BuildSouth
spring 2014, Volume 3, Number 2
Alabama AGC’s Voice for the Construction Industry
Talking Workforce Governor Bentley Meets With Alabama AGC
Fun in the Sun
AGC Chapterwide Convention Registration and Event Information Inside
Changing the Court’s Mind on General Liability
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BuildSouth Editor & Publisher
Bill Caton Associate Publisher
From the Editor
Saving Lives on the Job
Wa l k e r S o r re l l Art Director
Rebecca Reeves Contributors
“Last year, a Mobile contractor experienced one struck by fatality which involved a hit and run driver crashing into a work
Stephen Potts
zone at the end of the night shift,” said
Traffic & Administration
Charlotte Kopf. “Another contractor experi-
Marcy Miller Circulation
Anita Miller Jane Potts Accounting
Ann Caton 205.249.6813 MiddleCMedia@charter.net Advertising Sales
Hal Cain 205.802.6363 Ext. 111 hcain@pmtpublishing.com Advertising Sales Office 2204 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 120 Birmingham, AL 35209 (205) 802-6363 info@pmtpublishing.com
Alabama AGC Mobile Section Manager enced a crash, fortunately with no employee injury, again at night. Talking with another local highway contractor, I found that as often as once a month an accident occurred at or near their work zone area at no fault of the contractor.” Thus the reason for the Alabama AGC’s participation in National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week. The Alabama AGC, as part of the Alabama Struck-By Alliance, participates in the Work Zone week annually – this year from April 7-11 – as a way to save lives on construction sites. According to a study conducted by AGC of America, 45 percent of highway contractors had motor vehicles crash into their construction work zones during the past year. “43 percent of contractors reported that motor vehicle operators or passengers were injured during work zone crashes in the past year,” said Tom Case, chair of AGCA’s national highway and transportation division. “As the data makes clear, not enough drivers are slowing down and staying alert near work sites. “More than 20 percent of work zone crashes injure construction workers and
BUILDSouth is published monthly by Middle C Media Copyright 2014by Middle C Media, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission prohibited. Address all correspondence to BUILDSouth, 2204 Lakeshore Drive, Suite 120, Birmingham, AL 35209 (205) 802-6363 in Birmingham. FAX is (205) 802-6393 and e-mail address is info@pmtpublishing.com. Letters to the editor are welcome. Please query the editor before sending unsolicited articles or photographs. Moving? Please note US Postal Service will not forward magazines mailed through their Bulk Mail unit.
6 percent of those crashes kill workers.” The survey points out that 67 percent of contractors nationwide think that tougher laws, fines and legal penalties for moving violations in work zones would reduce injuries and fatalities. 66 percent of contractors also said that more frequent training for construction workers could help. So, while Work Zone Safety Awareness Week was a success, the Alabama AGC will continue to work on this important project throughout the year. Said Charlotte: “Our goal is quite simply to have zero Struck-By accidents in highway work zones. If we can save at least one life by training the workers and encouraging the driving public to drive safely and slowly through work zones, then we will have accomplished a lot.”
Bill Caton
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Contents Enjoying life at the beach, page 12
The governor addresses the AGC board, page 33
In the Office 6
9
A Bump in the Road
Alabama Infrastructure is threatened by Long-term funding problems, but there are some bright ideas that can make a big difference.
One Man’s Struggle
Alabama AGC COO Bill Caton remembers Henry Hagood
12 A Unified Voice
Specialty Contractors’ move to full membership truly makes the Alabama AGC a contractor-led organization uniquely qualified to handle industry issues.
13 Changing the Court’s Mind
Alabama AGC led the charge that caused the Alabama Supreme Court to change its mind on commercial general liability policies. The reversal is a big win for contractors.
14 Alabama AGC Annual Report
Whether it’s legislative or legal issues or simply providing a way to bring contractors together, the Alabama AGC leads the construction industry. A quick look at 2013 explains why.
25 Chapterwide Convention
The convention is just around the corner. All your registration and event information is here.
33 Talking Workforce
Gov. Robert Bentley met with the Alabama AGC’s Birmingham Section and its Board of Directors at the association’s chapter-wide headquarters in Irondale. Turns out the Alabama AGC and its members have much in common with the governor’s vision for our state.
In the Field 37 The Trade
Highlighting the skills that build Alabama
38 OSHA Tips On the Cover: Gov. Robert Bentley addresses Alabama AGC’s Birmingham Section during April meeting. Photo by Rick Yarbrough
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In the Office
A Bump in the Road Long-Term Funding Problems Plague Alabama’s Infrastructure By Cary Estes
I
ncreasingly, many of the roads in Alabama are paved
gish economy (which results in people driving less).
only with good intentions. Actual paving, along with other
Speculation abounds that the federal Highway Trust
repair and maintenance work, is being scaled back due to
Fund will be depleted by September and will be unable to
a lack of funding on both the state and federal level. Mean-
make full payments to the states for the 2015 fiscal year. By
while, major new road and bridge projects are barely even
federal law, the HTF cannot run a negative balance. So the
being considered, as the state struggles to avoid a huge
United States Department of Transportation likely will either
financial pothole that threatens to swallow up much of the
pay a reduced amount of the $46 billion it usually gives the
highway budget.
states, or delay payments entirely, possibly until 2016.
“There is a lot of concern out there from the industry
Norrell says Alabama receives approximately $1.4
and from the elected leaders as to how this is going to be
billion in HTF funding, with $700 million to $800 million of
addressed,” says Billy Norrell, Chief Executive Officer of
that money going toward construction. In addition, revenue
Alabama Associated General Contractors. “Because it’s
generated by the state’s fuel tax of 18 cents per gallon has
for real, and it’s a problem that is not going to go away.
dropped from $409 million in fiscal year 2010 to $397 mil-
In fact, if something isn’t done, it will only continue to get
lion in 2013.
worse.” Part of the problem stems from governments relying
“This downward trend in collections is more of a pattern than it is a one-time issue,” Norrell says.
on gasoline sales taxes to provide the bulk of highway
The Alabama Department of Transportation has a $1.2
funding. The amount of revenue generated by these taxes
billion budget for this fiscal year, according to ALDOT Chief
has taken a hit in recent years, battered by the combina-
Engineer Ronnie Baldwin. Approximately $260 million of
tion of greater vehicle fuel efficiency (which results in fewer
that money is dedicated to road resurfacing, $150 million
trips to the pump) along with higher gas prices and a slug-
for capacity and system enhancements, and $80 million to
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In the Office bridge replacement. Without federal funding, Baldwin says Alabama will be able to spend a total of $250 million to $300 million on highway projects in fiscal year 2015. But Baldwin says the state is not far away from being able to bridge the gap between funding that is available and the amount that is needed. He points out that people in the state pay an average of $46 per month in gasoline taxes. He says that with an extra $2 per month – about the cost of a regular coffee at Starbucks – “we would solve our transportation funding issues.” “The system is definitely not falling apart,” Baldwin says. “But what our population and elected officials have to determine is, what do you consider a good roadway network to be, and what improvements do you think need to be funded? The bottom line for us is that at the current funding levels, we have sufficient funds to basically maintain the existing highway system and do some capacity improvements. That’s about it.” The quickest and easiest way to generate additional revenue is to increase the state’s fuel tax, which has been at 18 cents per gallon since 1992 (back when gas was barely a dollar a gallon). That rate is approximately 10 cents less than the national average. And while it is definitely politically difficult to enact any sort of tax increase these days, it is not impossible. Wyoming, Maryland and Massachusetts all increased their gasoline taxes last year. In 2012, voters in Arkansas approved a half-cent sales tax increase to cover a $1.3 billion bond issue for roads and bridges. “A lot of people are trying to tackle the delicate situation of how to fix this system without doing it the easy way, which is raising gasoline taxes. That is a political albatross that nobody wants hanging around their neck,” Norrell says. “That is certainly the simplest form of addressing it on a short-term basis. But there are a lot of different ways to tackle this. Nobody knows the perfect mouse trap yet, because there are a lot of good, common-sense options out there.” Tom Layfield, Executive Director of the Alabama Road Builders Association, says he favors some sort of tax based upon road usage and vehicle weight rather than on the amount of times a driver fills up at the pump. Layfield points out that hybrid cars and many of the newer more fuel-efficient vehicles still put wear and tear on the roads, but they are paying less to use those roads through the gas tax. Likewise, heavier vehicles place greater stress
“We are seeing more and more of our dollars spent on simple rehabilitation and system preservation. Because there is no new funding for dealing with things like capacity issues, adding extra lanes, and other new projects. Those types of projects are becoming very few and far between, because that is big, big dollars, and we just don’t have it.” —Billy Norrell on pavement, but they do not pay a greater share toward highway maintenance. “The gas tax doesn’t reflect everything that is taking place (on the roads),” Layfield says. “We don’t get a fair share (of revenue) from more fuel-efficient vehicles, and we don’t get enough from the commercial industrial. There are a number of different ways to approach this, but I think the best way is through usage.” One of the more innovative solutions took place last year in Virginia, where legislators agreed to an expansive overhaul of the state’s transportation funding system. Virginia’s gas tax of 17.5 cents per gallon was eliminated and replaced with a series of new fees, including a sales-tax increase (with a slightly greater increase in the high-population areas of northern Virginia and Hampton Roads), a 3.5-cent tax on wholesale gas and diesel, and registration fees for hybrid, electric and alternative-fuel vehicles. The changes resulted in more than $1 billion in increased revenue for transportation spending, according to Jeff Southard, Executive Vice President for the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance Spring 2014 BUILDSouth / 7
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In the Office “It was the largest transportation funding package in
consensus that something needs to be done to generate
the history of Virginia,” Southard says. “We were just about
more income for highway funding. If for no other reason
bankrupt. We were going to run out of state money pretty
than to make an investment in the overall state economy,
fast. We were having to use more than $5 million a year of
which relies heavily on a quality transportation system.
construction money to pay for basic maintenance. So we
“Freight movements and things of that nature are vital
put together a comprehensive package of new fees and
to our economy,” Baldwin says. “We have several counties
revenues, where everything took a little bit of a hit.
in the state that do not have any four-lane access to the
“It’s made a huge difference. Last year, when the bill
interstate system. In most places, businesses will tell you
took effect, (the Virginia Department of Transportation) put
that in order for their business to be able to thrive, they need
$2.6 billion worth of work on the street, which is the largest
a good roadway network that ultimately connects them to
program in Virginia history. We have more work going on
the interstate system. There are a lot of economically disad-
now in Virginia than we’ve had in years.”
vantaged areas that would potentially benefit by having a
Norrell says he likes the Virginia plan, calling it “very
four-lane route come into their area.”
attractive.” He said it is the type of innovative thinking that
Layfield agrees: “We are an integral component in re-
Alabama should consider. “I’m interested to see where Vir-
spect to economic development. You go to any city or coun-
ginia is in about a year or two with this,” Norrell says. “So far
ty, and they are always working on recruiting business to
it’s gotten them to where they wanted to be. I think it’s real
their area. And they’ll tell you that while having a good road
exciting to see what they’ve done. They did a tremendous
does not automatically get you the project, not having one
job of putting together something new.”
will certainly eliminate you as a contender. Putting money
Whatever the solution, there appears to be a general
IS
NOW
into our roads is an investment.”
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In the Office
One Man’s Struggle Editor’s Note: Bill Caton, Chief Operating Officer of the Alabama AGC, served as a pallbearer at the funeral of long-time Alabama AGC CEO Henry T. Hagood, Jr. From that he wrote this remembrance.
A
lot can go through a man’s mind as he helps carry a casket: the weight, the uneven ground, the awkwardness of trying to work with five others to carry a heavy load. All this, of course, went through my mind as I joined with other co-workers to carry the casket containing the body of Henry T. Hagood, Jr., CEO of the Alabama AGC for 45 years. Henry, who led the Alabama AGC as it grew from a small group of contractors in 1969 to the dominant non-residential construction association in the state, died Feb. 9 after a year-long struggle with cancer. As we pallbearers worked together in silence, I reflected on my 21-year association with Henry. And I thought this: Life is a fight. We are born, but we have to choose to live. Where is the point without the battle? Henry always had something to do, always had a goal. The quality of the goal is an individual matter. We all share the struggle. Heavy snow fell the night before Henry’s funeral and the ground was a bit treacherous. Snow still lingered in the shadows and the air stung hands and ears. We walked and I looked at the world and I thought of Henry, thought of his ability to focus on detail, to think in unblinking literal terms, to follow in the mind’s eye the flight of an arrow, or a golf ball, or the bumpy ride of a fishing lure as it is pulled through murky water. For Henry, the joy was in the fight, the great work of the mind was in the detail. He could explode a large concept into tiny pieces and understand how they fit into the whole. And as long as you played his game, you were behind. I came — full of advocacy and ideas — to the Alabama AGC from the newspaper industry. And I instantly became interested in Henry’s practical perspective. Don’t go crazy with an idea, its time will or will not come. But there will be plenty of battles to fight, plenty of tactics to consider. Plenty of ideas that fly like sparks from the fray. If you are willing to engage it, life has limitless challenges, limitless opportunities. To be a pall bearer is an honor. It is one of the few times that we can help bear another’s pain. It is an intimate act, carrying the literal weight for the bereaved.
Your feet are on the ground, traversing the uneven earth. One man’s end, one family’s sorrow, is in your hands. We are all flawed, as evidenced by the task at hand: all six do not work seamlessly, the weight shifts at random to unfair proportions. But the details are considered, the battle fought with each step, the job is done. The body reaches its end. And in that end – for the pall bearers and the mourners, for their memory of the deceased — it is the willingness to struggle, to meet the demands of this life, that is important. So you carry the weight of the sorrow. You accept the honor. And you meet the end the better for it. If you are strong enough, you meet it with grace. Henry loved the outdoors, loved woods, lakes, golf courses. He loved the sport, the competition, yes. But he also loved the places. A man who is content, who has engaged this world and understands his place in it has the grace of a buck as it moves through the quiet space of the deep old-growth woods, or a big bass cruising the still depths of a lake. There is great beauty in a creature at home in this world. That, I believe, is where we meet God. In the wee hours before Henry’s funeral I thought of his family, Kim and her son Blake, Jody and his wife Molly, and, of course, his widow Dot. Their struggle has taken a predictable but excruciating turn. A William James quote came to mind in the quiet dark: “If this life be not a real fight, in which something is eternally gained for the universe by success, it is no better than a game of private theatricals from which we may withdraw at will.” As Henry lost the fight for his own body, I often found myself driving him or helping him in and out of the office. Toward the end, as we undertook what had become a long journey from his corner office to the parking lot, he smiled, remembering my first days at the AGC, remembering the young man who was taking the first tenuous steps into a career change. “Just a fish out of water,” he said with a sideways glance and a grin. I held the door for him, touched his shoulder as he went through, and said I never felt like a fish out of water at the AGC. He stopped, looked at me and nodded: “There was always plenty to do.” Spring 2014 BUILDSouth / 9
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In the Office [GO BUILD BY THE NUMBERS] Go Build thrives because it reaches and interacts with students at multiple levels with one seamless message. Here’s what we’ve used to make it happen. [OVERVIEW] ALABAMA § Launched Labor Day 2010 § 176,000 Website Visitors § 8,000 Registered Database Users § 9,200 Facebook Likes § 200,000 High School Students Visited
[GO BUILD BY THE NUMBERS]
Go Build thrives because it reaches message. Here’s what we’ve used t [OVERVIEW]
ALABAMA § Launched Labor Day 2010 [HIGHLIGHTS] § 176,000 Website Visitors § 8,000 Registered Database Use So the ultimate question is: has it worked? And the unequivocal answer—is yes. § More than 12,000 television commercials aired in Alabama, many of which featured Mike Rowe Facebook Likes § 9,200 educating about the skills gap § 200,000 High School Students V
§ § § § § §
87% of students knew of Go Build 54% were influenced by the TV spots [HIGHLIGHTS] Students are 2x more likely to recommend a friend to the construction trades because of the campaign 73% of apprenticeships have seen a substantial rise in applications since the launch of Go Build the ultimate 70% of community college instructors surveyed feel that students who entered theirSo program did so question is: has it w because of the Go Build campaign. § More than 12,000 television com 8 scholarships awarded in 2013 educating about the skills gap
§ 87% of students knew of Go Bui § 54% were influenced by the TV s § Students are 2x more likely to r Alabama has experienced a significant increase in the number of students enrolling in Construction related courses at the secondary level: § 73% of apprenticeships have se § 51% increase in first year CTE enrollments in 2013 § 70% of community college instr § 33% of CTE students said Go Build played a direct role in their decision to enter the skilled trades. because of the Go Build campai § 8 scholarships awarded in 2013 [A SUCCESS STORY]
[A SUCCESS STORY]
Alabama has experienced a significa courses at the secondary level: § 51% increase in first year CTE e § 33% of CTE students said Go Bu
SOURCE: Alabama State Department of Education Career and Technical Education Section Nov. 2013 10 / BUILDSouth Spring 2014
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In the Office
CEFA/IEC Hold Graduation at AGC The Go Build campaign is effective.
We are seeing
an increase in the number of people inquiring about trade education. CEFA is owned by the industry and has a solid history of helping students get jobs in the industry. The good news is we will have over 12 students paying their own tuition to enter training as we enter 2014. The opportunity for a contractor to hire a new employee who has paid for and participated in training on a pre-employment basis is
T
he Construction Education Foundation and Independent Electrical Contractors Association held their joint
Apprentice Appreciation and Awards program on February 27, 2014 at the AGC headquarters. The event featured the largest gathering of students and employers in event history. It was very fitting the event was hosted in the Henry T. Hagood, Jr. conference center. Henry was a supporter of trade training throughout his tenure with AGC. Henry was instrumental in creating CEFA in 2001. Their vision was to see a broad-based training program develop so the industry could meet the demand for trained workforce. In 2013 CEFA provided training in the following trades: Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Pipefitting, Sheet Metal and Welding. Several organizations have supported this effort by providing access to facilities so robust hands on training can be delivered in a shop environment. American Pipe and Supply has hosted plumbing training, Hardy Corporation has hosted Sheet Metal and Pipefitting and Jefferson County Schools thru the use of the Dabbs Technical School has hosted welding. There is a long list of companies who have placed students in training as well as the Jefferson County Office of Workforce Development, (WIA). WIA funded training has allowed CEFA to create a small labor pool of individuals who have started learning a trade while seeking employment. CEFA has been successful in placing just of 65% of the students in jobs in the industry or related to the industry. According to Byron McCain, “a contractor told him several years ago, if you can create a labor pool that would be a tremendous benefit to the industry.” “It has taken a few years (in a bad construction economy) for the concept to grow into reality, but we have arrived at the point where we are able to supply limited entrylevel laborers who have trade knowledge,” said Mr. McCain.
growing. CEFA is working to expand the number of self-funded students by increasing the number of Scholarships dollars available to prospective students. Proceeds from the Annual Golf tournament have funded the scholarship program and this year the goal is to double from 10K to 20k the net funds available for scholarships. Many people may see this article about training and scholarship funding after the Golf event on April 21st. If so, and you want to donate to the scholarship fund, just contact Byron McCain at CEFA. The following students completed the 600 hour electrical curriculum and were presented graduation certificates: John Cook, Marathon Electrical Contractors, Michael Eddings, Pinnacle Electric, Inc., Ray Fortenberry, IEC/CEFA Labor Pool, Andy Hartsfield, Bright Future Electric, Inc., Brandon Hawkins, Stone and Sons Electrical Contractors Inc., Marc Mensah, Bright Future Electric Inc., Karl Moeller, Premier Service Company, Gary Thornburg, IEC/CEFA Labor Pool. Andy Hartsfield received the award for the highest grade point average. He also received the prestigious Richard M. Reeve, Jr. Outstanding 4th Year Student Award. Mr. Reeve is recognized for having help found the electrical training program over 30 years ago.
Mayer Electric Company
provides each graduate with a set of tools valued in excess of $300.00. Students in each trade class were invited to attend and receive public recognition for progress in the training program. The names listed below is only a partial list of students in training because it reports who actually were present to receive a certificate of completion. There are many others were not able to attend who completed various levels of training. CEFA provides training in levels that are comprised of 160 hours for each level. Spring 2014 BUILDSouth / 11
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In the Office
Alabama AGC Providing A Unified Voice
As of the first of this year, all contractor members of the Alabama AGC in Alabama or Florida who hold the GC license are full members of the association. “This classification change greatly expands the role of specialty contractors in the AGC,” says Billy Norrell, Alabama AGC Chief Executive Officer. “It means that going forward the Alabama AGC will better represent the entire construction industry and will be a contractor-led association. Within Alabama AGC general contractors and specialty contractors will have the same leadership roles.” What the change means to members: • Better reflects the changing relationships of contractors. Expanding the leadership role of specialty contractors will help the Alabama AGC Chapter-wide Board of Directors better represent the industry by providing a more unified voice. • As the role of specialty contractors has changed over the years, the Alabama AGC membership has discussed changing its membership classification. Specialty contractors have asked for a more active role in the association and this new membership status provides that. • All new contractors who hold the GC license are coming in as full members. So, they already are eligible to serve in leadership roles in the Alabama AGC. As a result, specialty contractors are now serving on the Chapter-Wide Board of Directors and as sectional officers. • An example of the effects of this membership change is the ongoing work on the subcontractor licensing law. Mark Harry with Marathon Electric is chairman of the com-
mittee. Mark is vice president of the Birmingham Section and serves on the Chapter-wide Board of Directors. Rick Pate with Pate Landscape in Montgomery is a specialty contractor who is now a full member and serves as second vice president of the Alabama AGC. He will be president of the Alabama AGC in 2015. “We at the Alabama AGC believe this reclassification of membership will help us to better represent the industry we have served since 1920,” Norrell said. “Our view is that all contractors should be represented within our industry. And we believe that many of the issues our industry faces can only be properly handled if all of our contractors are at the table together. “Service to membership is our core business. And this classification change brings the opportunity to serve to an entirely different level.” “We have been working to personally reach out to all of our new members,” said Joshua Caton, director of membership. “We are delivering new membership plaques to each of them and we are recognizing them at sectional meetings.” “The Alabama AGC listens to its membership,” said Bill Caton, chief operating officer. “This change comes from that culture. So, not only have we made changes to our membership classification, we also have immediately included specialty contractors at important levels. “It was natural for the AGC to nominate a specialty contractor for a position on the State Licensing Board for General Contractors for the first time, helping ensure that Mike Tew with SJ&L in Mobile now serves in that important post.” While the change in membership classification occurs immediately, dues will remain at the associate level of $725 for 2014. They will adjust annually for two years after that, to $950 in 2015 and $1,200 in 2016. Please call Josh Caton at (205) 451-1400 with questions.
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In the Office
Industry Wins CGL Victory
T
hanks in part to an Amicus Brief filed by the Alabama
ception” to the “Your Work” exclusion in the policy or adding
AGC, the Alabama Supreme Court reversed a decision in
“products-completed operation” to the coverage declaration
April that had rendered commercial general liability insurance policies virtually useless in Alabama. Recent court rulings had created uncertainty for contractors and owners alike as to whether project damages resulting
maximizes the value of this ruling.” “This is precisely the result that no individual member could have obtained on its own,” said Alabama AGC Board Member Chip Grizzle, of Brasfield & Gorrie.
from defective work had any insurance coverage provided at all under CGL policies. These rulings and opinions set a precedent for insurance companies to deny any and all project damage claims made for faulty workmanship. Alabama AGC, along with other associations, filed an Amicus Brief with the Alabama Supreme Court, requesting the Court to reconsider its latest opinion that rendered CGL coverage practically worthless. After consideration of the briefs filed, the Supreme Court substituted a revised opinion providing greater clarity and a better outcome for our members on the coverage provided by their CGL policy. Lister Hubbard of Capell & Howard PC, who filed the brief on behalf of AGC and others, summarized the impact of the ruling: “In its recent decision of Owners Insurance Company v. Jim Carr Homebuilder, LLC, et al, the Alabama Supreme Court restored the full value of comprehensive general liability (CGL) insurance coverage for Alabama contractors facing lawsuits for damages from their construction defects. Over the last several years, the Court had been issuing opinions narrowing coverage, potentially eliminating coverage for damage to ANY part of a project under a strained interpretation of the insurance term “occurrence”. Now, Alabama has joined other states such as Texas and Florida to potentially cover everything but the defective work itself, depending on the specific terms of a policy. Including a “subcontractor exSpring 2014 BUILDSouth / 13
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In the Office
The Alabama AGC accomplished much in 2013 –from restructuring our membership classification, increasing the number of full members, to helping revive the Greater Florida Chapter, to single-handedly blocking an ill-advised and ill-prepared bill that would have negatively affected a large majority of the state’s contractors. That is a lot to handle in a year, but we had one more job to do. We took on the unfortunate task of replacing our CEO, Henry Hagood, a highly respected leader in the industry. And we never dropped the ball for our members.
Following is a brief outline of our activities: • We fully implemented our membership re-classification, changing Specialty Contractors with a GC license to Full Member status in the Alabama AGC. This change helps us better represent our industry and better penetrate our market. The simple fact is that the role of the Specialty Contractor has changed dramatically in the last 30 years and they were asking for a stronger voice in our chapter. In total for 2013, we gained 149 new Full Members. • In 2013, we began helping AGC of America rejuvenate the Greater Florida Chapter. We not only assigned a fulltime staff member to oversee the project but also committed a large financial investment to it in an effort to ensure the Florida chapter has regional influence, as it is a critical cog for the AGC of America. • The Alabama AGC single-handedly blocked the Construction Management at Risk on Public Works Bill in 2013 to guard against negative effects that could have
• Henry Hagood, the pre-eminent chapter executive in the country and our CEO of 44 years, was losing his battle with cancer in 2013. We formed a search committee and after six months of work hired new CEO Billy Norrell, 16year executive of the Alabama Road Builders Association. We also restructured our management team and never dropped the ball for our members, protecting their interests against bad legislation and being proactive in the industry. In the end the transition was seamless and the Alabama AGC emerged from the task with its strength and reputation intact. • So, we did a lot in 2013 – some of it with a heavy heart – to advance the industry and the association. We showed our members what their association can do for them, that we are keenly aware of their needs and are willing to act decisively to meet those needs.
Government Affairs Legislative activities on the state/local level
been devastating to our small to medium contractor
In 2013 the Alabama AGC was the only association in
members’ marketplace. The Alabama AGC is now re-
the state to stand up for the majority of contractors, and
working the formerly ill-advised and ill-prepared bill so it
ultimately blocked the Construction Management at Risk
can be re-introduced in 2015, designing this important
on Public Works Bill. Our small-to-medium-sized members
construction delivery system so it will serve our indus-
felt the bill could potentially take away their marketplace
try’s needs and benefit all members.
during a time when they needed it the most. While not being completely against the intention of the bill, we felt that
14 / BUILDSouth Spring 2014
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In the Office Hagood, left; Norrell, at the 2013 convention.
it was ill prepared as well as ill advised and had to fight
We can and do have a broad impact on the Alabama politi-
to protect the interests of our members. We are currently
cal scene.
working with our membership to reconsider the bill with an eye toward drafting much more thoughtful and less potentially harmful legislation to be introduced in 2015.
Agency relations The Alabama AGC maintains an ongoing relationship
To help better represent our membership, we have or-
with agencies that affect construction, including state work-
ganized the chapter into nine geographic sections so we
force development and community relations departments.
are better able to have grassroots legislative awareness
We work closely with the Department of Transportation,
and action. This allows us to be effective at the local level
the Alabama Department of Environmental Management,
and it complements our activity at the chapter-wide level.
the Department of Industrial Relations, the State Licens-
Invariably we have someone in one of our sections who
ing Board for General Contractors and the State Building
has a relationship with a key legislator and those calls from
Commission. In fact, with our most recent appointment to
home certainly matter. Also, each of our sections is instru-
the Licensing Board, the Alabama AGC has now appointed
mental in bringing important legislation to the AGC’s atten-
every serving member.
tion statewide.
We also have been successful in obtaining more than a
The Alabama AGC also holds regular political recep-
million dollars in grants for our training and recruiting pro-
tions around the chapter that are attended by local and
grams from the Governor’s Office of Workforce Develop-
state candidates and incumbents. We held political recep-
ment.
tions at key locations throughout the state in 2013. These
Of course, we work with these agencies in more ways
receptions are important opportunities for politicians to get
than through political channels. We published a Best Man-
to know our membership and for our membership to share
agement Practices manual for ADEM’s storm water rules.
concerns. Political receptions have another effect as well
The Alabama AGC also helped develop a class to train
– they make legislators, county commissioners and city of-
ADEM-approved Qualified Construction Inspection Profes-
ficials aware of the AGC’s strength in the industry. And our
sionals as part of a statewide erosion control plan. And we
powerful PAC certainly draws attention in an election year.
network through our nine sections, offering state agencies Spring 2014 BUILDSouth / 15
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In the Office necessary environmental law changes as reasonable as possible. Toward that end we have served on the board of BARD, which protects the interest of the construction industry in Alabama. Of course, OSHA comes up when we’re on the subject of regulatory agencies. The Alabama AGC works hard to help our members function well with OSHA. We offer courtesy inspections – visiting more than 5,000 jobsites a year — to help members stay in compliance. We also intercede for our members when OSHA cites the contractor and the contractor appeals. We offer OSHA 10-hour courses all over the state, making this crucial training readily available to our entire membership. And we hold individual a forum to speak to our members at regularly scheduled meetings. We also were one of the founding members of the Business Alliance for Responsible Development, which successfully stopped a proposed construction moratorium in our chapter’s largest county, Jefferson. So, our membership is deeply involved in working with the state agencies that directly affect the construction industry in Alabama. Regulatory Activities As a part of our overall plan, we are in for the long haul, working the past 30 years with boards, with state and regional regulators and with many interest groups. More often than not we are the only voice on the side of the contractor when environmental groups seek to stop or dramatically decrease new construction. The Alabama AGC has chaired committees to study and make recommendations to county environmental boards through the Birmingham Business Council. And we have become pro-active with the state and local authorities to limit ozone emissions from May to October. Keeping our state’s metro areas in compliance with federal clean air laws is crucial to continued growth, particularly highway projects that could be curtailed or stopped if we cannot control ground level ozone during the hot months. The Alabama AGC spends much time and effort educating our members about environmental changes to help them remain in compliance and avoid expensive fines. And we work long hours with the proper regulatory agencies to represent our members’ interests, keeping
classes as rules change. We hold an annual event – The Central Alabama Safety Conference — where we invite OSHA regional directors and others to address our membership. We also worked with the Mobile OSHA office to develop a program to reduce crushed-by and other injuries related to heavy equipment use. And we are a major player in the Work Zone Safety Awareness program. Realizing that OSHA has a special emphasis on communication with the Hispanic workforce, we have made Spanish-language safety materials, including videos that can be viewed on a smart phone, readily available to our members where they are – in the office or on the jobsite. The Alabama AGC understands the dramatic potential impact of regulatory agencies and we work with them and through them to help our members remain competitive in a difficult market. PAC support The Alabama AGC’s state PAC has grown to be counted in the top five largest funds. Of course, our PAC fund is an ongoing project. That money, combined with our grassroots effort and a full-time lobbyist, ensure we will have a balanced political attack. Fifteen years ago we had no money in our PAC fund and extremely limited clout in Montgomery. We were always on the defensive, at best hoping to stop bad legislation. The Alabama AGC membership realized the importance of political action and in a relatively short time has completely changed our position. We now are a major player in state politics and often initiate legislation that will be good for the construction industry and for the overall Alabama business environment.
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In the Office
Chapter Programs and Services
to attend national meetings, including YCF gatherings. Our young constructors attend seminars at the Birmingham and Mobile offices and have the opportunity to hear experts
Workforce and Career development Ten years ago, the Alabama AGC dedicated a member of the staff full time to workforce development. In that time we have developed a relationship with the state of Alabama that allows us to oversee the construction curriculum used in community colleges. We also work closely with the state
in the construction field discuss new developments in the industry. We keep them up to date on alternative delivery systems, legislative changes, regulatory changes and the latest technology. In 2013, Alabama AGC offered, for the first time ever,
to gain grants for training for skilled craftsmen. Our training arm, the Construction Education Foundation of Alabama, regularly receives grants to train in the trades and it certifies post-secondary programs
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to use the NCCER curriculum. In 2013, Alabama AGC was appointed to the board of the Alabama Construction Recruitment Institute, better known as Go Build Alabama. The institute oversees a million-dollar program to educate young people, parents, educators and the general public about the opportunities offered by the construction industry. In the same year, we also doubled our AGCWorks program, which raises money for training craftsmen and helps to provide a skilled workforce for the state. We continued to standardize our educational efforts through long-term planning and maintained a system in which we recruited potential employees, got them hired and put them into training programs. We began (and continue to) work with the governor’s office on a craft-training bill, which will provide a permanent and sustainable funding source for craft training statewide administered by the Alabama AGC.
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In the Office professional associations and formed the Young Architects, Engineers, and Contractors Counsel, an organization which hosts frequent meetings and events that range from professional development to jobsite visits to networking socials. We view this group as a direct link to the future of the AGC membership. Student AGC Chapters The Alabama AGC sponsors six student chapters – Alabama A&M, the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of Alabama, Auburn University, the University of South Alabama and the University the Certificate of Management Program for Building Infor-
of West Florida. The Alabama AGC’s work
mation Modeling (the CM-BIM) which members inside and
with the student chapters is invaluable, helping to build
outside of the chapter attended.
relationships between contractors and future industry professionals and promoting leadership in the construction
Training In 2013 our training arm, the Construction Education
industry. In 2013, we sent a group of students to the AGC National Convention.
Foundation of Alabama, continued its relationship with
Also, Auburn University remains involved in our Rus-
the state of Alabama to provide a program where under-
sell County timber property project. Students, which were
employed workers can receive construction training before
mainly Building Science and Engineering majors, con-
entering the workforce. This program is paid for through
ducted research on the land, participated in building lakes
grants and offers our contractors an opportunity to hire
and other general construction projects, performed land
people they know are dedicated to working and who
studies and more. Alabama AGC has spent more than
have basic knowledge of a trade. We offered the classes
$400,000 to fund the project and provide students with real
in HVAC, plumbing, carpentry and electrical. Most of the
life work experience to complement the classroom, prepar-
work these students do in these classes counts toward their
ing them for careers post graduation. In fact, most of the
eventual hours needed for graduation from an open shop or
students have ended up going to work for Alabama AGC
union apprentice program.
members.
After a several year hiatus, our Supervisory Training Program was brought back and every class was filled. (10 unit program, offered around 8 classes).
Public Relations The Alabama AGC is extremely conscious of our pub-
Combined with our training efforts with CEFA and the
lic relations efforts because we believe in the importance
state, we are continuing to successfully recruit to our indus-
and power of public opinion. As of 2013, we have won five
try and offer skills training to those new hires.
national AGC public relations awards and one AGC in the
CLC/YCF/Future Leader Programs In 2013, we were proud to announce that our YCF (Young Constructors Forum) membership doubled. We held quarterly career enhancement programs to help the younger members advance their careers and avoid common pitfalls in the business. The YCF was also instrumental and led the effort to form a conglomerate of other young 18 / BUILDSouth Spring 2014
BuildSouth_Summer_14.indd 18
Community Award since 1998. In 2013, we effectively controlled negative press during our process of blocking potentially damaging legislation. While the majority of our chapter was against the bill, some members thought it would be good for their business. Our effective public relations campaign allowed us to convey our reasoning and our mission in regards to blocking the legislation and kept everyone informed.
4/9/14 3:19 PM
In the Office When it came time to replace our CEO Henry Hagood, we strategically controlled our PR in an effort to convey to
public relations efforts are actually just another service to our membership.
our chapter as well as all AGC chapters that Alabama AGC wasn’t going anywhere, and that we would continue to be a strong force. Alabama AGC’s magazine goes to every licensed contractor in the state, maintaining a stream of communication and information throughout parties invested in our industry. Additionally, we maintain a partnership with Business Alabama in which they publish a directory of all contractors, exponentially increasing the audience to which our members are exposed. We also publish a monthly e-newsletter to keep members up to date with important events, Alabama AGC information, member news, safety information, national AGC news and more. While we strive to get recognition for our projects, the real reason for public relations is to recognize the work of our members and the construction industry’s involvement in the community. These projects and the resulting public relations help polish the image of our industry and ultimately help recruit talented people. Public service and
Safety The Alabama AGC – because of its workers’ compensation program – is extremely mindful of safety. We have a staff of five loss control consultants who visit 5,000 jobsites a year, heading off problems and offering advice to our members. They also teach important classes, including OSHA 10-Hour, Competent Person for Scaffolding, Competent Person for Trenching and Excavation and Basic Roadway Work Zone Safety. In 2013, Alabama AGC put hundreds of people through these safety classes, which were all paid for with funds collected through our innovative workforce program, AGCWorks. The Alabama AGC also has partnered with OSHA to produce a safety reminder concerning crushed-by and other injuries related to heavy equipment operation. We proudly hosted the Central Alabama Safety Conference in 2013 as well. The Alabama AGC has material on practically any safety topic, including a video library containing 132 titles. These
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In the Office videos are available in English and Spanish and are high-
shop hiring hall. These initiatives have created an innovative
lighted in our monthly e-newsletter as well as available at
public-private partnership that the state is holding up as a
anytime to our members via our website. We offer all the
model for other industries.
necessary safety posters laminated and in kits for our members at a greatly reduced price.
New members are attracted to the association because of the services and programs we offer, often saving them
The Alabama AGC takes time during our annual Build-
thousands of dollars more than their annual dues. Once the
South Awards Banquet to recognize contractors who have
new members are involved they often find additional servic-
outstanding safety records.
es to participate in, thus generating more income to the as-
Because safety has such a major impact on our mem-
sociation, which is then consistently applied back into new
bership, it is at the heart of the Alabama AGC. We expend a
member benefits and services. This process is successful in
lot of time and energy making sure our members have what
no small part because our executive leadership constantly
they need to have safe, efficient jobsites.
reviews our strategic plan.
Owner engagement/Industry collaboration
Insurance Plans
Alabama AGC works with the largest users of construc-
Our self-insured workers’ compensation program,
tion in the state. We serve on committees from workforce to
CompTrustAGC, continues to be a leader among AGC
delivery systems with public and private owners. We also
chapters and a model for the country. The fund has mem-
regularly invite owners from different sectors to speak to
bers’ equity of $39 million and total assets of $90 million,
our members at meetings chapter-wide. And we annually
along with an AM Best rating of A-. It remains the only insur-
publish a directory of our membership in the only statewide
ance fund in the state with an AM Best rating.
business publication, putting our members out front to construction owners.
Our insurance programs are just one of the ways that we help our members remain competitive in a difficult marketplace.
Labor relations 2013 was a pivotal year for Alabama AGC, marking the beginning of a transition in the representation for our members to the local unions. Henry had always led that effort and we worked hard to bridge that gap seamlessly for our mem-
Member activities/successes Member Re-classification In 2013, the Alabama AGC added 149 general contractor members to its role.
bers. This year Bill Caton, Alabama AGC COO, stepped
Chapter leadership decided at the end of 2011 to take
into that role, negotiating contracts with multiple crafts and
decisive steps toward solidifying the association’s role in
representing the membership as a trustee on multiple union
the industry well into the future. The Chapter-wide Board of
boards.
Directors — acting on a recommendation from the Chapter-wide Associate Board and wishing to better reflect the
Business/Strategic planning In 2013, Alabama AGC completed the review of our strategic plan and set in motion our upcoming five-year strategic
changing environment of our industry — changed the way we classify members, allowing all Specialty Contractors with a GC license to be Full Members.
plan. The plan encompasses subjects crucial to our indus-
The change was voluntary until 2013, when the Board of
try –such as continuing to develop our innovative workforce
Directors voted to make the move mandatory and 149 for-
program, writing the state’s first-ever sustainable craft train-
mer Associate Members became Full Members. The Board
ing bill and developing a labor association for craftsmen.
voted to implement an incremental dues increase designed
AGC Works/Go Build Alabama, a comprehensive work-
to move the “new” members to the provisional level in two
force program not seen since the demise of the unions in
years. After that, they will move to the standard dues struc-
the early 70s, is continuing to grow. We are also working
ture. Of course, all Specialty Contractors with a GC license
on a labor association where craftsmen can become affili-
who have joined since 2012 have come in as Full Members.
ate members – allowing AGC to create and control an open
Under our membership reclassification in our current
20 / BUILDSouth Spring 2014
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In the Office chapter area, the Alabama AGC has only two categories
cialty Contractors Council) is now on the ladder to become
of membership – Full Member and Associate Member. Full
the first Specialty Contractor to ever be president of the Ala-
Members are contractors – Specialty or GC — who hold
bama AGC.
a General Contractor license and Associate Members are
We also immediately tackled a subject of great impor-
Suppliers/Service Providers, including architects and engi-
tance to Specialty Contractor members – subcontractor li-
neers.
censing. Our committee, led by a Specialty Contractor, has
This change required a lot of thought and planning and there were hurdles to overcome.
worked to produce legislation that is agreeable to the State Licensing Board for General Contractors and will make sig-
First, we chose the “Full Member” designation as a more
nificant changes in the way subs are licensed in Alabama.
accurate term to describe our more inclusive membership
At the same time, we ensured the appointment of the first
classification. We want our members to know that we are a
Specialty Contractor to the Licensing Board.
“contractor-led” organization.
We created new membership certificates for these new
We knew that all of our Specialty Contractor members
Full Members and began presenting them at meetings and
would not understand the change, so we put together an
delivering them chapter-wide. We are personally reaching
internal public relations campaign. We asked the Associate
out to all 149 of our newest Full Members.
Board to become involved and they discussed the change at every meeting chapter-wide. We touted the contractors who made the switch volun-
So, our new Full Members are getting the red carpet treatment while also becoming fully engaged in the association at a previously unheard of level of leadership.
tarily and intentionally moved the new “Full Members” into
This change will help us better represent our industry
leadership roles as area officers. Rick Pate with Pate Land-
and better penetrate our market. The simple fact is that the
scape (who serves as chairman of the AGC of America Spe-
role of the Specialty Contractor has changed dramatically
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In the Office in the last 30 years and they were asking for a stronger
community service projects. Alabama AGC’s activities
voice in our chapter. This change allows for that. Full
are a vital part of the service that we provide to our mem-
Member status offers the member company an opportu-
bers. And they are instrumental in recruiting and retaining
nity to have a representative serve on the Chapter-wide
members. After all, we have an outstanding product and
Board of Directors and for a representative to be eligible
the more our members see us and hear about us, the
to serve as a Chapter-wide officer. Specialty Contractors
more likely they are to remain involved.
and General Contractors will serve together at the highest level of the association. We at the Alabama AGC believe this reclassification of membership will help us to better represent the industry we have served since 1920. Our view is that all contractors – union, open shop, General or Specialty – should be well represented within our industry. And we believe that many of the issues our industry faces can only be properly handled if all of our contractors are at the table together. Service to membership is our core business. And this classification change brings the opportunity to serve to an entirely different level. Annual Meetings and Activities The Alabama AGC is divided into nine geographic sections – Florence, Huntsville, Anniston, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Montgomery (including Dothan and Auburn), Mobile and Pensacola, FL — that meet monthly. That way none of our members are more than one hour from a meeting. We firmly believe that regular monthly meetings combined with an annual awards banquet — where we induct members into the hall of fame and recognize outstanding projects – special outings, strong chapterwide convention and receptions are crucial to keeping our members up to date, in touch with one another and knowledgeable about the benefits of AGC membership. We regularly have speakers at meetings from ADEM and OSHA as well as building inspectors and state officials. We also have golf outings in every section, five fishing tournaments a year and three annual political receptions. So, our members get plenty of opportunities to stay abreast of important changes in the industry. And they have many opportunitiesOur chapter-wide president attends meetings in every section at least once each year. He also makes sure that the Chapter Board of Directors meetings are moved to different areas to bolster board meeting attendance as well as to give members in different areas of the state access to the board. We also in-
Participation in AGCA Activities Our members know the importance of participation at the national level. We have many members who participate on committees and boards, including a few at the leadership level. We stress to our membership the importance of participating at the national level because we know that participation is an excellent way for even a small contractor to make a big contribution. Our previous CEO, Henry Hagood, attended every national meeting and our new CEO, Billy Norrell, will continue this tradition. We had multiple members attend 2013 AGCA conferences such as ACG Highway Utilities Conference, AGC Building Contractors Conference, ELC Annual Conference and the 94th Annual Convention and Expo. Following is a list of the AGCA committees on which our members serve: International Construction Committee Naval Facilities Eng Command Committee Safety and Health Committee International Construction Committee Corps of Engineers Committee Natural Resources Conservation Service Committee Finance Committee Legislative Action Committee Federal Acquisition Regulation Committee Industry Liaison Committee In addition to these committees, our Chapter Vice President Rick Pate is serving as Chairman of the Specialty Contractors Council. Our Board of Directors agreed to make the National PAC Committee a point of emphasis in 2013 and appointed Life Director Alex Whaley as the contact for AGC PAC.
vite board members to all our special functions, including 22 / BUILDSouth Spring 2014
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In the Office
Chapter Public relations, Community Involvement, Charity The Alabama AGC has a long history of working in the community, doing everything from helping build parks, to adding an addition to a church in a depressed area, to partnering with Habitat for Humanity to build the fastest house in their history. Each section is responsible for their community and its initiatives, allowing the AGC to be specific and intentional with the needs and wants of each community throughout the state.
2013: Anything but Average
2013 was anything but normal for the Alabama AGC. We
learned how strong we could be for our members, our state and our industry. Whether it was dealing with the lingering effects of the recession, helping a neighboring chapter when no one else would, or replacing our CEO of 44 years— the Alabama AGC pulled together and looking back on the year now, we are stronger than ever. Alabama AGC was the only construction association in
52%
recall taking action based on seeing advertisements - with the most common use of ads being a visit to the advertiser’s website.
That’s the Business Alabama difference. All Business. All Alabama.
the state that continued to provide a full range of services to all members and maintained a complete staff with no cutbacks, even in a still-present recession. Our members never saw or felt a difference in the way that they were treated or the ways in which they have come to expect they can rely on AGC. 2013 set in motion our initiative to help revitalize the Greater Florida Chapter. We assigned a full time staff member as well as a large financial investment to the project in an effort to ensure Florida’s chapter has regional influence, knowing it is in a critical state for the National AGC. Unfortunately, what distinguished 2013 most from prior years was losing Henry Hagood, our CEO of 44 years. For over four decades, Henry led the Alabama AGC and turned a small group of contractors to an industry giant representing the entire state. We were forced to replace an irreplaceable person while dealing with critical industry issues. After hiring Billy Norrell as CEO, we are more confident than ever in our ability to serve Alabama’s construction industry with a team that represents the knowledge, strength and expertise that Henry provided for our chapter for so many years.
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24 / BUILDSouth Spring 2014
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2014 CHAPTER-WIDE CONVENTION
The Source for Convention Information This special section of BuildSouth is your source for all Alabama AGC Chapter-wide Convention information. Included here are registration information and forms for the convention and Kid’s Night Out as well as events including times, dates and rules for tennis and golf. So whether you are a golfer, beachcomber or just want to know where and when the cocktail parties are, this section of BuildSouth is your key for convention fun. The issue of BuildSouth will be distributed at the convention and will be the source of schedules for all events. There will be no other convention mailings, so utilize this issue of BuildSouth you hold in your hand to register or check it out online at www.alagc.com Spring 2014 BUILDSouth / 25
AGC Special Section 14.indd 25
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ABOUT THE CONVENTION THE ALABAMA AGC is pleased to host the 2014 Chapterwide Convention. We have selected June 19-22 and will again utilize the excellent facilities of the Sandestin Beach Hilton in Destin, Florida. Every effort is being made to ensure that this year’s convention is enjoyable and informative as always. Enclosed, you will find the basic registration material for the convention. We invite you to review it and are hopeful that you will plan to be with us for yet another successful convention. CONVENTION FORMAT: The convention format will be much the same as last year. Thursday night dinner will be on your own. Friday and Saturday night events and cocktail parties are included in your registration fee. AGC REGISTRATION: The convention registration form should be completed and returned to Alabama AGC, along with registration fees as shown, no later than May 16th. This deadline is necessary so that the guarantees for all activities can be determined, prizes purchased and general convention plans finalized. REGISTRATION FEES: Registration fees for the convention are shown on the enclosed registration form. There is a $50 per person discount if you register and pay by online at: www.ALAGC.org by May 16. LATE REGISTRATION CHECKIN: If you will be arriving late and do
not check in with AGC on Thursday, 6/19 between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., you may pick up your packet in the foyer during the Friday morning opening session or in the board room between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday, 6/20. HOSPITALITY SUITE: The Hospitality Suite will be in the foyer of the registration area on Thursday from 3p.m.-9p.m. After registration the hospitality suite will be in the Board Room and will be open 2 p.m.5 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m.5 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m.10 a.m. Sunday. Be sure to join us Sunday morning for coffee, pastries and juice before you depart. DINING: Dining will be on your own except for the Friday Night Pool Party and the Saturday evening awards event. Be sure to make reservations early as the hotel restaurant, as well as the better restaurants in Destin, tend to be very busy this time of the year. SPORTS ACTIVITIES: The details on the various sports activities are included in this issue of the BUILDSOUTH. Each participant should register for only one activity. OTHER ACTIVITIES: Indoor and outdoor pools, sauna, hot tub, spa, game room and lounge. DRESS: All convention events are casual. TICKETS: Your name badge and wrist band will be your ticket to each event. Please wear at all times.
INQUIRIES: Any questions regarding the AGC Convention should be directed to the convention director, Anna Rosato Brown at 205.451.1409 or 1.800.632.2025 or annab@ALAGC.org. HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS: Your room reservations must be handled directly with the hotel by May 16 by calling 850-267-9500. Be sure to tell them you are making a reservation for the Alabama AGC convention to be held there June 19-22. If you prefer, you may make your reservation on line at www. sandestinbeachhilton.com and use AGC as the Group/Convention Code. The hotel will not hold our room block beyond May 16. If booked after cutoff date rooms will be at regular rate without the AGC discount. If you cancel your hotel reservation, your room deposit will be forfeited unless cancellation is received fourteen (14) days prior to arrival. In the event a guest checks out prior to the guest’s confirmed check out date, the Hilton will charge an early checkout fee of one night room and tax to that guest’s individual account. Check in time at the Hilton is 4 p.m. and checkout time is 11 a.m. ROOM RATES: The room rate this year will be $299 per night plus tax. If you choose to guarantee a beach view or beach front room it will be at a higher rate. A limited number of junior suites with bunk beds are available upon request.
26 / BUILDSouth Spring 2014
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2014 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS T H UR SDAY J U NE 1 9
3 PM - 9 PM Registration Emerald Registration Booth 3 PM — 9 PM Hospitality and Vendor Fair Emerald Ballroom A, B Lobby Evening On Your Own
FRIDAY JUNE 20 7:00AM — 11AM Vender Fair Emerald Ballroom A, B Lobby 7:30AM — 9AM Construction Roundtable Emerald Ballroom A, B 8AM — 9AM Associate Board Meeting Boardroom 9 AM — 11 AM Opening Session Emerald Ballroom A, B 9:30 —1:30 Mini Pampering Session Boardroom 10 AM — 4 PM Volleyball AGC Beach Area Beach Hospitality Open Sandcastle Contest (12 and under)
S AT URDAY JUNE 2 1
SUNDAY JUNE 2 2
7:30 AM tee off Golf Tournament Baytowne
7 AM — 10 AM Hospitality Room Open Board Room
8 AM Tennis Tournament Bayside Complex 10 AM — 4 PM Volleyball AGC Beach Area Beach hospitality open
9 AM — 11 AM Business Session Theater 11 AM Checkout
2 PM — 5 PM Hospitality Room Open Board Room 5:30 PM — 9:30 PM Kid’s Night Out Theater, Heron Room 6:00 PM — 8:00 PM Awards Reception Emerald Ballroom A, B, C
2 PM — 5 PM Hospitality Room/ Late Registration Board Room 6 PM — 8 PM Pool Party Kids Included! (Cocktails & casual dinner) Sunset Deck Poolside Spring 2014 BUILDSouth / 27
AGC Special Section 14.indd 27
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ARE YOU AN AGC CONVENTION SPONSOR?
One of the many advantages to AGC membership is the opportunity to participate in our activities and do business with people you know. A great way to become involved is through sponsorship of our largest event of the year, the AGC ChapterWide Convention. There are many types of Convention sponsorships available, from golf tournament holes to the hospitality carts to the beach hospitality tents to event sponsorships.
All sponsorships offer high visibility. Golf hole sponsors will have their names on signs on the course, the beach hospitality sponsors will have their names on a sign at the beach, etc. The, the names of sponsors will be posted on a sign in the hospitality room and will also be recognized at the Awards Reception. For sponsorship information, contact Anna Rosato Brown at 205-451-1409, annab@alagc.org or Jeff Rodgers 205-451-1455 JeffR@alagc.org
2013 ALABAMA AGC CHAPTER WIDE CONVENTION SPONSORS AGC Glass Company North America Hanover Surety Service Construction Supply, Inc. Alabama 811 Alabama Guardrail, Inc. Bama Concrete Bayou Concrete Benchmark Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram B L Harbert International Block USA Burr & Forman C N A Surety Capell & Howard, P.C. CEMEX Coral Industries Craneworks - RentalWorks Danziger & De Ilano, Tracee Ivins,
Tampa DCF Group, P.C. Dunlap and Shipman Dunn Construction Company, Inc. EDPM Edw C. Levy Co. Gray Surety Graybar Electric Company HRA Risk Services iSqFt Inline Insurance Office of America J. Smith Lanier & Co. Jackson Thornton Kirkpatrick Concrete Lamp Metal Trusses LLC Lange Clark
Lighting & Electrical Supply Marathon Electrical Contractors, Inc. Mayer Electric Supply Company, Inc. McGriff, Seibels & Williams, Inc. Merrill Lynch Morgan Stanley MRM/ Comptrust Murray Building Co., Inc. National Cement Pate Landscape Co., Inc. Ready Mix USA Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Sheffield Electrical Contracrtors, LLC Sherman Industries Sika Industry Sirote & Permutt PC Smith Barney
Summit Electrical Construction, Inc. Sunbelt Rentals, Inc. Terracon Consulting Engineers The Guarantee Company Thompson Tractor Company Tractor and Equipment Co., Inc. Travelers Truitt Insurance Turner Insurance and Bonding Co., Inc. Verizon Wireless Wade Sand and Gravel Co., Inc. Waldorff Insurance & Bonding, inc. Warren Averett Wayne J. Griffin Electric, Inc. Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC Willis of Alabama Zurich Surety
A Special Thank You to all our sponsors for their generosity and support. Support them by Doing Business With A Fellow Member 28 / BUILDSouth Spring 2014
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2014ALABAMA AGC CHAPTER-WIDE CONVENTION REGISTRATION FORM EARLY REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT (on or before May 16th)
$355.00
EARLY REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT ONLINE www.alagc.org (On or before May 16th) $325.00 ALL LATE REGISTRATION (after May 16th)
$375.00
(Includes Cocktail Parties, Pool Party, Awards Reception, Convention Gift and All social events)
HOTEL ACCOMMODATINS $299.00 per night plus tax
(Convention Registration price does not include your room reservations)
CHOISE OF ACTIVITY Golf Tournament Tennis Tournament Beachcomber
REGISTRANT
ACTIVITY
PLEASE PRINT
ACTIVITY FEE $135 (includes one mulligan) $ 60 NO CHARGE
SHIRT SIZE
REGISTRATION FEE
M, L, XL, XXL MEN ONLY
ACTIVITY FEE
SUBTOTAL TOTAL AMOUNT DUE COMPANY ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP TELEPHONE #
Email:
Please make check payable to: Alabama AGC Attention: Anna Rosato Brown Post Office Box 102066 Irondale, Alabama 35210 I prefer to use my credit card ACCOUNT NUMBER
American Express
NOTE: Discount only for registration and payment online by May 16 VISA
MasterCard
3 OR 4 DIGIT CODE FROM FRONT OR REAR OF CARD
EXPIRATION DATE
NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD (PLEASE PRINT) SIGNATURE * If paying by credit card you may fax this form to: 205.451.1499 Spring 2014 BUILDSouth / 29
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childrens’ registration form We will be having a “Kid’s Night Out” from
Number of Children attending “Kid’s Night Out”
5:30 pm to 9:30 pm Saturday during the Awards Presentation
NAME OF CHILD AGE OF CHILD
AGE OF CHILD
NAME OF CHILD AGE OF CHILD
AGE OF CHILD
NAME OF CHILD AGE OF CHILD
AGE OF CHILD
NAME OF CHILD AGE OF CHILD
AGE OF CHILD
NAME OF CHILD AGE OF CHILD
AGE OF CHILD
All children, ages 5 — 12, may attend free if their parents are paid convention registrants We have lined up a fun filled night for the children, which will include dinner and a T-shirt. Your child must be registered on this form to be eligible to attend “Kid’s Night Out”. NAME OF REGISTERED PARENT/RESPONSIBLE ADULT 30 / BUILDSouth Spring 2014
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proximity prize. Ladies may move approximately 50 yards in front of the Ladies Tee for power drive. 8. Men Blue tees – Men 65 and over White tees (if preferred), Ladies Red tees. 9. “Hole in One” and “Closest To Pin” Competitions A ll Male play ers must hit from the Blue tees and Ladies may hit from Red tees. NO MULLIGAN’S. Location of tee will be determined by the Golf Committee or other authorized event personnel. 10. A player can only win one proximity prize. Rules are subject to change prior to the event at the direction of the golf committee. Official Rules will be posted the day of the event.
CONVENTION GOLF TOURNAMENT This year’s tournament will be played at the beautiful Baytowne Golf Course at the Sandestin Beach Hilton on June 21, 2014. The Golf Committee has determined this year’s tournament will be handled as follows: 1. Tournament will be played in a four person scramble format and teams will be scored on a Flighted System. No handicaps will be utilized. All decisions of the Golf Pro are final. 2. Many great prizes are available to win including Team Low Gross, Hole in One, and Closest to the Pin and other various proximity prizes. Every hole has at least one prize opportunity. The J.V. Rives, Jr. Championship Trophy will be given to the team with the lowest gross score. In case of a tie, scores will be called from 18 backwards to determine the winner. 3. There will be a signup sheet posted at the Registration Event and in the AGC Hospitality Room. Sign up early for your desired Foursome. 4. Pairings will be posted at Friday night’s Pool Party. Sign up early for your desired foursome. DEADLINE IS FRIDAY AT 2 P.M. TO HAVE FOURSOMES IN. For your enjoyment and
convenience, two hospitality carts will be furnished. To be eligible to win a golf prize you must be an AGC member or in the immediate family of an AGC member. Each golfer may win only one proximity prize and one low gross or low net prize. All decisions of the golf committee will be final.
GOLF TOURNAMENT RULES Rules: All decisions of the Golf committee will be final 1. Two putt maximum. 2. Improve one club length anywhere except hazards. Do not change your position on the course. 3. Play on both sides begins with a 7:30 a.m. shotgun start. Please be at the course 30 minutes before starting time. 4. One Mulligan per golfer is included in your golf registration fee. Mulligan cannot be used to win proximity prize. 5. Play out of bounds and lost ball with one stroke penalty from point of entry. 6. Foursome MUST pick up after DOUBLE BOGEY and record same. 7. Each player may use one power drive (teeing off from ladies’ tee). This shot may not be used to win a
RULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE PRIOR TO THE EVENT AT THE DIRECTION OF THE GOLF COMMITTEE. OFFICIAL RULES WILL BE POSTED THE DAY OF THE EVENT.
ROUND TABLE TOPICS
Update on Changes to Alabama’s Timely Payment Act. This presentation will review recent changes in Alabama’s Timely Payment Act and will explain recent court decisions interpreting the Act. The attendees will learn successful strategies for both making and defending claims for payment. Bill Daniels with Burr & Forman “Building Your Image with PR & Social Media” Learn tips and techniques for utilizing PR, branding and social media strategies to build your company’s image and stand out in today’s competitive business world. Hannah Benak – Black & Benak Construction Contracts Key contract provisions and negotiation tactics that can “save your bacon” Davisson Dunlap, III, Dunlap & Shipman, P. A. Commercial Construction Employment Updates Latest development on employment that effect contractors Mac Greaves, Jones Walker Spring 2014 BUILDSouth / 31
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POOL PARTY
Come join us for some live music and great food! The evening will be a cocktail party with a casual buffet from 6 to 8 PM The function will be at the Sun Deck pool and the dress will be casual. Don’t forget, kids are invited to this event. In case of rain, the event will be moved to the Coral Ballroom A, B.
play. Winners will be determined by adding up the total number of games won with all partners combined. Matches will be played on courts located at the Sandestin Bayside Complex. Directions to courts are available at the Bayside entry gate. Matches will begin promptly at 8 a.m. Saturday. Please arrive by 7:30 a.m. if you want to warm up. We expect to finish by noon.
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
KID’S NITE OUT Time to cruise on down to the beach for some real fun. “Kids Nite Out”, the AGC children’s program, will be 5:30 p.m. — 9:30 p.m., Saturday in the Heron Room and theater while parents are attending the cocktail party and awards presentation. Please remember there is no cost for this event, however, your child must be preregistered to attend. You cannot register your child at the door. Kids will enjoy dinner, a movie and some themed adventures. Children will be divided into groups according to their age with 5-8 year olds grouped together and 9-12 year olds grouped together. This special night is for AGC members only.
TENNIS TOURNAMENT
For the 2014 AGC Chapterwide Convention Tennis Tournament, Saturday, June 21, we will continue the successful and entertaining format that we have had for previous tournaments. We will not have regular singles or doubles competition but will play a round robin men’s/women’s doubles. The number of participants will determine how many games we will
Bump, set, kill! O.K., so maybe you can’t spike it yet! Come out and give it a shot anyway. Any AGC Convention attendee may participate in volleyball activities and be eligible for prizes to be awarded at the AGC awards presentation for the volleyball category regardless of what other activity you may have participated in. In other words, you could possibly win a beachcomber, golf or tennis and still be eligible to win a volleyball prize. Volleyball pickup games will be going on from noon to close of beach on Friday, June 20 and all day Saturday, June 21. You do not have to sign up in advance to participate. If you are interested in playing, just come to the AGC hospitality tent on the beach. For each game you play, your name will be dropped into the box for the volleyball prize drawing. Therefore, your chance to win will be increased with each game you play. However, you will only be eligible for one volleyball prize. Come join us for some lighthearted fun.
sandcastle contest Friday, June 20, 10am - 3pm. 12 and under. Prizes awarded at pool party Friday evening.
BEACHCOMBERS
The beachcomber contingent is always the largest at the AGC Convention. We classify Beachcombers as everyone who chooses not to be on the tennis court ready to swing by 8 a.m. or those who must be up and ready to tee off for golf at 7:30 a.m. Those who want to relax and enjoy doing their own thing are our Beachcombers. The Alabama AGC area at the beach will be open 11 a.m. — 4 p.m. Fri., June 20 and 10 am — 4 p.m. Sat., June 21. Beachcombers are included among those signed up for the two AGC cocktail parties, the business meeting, the Hospitality Room, the Friday evening “Pool Party” and the AGC Saturday night awards reception. In addition we would like the Beachcombers to be especially aware of a section marked off on the beach for AGC registrants. Beach chairs and umbrellas will be available Fri. & Sat. and we would like for this to be the central gathering place so that everyone will get to know each other better. There also will be a hospitality tent in this area for AGC members and their families only. Availability of chairs and umbrellas: When someone leaves the beach, that umbrella becomes available. Therefore, we ask that you take your towel, beach bag, etc. with you when you leave the beach so that our members will know that the chair is available. Also please remember that the chairs are for adult registrants. Please make use of this arrangement and let’s keep those umbrellas and chairs in use all day. We will have a few surprises for the beachcombers, so the golfers, volleyball players and tennis players will not the only winners!
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Governor Talks Workforce at Alabama AGC Gov. Robert Bentley praised the construction industry’s Go Build campaign and the Alabama AGC’s workforce efforts at a speech at the AGC’s chapterwide headquarters in Birmingham.
“We must make sure that we take care of our workforce and make sure they are trained properly,” Gov. Bentley said during the speech to more than 200 Alabama AGC members. “Let me tell you how you lift people out of poverty. You educate them (about opportunities in the skilled trades) like we are talking about with Go Build. You educate the people of our state and you help them find a job.” The Alabama AGC was instrumental in setting up the Alabama Construction Recruitment Institute, which oversees the nationally renowned Go Build Campaign. It also is working now to draft legislation that would provide long-term funding for craft training that would utilize community colleges and other training facilities
throughout the state. “We’re making good progress and that’s why Alabama is ranked in the top 5 as one of the best states in the country to do business,” he said. “We all have to work together to make sure the workforce is there and make sure it’s trained. During the meeting, Bill Caton, COO of the Alabama AGC, told the governor that AGC was instrumental in unifying high school trade curriculum, getting NCCER used system-wide. Caton also told the group that many community colleges are using NCCER so that students can get credit for NCCER work completed in high school. Gov. Bentley called for a “seamless transition in the education system so that what you learn in high school Spring 2014 BUILDSouth / 33
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In the Office The Governor meets with AGC Board
“We are working to ramp up skilled training in the 11th and 12th grades. 98 percent of all students who belong to FFA graduated from high school. If you can get (students) into the skilled trades, they are going to graduate from high school.” —Governor Robert Bentley (skills training) can be transferred to a two-year (skills training) degree and you can take the credit you earn in community college and transfer that to four-year colleges. We need all education involved in it. You don’t want to segregate skilled workers. This is a different way of thinking.” “What we have seen now over this last year is the coming together of business and education,” he said. “You have to tell education what is needed. You have to work together. “I appreciate what you have already done and we will continue to work on that. We are going to have a marketing program modeled after what you are doing right now. We are going to work together to create more skilled jobs in this state.” “We have the type of people who work hard in Alabama,” Gov. Bentley said. “I am very proud of our workforce. The thing they (industries) like about Alabama is the work ethic in this state. Mercedes in Germany said 7 percent of their workers are absent daily. They said they have .6 percent average daily absenteeism at the plant in Tuscaloosa. That talks about the work ethic in this state.” The governor said that when he visits work sites across the state that he notices “how hard (Alabamians) are working and that they enjoy what they are doing. That is the best asset that our state has and that’s why we need to train them.” He also commented that allowing industry currently in Alabama to be unionized would be devastating for our recruitment of new companies.
“I am not anti-union,” Gov. Bentley said. “There are a lot of companies where that works fine. But there are companies like Mercedes which has been here 20 years, and if they unionize that will hurt in future recruiting. We are going to keep Alabama a right-to-work state. We are going to do what is right for employees and make them feel appreciated. And if we do that, they are not going to unionize.”
The governor also discussed some construction projects in the works around the state: 1. ATRIP is a way to increase road and bridge work statewide. Funded by $1 billion of Garvey Bond money, every county will get at least $6.6 million. Some counties, such as Madison, which is slated for $82 million, will get much more. The governor called the project the “largest road and bridge program in the history of Alabama. We have 1,122 projects that have been approved.” 2. The governor secured $85.5 million through the BP settlement to help rebuild the state part in Gulf Shores. “We are going to put that into a lodging and convention center,” he said. “It will take more money than that, but that’s how we are going to get started. We’ll have it ready before my second term is up. It will bring more money into the state.”
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In the Office
Construction Briefs
School. On March 20 and 21 “If I Had A Hammer,” will be at the Locust Fork School. On April 3 and 4 the Cleveland School will be the host and to end the tour with Montevallo School 23 and 24.
“Big Machines Day’ a Big Hit The Fourth Annual “Big Machine’s Day” at McWane Center – sponsored by CraneWorks, the Alabama Construction Recruitment Institute and Alabama AGC -drew thousands of young students to learn about careers on construction.
North Section Honors Members By Josh Caton, Director of Membership
“This is a natural fit for ACRI’s Go Build Alabama
The North Alabama Section of the Alabama AGC,
campaign,” said Jason Phelps, ACRI director. “’Big
during its February meeting, honored members for some
Machines Day’ and ‘If I Had a Hammer’ are both excellent
outstanding projects completed in 2013.
opportunities to promote the construction industry to the
Dell McDonald, Alabama AGC Treasurer and president
younger generation. The children enjoyed getting to play
of the North Alabama Section, presented awards in
on the big equipment.
several categories: Outstanding Safety Performance, New
“CraneWorks does an excellent job with ‘Big Machines
Construction Management, New Building Construction
Day’, providing the opportunity for younger people to learn
Under $5 Million, and New Construction Management Under
about our critically important industry.”
$5 Million.
WBRC Fox 6’s Mickey Ferguson was on hand to cover
Contractors recognized were: Alan Mitchell of Mitchell
the event and interviewed CraneWorks’ Tom Yielding,
Industrial Contractors, Outstanding Safety Performance;
Alabama AGC’s Jeff Rodgers, and Katie Baasen with the
Jim Maynard with Martin and Cobey, New Construction
McWane Science Center.
Management for Hartselle High School; Joe Moon of Moon
Amy Templeton, McWane Center CEO, said more than
Construction, New Building Construction Under $5 Million
4,000 people attended last year and this year’s attendance
for Cognitive Fish Flume in Vicksburg, MS; Kelly Howard
far exceeded that.
of Martin and Cobey, New Construction Management
Industry representatives at the event were Kevin Garrison, Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell, and
Under $5 Million for the Lawrence County Judicial and Administrative Center in Moulton.
Berkowitz; Owen Trotter, Dunn Building Company; Brian
“The North Section awards are an excellent way to
Conklin, Brasfield & Gorrie; Jeff Rodgers and Josh Caton,
recognize some of the outstanding work done by our
both of AGC, and Jason Phelps, ACRI director.
members,” said Bill Caton, Alabama AGC Chief Operating
“If I Had A Hammer,” designed to help children
Officer. “These projects also were winners at the statewide
understand the construction industry by letting them work
level and were recognized at the Alabama AGC BuildSouth
with craftsmen, will be March 6 and 7 at Susan Moore
Awards Banquet.” Spring 2014 BUILDSouth / 35
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In the Field
High School Students Win Go Build Alabama’s Future Skilled Workers of America Award G
o Build Alabama, an initiative of the Alabama
One student was chosen each month from January
Construction Recruitment Institute (ACRI), awarded
through March. Go Build Alabama will choose one more
three students in the spring semester of the 2013-2014
student in April to complete the FSWA Awards for the spring
school year with the Future Skilled Workers of America
semester of the 2013-2014 school year. The winners to date
Award.
are:
The FSWA Award, which honors one high school junior or senior each month, was created to recognize and encourage high school students who plan to pursue careers in the
• Kristen Booker (January) – T.R. Miller High School, welding
construction industry. Each student that won the award was
• Casey Gilliland (February) – Minor High School, welding
made eligible to receive a $1,000 scholarship to a training
• Chris Howard (March) – Holly Pond High School,
facility in Alabama if the student chooses to continue his or
electricity
her education in the skilled trades in the state of Alabama. The scholarship is made possible by ACRI and the Big Dog
Teachers, principals and other school personnel are
Poker Run, an employee motorcycle ride sponsored by
encouraged to nominate students for the Go Build Alabama
CraneWorks and Garrison Steel this past spring.
Future Skilled Workers of America Award.
36 / BUILDSouth Spring 2014
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In the Field TH E TR A D E
Spring 2014 BUILDSouth / 37
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In the Field
osha corner DATOS RÁPIDOS
QUICK
CARD
TM
Protect Yourself
Protéjase del
Estrés por calor
Heat Stress When the body is unable to cool itself by sweating, several heat-induced illnesses such as heat stress or heat exhaustion and the more severe heat stroke can occur, and can result in death.
Cuando el cuerpo no puede bajar su temperatura mediante el sudor, pueden ocurrir varias enfermedades debido al calor, tales como estrés o agotamiento por calor e insolación o golpe de calor, las cuales pueden resultar en la muerte.
Factors Leading to Heat Stress High temperature and humidity; direct sun or heat; limited air movement; physical exertion; poor physical condition; some medicines; and inadequate tolerance for hot workplaces.
Factores que llevan al estrés por calor Alta temperatura y humedad, calor o sol directo, movimiento limitado de aire, esfuerzo físico, pobre condición física, algunas medicinas y tolerancia inadecuada para lugares de trabajo calurosos.
• • • •
Síntomas de agotamiento por calor • Dolores de cabeza, mareos, vértigo o desmayo. • Debilidad y piel húmeda. • Cambios de humor como irritabilidad o confusión. • Nauseas o vómitos.
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting. Weakness and moist skin. Mood changes such as irritability or confusion. Upset stomach or vomiting.
Síntomas de insolación • Piel seca y caliente sin sudor. • Confusión mental o pérdida de conocimiento. • Convulsiones o ataques.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke • Dry, hot skin with no sweating. • Mental confusion or losing consciousness. • Seizures or convulsions.
Evita el estrés por calor • Conozca las señales y los síntomas de las enfermedades relacionadas al calor; obsérvese a si mismo y a sus colegas. • Bloquee el sol directo u otras fuentes de calor. • Utilice ventiladores (abanicos) o aire acondicionado; descanse con regularidad. • Beba mucha agua, como 1 taza cada 15 minutos. • Vístase con ropa ligera, de colores claros y no ajustada. • Evite el alcohol, bebidas con cafeína o comidas pesadas.
Preventing Heat Stress • Know signs/symptoms of heat-related illnesses; monitor yourself and coworkers. • Block out direct sun or other heat sources. • Use cooling fans/air-conditioning; rest regularly. • Drink lots of water; about 1 cup every 15 minutes. • Wear lightweight, light colored, loose-fitting clothes. • Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, or heavy meals.
Qué hacer en caso de enfermedades relacionadas al calor • Llame al 911 (u otro número local para emergencias) inmediatamente.
What to Do for Heat-Related Illness • Call 911 (or local emergency number) at once. While waiting for help to arrive: • Move the worker to a cool, shaded area. • Loosen or remove heavy clothing. • Provide cool drinking water. • Fan and mist the person with water.
Mientras espera por ayuda: • Mueva a la persona a un lugar fresco y sombreado. • Suéltele o quitele la ropa pesada. • Ofrézcale agua fresca para beber. • Abanique y rocíe con agua a la persona.
For more complete information:
U.S. Department of Labor www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA
Para información más completa: OSHA 3154-07R-06
Occupational Safety and Health Administration
Administración de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional
Departamento del Trabajo de EE.UU. www.osha.gov (800) 321-OSHA
38 / BUILDSouth Spring 2014
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Working together to keep what you value Safe. Sound. Secure.® For all of your life, home, car and business insurance needs, contact one of these fine independent insurance agencies representing Auto-Owners today!
BYARS AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
THE INSURANCE CENTER OF TUSCALOOSA
Birmingham Area • 800-492-7889 Tuscaloosa • 205-752-0486 www.byarsassociates.com www. insurancecentertuscaloosa.com
O.M. HUGHES INSURANCE, INC.
Birmingham • 205-956-4500 www.omhughesinsurance.com
auto-owners.com Spring 2014 BUILDSouth / 39
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Alabama AGC P O Box 102066 Irondale, Alabama 35210
Presorted Standard U. S. Postage Paid Permit #1957 Bham., AL © 2014 Alabama Power Company
SAFET Y TIP No. 34
ANOTHER GROUNDBREAKING TIP FROM THE POWER COMPANY. By Mike Barnes Alabama Power Lineman
Here are a few very important things you should know about underground power lines and how to work safely around them.
Color codes for marking underground utility lines White
Proposed excavation
Pink
Temporary survey markings
Red
Electric power lines, cables, conduit and lighting cables
Yellow
Gas, oil, steam, petroleum or gaseous materials
Orange
Communications, alarm or signal lines, cables or conduit
More and more power lines are being buried underground. This poses a considerable threat for both construction workers and do-it-yourself homeowners. Even if you’re undertaking a seemingly harmless job, such as digging a hole for a new fence, the risks are still there. You’ve probably heard the “Call before you dig” mantra many times. But take it to heart. Nothing good happens when a shovel plunges into a live power line. The number to call is easy to remember: just dial 811. You call, preferably at least 48 hours in advance of your project, and the representative will notify all the appropriate utilities. Pretty easy. Soon after your call, various technicians will come out and
Blue
Potable water
Purple
Reclaimed water, irrigation and slurry lines
Green
Sewers and drain lines
put colored spray paint in the places where they have lines. I’ve included a chart here so you can tell which one is which. Please take this simple step before you start digging. It’s easy. And it’s free. You’ll save yourself a lot of headaches – and maybe even your life.
Call before you dig. For more electrical safety tips, visit AlabamaPower.com/safety.
91524 BuildSouth_Winter_13.indd 40
Dial: 811 4/16/14 5:50 PM