The recent days of warmer weather and sunshine have made each of us more anxious for spring and the type weather that is required to work at an optimal performance level.  Although times have been grim over the last several months, HBCC is very fortunate to have a substantial backlog of work for 2010. I have had the opportunity to talk with many other contractors who have been less fortunate and are presently in dire need of work.  We have all seen how some businesses have been shaken to their core, while others have toppled over completely. The good news is - the strong do survive and they seem to share similar traits that can be adapted by those willing to expend a little elbow grease.

We definitely have to work harder in this economy. We live in challenging times. In these challenging times we have to manage changes and challenges, like inclement weather or having to do more work with fewer people.   No matter what is happening around us, we should strive to be thorough in all our daily tasks, our decision making and work our hardest to bring projects to safe and successful completions.  We should keep an open mind when addressing on-the-job challenges that we face daily, whether it be communication issues, satisfying our clients, or handling any problem that arises.  We can use being “Open-Minded” to go beyond just managing to survive, but to actually thriving in the midst of change and uncertainties. 

Let’s all put extra effort into Staying positive during these challenging times and keeping our focus on the big picture!

Kenny Hill
CEO

WORKPLACE VALUES:

Encouragement at Work Pays - Do you recognize your co-workers contributions?  A little encouragement can go a long way.  At work, you can provide feelings of accomplishment in those around you. “Accentuate the Positive.”

 Think about this: You’ve worked hard on a project and when you finish, you hear nothing from your boss, or even from you co-workers.  How does that make you feel? Unappreciated?  The lack of recognition and encouragement can lower morale, but when efforts are recognized and appreciated, the opposite is true – people who receive regular recognition and praise:

• Have fewer accidents on the job.
• Will increase participation and involvement with their co-workers.
• Are inspired to stay at their jobs longer, have better job satisfaction.
• Will increase their personal productivity.

The words “Please and Thank You” show gratitude, too. One small word of encouragement or appreciation can go a long way.

Sharon Goolsby
Corporate Ethics & EEO Officer

Safety Update

Everyday presents new challenges to everyone on the jobsite. There are always schedules to meet, specific jobs that must get done, equipment breakdowns, concrete is late getting to the job, Etc.  In addition, there are many unseen hazards that are always present. Many of these hazards are very capable of becoming a “life changing event.” Some of the most common of these are called “struck-by/caught-in” and can result in severe injuries.  These include: 

• Equipment – always around on every jobsite. These equipment hazards can be turn-over, getting hit by excavator buckets, run-over, etc
• Vehicles – flagging traffic, working near traffic, other vehicles on the jobsite.
• Materials – moving rebar, concrete buckets, forms, etc.
• Pinch-points – getting your fingers, hand, body caught/pinched in-between objects.

Prevention!  Always be aware of your surroundings. Wear seatbelts on equipment, make eye contact with operators . Never assume they can see you! Be sure you are trained in flagging safety. Always wear high visibility PPE and never set up in a curve or over a hill.  Use taglines on materials being moved by equipment. Pay attention to where you place your body, fingers, hands, legs and feet. Pay attention, help to identify them and train fellow co-workers so they too can avoid these potential “life changers”.  Be Safe!

 Benton Elliott, HBCC Safety