2012 Safety Innovator of the Year
SkyLine Scaffold – “Advanced Guardrail System”
Scaffold erection and dismantle has always had a hard time providing fall protection measures that made sense and were practical for the work flow.  Customer calls for 100 percent fall protection have forced the scaffold erector to tie off at his feet, or to have tripping hazards from above.  The Advance Guardrail System allows for erectors to have passive fall protection before they climb to the next level to continue erecting scaffold.  The system works the same way in reverse allowing for erectors to dismantle scaffold with guardrail that moves with the erectors.  Contact David Johnson, Skyline Scaffolding for further information.

Best in Show
Borg Unlimited – “Blue Collar Work Wear”
Blue Collar Work Wear is for workers that regularly carry objects/loads on their shoulders or against their ribs: linemen; lumberyard workers; framers, carpenters, pipe fitters; plumbers; electricians; rebar workers; welders; delivery persons; waiter; movers and/or other related occupations that carry loads against their body.  This work wear provides safety, comfort and protection.  Built-in detachable padding cushions and protects load bearing shoulders and ribs.  Lower back support belt system is easy to adjust and part of the patented shirt design.  The shirt can be used in all weather conditions, goes anywhere, and works great as an undergarment.  Contact Richard Gamboa, Borg Unlimited

CH Bull – “Sumo-stance LW”
Ladders are a major cause of work-site injuries and deaths.  Ladders have slide and side forces put on them when they are climbed.  The new Sumo-stance ladder by Little Giant Ladder Systems is truly a “better mouse trap” – the ladde4r has built-in outriggers, stabilizers and leveling feet.  It also has levels in two directions to assure the ladder is set-up properly.  Contact Andy Bull, CH Bull Company

Guardian Fall Protection – “Basemate Ladder Level System”
Never set foot onto a wobbly ladder again with the Qual-Craft “Basemate Ladder Level System.”  The Basemate helps make any extension ladder safer and easier to use.  On level ground, it provides a wider and more stable platform.  On uneven ground, the system helps you ground your ladder as firmly as you could on a flat surface.  Easy to attach and compatible with most ladders, this stabilizer quickly equalizes uneven terrain with a tap of your foot.  Lightweight and compact, the Basemate is weight-tested to support up to 1,200 pounds.   Contact Tommy Lee, Guardian Fall Protection

Guardian Fall Protection -  Qual-Craft “Lock-N-Climb”
Prevent dangerous and costly workplace ladder accidents with the Qual-Craft “Lock-N-Climb” ladder product.  Made of durable 6061-grade aluminum, the US Patent Pending ‘Lock-N-Climb’ has been engineer-certified to withstand loads in excess of OSHA requirements, according to ANSI A14.2, ANSI 14.5 stands4rds.  The “Lock-N-Climb” fits any extension ladder and installs in minutes when following the detailed product instructions.  The “Lock-N-Climb” is used to promote ladder safety in leading companies in the construction, food, housing, roofing, hotel, agricultural and telecommunications industries across America.  Contact Tommy Lee, Guardian Fall Protection

Safe-T-Systems – “Hole Covering Signage”
This product will replace OSHA approved signage for floor and roof openings and was designed, used and tested for one-and-a half years.  The hole cover signage screws down to the floor/roof cover with or without 20 pound base – universal language: no training required.  It should replace current signage or spray painting the opening cover.  The approximate cost is $18 – $38 per unit and is composed of plastics and rubber – this is a stand-alone product and is is extremely practical, portable and reusable over and over.  The construction industry will benefit as a precaution against death or serious injuries. Contact Add Kennon, Owner, Safe-T-Systems

The purpose of the Safety Innovations Award is recognize companies whose products or procedures have or will significantly improve safe practices in the workplace and work environments.  With this in mind, these entries were submitted for review and voted on by members of the 2012 Safety Expo Advisory Council.

Thank you and congratulations to all of you that took the time and effort to share your procedures, ideas and specific product(s) that improve safety and safe practices in the workplace.

Bruce Anderson, Safety Center
Jerry Bach, Safety Center
Mario Bermudez, Maxim Crane Works
Mike Bogdan, California Highway Patrol – Motor Carrier Safety Unit
Don Bradway, Independent Safety Consultant
And Bull, CH Bull Company
Tom Burke, Schetter Electric, Inc.
Michael Cable Esq., Atkinson, Anderson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
Kevin Crown, Safety First
Richard DaRosa, Cal/OSHA Consultation Service
Mike Donlon, Cal/OSHA Research and Standards
Robert Downey, RED Safety Consulting
John Ford, Cal/OSHA Consultation Service
Kent Freeman, Western Safety Institute
Eliseo Garcia, Lakeview Professional Services, Inc.
Jess Garcia, AC Delco
David Harrington MPH, California Department of Public Health – Occupational Health Branch
Rich Heberlein, R&L and Associates
Ken Howarth, Sunbelt Equipment Rentals
Karl Jacobi, Holt of California
David Johnson, Skyline Scaffold, Inc.
Jack Kastorff, SBK Consultants
Darryl Kielich, Sunbelt Equipment Rentals
Paul Kom, Altec
Greg Landin and Rescue Training Institute Instructors
Mary Larsen, Stormwater Specialists
Jennifer Martin, State Fund
David May, Snap-on Industrial
John McCoy, Lakeview Professional Services, Inc.
Connor McElroy Esq.       Porter Law Group, Inc.
Deanna Mouser, Atkinson, Andelson, Loya, Ruud & Romo
Annette Pleis, Safety Center
Lisa Prince, Esq., Walter & Prince, LLP
William Porter Esq., Porter Law Group, Inc.
David Renschler, City of Fairfield
Kevin Rogers, Cosumnes River College
Rudy Schroeder, Western Safety Institute
Dan Sheppard, Safety First
Stan Sheppard, CH Bull Company
Cindy Tait, EMT-P, RN, CEN, DFRN, MPH, National Safety Council
Marty Tamayo, Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board
Kevin Thompson, Cal/OSHA Reporter
Ryanne Truax, Sacramento District Enforcement
Tim Thrift, TNT Enterprises
Darin Wallace, Cal/OSHA
Fred Walters, Esq., Walter & Prince, LLP
Lisa Witchey, State Fund
Ed Yarbrough, CalTrans
Marilen Zinner, State Fund

 Safety Expo Premier Sponsor
- Golden State Builders Exchanges

 Badge Holder Sponsor
- Roebbelen Construction

 Badge Lanyard and Signage Sponsor
- McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

Contributors and Supporters
- Builders Exchange of Alameda County
- Construction Employers Association (CEA)
- DPR Construction
- Golden State Builders Exchanges
- Maxim Crane Works
- McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.
- Roebbelen Construction
- RWS Residential Wall Systems
- Sacramento Works
- SkyLine Scaffolding
- State Fund
- Sunbelt Rentals
- Valley Contractors Exchange

With progressive changes from both Federal and California OSHA, coupled with economic variables, employers are challenged with compliance while maintaining a competitive business advantage.  Training is one key area that cannot be compromised even in difficult times.  The 2012 Safety Expo is presenting a dedicated Regulatory Track of presentations that may be of interest to employers, industry professionals and trade workers.

TUESDAY, APRIL 3 – REGULATORY TRACK SESSIONS

Cal/OSHA Just Showed Up! What Now? 8:00 am – 9:30 am – Marty Tamayo, Cal/OSHA Standards Board – What to do when OSHA knocks on your door; what to say to minimize your exposures; how to prepare for an OSHA inspection; how to appeal citations and fines.

Regulatory Section-Heat and Illness Prevention Program  8:00 am – 9:00 am – Richard DaRosa, Cal/OSHA Consultation – This course is to educate the participants as to the regulatory requirements for an effective Heat Illness  Prevention Program (T8 CCR 3395) with the emphasis to the Cal/OSHA Enforcement procedures.

New Ladder Regulation  9:00 am – 11:00 am – Jennifer Martin, State Fund – Did you know there were updates to the Cal/OSHA safety orders on the use, inspection, training, care and maintenance of ladders in 2011? Learn what the changes were and what you need to do to comply with the new regulation.

Cal/OSHA – Dos, Don’ts and Truth  10:00 am – 12 Noon – Rhyanne Truax, Cal/OSHA Consultation – Sacramento District Enforcement – A Cal/OSHA Inspection from the Inspector’s point of view – what you should expect and what you should and should not do; how to keep your inspection from getting expanded; how rumors can hurt you when it comes to inspections.

Regulatory Section-Injury and Illness Prevention Program  10:00 am – 11:00 am – Richard DaRosa, Cal/OSHA Consultation – This course is to educate the participants as to the regulatory requirements for an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program (T8 CCR 3203) with the emphasis to the Cal/ OSHA Enforcement procedures.

Cal/OSHA Fall Protection  – 10:00 am – 11:30 am- John Ford, Cal/OSHA Consultation – Learn what Cal/OSHA expects for compliance with Fall Protection Standards, including fall rescue in commercial and residential construction.

Understanding CDAC – The New Construction Crane Regulations  1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Mike Donlon, Cal/OSHA Consultation – Federal OSHA’s Crane and Derrick Advisory Committee (CDAC) developed new crane regulations for the construction industry. Cal/OSHA adopted its own version of these regulations which went into effect on July 7, 2011. There are many changes and new requirements you need to know if you operate, use or work around cranes.  Learn what equipment is covered under this new standard and what is excluded. Topics include: general contractor responsibilities; assembly/dis-assembly; working near power lines; crane inspection and certification; wire rope; safety devices; qualification for crane operators, signal persons, and riggers; forklifts used in lifting service; additional proposed changes and more. This critical information is for anyone who works with cranes in the construction industry.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4 REGULATORY TRACK SESSIONS

Regulatory Section-Heat and Illness Prevention Program  8:00 am – 9:00 am – Richard DaRosa, Cal/OSHA Consultation – This course is to educate the participants as to the regulatory requirements for an effective Heat Illness Prevention Program (T8 CCR 3395) with the emphasis to the Cal/OSHA Enforcement procedures.

Regulatory Section-Injury and Illness Prevention Program  10:00 am – 11:00 am – Richard DaRosa, Cal/OSHA Consultation – This course is to educate the participants as to the regulatory requirements for an effective Injury and Illness Prevention Program (T8 CCR 3203) with the emphasis to the Cal/OSHA Enforcement procedures.

REGISTRATION BROCHURE 

Click here to register electronically

The California Legislature applied these changes to respond to federal OSHA concerns about the serious violations issued by Cal/OSHA.  Federal OSHA suggested that Cal/OSHA and the California Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board (OSHAB) could improve their handling and processing of serious violations.

Cal/OSHA issues regulatory, general, repeat, or serious citations to California employers for safety violations in the workplace.  The definitions for regulatory and general citations have not changed.

Keep in mind that serious violations can have penalties up to $25,000 compared to the $7,000 maximum for a general violation. Penalties may also apply for failing to correct a violation by the abatement date.  Serious and willful violations may also result in criminal charges and higher worker’s compensation liability.

A copy of AB 2774 is posted at the following url:

http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_2751-2800/ab_2774_bill_20100930_chaptered.html

˜ Kate Leyden, Valley Contractors Exchange ˜

“Everyone associated with the construction industry understands that our business can be extremely dangerous. Whether working in excavation; at extreme heights erecting steel; building our highways or building homes; our workers are always at risk of being injured. However, we also understand that the industry can be made much safer when our workers are properly trained and educated. To that end, the Sacramento Builders Exchange has developed a truly unique event that provides safety training and education to all construction workers. The Safety Expo offers a comprehensive training and education curriculum that’s presented by some of the country’s most knowledgeable trainers. Further, the Expo incorporates a trade show element where employers and workers alike have access to safety suppliers, manufacturers, and other safety related stake holders. We appreciate having access to such a great program and look forward to attending the next Expo.”

˜ Nick Cloud, Northern Pacific Safety Director, McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. ˜