FEATURED PROJECT:

7840 - Roc Roe & White River Relief Structures and Approaches, Monroe County, AR

The original total man-hours required to perform this project was about 297,000. Currently, HBCC has utilized 20,821 man-hours. Approximately 58% of this contract consists of roadway construction and 42% is structures.  The project is presently at 7% completion.

The elevation of the White River has had direct control of the work performed on this project. A river gauge elevation of about 25’ or less is required for access to the project area in order to base the earth work in.  An elevation of 22’ or less is needed to allow the base work for the bridge foundation to occur.

 In 2009, HBCC was only allowed a few months work performance due to the short duration of favorable river. During this time the low river exposed 13 bents that were a potential problem. Together HBCC and AHTD sought a solution that resulted in making some design changes.  This Change Order is due any day and will allow HBCC the ability to install these 13 bents along with all of the other bents at the elevations stated above. Obtaining this change order is a milestone to the projects’ completion.

 The total project can be aggressively pursued and will progress in the expected 4 to 6 months of favorable river.  HBCC plans to make a strong effort this work season and move the progress on the bridge foundation out of reach of the river.

Beginning this month HBCC has established a new program with stricter guidelines in our hiring methods.

 The new procedures will help us maintain better employment records and help us know exactly who we are hiring, plus it will help us hire more responsibly.

 The new guidelines are as follows:

• Applications will be taken on Wednesdays only and only if there are job openings.
• Three (3) day waiting period to check work histories and do background checks. Hiring process will not be complete until investigations are finished.
• When new hire clears background checks he/she will receive a work-authorization to go to work on the next Monday.

 This is a partial list of the new hiring guidelines policy; the complete list will be published soon into the SOP manual.

 There are many of us involved in this new hiring process and we are all working together to make this new program a success.  Thanks for all your hard work!

— Sharon Goolsby

Safety Update

Tips to Follow during Extreme Heat

• Slow down, avoid  overly strenuous activity.   
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.   Light colors will reflect heat and sunlight and help maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face with a wide-brimmed hat.
• Drink plenty of water regularly and often, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.   Avoid high protein foods that increase metabolic heat.
• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun.   Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help evaporate sweat, which cools your body. Go to a place where you can get relief from the heat, such as air conditioned schools, libraries, theaters and other community facilities that may offer refuge during the warmest times of the day.
• Avoid too much sunshine.   Sunburn slows the skin’s ability to cool itself.  If you are outside, use sunscreen lotion with a high SPF rating.
• Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors