance. It was a lunch filled with laughter, tips and tricks, new linkedin profile pics and a little singing to remember the important things! Our YP’s had a great time learning the basics of business dining from salads and apps all the way to dessert and the check. As professionals attending meals on sometimes a weekly basis, we gained knowledge on the proper and polite way to conduct business in a restaurant setting.
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ABC AT THE BEACH - STATE CONVENTION 2022
BY: MACIE MORGAN, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER | JULY 2022
Per usual, the convention started on Wednesday evening with check-in and a Welcome Reception, sponsored by Bottom Line Equipment. Attendees enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while mingling with other attendees and preparing for a busy next two Thursdaydays. morning started off BIG with our Keynote Breakfast, sponsored by BXS Insurance, featuring Lone Survivor, Marcus Luttrell. Marcus recapped his life and what ultimately led him to the decision to become a Navy SEAL. Marcus was joined on stage by United States Air Force Reserves Major Torrey Garrison, who is also the Vice President of EHS and Leadership Development at Performance Contractors. After the Keynote Breakfast, attendees set in on a Why Mental Health Matters Educational Session, presented by ABC National’s Vice President of Health, Safety, Environment and Workforce Development, Greg Sizemore. Following that session, attendees heard from Milton Graugnard, Cajun Industries, Fred McManus, Brown & Root and Greg Sizemore, ABC National in an Executive Roundtable Discussion around merit shop, workforce development, training, and the impact of ABC on Thursday’sbusiness.educational sessions ended with a local and national political update from our very own Carson DeLarue, ABCLA Director of Governmental Affairs and ABC National’s Vice President of Legislative and Political Affairs, Kristen Swearingen. The much-anticipated Margaritaville themed Casino Night was on Thursday night following the PAC Cocktail Reception. Attendees enjoyed “cheeseburgers in paradise” before gearing up for a little friendly competition at the tables. The first place winner was awarded to Daryl Williams with MAPP, second place went to Rachel Smith with Griffin Dewatering, John Cassagne, MMR Group, won third place, Derek Foret, Hannis T. Bourgeois, took home fourth place, and last but certainly not least, Josh Zumo with Cajun Industries took home fifth place.
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For the last 37 years, ABC Bayou and ABC Pelican members have packed up for a week and headed to the beach. Whether Florida or Alabama, many ABC of Louisiana members can be found enjoying the sun, sand and fun, every year, at the end of July.
ABC of Louisiana hosted our 37th Annual State Convention on July 27-29. With the efforts of the ABCLA State Board, the Pelican, and Bayou Chapter and of course, the convention committee this year’s convention was, yet again, a success!
After an eventful Thursday night, we turned our attention towards family day! Friday morning started with a breakfast for all attendees and their families. Jon Forester with Reiss Lemieux, Adrian D’Arcy with D’Arcy | Vicknair and John Andrishok with Taylor Porter hosted a Construction Legal Panel and Kyle Love hosted an educational session around emotional intelligence. Friday afternoon we headed down to the beach for the crowd favorite – BEACH BASH! We started the afternoon off with sandcastle building contests (congratulations to the Thames Family and “Pompei” for winning the contest)! Following the sandcastle building was a few dodgeball tournaments, tug of war, mullet toss (congratulations to Chris De La Bretonne – boy’s division winner, Cassidy Canella – girl’s division winner and Chase Clement – adult division winner). And last, but certainly not least, the much anticipated and most exciting part of the day – the Pelican vs. Bayou annual volleyball tournament. After a hard fight, covered in sand and sweat the Pelican Chapter remained the reigning champs for the third year in a row! It was a great effort from both teams, and we look forward to bringing the trophy home again next year.
The Convention ended Friday night with Family Night! Families enjoyed dinner, games, face painting and dancing. Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s convention. It was a great time filled with education, networking and a lot of fun. Save the date for next year – July 19-21, 2023 at The Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama. 12
ABC AT THE BEACH CONTINUED 13
14 ABC AT THE BEACH CONTINUED
Exceeding GovernmentShopMaintenanceConstructionSurpassingExpectations,Standards.Civil,StructuralServices,Mechanical,E&I,andMidstream/PipelineMechanical,E&I,andPlantServicesFabricationCertifiedwithASMECodeStamps,‘S’and‘U’aswellas‘R’and‘NB’certifiedfromtheNationalBoardofBoiler&PressureVesselInspectors&Infrastructure p 985.252.3400 | f 985.252.3401 | e www.res-usa.netinfo@res-usa.net
October is Careers in Construction Month, which is a nationwide campaign designed to educate the public about the opportunities available for a craft professional. ABC Pelican partners with local contractors, industry professionals, suppliers and other educational entities to host Build Your Future Day in celebration of Careers in Construction Month. Hundreds of students come from all over Louisiana to learn, through question and answer with industry experts and hands-on activities, what a career in the construction industry looks like. These real-life examples and in-depth conversations give students a better understanding of the career opportunities in the industry.
Dual enrollment programs are also a great way for students to get a head start on their career. Trade schools and high schools partner to help students prepare for the next step before they have taken said step. Starting as early as ninth grade at some schools, students can begin preparing for their desired craft before graduation, putting them one step closer to entering the workforce, and sooner than expected. Construction occupations offer high earning potential, and more importantly, great long-term career pathways. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for a construction occupation in the U.S. is $45,760. Yet many construction occupations earn even higher salaries with craft professionals like electricians and pipefitters averaging around $30 an hour.
BY: DAVID HELVESTON, PRESIDENT/CEO, ABC PELICAN FROM THE PRESIDENT
WHAT A HIGH SCHOOL COUNSELOR SHOULD KNOW ABOUT A CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION
Soon-to-be high school graduates can start their postsecondary education through earn-while-you-learn opportunities. Meaning, most trade schools offer the flexibility to work while you continue your education. With recent college graduates taking on an average of $32,000 in student loans, the construction industry’s education model is appealing to young people looking to join the workforce without mounds of student debt. In sometimes less than a year, students can earn industry-based certifications, which are recognized at jobsites across the country. Through on-the-job and classroom components, the construction industry emphasizes lifelong learning and challenges workers to learn new techniques and advance professionally.
I have been provided with the opportunity to speak regularly with groups of high school guidance counselors and career coaches in Louisiana. Over the past few decades, there has been a “four-year university degree or bust” mentality when advising students. The preference for the university route was ingrained in our society and incentivized in high school accountability policies.
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LETTER
Lately, I hear from more and more counselors who realize the folly of that guidance. They passionately make the case that there are many pathways to prosperity and fulfillment in careers that do not require an expensive four-year degree and mountains of student debt. They tell me that, unlike many industries, construction offers endless opportunities for young men and women to get started right out of high school and continue their education as they advance in their careers. As the workforce shortages in the construction industry continue to increase, it is more important than ever to inform the next generation of the possibilities a career in construction can offer them. This starts in high school when students are trying to determine what they will do next. For high school students seeking to build America with their own hands, there is no better time to join the construction industry than right now. There are currently an estimated 430,000 open construction positions in the U.S. There are numerous career paths available in the construction industry: welders, electricians, pipefitters and heavy equipment operators, just to name a few.
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Tyler JoshuaKevinMichaelAlbertCourtneyJaxonChrisAlejandroJerardinRamonMichaelJonathonLonnieJohnDallasLionelJaxonRyanKontrellAndreTreylonDarrienDonaldEmmanualBrunoDonanHarrisonHendersonJacksonJacquesJohnsonLeBlancLeBlancLegnonLeslieLongoriaMosbyNewsomParkerRodriguezRodriguezRubalcavaSalpietraSchexnayderSoutherlandStellJr.TeagueThamesVining
Borden
Trent TommyHaydenBuquoiFreyJones III Kade DerrickLucasBrandonChristianBrennanDwyaneJumonvilleMylesOubreRawlsSkeltonStellyWard
Spring 2021 Welding Level 1: Hunter CarringtonAmond“Mason”
Jean CarvisKyleWarrenDomingueEysterHatcherHawkins
In June, the Baton Rouge Training Center hosted a graduation for the 2021-2022 students. Over 100 students walked across the stage and are ready to enter the workforce. Thank you to our Keynote Speaker, Kenny Freeman with Brown & Root, for joining us on graduation night. We are so proud of all of our students and look forward to seeing them excel in their career in construction.
Fall 2021 Welding Level 1: Charles Boles Sarah Carnley
BY: MACIE MORGAN, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER | JUNE 2022
William JermaineRonnieSaraTimothyAnnaCedrickShayneCharlesRyanEhtanDaleChanceCleoTylerFranciscoDrewGonzalezGreenHawkinsHayHollidayLeJeuneLogaMartinMcAlisterPatterson,Jr.PearsonPriceViningWilliamsWorley
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Spring 2021 Welding Level 2: Cecil Adams, II Wesley Baggett
Borden
Spring 2021 Welding Level 3: Chase Borres
TRAINING CENTER GRADUATION
Faith CarringtonBaudoin“Mason”
Fall 2021 Welding Level 2: Jonathon Newsom Ramon Rodriguez Brant Theriot Fall 2021 Welding Level 3: William Drew Joseph Hudson Ethan LeJeune Brett
OwenKadeReubenJosephSilasDanteBobbyDallasJadenJohnCarsonKeyesLandryMcCarstleReyesRopatiSmithSmithThompsonThompsonWilliamsWilliamsWilson
Spring 2022 Welding Level 1: Phillip Blount Klein
CyreseAshleyBaileySonsSpillersStewartVerdun
Spring 2022 Welding Level 3: Wesley Baggett
Cade DuntezAdrieanGarafolaWilliamsWilson Spring 2021 Electrical Graduates: Justin CadeDavidCorderoRobertHebertJohnsonOkelloSandersWilliamson
IssacDylanGarrettJaredCalebKanyunAshtonTristanBeauLandonJasonBresingerBuckleyDubeeGautreauHearldHenryHoffpauirKidderKlineLandryMackMarshallJr.
Gavin Mitchell Juan Moreno Kade JamesChristopherJevinKevinAlexanderSamuelNaquinPerrittRebstockTateTaylorWillisWoodward
Spring 2022 Welding Level 2: Charles Boles Dillon Bordelon Jean ReubenKadeJoshuaTravisDenzelJaxonCarvisDomingueHawkinsLeBlancParkerValentiViningWilliamsWilliams
Fall 2021 Electrical Graduates: Taylor NoahConnorKadenJohnTrumaineBraudBraudClouatreDarbonneHeylMiller
TRAINING CENTER GRADUATION CONTINUED 19 Brennan Hidalgo Destin Hughes Jared
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Electrical Graduates:
ToddStephenJustenChristepherKevinRuebenCeasarAustinGuidryHebertMillasMullinsMontoyaPayneRichardsonRoundsVincent
Spring 2022 Graduates: Sage Anderson Eric
Brayden Gill Cole Granier
Spring 2021 Beasley
Instrumentation Graduates: Dakota
Heavy Equipment Graduates:
Instrumentation
Jr.
Cody
21 TRAINING CENTER GRADUATION CONTINUED
Spring 2022 Waylie DereonAdamZaynJonathonBrandonBrandonLemoineNancePeavyPiersonSmith
Spring 2022
Tyler StephanieCristianAaronShaneCaesarLouqueMillasRodrigueTaylorTrahanValadez
GeremyDavidZaneRichardTaylorDunningtonMcClureMessinaRodgersSandersVercher
Trey JordanKodyRobertCortlandMichaelJonathonFrankieKeiaraBradleyJesseBercegayBerteauBrecheenCainCollinsCurtinFettermanGiardinaJohnsonKingLandry
Fall 2021 Millwright Graduates: Dean Breaux Tyler Corkern
Spring & Fall 2021 Heavy Samuel Daigle Denzel Raymond Farren Gomez, Jr. Brett KelliJonathonCharlesMilletSchexnayderWadeYork
Equipment Graduates:
RobertKellyMichaelKalebRobinAustinHallJamesKeyMaurelloPyleStewartToups
Seth
Fall 2021 Instrumentation Graduates: Jeffery Allen, Jr. Robert Arnold Joseph Aubin Billy JonathonBoyd Curtis Ryan
CecilTariusMatthewJohnHunterBlaineDeJuanBrandonAshtonBoudreauxBrooksClementGostonHenryLongMansonMartinMcKinley“Reed”Sturgeon,
SAFETY NOTICE
Three Ps of Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricanes are a part of life in Louisiana, but with the right preparation and the help of a solid workers’ comp insurance partner, they don't have to cause a complete disruption. Be prepared this season with LWCC. LWCC delivers best-in-class workers' comp insurance, focused not only on life-long care of an injured worker, but also on providing improved safety, health, and wellness to workers across the state. We are Louisiana Loyal. Always. remains dedicated to helping our state thrive, as we continue to better Louisiana one business and one worker at a time. Learn more about our commitment to Louisiana at lwcc.com/louisianaloyal.
Weathering the Storm
People Ensure all workers have clearly defined roles in the event of a Determinestorm. how you will pay workers in the absence of electronic payment options. Have a well-established evacuation plan. Property Fill fuel tanks of generators, fire pumps, and all company-owned vehicles. Remove debris and secure equipment and tools. Secure or reinforce all exterior building openings. Papers Invest in a cloud-based service to store digital copies of business records. Use fire and waterproof containers to protect physical copies. Ensure you can quickly locate any documents that may be needed for insurance or audit purposes following the storm.
With sustained winds ranging from 74 to over 150 mph, hurricanes can have not only costly, but also deadly consequences. For those in the construction industry, this is particularly true. When you find yourself in the path of an approaching storm, preparation is key and should cover the three P's: Keeping their business and people safe from the ravages of a hurricane should be top of mind for anyone operating in a vulnerable region. For a complete list of steps to take before, during, and after a hurricane, visit lwcc.com/hurricane.
Timothy East Destin D’Andre’HughesRobertson
Fall 2021 Mobile Crane Graduates: Danyn
Spring 2021 Project Coordinator Graduates: Brett GavynTrentJaredGabrielleSalomonFranciscoEdwardPeytonThadJonasRobertRandallCameronVenusAckmanAllenBassBreauxCazesCourvilleCoxHubbardJonesLechugaLopezMarksMeyersMichelSpiese
Spring 2021 Mobile Crane Graduates: Joshua Clark Jackie Clayton Dalton ChanceTerrellAkeemBrianBarryanFlurryFollinsForbesMitchellPoundsStelly
Jerome JonathonVeretWilliams
Spring 2022 Millwright Graduates: Elijah Ashcraft
23 TRAINING CENTER GRADUATION CONTINUED
Nolan WilfredoVictorGermanNicholasCageGaudinRamierzAndradeCarballeira
Trey GerjuanHoldenJosephLanoueTodd
Joel DavidDillonJamarrMendozaRileySavoieWomack
Fall 2021 Project Coordinator Graduates: Trent
Spring 2021 Construction Site Safety Technician Graduates: Veronica Acosta
Spring 2021 & 2022 Pipefitting Graduates
Torres Grant Durbin
CoyJaxonRogerLandonLorenLeonTelishaRyanRoarkeDuboisDunnGainesGainesHartHawesLandryLeonMooreThompson
ChadSandorJerretteNoelJonathonWesleyCodiDonaldBruceCesarNatoshaMatthewAlbaradoAllemanBougereCastilloCharletCourvilleJr.FitmanHarrisOchoa-RicoPatrickPopillionPorta,Jr.Price
Spring 2022 Mobile Crane Graduates: William Crotwell
James GerardBrandyCharlesDotsonJacksonJamesLaurent
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TRAINING CENTER GRADUATION CONTINUED
BobbieWaltonGuilloryHarveyRichmond
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Fall 2021 Construction Site Safety Technician
Graduates: Pete Adams Ifrail “Gus” Areviche George Burch William Elzy Ryan
Tyler Rosado
Spring 2022 Construction Site Safety Technician
“Mental health issues and suicide impact those in the C-suite to those on the concrete and everyone in between,” he says. “We cannot say that one group is impervious to this. It’s a cultural issue.”
But being stoic and pushing through mental anguish doesn’t mean you’re mentally tough. Ignoring mental health is not the solution, says Greg Sizemore, ABC National’s vice president for environment, health, safety and workforce development.
THE MENTAL
The result is the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, a stand-alone, nonpartisan nonprofit. The CIASP is governed by a volunteer board of trustees made up of contractors, association representatives and union representatives. Sizemore currently serves as board chair.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP YOUR TEAM 27
“There are many costs associated with not addressing mental health, including the financial impact on employees. There’s also an impact on the bottom line. Mental illness causes $193 billion in lost earnings every year. It’s up to 27 lost workdays per year,” says Sizemore.
Mental illness is a common issue across the socioeconomic spectrum. One in five U.S. adults experience a mental health illness in any given year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. For most adults, what mental illness looks like is anxiety and depression, affecting 18.1% and 6.9% of adults, respectively. Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are less common, affecting 1.1% and 2.6% adults, respectively. Even if your workforce is mentally healthy, suicide can also affect a construction worker’s family.
“The average suicide in America today affects somewhere around 25 people from the moment it happens,” says Sizemore.
Over the years, Sizemore, who also serves as a chaplain, has helped contractors manage suicide attempts or deaths by suicide across the construction pay scale— from apprentices to leadership.
The construction industry workforce has a reputation for being stoic. Put your head down, get the job done and go home at the end of a hard day.
It’s long past time to think of total human health and suicide prevention as part of jobsite safety, says Sizemore. Take this statistic: There are an estimated 10 to 12 suicides among construction workers every day. Suicide is largely preventable, but it requires everyone to do their part to recognize the symptoms and get atrisk people help, says Sizemore.
Preventing suicide
Building mental health resilience within your construction workforce starts with leadership, says “LeadershipSizemore. doesn’t mean the highest-ranking official in the organization. Leadership means the highest-ranking person that your workforce comes in contact with on a daily basis,” he says. “The real leadership challenge is for everyone in the industry to acknowledge it’s OK to say ‘I’m not OK.’”
To this end, in 2016 the Construction Management Financial Association, of which Associated Builders and Contractors is a national member, decided to do something about being ranked as the top industry for worker suicide. ABC joined CMFA stakeholders across the industry, both merit shop and union, to make suicide prevention a priority.
publication
The most recent CDC data is startling. Over the past two decades, suicide rates have increased 33% across all sexes, races and ethnicities. In 2020, some 46,000 people died by suicide—one death every 11 minutes. An additional 1.2 million U.S. adults attempted suicide.
Reprinted with permission from Building Baltimore, a of ABC Greater Baltimore.
ABC has a memorandum of understanding with the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention to provide prevention resources as well as wraparound services for those recovering from a loss from suicide.
Overall, suicide was the second leading cause of death among people ages 10 to 14 and 25 to 34; the third leading cause of death among people ages 15 to 24; and the fourth leading cause of death among people ages 35 to 44. There were nearly twice as many suicides in the United States as there were homicides In Maryland, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death, according to the Governor’s Commission on Suicide Prevention 2020.
The human toll of ignoring mental health, says Sizemore, is equally devastating to the construction industry. Construction occupations have the highest rate of suicide, as well as the highest number of suicides across all occupational groups, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The rate of suicide for those working in construction is four times higher than the general population.
BY: RITA COLORITO HEALTH CRISIS IN CONSTRUCTION
Pledge to Prevent Suicide September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Take the pledge to STAND Up Against Suicide at PreventConstructionSuicide.com
THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS CONTINUED
“This initiative is labor-neutral. It is bipartisan. It is not political in any way, shape, form or fashion,” says Sizemore. “We took our patches off of our shirts and said we need to do something about this because this is a workforce issue. We’re talking about people’s Throughlives.” the CIASP, any contractor can get the resources it needs to improve mental health awareness and prevent suicide. The CIASP has partnered with LivingWorks Education to provide research and recommendations on best practices. Most resources through the CIASP are available online at PreventConstructionSuicide.com and at no charge. “Our mission is to achieve a goal of zero suicides in our industry. And we’re going to do that by equipping and empowering contractors and individuals to work in this space and feel comfortable navigating through this unchartered territory,” says Sizemore. With the help of the CIASP, ABC National rolled out a train-the-trainer program for chapter leaders this year. Through a pilot program, ABC trained 13 national staff members to train chapter staff and member firms in mental health awareness and suicide prevention “Our commitment as ABC is to have 50% of our chapters participate in 2022, to have that mental health champion on deck. Our intent is to get 100% of ABC chapters with a mental health champion on board by the end of first quarter of 2023,” says ButSizemore.thereare things that contractors can do starting today, says Sizemore, to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and boost mental resilience. Creating peer groups is one best practice that studies have found can build mental resilience. Sizemore suggests that construction teams hold quick debriefs at the end of each day.
The CAISP website also provides coping strategies for BeingCOVID-19.deemed an essential workforce during the COVID-19 lockdown was both a point of pride and an economic relief for construction workers. For some, it may also have contributed to pandemic-related stress and fear, says Sizemore. The mental health impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry remains to be “Weseen.don’t yet know the impact on society,” says Sizemore. “The CDC has said that it will be one to three years before we know the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the younger generation. So, we don’t know how this will affect their formative years and our future workforce.”
Any contractor who takes the pledge gets 10 free online courses through LivingWorks, a partner educational group, on how to recognize the symptoms of mental illness and suicide in the “It’sworkplace.thebest e-learning environment on this I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been doing this for 44 years,” says Greg Sizemore, who also serves as chairman of the board of trustees of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention.
“This allows your workforce to share what I call the peak-and-pit of the day. What was the thing that they knocked out of the park? What was the thing that gave you a little bit of a challenge, whether it’s professional or personal?” he says. “Over time what you will begin to see is that your workforce starts to feel comfortable enough to share difficult issues, such as a divorce or dealing with a child who has a substance abuse issue. Peer groups create the condition that helps break the stigma of talking about mental health, so employees feel safe asking for help.”
The COVID-19 Fallout
Focusing on the mental health of the construction workforce is part of creating a physically safe work environment, says Sizemore. “We’ve invested so much and come so far on job site safety. The next great hurdle is this total human health space, creating the conditions so that workers can go home in the same or better condition than when they showed up that “Theday.”construction industry is a significant contributor to the economy of this entire nation. And we cannot continue to ignore mental health issues because we’re uncomfortable talking about it,” says Sizemore. “There’s no other industry in America that can function without construction. So, let’s treat it with pride and the skill we know that we bring to the marketplace. And let’s take care of our workforce.”
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CALL 985.792.3000 FAX 985.792.3001 EMAIL info@ardent.us www.ardent.us Mission First. People Always. A premier provider of specialty electrical and instrumentation services across multiple process industries, Ardent is well known for its ability to furnish quality power, control and process automation services safely, on time and on budget. Protecting Health, Safety & the Environment is an integral part of our culture. The welfare of our employees and our environment is our leading core value.
Mental illness and suicide are complex topics. There’s no one reason why someone develops thoughts of suicide or self-harm. But the construction workforce has several risk factors for suicide, according to the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention. These include:
• Layoffs or seasonal work fluctuations. Loss of income or job loss can increase stress. Layoffs also mean employees may lose medical benefits and/or access to employee assistance programs.
If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, call, text or chat the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. As of July 16, 2022, it’s now the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) is also available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. It’s free of charge and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to anyone. All calls are confidential. You will be connected to trained counselors who will listen, provide support and connect you to additional resources if necessary. 30
• Veterans in the workforce. Veterans face a higher risk of suicide than the general population, with an estimated 22 deaths by suicide each day. Depending on their service area, between 11% to 20% of U.S. veterans have post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. PTSD is a suicide risk factor.
An Added Value to Your Company! THE MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS CONTINUED
Why The Construction Workforce Is At Risk
In Crisis? Call 9-8-8
• Being a 97% male-dominated industry. Men are nearly four times more likely than women to die by suicide. Men, especially white men in their early 20s through their 50s, account for the bulk of suicides. In 2018, 38% of construction workers in the United States were between the ages 45 and 64, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
• An aging workforce. “The average age of today’s construction worker falls somewhere between 42 and 47 years old. What we’ve seen in many of these seasoned professionals is that they’re in the workplace longer and they’re trying to still perform at the same level that they did some 20 years prior,” says Sizemore. “That can take a toll on them both physically and mentally. Oftentimes to cope they selfmedicate, either through legal or illegal substances.” Opioid use disorder is linked to an increased risk of a suicide attempt.
31 WE BUSINESS:POWER YOUR SOLUTIONE&I Westgate, LLC is the premier instrumentation and electrical specialty contractor in the Gulf South, safely delivering costeffective, customer-oriented services to our valued clients since 1974. We specialize in turnaround management, planning, scheduling, maintenance, and construction. We focus on cost control, reliability, quality, productivity, and safety. Our entire team utilizes the very latest management and construction technologies to help ensure that every project is completed on time and on budget! With safety and excellence as benchmarks, Westgate can power your business! ElectricalTurnarounds more!FiberInstrumentationoptics,and 1355 Beaulieu Lane, Port Allen LA 70767 Mail@westgatellc.com225-749-2635 Technical Assistance Project Management www.westgatellc.com
BY: JOHN ANDRISHOK | PARTNER, TAYLOR PORTER LAW FIRM
NAVIGATING IMPOSSIBLE INDEMNITY PROVISIONS A LAW UPDATE
An exception to the above, are contracts containing arbitration provisions. The courts have held that the Federal Arbitration Act preempts state statutes that require application of a particular state’s laws. See Ope Int’l LP v. Chet Morrison Contractors, Inc., 258 F.3d 443, 447-48 (5th Cir. 2001). Accordingly, if you have an arbitration provision in your contract, any choice of law provision will prevail. Fortunately, most states in the South, with the exception of Alabama, have similar (although not identical) anti-indemnity statutes. It should be noted that there is a split in the circuits as to whether LSA R.S. 9:2780.1 applies to DOTD contracts. See Salathe v. Par. of Jefferson Through Dep’t of Sewerage, 19-427 (La. App. 5 Cir. 7/15/20), 300 So.3d 460, 468.
In sum, when facing inflexible and unreasonable indemnity provisions, all is not lost. Determine what law applies and determine whether an antiindemnity statute exists which applies to your contract. In most circumstances, relief exists and the indemnity provisions are either unenforceable or greatly restricted.
32 Contractors, particularly in the industrial context, are often presented with construction contracts that owners or upstream EPC contractors are unwilling to modify to any significant extent. For public contracts, the owners are often unable to make changes due to public bid laws. These contracts often have onerous indemnity provisions which require contractors to indemnify the owner, its consultants and other contractors, from and against any and all claims arising out of the work, regardless of the fault of others. Fortunately, there are statutory protections in the form of antiindemnity statutes that render such provisions void. With respect to Louisiana, the Louisiana Anti-Indemnity Statute, LSA R.S. 9:2780.1, provides in part: “Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary and except as otherwise provided in this Section, any provision, clause, covenant, or agreement contained in, collateral to, or affecting a motor carrier transportation contract or construction contract which purports to indemnify, defend, or hold harmless, or has the effect of indemnifying, defending, or holding harmless, the indemnitee from or against any liability for loss or damage resulting from the negligence or intentional acts or omissions of the indemnitee, an agent or employee of the indemnitee, or a third party over which the indemnitor has no control is contrary to the public policy of this state and is null, void, and unenforceable.” In other words, broad indemnity provisions requiring contractors to indemnify others for damages due to the fault of others are generally unenforceable and can be disregarded. LSA R.S. 9:2780.1 contains a narrow exception, permitting such indemnity if insurance is required and is paid for by the party requesting the indemnity. But even then, the indemnity only applies to the extent there is available insurance. In order to take advantage of these protections, it is important to determine whether Louisiana Law applies to the contract. For public projects, if the work is to be performed in the State of Louisiana, Louisiana law will generally apply. See LSA R.S. 9:2776. For LSAshallLouisianaLouisiana,domiciledpartiescontractingandinbethecontracts,privateifworkistoperformedLouisianaoneoftheisinlawapply.SeeR.S.9:2779.
FIRED ABOUTUPFOAM BY:
The fire and building codes refer to spray foam as “foam plastic insulation.” This material is made with polyurethane, a flammable petroleum-based product that burns with intense heat that generates thick, dark, highly-toxic smoke. The burn rate can be slowed down with fire retardant additives, but it is still hard to stop once ignited. When installed, the codes require it to be covered with either a thermal barrier, which is a minimum ½ inch gypsum board, or with an intumescent coating, which is either painted or sprayed on. The provisions of IBC Section 2603 address these requirements and provide for alternative materials to be used as the barrier in specific applications or pre-manufactured products. Basically, the code requires any exposed foam plastic to be covered. This includes attic spaces, most crawl spaces, and spaces above suspended ceilings as well (lay-in ceiling tile does not qualify as the barrier). There is no exception for automatic sprinkler protection either. Sprinkler systems cannot be relied upon to extinguish these fires since the foam is typically placed above the sprinkler heads or placed in areas where exceptions were granted regarding sprinkler Mostcoverage.foam plastic insulation manufacturers have their products tested and listed for compliance with the thermal barrier or intumescent coating in place during the test. There may be a few products that contain enough additives to pass these tests without the barriers, however, they are very Partexpensive.ofthe problem is that installers of these products are not currently regulated. There are no licensing, testing, insurance, or certification requirements and the equipment is readily available for anyone to rent. This makes it much harder to get this information out. In summary, foam plastic insulation should be considered as a complete system that includes the barriers or coatings and not just the spray foam product alone. When spray foam is installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s literature, these requirements may or may not address the thermal barrier and intumescent coatings that are typically provided by other manufacturers. So we encourage you to be cognizant of this potential discrepancy when faced with the use of foam plastic insulation. We at the State Fire Marshal’s Office hope you can help us get ahead of this new trend surrounding spray foam by being informed, educating others, and advocating for safety with us. JOE DELAUNE STATE FIRE MARSHAL’S OFFICE
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CHIEF ARCHITECT 33
Spray foam is all the buzz in the construction world these days. And while it may work great as an insulator, it’s not so great for fire safety. Spray foam plastic insulation has gained in popularity across Louisiana and could dominate the industry once Act 635 of this past legislative session becomes effective on July 1, 2023. This Act adopts the latest Energy Codes that will apply to both one and two-family dwellings as well as commercial buildings. The 2021 Building Codes become effective January 1, 2023. The amendments and list of adopted codes can be found in the July publication of the Register under the Notice of Intent.
Constructive Solutions for Any Project Hannis T. Bourgeois, CPAs & Business Advisors Baton Rouge • Denham Springs • New Orleans • Hammond www.HTBCPA.com 225.928.4770
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Reprinted with permission from ABC National. Associated Builders and Contractors released the following statement on Senate Democrats’ “Inflation Reduction Act,” a $740 billion tax-andspending spree scheduled to pass in a partisan political process at a time when our economy is pointed toward recession.
In August, ABC sent a letter to Congress highlighting concerns in the bill, urging lawmakers to “reject the harmful policies included in the budget reconciliation package and work together to address the ongoing needs of our economy and hardworking Americans.”
BY: ASSOCIATED BUILDERS & CONTRACTORS
“Most critically, this bill penalizes employers that believe in fair and open competition and pay wages based on experience, quality and market rates, and also limits opportunities for the millions of construction workers who choose not to join a union,” said Swearingen. “Though the bill provides $250 billion in incentives for clean energy projects, 83% of the value of these credits lies in projects ABC members will be largely prevented or discouraged from participating in due to these labor restrictions.”
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“While the Democrats’ reconciliation proposal has undergone changes over the recent days, the package unfortunately would still impose anti-growth tax policies that fail to address the rate of inflation, supply chain snarls and workforce shortages disrupting the economy and construction industry,” said Kristen Swearingen, ABC vice president of legislative & political affairs.
DEMOCRATS’ RECKLESS RECONCILIATION PACKAGE WILL WORSEN INFLATION, NOT CURB IT
Target Zero – Safety Program Target Zero is a program designed with the Safety ME mindset for the overall safety of each employee. Doggett views safety as a core value and is dedicated to preventing accidents, eliminating hazards, and mitigating unsafe acts. Target Zero is the designation awarded to locations that achieve zero incidents in a calendar year. Qualifications for our locations are that they must work a calendar year without any recordable injuries or significant property/auto incidents. We have several locations that have reached four year achievements, which is commendable in this industry. In 2021, we had a total of 1 3 locations that quali fied for our annual Target Zero award!
Our Director of HSE, Jared Hiett, was interviewed by The Mission: Zero podcast which takes a deep dive with the industry's top experts into the health, safety, and environmental aspects of today’s workplace. Their Mission is to be a platform for new ideas and strategies, that when implemented, will improve our safety, our environment, and how we govern our businesses. Check out their YouTube for Jared’s episo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2qpZFTtuvsde:
We believe safety starts with M∑ and ends with M∑. It is M∑ who controls the safety of M∑ and others around M∑. The M stands for a mode which is a number that appears most often in a set of numbers, our teams strive for Zero accidents. The ∑ is the eighteenth letter in the Greek alphabet upper case ∑, and lower case ∂ both represent sigma. Sigma is a diverse symbol with many different implications depending upon the application. In physics, the quantum field theory represents the contribution to the pa rticle's energy, or effective mass, due to interactions between the particle and the system it is part of. We are all particles that make up mass, we control our mass and the energy around us.
Target Zero Article 2022
MAY - JULY 2022
Troop Industrial: Baton Rouge, LA
Electric Power Systems: Gonzales, LA EPS specializes in engineering design, commissioning, start up and maintenance testing for utility, industrial, transit, data centers, and commercial facilities.
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SMASHR Waste: Baton Rouge, LA Smashr Waste is a mobile compaction truck that reduces costly hauls of your container or roll-off dumpster with an inexpensive service, making it easier and more affordable for you to manage your open container waste.
WELCOME MEMBERS!
Mammoet USA South: St. Gabriel, LA Mammoet lifts, transports, installs and decommissions big objects so that thier customers can grow and maintain production capabilities and infrastructures in the safest and most efficient ways possible.
Sunbelt Rentals: Westlake, LA Sunbelt is the premiere rental equipment company in North America that offers diversified product mix including general construction equipment, industrial tools, pumps, power generation, climate control & HVAC, shoring solutions, scaffolding, remediation & restoration equipment and more.
Infrastructure Solutions Group: Gonzales, LA A veteran-owned electrical and community company serving the public and private sectors for clients like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Military installations, State Departments of Transportation, as well as industrial clients in the data, energy, and manufacturing segments.
Terral River Service: Baton Rouge, LA Terral River Service is equipped to transport, handle and store virtually any dry bulk commodity needed in the marketplace.
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Troop Industrial is in the heart of America’s energy production capital. We supply and serve with the best name brand materials in construction and petrochem expansions with high-level expertise and proven efficiencies. For over 20 years, Troop has earned the trust of steel fabricators, industrial contractors, EPC contractors, MRO facilities and engineers who rely on quality in products and performance.
The McDonnel Group: Metairie, LA
The McDonnel Group is an award winning general contractor that provides comprehensive commercial construction services. Some of their specialities include ground-up construction of new buildings, additions, interior and exterior renovations and remodeling.
Signal: Lafayette, LA Signal provides a full suite of world-class and industryleading security services for residential, commercial, retail and institutional customers.
Kiewit is one of North America’s largest and most respected engineering and construction organizations. Kiewit’s commitment to safety, quality and environmental stewardship are ingrained in everything we do. It’s visible in our core values, the work that we build and our people.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! MAY - JULY 2022 40
Kiewit Louisiana: New Orleans, LA
BuildingPoint Gulf Coast: Lafayette, LA BuildingPoint was founded on the principle of helping contractors and the construction industry build great projects by applying superior technology, know-how and support.
MGX Equipment Services: Baton Rouge, LA With 11 full-service locations in 9 states, MGX provides convenient access to new and used crane equipment, an extensive crane rental fleet, OEM crane parts and industry-leading crane repair and remanufacturing services for the nation’s top crane manufacturers.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS! MAY - JULY 2022
Express Employment Professionals: Baton Rouge, LA Express Employment Professionals is a leading staffer provider helping job seekers find work and helping businesses find qualified employees.
DLS Energy: Franklin, LA DLS holds a license in heavy construction for civil projects, along with coastal restoration and oilfield services. From land, river to the gulf, DLS can provide excellent service, equipment and personnel for your projects.
Roofs Restored USA, LLC: Hammond, LA Roofs Restored is one of the fastest growing roofing contractors in the south, with focus on shingle roofing, metal roofing, designer roofing, alternative roofing and more.
Elevator3: Baton Rouge, LA Elevator3 is an IT consulting firm located in Baton Rouge. They provide solutions for teams that provide valuable insight into their business processes.
Capitol Concrete Products: Baton Rouge, LA Louisiana’s source for all of your concrete block, concrete pipe, and concrete box culvert needs and are now offering concrete catch basins, curb inlets and castings.
Headquartered in Baton Rouge Since 1961 Employees Working Across the Country Client Relationships Around the World CONSTRUCTION | EQUIPMENT | FABRICATION | MAINTENANCE | TURNAROUNDS | SPECIALTY SERVICES WWW.TURNER-INDUSTRIES.COM Turner Industries provides turnkey industrial services and solutions to the companies that produce fuel, energy, and the materials essential to modern life.
Pelican Chapter, Associated Builders & Contractors 19251 Highland Road Baton Rouge, LA 70809 19251 Highland Road Baton Rouge, LA 70809 www.abcpelican.org 225.752.1415
