BMSA's Safety First! 
September 2017
Are You Reporting Fatality & Severe Injury and Illness Promptly?

OSHA expanded the reporting requirements for fatalities and severe injuries (certain in-patient hospitalizations, amputations, and losses of an eye) effective January 1, 2015.

Although we have not seen significant enforcement activity involving these requirements, failure to report as required may result in a significant penalty.

Below is a summary of the covered work-related incidents found on OSHA's Recordkeeping Rule webpage.
 

 
(Source: Frank Moore, NLBMDA)
Use FEMA Guides to Create  
Emergency Plans for Your Business 

As the last several weeks have shown, when business is disrupted, it can cost money. Lost revenues plus extra expenses means reduced profits. Insurance does not cover all costs and cannot replace customers that defect to the competition. A business continuity plan to continue business is essential.

FEMA's website hosts resources that can help you plan for the next emergency.



Business Continuity Plan
 

(Source: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security, FEMA.gov) 
Creating an IT Disaster Recovery Plan

Ready.gov recommends creating a disaster plan for your IT systems, as well as your overall business. This would include networks, servers, desktops, laptops, wireless devices, data and connectivity.  
 
Information technology systems require hardware, software, data and connectivity. Without one component of the "system," the system may not run. Therefore, recovery strategies should be developed to anticipate the loss of one or more of the following system components:
  • Computer room environment (secure computer room with climate control, conditioned and backup power supply, etc.)
  • Hardware (networks, servers, desktop and laptop computers, wireless devices and peripherals)
  • Connectivity to a service provider (fiber, cable, wireless, etc.)
  • Software applications (electronic data interchange, electronic mail, enterprise resource management, office productivity, etc.)
  • Data and restoration

(Source: IT Disaster Recovery Plan, Ready.gov) 
Keep It Simple and Stay Open: The Waffle House Storm Menu

Waffle House, the 24/7 comfort-food chain, is notable for keeping the doors open when hurricanes and natural disasters strike. The Federal Emergency Management Agency even measures the severity of a storm's damage by something called the Waffle House Index. When a Waffle House restaurant shuts down, it's really bad. 

"We go to a limited menu," said Pat Warner, Waffle House director of external affairs, meaning fewer choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner. "That makes it easier for our production teams and for our suppliers."

Warner says keeping everything as simple as possible helps Waffle House stay on track during a crisis.

"To be honest, we just cook bacon and eggs. But sometimes you need bacon and eggs."


(Source: Uri Berliner, NPR.org)
 
4 Tips to Handle Lumber Safely
 
Here are a few general safety measures to follow while handling lumber on a job site:
 

1) Always keep your hands clean of dirt, grease or any other kinds of substances that will make it more difficult for you to get a good grip on the lumber. It's best to use gloves while working, to protect your hands.

 

2) Do a quick inspection of the lumber. Look for any jagged edges or surfaces that are rough or slippery. If a piece seems too dangerous to handle, make it safe before moving it.

 

3) Keep your fingers away from pinch points. 

 

4) Secure handles and holders to the pieces of lumber being moved to minimize your risk.

 
(Source: Apex Bulk Handlers blog, September 2015.) 
Calendar of Events
 
2017
September 25-27: CFO Roundtable (Albany, NY)

September 27-28: Blueprint Reading & Material Take-Off Workshop (Roanoke, VA)

September 28-29: Leadership Development Roundtable 2 (Charleston, SC)

October 8-10: Roundtable 1 (Hilton Head, SC)

October 8-10: Roundtable 3 (Charlotte, NC)

October 17-19: NLBMDA ProDealer Industry Summit (Phoenix, AZ)

October 23-24: Leadership Development Roundtable 1 (Charlottesville, VA)

October 26-27: Sales Managers Roundtable (Gatlinburg, TN)

November 1-3: Roundtable 7 (Nashville, TN)

November 8: BMSA Executive Committee Meeting (Columbus, OH)

November 9: BMSA Board of Directors Meeting (Columbus, OH)


2018 
February 7-8: BMSA's Annual Building Products Show (Hickory, NC)

February 27-March 1: Installed Sales Roundtable (Asheville, NC)

March 19-21: NLBMDA Legislative Conference (Washington, D.C.)  
 
July 26-29: BMSA's Summer Conference 
Stay Connected With BMSA! 


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Matthews, NC 28105  
800-849-1503 
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