California trigger height is reduced
In response to a 2004 petition by the California Professional Association of Specialty Contractors (CALPASC), California has reduced the 20-foot trigger height for residential roofing applications to a 15-foot trigger height.
CALPASC's petition argued the change would minimize accidents and insurance costs and make it easier for contractors to bid on jobs. With the 15-foot trigger height, the cost of fall protection for roofing contractors will be included in bids for jobs involving two-story residential construction in California.
Survey cites changing work force as a construction industry challenge
Raleigh, N.C.-based FMI, a management consulting and investment banking firm for the construction industry, has released its 2007 U.S. Construction Industry Talent Development Report. The survey includes responses from general contractors and subcontractors ranging from $50 million to more than $500 million in annual revenue.
According to the survey, one of the primary challenges construction industry firms face is the changing work force, which is forcing companies to develop new ways to find, recruit and retain employees as competition for qualified workers increases.
The survey indicates organizations have increased their recruiting efforts at schools, colleges and universities; implemented training to improve workers' competencies; promoted internally; and provided internships or co-op programs. Additionally, more than 50 percent of the survey's respondents said they were identifying current gaps in core competencies, employing best practices to retain employees, establishing core competencies by position and recruiting in nontraditional labor pools.
The Dow Chemical Co. raises prices
The Dow Chemical Co., Midland, Mich., has raised its prices in Europe for methylene diphenyl diisocyanate by 100 euros, or $135.41, per metric ton. Similar increases have been implemented in the Middle East, Africa and Indian subcontinent.
"Continued volatility in raw materials and energy costs coupled with increased demand globally are the driving forces behind these price increases," says Tom Feige, North European product marketing manager of Dow Polyurethanes, a business group of The Dow Chemical Co.
To hire or not to hire
The next time you want to hire a new employee, stop and think. Before you place an ad, ask yourself the following questions:
Source: Adapted from The Motivational Manager, April issue
Paperwork problems
With the amount of paper you go through each dayincluding faxes, printed e-mails and copiesit is easy to become disorganized. The following tips can help you effectively manage large amounts of paperwork.
Source: Adapted from First Draft, March issue
DETAILS
Michael Gaulin
Vice president of operations for Magco Inc., Jessup, Md., a Tecta America company
What is the most unusual roofing project you've performed?
There are too many to list. One time, we were contracted to install an EPDM roof system inside a building that housed control switchgear equipment for Sprint Nextel. A subfloor had been built 2 feet below the bar joists. We loose-laid EPDM over the subfloor.
What was your first roofing experience?
Trying to repair some slate on my parents' roof, which had an 8-in-12 (34-degree) slope.
What are your favorite items on your desk?
Photos of my kids and pictures of construction equipment my son draws for me.
What was your first job?
Like everyone else, I had a paper route.
What do you consider your most rewarding experiences?
Recognition from my peers, as well as taking on a tough roofing project and not letting it beat me.
Why did you become a roofing contractor?
It was sort of by accident. Once I was out of high school, I began working for a company in which my brother was a partner. Seven years later, that partnership dissolved, and he asked me to go into business with him. I said, "SureI have nothing to lose." That was 20 years ago.
What is your favorite stress reliever?
Golf!
What is your favorite vacation?
A Myrtle Beach, S.C., golf trip with the boys.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
People who are not accountable for their actions.
What do you consider a waste of time?
Weekly superintendent meetings for new construction projects and having to say things twice.
What are your best and worst habits?
My best habit is I am punctual. My worst habit is I smoke.
If you could invite any three people to dinner (dead or alive), whom would you invite and why?
My grandfather, father and brother, who are deceased. I miss them, and they each influenced who I am today.
What are the most challenging aspects of your job?
Dealing with daily operations and making sure everyone has what they need to perform their work.
What is your roofing industry involvement?
I am on NRCA's board of directors and a Future Executives Institute graduate.
People would be surprised to know
I am not a midget.
Beware of "yes people"
Some employees, in an effort to help with extra work or gain your approval, take on more tasks than they can complete. These employees can ultimately put you behind schedule. Use the following techniques to boost your employees' sense of reality:
Source: Adapted from Beware of employees who take on too much as cited by The Manager's Intelligence Report, sample issue
Keep an eye on overtime
If you require nonexempt employees to arrive at work before their actual starting times or stay later than their end times, a court likely would find the employees are entitled to be paid for the extra time. And if an employee's total hours for the week exceed 40, that employee will qualify for overtime pay, as well. To control your labor costs and maintain employees' trust, do the following:
Source: Adapted from Watch the clock for overtime claims as cited by The Manager's Intelligence Report, March issue
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