View Full July PDF Issue - Utility Contractor Magazine

2007/2008Buyer's Guide IssueAttention NUCA Members: Take this opportunity to list your company for free in the 2007/2008 Utility Contractor Buyer's Guide.Please fill out this form and submit your FREE listing information today. Be recognized by more than 22,000* industry professionals.If you are not a NUCA member and are interested in joining, please call 800-662-6822or e-mail Shervonne Murphy: shervonne@nuca.com*Publisher’s Own DataGet Listed in the 2007/2008 Buyer’s Guide – It’s FREE for NUCA MembersListing Deadline: August 3, 2007Company____________________________________________________________________________________________________Address_____________________________________________________________________________________________________City __________________________________________________State/Province___________________________________________Zip/Postal Code _________________________________________Country________________________________________________Phone ________________________________________________Fax __________________________________________________E-mail ______________________________________________________________________________________________________Website _______________________________________________Contact _______________________________________________Mail, E-mail or fax both pages of this form to:Benjamin Media, PO Box 190, Peninsula, OH 44264 Attn: Ryan SneltzerPh: 330-467-7588 Fax: 330-468-2289 e-mail: rsneltzer@benjaminmedia.com❒ Logo $175 ❒ Bold/Capitalize your listing $125 ❒ Additional bold caps $75 ❒ Additional listing $75Buy another listing and receive a free logo❒ Accounting Services❒ Aggregate Supplies❒ Air Tools❒ Air/Gas Monitors❒ Attachments❒ Auctioneers/Appraisers❒ Backhoe/Loaders❒ Banking Services❒ Barriers/Rails/Guards❒ Boring Equipment❒ Breathing Apparatus❒ Buckets❒ Cable Pulling Tools❒ Castings/Manholes/Grates❒ Compaction Attachments❒ Compactors❒ Compressors❒ Computers/Software/Supplies❒ Concrete Precast Products❒ Concrete Products❒ Confined Space Equipment❒ Contractor Services❒ Conveyors❒ Couplings, Pipe❒ Cranes❒ Cutting Edges/Accessories❒ Detectors, Holiday❒ Directional Drilling Equipment❒ Drills❒ Engineering Services❒ Engines❒ Environmental Services❒ Equipment Leasing/RentalPlease choose from the categories below for your detailed company listing!❒ Equipment Sales❒ Equipment, Internet Brokers❒ Erosion Control Products❒ Excavators❒ Explosives/Demolition Supplies❒ Financial Services❒ Footwear (Safety)❒ Forklift/Loaders❒ Geotextiles/Fabrics❒ Grapples❒ Grinders❒ Grouting, Chemical❒ Grouting, Pressure❒ Hammer/Breaker Attachments❒ Heavy Hauling Equipment❒ Hydraulic Tools❒ Industry Publications❒ Insurance❒ Lasers❒ Leak Detection❒ Legal Services❒ Lighting Equipment❒ Loaders/Dozers❒ Locators, Pipe/Cable❒ Lubricants❒ Magnetic Locating❒ Manhole Rehabilitation❒ Material Suppliers❒ Meters❒ Microtunneling Equipment❒ One Call Systems❒ P-AM Hazardous Water Equipment❒ Pavement Markings❒ Pavers❒ Paving Products❒ P-ER Factoring Services❒ Petroleum Products❒ Pigs❒ Pile Driving Equipment❒ Pipe Cutters❒ Pipe Insulators❒ Pipe Jacking Equipment❒ Pipe Lifting Tongs❒ Pipe Liners❒ Pipe Pullers/Pushers❒ Pipe Stoppers❒ Pipe Testing/Repair Equipment❒ Pipe, Clay❒ Pipe, Concrete❒ Pipe, Corrugated Steel❒ Pipe, Ductile Iron❒ Pipe, Fiberglass❒ Pipe, Plastic❒ Pipe, Steel❒ Pipeline Accessories❒ Pumps, Centrifugal❒ Pumps, Hydrostatic Testing❒ Pumps, Potable Submersible❒ Pumps, Sewer/Slurry❒ Retaining Walls❒ Safety Consulting❒ Safety Equipment❒ Saws/Grinders❒ Scrapers/Graders❒ Sewer & Water Maintenance❒ Sewer Plugs❒ Soil Stabilization fluids❒ Steel Fabricating❒ Steel Sheet Piling❒ Steel Supplies❒ Storm Drainage❒ Surety Bonding❒ Survey Equipment❒ Tampers❒ Teeth❒ Testing Equipment❒ Testing Services❒ Tools❒ Traffic Control Equipment❒ Trailers❒ Training Services❒ Trench Shields/Shoring❒ Trenchers❒ Trenchless Installation Equipment❒ Trenchless Rehabilitation Equipment❒ Trucks❒ Tunnel/Shaft Liner Plate❒ Tunneling Equipment❒ Underground Supports❒ Underground Utility Locating❒ Valves/Hydrants❒ Vaults❒ Ventilation Equipment❒ Water Supply Services❒ Wellpointing Services❒ Other

GROUNDBREAKING NEWSIngersoll Rand Explores Alternativesfor Construction-related BusinessesIngersoll-Rand Co. Ltd. announcedon May 15 that it has initiated aprocess to explore strategic alternativesfor its Bobcat and constructionrelatedbusinesses, including theUtility Equipment and Attachmentsbusinesses.The company’s alternatives mayinclude an outright sale of the businessesor a spin-off to shareholders.For full-year 2006 these businessescollectively generatedapproximately $2.6 billion in revenues.The company expects toThe Bobcat, Utility Equipment and Attachment businesses no longer fit IngersollRand's long-term strategy, according to CEO Herbert L. Henkel.conclude the process in the secondhalf of 2007.“Our Bobcat, Utility Equipmentand Attachments businesses representworld-class operations withexceptional people, products andbrands; however, these businesses nolonger fit Ingersoll Rand’s long-termstrategy,” said Herbert L. Henkel,chairman, president and CEO.“The eventual outcomeof our process to explorestrategic alternatives forthese businesses will be thestrategic repositioning ofIngersoll Rand away fromthe capital-intense, heavymachineryprofile of thecompany’s past and towarda true diversified industrialcompany with powerfulgrowth platforms consistingof climate control,industrial and securitybusinesses. These businessesare well positionedto deliver consistentgrowth throughout thebusiness cycle.”Earth Tool UndergoesMajor PersonnelChangesEarth Tool Co. LLC, manufacturerof HammerHead Mole trenchlessproducts, recently announced thepromotion of Payce Reynoldsto CEO and the hiring of formerVermeer Manufacturing Co.employees Jarrett Cowden andBrian Metcalf to the company.Reynolds formerly headed upthe horizontal directional drillingdivision of HammerHead for threeyears and oversaw substantialgrowth in sales of the company’sHDD accessories line of productsthat, along with the HammerHeadMole line of pneumatic piercingtools, are sold exclusivelyby Vermeer’s worldwide dealershipnetwork.New Earth Tool employees include (l-r): Payce Reynolds (CEO), SteveSander, Alan Goodman, Jarrett Cowden and Brian Metcalf.8 Utility Contractor | July 2007

GROUNDBREAKING NEWSReynolds’ intimate knowledgeof HDD accessories, piercing tooltechnologies and markets willhelp continue to foster thecompany’s long-term relationshipwith Vermeer and its distributionnetwork, which will continueto grow the market for theseproducts. Additionally, Reynoldswill lead the charge in continuingto expand HammerHead’ssuccess in the pipe rehabilitationmarket.Cowden joins HammerHead assenior vice president of sales andmarketing, while Metcalf willassume the responsibilities of vicepresident of international sales andbusiness development. BothCowden and Metcalf have workedfor Vermeer in the past.In addition to Reynolds,Cowden and Metcalf,HammerHead also recently hiredthree more individuals to newpositions within the company.Steve Sander joins HammerHeadas regional sales manager for thenorthwestern territory of NorthAmerica; Alan Goodman has beenpromoted to western businessmanager for western NorthAmerica; and Will LeBlanc hasreturned to HammerHead as southcentral territory manager.HammerHead has also announcedthe resignation of long-timeemployee Jeff Wage.New SubsiteDistributorAnnouncedThe Charles Machine WorksInc., manufacturers of the DitchWitch line of undergroundconstruction equipment, recentlyannounced the addition ofCalifornia’s Utility Insight Inc.as an official dealer of thecompany’s Subsite electroniclocating equipment. The Subsiteproduct line is used to locate andidentify underground utilities atconstruction jobsites.Serving northern California andNevada, Utility Insight Inc.specializes in the sale and serviceof municipal, utility and plumbingproducts including locators, leakdetectors, marking paint, CCTVvans and trucks, crawlers, pushcameras, push rods and safety andtraffic-control products. For moreinformation about Subsite locatingequipment, call (800) 654-6481 orvisit www.subsite.com.July 2007 | Utility Contractor 9

GROUNDBREAKING NEWSManufacturers Donate Equipment for CleanupEfforts Following Devastating TornadoLeft with huge piles of debris to clear away before rebuilding could begin,equipment manufacturers stepped up to the plate to help the city ofGreensburg, Kan., get back on its feet.On Monday, May 4, residents ofGreensburg, Kan., were devastatedby an F5 tornado that destroyed95 percent of the city and killed10 people. The twister was estimatedto be 1.7 miles in width andtraveled for nearly 22 miles.Left with huge piles of debris toclear away before rebuilding couldbegin, equipment manufacturersJohn Deere, Case ConstructionEquipment, New Holland andKobelco Construction MachineryAmerica all stepped up to the plateto help the city of Greensburg getback on its feet.“The devastation in Greensburgis just immense, and this equipmentwas sorely needed,” saidTom Udland, president ofWichita, Kan.-based MurphyTractor & Equipment Co. Inc., aJohn Deere construction equipmentdealer with locations innearby Wichita, Ulysses, GreatBend, Topeka and Dodge City.“We’re glad to be in a position tohelp our neighbors as they cleanup and begin to rebuild theircommunity.”Murphy Tractor donated a JohnDeere 624J loader equipped with agrapple bucket and an 850J WasteHandler Dozer. The 624J was able tocontribute to the cleanup effort bypicking up splintered wood fromhouses and trees for transfer to thelandfill, where it can be burned tomake room for other debris.The 850J waste handler was put touse moving large loads to a burningpile in a specially built landfill.Murphy Tractor also donated a 655Ccrawler loader to neighboringStafford County, which also suffereddamage from the storm.Case Construction Equipmentcoordinated delivery of two compacttrack loaders and two crawlerdozers to assist Kansas HomelandSecurity in the cleanup efforts.The Case equipment was suppliedthrough Victor L. Phillips, a Casedealer with locations in Wichita,Topeka and Garden City, Kan.,that has been serving Kansas contractorsfor more than 40 years.“The events that brought us hereare tragic, but all of us at Case arepleased to be able to donate theuse of our equipment to assist withthe cleanup effort and help the citizensof Greensburg put thistragedy behind them,” said JamesHasler, vice president of CaseConstruction Equipment Inc.The two Case 450CT CompactTrack Loaders were equipped withbuckets, grapples and forks to handlethe wide variety of materialsthat need to be moved in a cleanupsituation. The Case 750K and 850KNew Holland came through with six Super Boom L190 skid steer loadersand pallet fork attachments, brush grapples and grapple buckets.10 Utility Contractor | July 2007

GROUNDBREAKING NEWSCrawler Dozers were used to pushdebris and rubble to a central locationfor disposal or to clear land forrebuilding.In addition, Case’s sister companyNew Holland came throughwith six Super Boom L190 skidsteer loaders and pallet forkattachments, brush grapples andgrapple buckets from the company’sWichita plant to the area foruse in clearing and removing tonsof debris and moving emergencysupplies and materials.“Our thoughts are with the residentsof Greensburg and the surroundingarea who are trying torecover from one of the mostsevere tornadoes to hit the state ofKansas in 10 years,” said TerrySheehan, vice president of NewHolland Construction NorthAmerica and president of KobelcoConstruction Machinery America.“We’re proud to help make a differenceand do our part for thecommunity by providing equipmentthat can help in the cleanupand rebuilding efforts in the aftermathof the tornado.”To further assist in the massivecleanup effort under way, NewHolland and its local dealer, WichitaTractor Co., have also offered tosupply the Kansas National Guardwith a W110 wheel loader and,through the company’s joint venturearrangement with KobelcoConstruction Machinery AmericaCo. Ltd., a Kobelco SK210LChydraulic excavator.As of a May 16 newscast on localtelevision station KAKE-TVChannel 10, the equipment hasbeen able to remove more than5,000 loads of debris from the area.However, individuals and groupsstill have the opportunity to assistAmeriCorps with debris removaland other jobs throughout town,subject to approval of Greensburgand its law enforcement officers.Volunteers must call 211 (inKansas) or (888) 413-4327 (outof-state)prior to arrival.Volunteers must be ready to presenta driver’s license and consentto a vehicle search to gain access atany checkpoint. For more information,visit AmeriCorps online atwww.americorps.org.Immigration Bill FailsSenate VoteAlthough advocates of comprehensiveimmigration reform legislationwere encouraging compromisein hopes of passing a billbefore the July 4 recess, the legislationwas again pulled from theSenate floor schedule on June 28after a failed vote to end debate,thereby effectively killing the measureindefinitely.The legislation remained on lifesupport through continuingnegotiations among key Senateleaders and President Bush, whopromised an additional $4.4 billionfor immediate border securityactivities.However, after heated debateregarding family reunificationvisas, enhanced enforcement andongoing concerns about a temporaryworker program, Senate leadersfell far short of garnering thesupport needed to bring the bill toa final vote.The bill’s Senate supporters fell14 votes short of the 60 needed tolimit debate and clear the way forfinal passage of the legislation. Thetally was 46 to 53, with three-quartersof Senate Republicans voting toderail the bill.The inability to get the billacross the finish line is a big defeatfor a president grasping for a lastinglegacy in his second term, andhe didn’t mince words when itcame to assigning blame.“Legal immigration is one of thetop concerns of the Americanpeople, and Congress’s failure toact on it is a disappointment,”Bush said after the bill was pulled.“A lot of us worked hard to see ifwe couldn’t find a commonground -- it didn’t work.”NUCA supported certain provisionsof the legislation regarding apath to permanent residency, butopposed others dealing with thetemporary worker program andemployer verification requirements.Therefore we believe thatlast week's action (or inaction)can be viewed as both good andbad news for the industry.After a long, heated debate, Senate leaders fell far short of garneringthe support needed to bring the immigration bill to a final vote.July 2007 | Utility Contractor 11

GROUNDBREAKING NEWSDoosan Finalizes Name TransitionSince the acquisition, Doosan hascommitted itself to providing efficient,durable products to the NorthAmerican market.Doosan Infracore America Corp.recently finalized the two-yearchange to Doosan-only brandedheavy construction and compactequipment. Doosan InfracoreAmerica is the result of the 1998merger of Daewoo Machinery Corp.and Daewoo Equipment Corp. thatformed a new $350 million dollarorganization named Daewoo HeavyIndustries America Corp. In April2005, Doosan Infracore Co. Ltd.became the majority shareholder, andthe name was changed soon after.Since the acquisition, Doosan hascommitted itself to providing efficient,durable products to theNorth American market. It introduced10 Tier-3 DX excavators andfive Tier-3 DL wheel loaders andexpanded its dealer network to betterservice the North Americanmarket. Ranked fourth in the globalmedium and large crawler excavatormarket, Doosan Corp. experiencedrevenue of $14 billion in2006. In North America, there aremore than 70 Doosan dealers withover 130 locations and a NorthAmerican Parts Distribution Centerlocated in Atlanta, Ga.“Doosan Corp. has investedglobally more than $50 millionover the past five years to improvereliability and technology,” saysJohn Vandy, president and COO ofDoosan Infracore America,Construction Equipment Division.“We continue to strive to becomeone of the world’s five largest infrastructuresupport businesses.These additional enhancements toour products and services will helpus achieve our goal.”Doosan has also announced plansto continue to improve its productsand services. According to Vandy,some developments dealers andcustomers can expect from the companyin 2007 include: 17 new models;500 percent growth in sales andservice training support; 100 percentgrowth in field and internaltechnical support; a NorthAmerican Parts Guarantee Program;and new dealer-tested initiatives.MMD EquipmentExpands KomatsuRental OfferingMMD Equipment recentlyexpanded its small rentalhouse sales arrangementwith Komatsu byannouncing the availabilityof two Komatsu backhoeloader models, the KomatsuWB142-5 and WB146-5. Thebackhoe loaders complementMMD’s rental industry offering ofKomatsu compact excavators.“We are very excited that MMDEquipment has the opportunityto market the Komatsu line ofproducts to the rental industry.”said Bob Wright, president ofMMD Equipment. “Now withthe quality Komatsu backhoeloaders, our broad sales networkwill better fulfill the needs ofour rental customers and bolsterKomatsu’s position in therental market.”The Komatsu WB142-5,recently introduced at the ARAshow in February, is being manufacturedin Newberry, S.C., and isdesigned and priced to competein the entry-level backhoe loadermarket. Like its full-featured“big brother” the WB146-5, engineeringand manufacturingincorporate Komatsu’s commitmentto continuous improvementthat result in a backhoeloader which is comfortable, convenient,reliable, productive andeasy to service.MMD Equipment is a leader inoffering quality products to theconstruction, rental and materialhandling industries for more than30 years. Product lines includecompact excavators, backhoeloaders, air compressors, mobilegenerators, dewatering pumps,trash pumps, submersiblepumps, portable generators,wheel loaders, compaction equipment,Parts Power Plus andthe Farrow System.The Komatsu WB142-5 andWB146-5 backhoe loaderswill complement MMD’sexisting rental offering.12 Utility Contractor | July 2007

GROUNDBREAKING NEWSLeica GeosystemsAnnounces New VP ofConstructionL e i c aGeosystemsAmericasrecentlyannouncedthat ValerieRichardsonRichardsonhas beenappointedto vice presidentof construction for NorthAmerica. Richardson will beresponsible for sales, channel management,service, support, andproduct marketing for all productsand systems designed for the constructionand industry segments,including construction and pavingmachine control; constructionmid-range instruments; exteriorconstruction lasers and levels; andthe interior laser products.Richardson reports directly toBob Williams, president of LeicaGeosystems Inc., Americas region.This new role will also bringRichardson in close collaborationwith the newly-formed HexagonMachine Control and the PrecisionTools Divisions worldwide, as wellas the Geosystems Division whereshe will support sales of mid-rangeinstruments to the constructionsegment.A two-year veteran of LeicaGeosystems, Richardson aptlyproved herself as an effectiveleader in her former position asvice president of strategic marketingand customer support, a positionshe had held since February2005. Prior to joining LeicaGeosystems, Richardson served invarious marketing, sales and channeldevelopment roles at Invensysplc and Siemens Energy &Automation. She has lived andworked abroad, and holds an MBAin Finance from North CentralCollege, as well as an M.A. inindustrial/organizational psychologyand a B.A. in journalism fromDrake University.“Valerie is an effective leader anddelivers quality results,” saidWilliams. “With her diverse businessexperience and skills in many areasrelated to increasing customer-focus,I am confident that she will unify herteam to achieve our business goalsfor the construction and industrymarkets while continuing to improvecustomer satisfaction levels.”July 2007 | Utility Contractor 13

A PipeProfessionalFor U.S. Concrete Pipe’sBrian Hunsicker, Supplying aGood Product is Just the First StepBy Nick ZubkoPlans are important. They are important in life,construction projects, and in a career. Each stepusually needs to be completed before the next canbegin. But there’s a funny thing about plans…they change. And it’s the ones who are able to adapt thatget ahead. Brian Hunsicker knows that as well as anyone.Hunsicker had been around construction his entire life,so when it came time to go to college at the University ofCentral Florida, it only took him a semester to figure outwhere he wanted to end up. He continued working constructionwhile he was in school, earned his degree in civilengineering, and had enough foresight and good advice to14 Utility Contractor | July 2007get a background in engineering before jumping back intoconstruction full-time.But after more than 15 years on the construction side ofthe business, Hunsicker’s plans changed too. When Florida’seconomy tanked in the early 1990s, he decided that insteadof waiting for it to get worse, he would change his course.And that’s exactly what he did. Eventually, he accepted a joboffer as a manufacturer’s representative at one of the largestpipe distributors in the United States.“At the time, I fully intended to stay in construction andI had no desire to go into sales, but business had dried up,”explains Hunsicker, who was working for a contractor

Armed with experience, a love of construction and a useful vantagepoint from the other side of the sale, Hunsicker (center) has built a newcareer as one of the most respected pipe reps in the business.named W. Jackson & Sons Construction Co. “That’s whenan opportunity came up to be a manufacturer’s rep forCONTECH [Construction Products]. To be honest, whenI first did it I thought I was making a mistake.”But the risk paid off. Armed with his experience, a loveof construction and a useful vantage point from the otherside of the sale, Hunsicker built a new career as one of themost respected pipe reps in the business. Now vice presidentof sales for the Ft. Lauderdale branch of U.S.Concrete Pipe Co., he has used his talents to benefit therest of the utility construction industry as well, throughhis involvement in the National Utility ContractorsAssociation (NUCA) as one of its most active associatemembers. In recognition of his continued contributionsto the welfare of the industry, Hunsicker has been namedNUCA’s 2006 “Associate of the Year.”Laying PlansGrowing up, Hunsicker’s father was vice president ofIntercounty Construction of Florida, a constructioncompany owned by Mike Marinelli, who helped foundNUCA back in 1964. He started tagging along with himin the summers and after school when he was nine, butby the time he was 13 his father had passed away.His love of construction persisted, and he went to workfor Webb General Contracting just before his sixteenthbirthday, doing menial labor and driving trucks aroundthe jobsite. Hunsicker immersed himself infootball throughout high school and college,but continued to work construction forIntercounty during summers and Christmasbreaks. After his first semester, he realizedthat his true love was construction andswitched majors (from physical education tocivil engineering).“I loved construction, but I never reallythought of it as a career until I came homefrom my first semester of college,” saysHunsicker. “For some reason, that waswhen I realized that I definitely wanted togo into construction. From then on, everythingfor me gravitated around the constructionindustry.”During his college years, Hunsicker wastutored in calculus by a friend of his namedCraig Smith, who owned Craig A. Smith &Associates Consulting Engineers inPompano Beach, Fla. As Hunsicker consideredhis plans for the future, Smith’s tutelagestretched beyond logarithms and heconvinced Hunsicker to try his hand atengineering first (to get that experienceunder his belt) and then switch to constructionlater.“He said you could always get an engineeringdegree and go into constructionlater. But if you start out in construction, it’stougher to make the change into engineering,”Hunsicker recalls. “So three days aftergraduation, I started working for Craig A. Smith andAssociates Consulting Engineers. They did everything …utility work, land development, water and sewer plantconstruction and highway work. I started out as a fieldengineer and then moved up to design. Eventually Ibecame director of construction services, where I handledall types of the construction contracts.”He spent eight years at Craig A. Smith & Associates,gaining valuable experience in construction inspection,design and construction management from the owner’spoint of view. But Hunsicker knew that engineering wasnot part of his long-term plan. So when a customer of hisnamed W. Jackson & Sons Construction Co. made himan offer, he was ready to take the next step.“W. Jackson & Sons was probably the contractor on40 to 50 percent of the jobs I was already working on.And being director of construction services, I dealt withtheir vice president a lot,” recalls Hunsicker. “We got totalking once and he invited me to come work for him,since they didn’t have an engineer on staff. I alwaysknew the engineering was strictly a stepping stone forme. So it was a natural next step.”He started working as a project manager for W.Jackson & Sons in 1988, where he was able to experiencethe entire scope of development as a contractor.His responsibilities ranged from business development,client relations, estimating, contract award, permitJuly 2007 | Utility Contractor 15

tance as a flexible product. As he maturedin the sales side of the business, he movedon from CONTECH and joinedCSR/Rinker Material Hydro Conduit in1999 as a sales engineer and then rosethrough the ranks to promotional engineerand then sales/general manager.“With Rinker, my duties went from salesand promotional work within theengineering community to securing a rigidspecification and illustrating both theinherent strength benefits of a rigid productand the installation-dependentstrength of a flexible product,” heexplains. “Then taking over as generalmanager, I oversaw the operation of threeSouth Florida manufacturing facilitiesthen as sales manager over the same area.”Eventually, Hunsicker landed at U.S.Concrete Pipe Co., a national clay andconcrete pipe manufacturer with locationsin Ohio, Maryland, Michigan,Pennsylvania and Florida. The company’sFlorida division, which wasEventually, Hunsicker took his experience to the Florida branch ofpurchased by the Mancini family inU.S. Concrete Pipe Co., a national clay and concrete pipe manufacturer.1983, has grown immensely over theacquisition, project management, dispute resolution andeventually to completion.“At Jackson, I went from design and overseeing constructionto bidding, estimating, managing, changeorders, claims and project completion... I was able to getinvolved in everything,” Hunsicker explains. “The wayJackson worked, you did your estimating and if you got ajob you were its project manager. So it was a really good,well-rounded experience.”last 24 years. When the Mancinis took it over, they wereproducing 20,000 tons per year from two manual handtamp machines. Today, the facility produces in excess of150,000 tons per year with manufacturing capabilitiesfrom 12- to 96-in. round pipe and fittings.“The cool thing about all of these places [CONTECH,CSR/Rinker and U.S. Concrete Pipe] is that they all prettymuch do the same type of work. CONTECH was aflexible product, whereas CSR/Rinker and U.S. Concreteare both rigid products. But the business is basically theA Seller’s MarketThe next step in Hunsicker’s career was not part of hisplan. In the early 1990s, Florida’s economy and constructionmarket had started to plummet. By 1993, contractorsleft and right were going belly up and W. Jackson & Sonswas fighting to stay competitive. Instead of watching theeconomy continue to get worse, Hunsicker started consideringa sales engineer position at CONTECH that hadbeen on the table for a couple of years. Later that year, hefinally accepted.“It took a while to get used to the sales side of things,but once I did, I realized I was really meant for it,” notesHunsicker. “Sales was great and I loved it, because I hadthe opportunity to have input with both the contractorsand the engineers. It allowed me to stay active and focusedin both fields. And here, you’re basically selling a productthat someone needs. You’re not trying to talk someoneinto buying something they don’t need. I like this kind ofsales. It’s a commodity, but it’s a necessary commodity.”In addition to selling a wide array of products,Hunsicker was responsible for promotional work withinthe engineering communities to get a specification accep-same,” explains Hunsicker. “My background has reallyhelped me, both because of my experience in constructionand the contacts I had. Basically, I was selling topeople who have worked side-by-side with me andcompeted against me. Or, I was selling specs to the engineers,who knew I was a design engineer too. It has givenme the empathy with the contractors to be more customer-serviceoriented, plus a little better credibility withthe engineers.”Today, the most difficult challenge facing his companyand fellow reinforced concrete pipe (RCP) manufacturersis the emergence of cheaper alternative products.To improve market share and stay competitive,Hunsicker says manufacturers need to improve the efficiencyof the product, cut costs and stay vigilant in promotingRCP’s benefits.“We need to make the engineers who are specifyingand the contractors who are installing a product aware ofthe benefits of RCP,” says Hunsicker. “RCP is a rigidproduct that is virtually installation error proof due to itsinherent strength and is usually capable of handling theprojects load requirements separate from the soil enve-16 Utility Contractor | July 2007

lope. Flexible products have little or no inherentstrength and acquire the majority of its strength from thesoil envelope, which makes installation very critical.”Mutual BenefitsDuring his early years as an engineer and then as a contractor,Hunsicker began to realize the benefits of a participatingin local associations. He joined the UndergroundContractors of South Florida (UCA of South Florida) as anengineer with Craig A. Smith & Associates in the early1980s and he is now on the board of directors. He alsobecame a member of the Underground Utility Contractorsof Florida (UUCF), which is made up of the seven NUCAchapters throughout the state. Hunsicker represents theUCA as a board member.His first experience with NUCA didn’t happen until hewas with W. Jackson in 1993, when Hunsicker attendedthe association’s annual Utility Construction EXPO innearby Orlando. He met a bunch of NUCA members,including Scott Johnson of Johnson-Davis Inc., who convincedhim to come out to Washington D.C. for NUCA’sSpring Board and Committee Meetings & WashingtonSummit.Johnson introduced Hunsicker to some other members,including Spunky Thaxton and Walter Gainer. Eventually,they asked if they got Hunsicker nominated to the board,would he be active? He said he would. So, Hunsicker wasnominated as an associate director the following year atthe 1995 EXPO in San Diego. He joined the PAC andGovernment Relation Committees soon after, and startedattending annual conventions, spring fly-ins and fallboard meetings.“The conventions were always fun, but when I actuallystarting going to all of the committee meetings is when Ireally started to enjoy the participation,” says Hunsicker.“To this day, one of my favorite experiences is the congressionalfly-in during NUCA’s Washington Summit.That’s where you really see the effect and influence NUCA,along with the local chapters, has on congressman andsenators. Our Executive Director, Jen Mancini, is fantasticat what she does and represents us well.”According to Hunsicker, Mancini has had the chapterset up with as many as 16 appointments in one day withtheir legislators. She starts making contact with representativesmonths before the trip and is on the phonewith aides literally minutes before the group sees them.“It’s executive directors like Jen who make these tripssuccessful and make us contractors and associates moreeffective,” says Hunsicker. “The other part of the equationis the NUCA staff. Over the years I have seen theleadership that Bill Hillman, Linda Holtz, Eben Wymanand George Kennedy have shown and more recently themembership efforts of Heather Caldwell and the rest ofthe staff. It’s obvious why this organization is successful.”Over the last 10 years, Hunsicker has continued to beactively involved in NUCA’s board of directors and theGovernment Relations and PAC Committees. But whenNUCA formed its Associates Council, Hunsicker took aWhen NUCA formed its Associates Council, Hunsickerimmediately wanted to get involved and served as itssecond chairman in 2003-2004.special interest and immediately wanted to get involved.He even served as its second chairman in 2003-2004.“The council really gave the associates more of a voicein the association, rather than functioning mainly as asupport network,” says Hunsicker. “When it was formed,we got a seat on the executive committee (which we didn’thave) and we had input. Today, that is one of the manybenefits of NUCA — both associate and contractor membersare equally as important. In other organizations, theassociate members are just the ones buying the drinks. Butit’s not like that in NUCA. The associate members are rightthere with the contractors and we’re fighting the same battlesas they are. I think that the ones who don’t take advantageof that are really missing the boat. They should bethere side by side, fighting in the trenches.”On being recognized as NUCA’s “Associate of the Year”this year, Hunsicker says he was both shocked andhonored when notified last October. What made theaward even more special was to get it the same year hisfriend, Cheryl Yoder, received NUCA’s “Ditchdigger of theYear” — not to mention following John Deere’s RogerMohr, who was last year’s recipient.“Roger [Mohr] is truly an inspiration for all associatesabout what it means to put your personal and companyreputation on the line to promote the industry. Some ofthe things he has done are incredible,” Hunsicker says.“To be honored like this, especially being just a localguy, is really something special. You see these peoplewho have the national support, but we’re just one locationserving south Florida. It shows that anyone canmake a difference. Because as much as Roger does, he’sstill just one person, pursuing important issues, lobbying,working for membership. Now other associates canlook at this and say: If Hunsicker can get this with onelocation, then why not me?”Nick Zubko is associate editor of Utility Contractor.July 2007 | Utility Contractor 17

On the Safe SideNUCA’s 2006William H. FeatherSafety Award WinnersBy Nick ZubkoAny time people are added to an equation, acertain level of human error becomesinevitable. That’s why pencils have erasers,right? In reality, the outcome of that error canvary greatly depending on the situation. It’s not so badwhen a plumber finishes your new bathroom and thefaucet on your sink flushes the toilet (actually, that onemight be pretty funny). On the other hand, if youraccountant puts one decimal point in the wrong place,it could end up costing you a pretty penny.Simply because of the nature of the business and thesheer risk involved in nearly every project, the stakes inutility construction are even higher. Jobsites are larger,more complicated and increasingly difficult to control.One slipup can result not only in financial devastation,but also in a serious or even fatal injury. That’s whysafety is such a critical part of any successful utilitycontractor’s business plan.The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA)has been recognizing companies for their efforts on thesafety front for almost 30 years, establishing the WilliamH. Feather Safety Awards back in 1978. Named for thefounding chairman of NUCA’s safety committee and apioneer in safety awareness, the awards were created torecognize a commitment to safety demonstrated by a lowfrequency of injuries, explicit safety statements andinnovative and sophisticated company programs.Initially bestowed on a single individual or company,the award was later expanded to include contractormembers that had the best safety records. The winnersare chosen on the basis of information in seven categoriesestablished according to total man-hours worked. NUCApresented the winners of the 2006 Feather Awards at itsFourth National Awards Dinner, which was held May 16in Arlington, Va., during its 2007 Spring Board andCommittee Meetings & Washington Summit.18 Utility Contractor | July 2007

Overall WinnerJ.F. Wilkerson Contracting Co. Inc.Morrisville, N.C.When Joe Wilkerson started J.F. WilkersonContracting Co. back in 1969, the importance of safetywas far from what it is today. Back then, Wilkerson wasa young contractor whose main goal was to get the jobdone quickly and cost-effectively. Safety, he admits, tooka back seat. Things changed in a big way, however, whenin the early 1970s the Raleigh News & Observerpublished a list of contractors it deemed as the “20 worstoffenders” in regard to safe operating practices.J.F. Wilkerson Contracting made the list.“We were not a safe company in the early years, butseeing our name on that list was a real eye-opener.It was a turning point in my career,” Wilkerson recalls.“For safety to work in any company, the managementhas to be the first to buy into it. And back then, I didn’t.We were small enough that we hardly had any accidentsand no one got hurt, but we started putting a programinto place and we have never looked back. Wedidn’t have all the trench box manufacturers that wehave today, so we just made our own.”Ever since, Wilkerson has worked to convey theimportance of safety to everyone else in the company aswell. Through frequent reminders of safety fundamentals,those practices have in time become a way of life forthe company. Safety meetings are held weekly and beforecrew members can step foot on a new jobsite, everyoneis taken through an intense day of training, focusing onspecial things to look out for onsite, understanding thetrenches and any issues with confined space entry.“You just can’t call everyone into a meeting once ortwice a year to go over all the rules and expecteveryone to observe them. It doesn’twork that way,” says Wilkerson. “Therehas to be constant reinforcement. Atone point, we went back and realizedthat a majority of our injuries were bypeople who had been with the companyonly a very short period of time.Taking steps to train and monitor thosepeople more closely was one of the bigthings that really helped us improve.”The company’s efforts showed up onNUCA’s radar for the first time in1990, when J.F. Wilkerson won its firstFeather Award, again taking theoverall spot. Continuing to strive forimprovement, the company has had awritten safety program in place for thelast 10 years and frequently promotessafety in the construction industry bytraining subcontractors in OSHA 10,Subpart P and HazCom free of charge.It has also provided industry trainingand worked with schools to provideequipment for elementary school kidsto see, attended job fairs and train other contractor’semployees.“When we first started using trench boxes, there wasa perception that you couldn’t be productive,” saysWilkerson. “But after using those safety devices for awhile, you realize that it doesn’t hurt production at all —you can actually improve it. It’s human nature to fightchange. So you will always have resistance, but you justhave to explain how necessary it is and when they buyinto that, they will incorporate it into the work.”Another way J.F. Wilkerson combats resistance is byrewarding employees for a job done safely. Accordingto Wilkerson, the compact provides monetary rewardsto their employee’s 401K plan at the end of a safe year.For every dollar that an employee puts into the 401K,Wilkerson adds $1.50. And those rewards are made alittle bit easier as a result, as J.F. Wilkerson’s experiencemodifier has dropped from a pinnacle of 1.8down around a 0.8. This has made a significant differencein insurance premiums, not to mention greatlyimproving its image as a safe contractor.“Before a company can be safe, top management hasto believe that a job can be both safe and productive,”says Wilkerson. “And you have to bid jobs highenough to allow them to be completed safely. I see somany young contractors who get the work too cheaply,and the only thing they can do is cut corners to survive.It’s difficult to convey the importance of safety tothe young guys today. No one thinks it will happen tothem. And many of them have never seen an accident,never had to sit down in a courtroom with OSHA andthey simply don’t know the ramifications. If you continuewith unsafe practices, eventually someone isgoing to get injured.”According to Joe Wilkerson, J.F. Wilkerson Contracting Co.’s founder andpresident, for a contractor to be truly safe, its top management has tobelieve that a job can be both safe and productive.July 2007 | Utility Contractor 19

For Western Summit, a good safety record reflects the quality of management,supervision and workforce. Above, Mark Latham, the company’s corporatesafety director, speaks to a crew about jobsite safety.1,000,000-Plus HoursWestern Summit Constructors Inc.DenverWestern Summit Constructors Inc. has established areputation as a leader in the water and wastewater industries,performing high level work for more than 25 years.A critical part of the Western Summit’s success has beenan established safety and health policy — one so effectivethat it earned the company the overall Feather Awardwinner for both 2001 and 2005, and its continuedprogress is being recognized again this year.Part of the company’s success on the safety front hasbeen credited to its implementation of a People-BasedSafety (PBS) program on all of its jobsites. The programencourages craft people to conduct safety observationsand identify the level of safety being carried out inthe field. Information is entered into a database thatallows tracking to take place, enabling management todevelop leading indicators that identify areasof concern where the company can then concentrateits efforts.“We have continued to put a lot of effort into our peoplebasedsafety and we’re starting to see some results,” saysMark Latham, Western Summit’s corporate safety director.“It’s really the start of a longer journey, but it is definitelygetting our field people involved in safety. More and moreof our people are out in the field as observers, looking forsafe and at-risk behaviors.”Western Summit has increased training efforts on jobsafety assessment and hazard assessment, involving moreand more members if its crew.In addition, the company’s large numberof Spanish-speaking workers hasalso been addressed, hiring its firstbilingual safety trainer more than twoyears ago, and hiring a second justlast year.Western Summit believes safetyshould not be sacrificed for production,but rather considered an integralpart of quality control, cost reductionand job efficiency. While the ultimatesuccess of a safety and health programdepends upon the full cooperation ofeach individual employee, Lathamsays it is management’s responsibilityto see that safety and health rules andprocedures are adequate and enforcedand to see that effective training andeducational programs are employedto the greatest advantage.“You need to have the support fromthe top; there has to be that vision andleadership with clear expectations,”says Latham. “But there is no one-sizefits-allsafety program. Even withinour own company, different jobsiteshave to be approached differently.Some jobs are larger than others and have a dedicatedtraining trailer. On the smaller jobs, you’re training out ofthe back of a pickup.”According to Latham, every one of Western Summit’ssupervisors is aware of safety performance demonstratedby the employees under his or her supervision. A goodsafety record not only reflects the quality of management,supervision and workforce, but also serves to promotebusiness and thereby contributes to the continuinggrowth and success of the company.“Being recognized is kind of a validation from yourpeers that you are heading in the right direction,” saysLatham. “Until you get to zeroes, you know you still havework to do. And then when you get to zeroes, it takeseven more effort to stay there. But [receiving theseawards] is definitely a form of validation that what wehave in place is working.”500,001-1,000,000 HoursAlex E. Paris Contracting Co. Inc.Atlasburgh, Pa.Founded in 1928, Alex E. Paris Contracting Co. is afull service heavy construction firm with an equipmentdivision and an industrial service division. The companyprovides almost any type of construction or industrialservices needed and employs more than 200 people.Today, the company's safety program represents a continuumof loss control measures ranging from preplanning/sitedetermination to implementation, follow-upand improvement activities.20 Utility Contractor | July 2007

“Our health and safety policyinfluences all work activities, fromthe selection of people, equipmentand materials, to the way work isdone and how we design and completeour projects,” says Bill Santa,the company's safety coordinator.“And we continue to improve in thearea of safety with the belief thatsafety and accident prevention are tobe managed like any other functionof the organization.”According to Santa, the elementwith the most significant impact onthe success of the company's safetyprogram has been its team approach.All employees receive regular trainingto support the safety programand are encouraged to participate insafety and loss prevention efforts, inorder to take full advantage of theirknowledge of how improvementscan be made.In addition to maintaining anactive safety committee that representsall operational functions, AlexE. Paris Contracting relies on activemeasurements of its safety performanceto determine if the program isPlanning is the key to making health and safety efforts work, according to Bill Santa,safety coordinator for Alex E. Paris Contracting. That means setting objectives,identifying hazards, assessing risks and implementing standards of performance.July 2007 | Utility Contractor 21

successful. The safety program is regularlyinspected and audited to ensure that standardsare being implemented and managementcontrols are working.“Planning is the key to ensuring thatour health and safety efforts reallywork,” Santa says. “That means settingobjectives, identifying hazards, assessingrisks, implementing standards of performanceand developing a positive culture.We continue to monitor our safetyprogram to ensure that it supports ourproductivity and quality goals. In yearspast, the two goals were consideredmutually exclusive. We now integratesafety production and quality to supportour operational goals.”At Alex E. Paris Contracting, priority isgiven to areas where the risks are thegreatest. Management looks closely atserious events and those with potential forserious harm. The utility construction industry has inthe past relied on a reactive approach, says Santa, but forthe industry to excel, proactive metrics need to be monitoredbefore things go wrong.“Most traditional safety programs have operated on thebelief that hindsight is 20/20 — investigating after thingsgo wrong; our company has moved beyond the reactionarymode and for the industry to progress, a similarapproach is essential,” he adds. “You need to ensure thatinformation from proactive and reactive monitoring isused to identify situations that create risks, and do somethingabout them.”200,001-500,000 HoursSundance Mechanical & Utility Corp.Albuquerque, N.M.Founded by Mike Mechenbrier in 1979, SundanceMechanical & Utility Corp. specializes in water line,sewer line and storm sewer installations, in additionto concrete curbing and gutter and asphalt paving.Over the years, a key the company’s safety programhas been its Supervisors Safety AccountabilityProgram, which transfers the responsibility for workersafety to the workers supervisor.While Sundance’s management has always been theguide for safety, its record improved dramatically whenthe supervisors were made accountable for each memberof their crews more than 12 years ago. Ever since, eachmember of the Sundance team has accepted safety as anintegral part of the business. According to Ed Burroughs,safety accountability is simply being responsible for whatyou do. And supervisors need to identify what theyexpect their people to accomplish.“Our goal is to not have any accidents while makinga profit,” says Burroughs. “If you are serious, you keepscore. A group that does not measure what it producesis not effective. Accountability requires precise data onAt Sundance, each supervisor’s Christmas bonus is enriched or reducedbased on their safety performance. Company president Ed Burroughs saysthat just the stigma of being below average can be a great motivator.what you have or have not done. Proper use of consequences(rewards, applause, praise and incentives) isthe fuel of accountability. Without consequences,accountability is without substance.”Sundance’s supervisor safety accountability programmeasures seven items; six are definitive items as follows:employee orientation, tool box talks, safety meetingsattended, timely notice of loss, accident investigationand accident or incident rate. These are all “yes orno” items (either it was done or it wasn’t) that are gradedas a percentage of optimum.The seventh item is safety attitude. Sundanceemployees grade their supervisor by answering eightquestions on the usefulness and sincerity of hissafety efforts. The results are tabulated and a percentagegrade is computed for each supervisor and an averageis computed of the total scores.At an annual supervisor’s safety lunch in December,the results of the last year are presented and eachsupervisor receives a detailed graphic tabulation oftheir scores. Each supervisor’s Christmas bonus isenriched 3 percent for each point he is abovethe average, or reduced by the amount he is belowthe average.According to Burroughs, the amount of penalty orenrichment is not great, but the stigma of being belowaverage is a great motivator — especially in a groupsetting.“Prior to starting the accountability program, ourexperience modifier was 1.85 and its insurance premiumfor workers compensation was around$400,000 every year,” he explains. “The safety programhas reduced that modifier to 0.77 and theinsurance premium to $100,000 a year. As a result ofthis our safety program is credited as saving$300,000 a year for Sundance. There is no better reasonfor having a safety program.”22 Utility Contractor | July 2007

100,001-200,000 HoursDeKalb Pipeline Co. Inc.Conyers, Ga.Since creating its safety program 14 years ago, DeKalbPipeline Co. has been a safety-oriented company, continuallystriving for excellence in this area of the business.The effort showed, as DeKalb has been fortunate not tohave had any jobsite accidents over the last nine years.As a result, the company has been the recipient of aFeather Award several times over, including categoryspots in 1998, 2001, 2003 and 2005, and the overallwinner in 2002 and 2004. But according to companypresident James King, DeKalb’s safety program has continuedto improve and maintain an accident-free workenvironment.“We have made it a top priority to send our employeesto refresher safety courses,” says King. “The element wefeel has had the most impact is our ability to keep ouremployees trained. Training is one of the most valuablebenefits you can offer your employees. It not only showsthat safety is important to you as a manager, but also thatyou have genuine concern for the employee.”For DeKalb, it is imperative to make safety training asaccessible and as easy as possible. The company’s localassociation, the Georgia Utility Contractors Assocation,offers jobsite safety classes that make the process easierfor both employer and employee. In recent years, part ofits challenge has been training Spanish-speakingemployees in their native language. DeKalb looks toOver the last nine years, DeKalb has received a FeatherAward an impressive seven times (including twice asoverall winner). Even so, company president James Kingsays there is always work to be done on the safety front.July 2007 | Utility Contractor 23

GUCA for this, because the associationoffers a variety of classes in Spanish.According to King, the perception ofsafety was perceived as a hindrance inthe past — and to some degree, it stillmight be thought of that way. But it haschanged in the last few years. Today, hesays, contractors pay more attention tothe news when they report a jobsite accidentand to their surroundings, lookingfor ways to make them safer. DeKalb isconstantly learning of new dangers thatits workers are exposed to and whenthey come to light, new training and PPE(personal protective equipment) isbrought into the equation.“Utility construction is such a highexposure profession,” notes King.“There are so many more things thatwe are aware of now that affectsemployees on a jobsite. In the industryand in our company, there is alwayswork that needs to be done on the safetyfront. It’s hard to stay one step aheadof danger, because it’s where you leastexpect it. You need to make an effort to keep youremployees focused on safety and keep them trained.”50,001-100,000 HoursRaymow Construction Co. Inc.Oldsmar, Fla.As a medium-sized, family-owned site and utility constructioncompany, Raymow Construction Co. Inc. concentratesits operations in the Tampa Bay, Fla., area. Since thecompany was started more than 14 years ago, its objectivehas been to provide the best quality finished product withinthe agreed schedule completion time — at a fair but profitableprice to its customers. Raymow Construction has nothad one lost-time injury.According to company founder and president E. J.“Bud” Bradley, Raymow’s safety record can be attributedto a number of factors. One is a written, actively implementedsafety program that is supported at all levels ofthe company — from the laborers up to the companyowners. In addition, there are biweekly supervisor safetymeetings to review fundamental safety practices andrules, no compromises on the basics, such as hard hat,safety glasses, long pants, shirt sleeves and hard shoes.Outstanding safety performance is rewarded in everyway possible, as is keeping equipment and tools ingood, safe operating condition.Raymow’s ongoing safety program includes firstaid/CPR training for all management (with biweeklyreview); utilization of NUCA’s “Pocket Safety Guide,”bimonthly “Safety News,” weekly e-newsletter for toolboxtalks and biweekly safety meetings and an annualsafety luncheon with individual awards. Raymow screensemployment candidates for competency and does notRaymow’s founder and president Bud Bradley says the company has been safetyorientedfrom the top down since its first day of business — proving that evenwith safety as a first priority, you can be profitable in this industry.allow an individual to perform any task for which he orshe is not qualified. Its management provides on-the-jobtraining routinely and communicates and enforces thebelief that an attitude of a safe workplace is essential —no matter what the job.“This company has been safety-oriented from the topdown since our first day of business, so it has never beenperceived as an inconvenience for those who’ve embracedthe safety attitude on the job,” says Bradley. “Essentially,we implemented the fundamentals on day-one and madehabits out of them. I think we have proven time and timeagain that, even with safety as our first priority, a companycan be profitable in this industry.”0-50,000 HoursA.E. Bragger Construction Co. Inc.Warwick, R.I.A.E. Bragger Construction Co.’s commitment to safetygoes beyond the normal regulatory requirements.The company’s ongoing commitment to keep all of itsemployees and management up to date on current andnew safety regulations has had the most significantimpact on its impressive safety record.Every day before work, the company engages in a“toolbox talk” of relevant subject matter of the day’sprospective work. Once on the job, the foreman andsuperintendent continually monitor the progress whilereviewing safety precautions, so as to ensure a safe worksite.The company’s staff is very cognizant of its safetyrecord, which instills in them a positive work ethic andcomfort level that they can go home every night to theirfamilies. At the end of the year, the company awardsbonuses based on injuries and accidents.24 Utility Contractor | July 2007

“Our employees are now more cognizantof the jobsite surroundings and the workenvironment — not only for themselves,but their fellow workers as well; we trulynow work as a team,” says VirginiaDiCristofaro, safety director for A.E.Bragger Construction. “Like anything new,it’s challenging for everyone to get used tonew elements of the safety program.Fortunately, we have a great and supportivestaff. That alone makes any changes in newsafety measures much easier to employ.”DiCristofaro explains that Rhode Island’smandatory OSHA 10 Construction SafetyTraining requirement, in addition to apush by OSHA to increase inspections, hasallowed the company to blend those safetymeasures into its own program. Over thelast few years, the company has continuedto engage in more “toolbox talks” and safetytraining programs in an effort to continueto improve every year.“It’s an ongoing process. We believe thatour accident and incident reductions werea direct result of our increased efforts as well asincreasing our productivity and quality of work,” notesDiCristofaro. “And as a smaller company, it was a littleeasier to introduce these programs to our employees,but we still tried to improve communication toA.E. Bragger Construction never stops working to increase safety awareness.Safety director Virginia DiCristofaro says just one accident is too much.make it even easier. I don’t think you can ever stopworking on increasing safety awareness. Just oneaccident is too much.”Nick Zubko is associate editor of Utility Contractor.July 2007 | Utility Contractor 25

Safety ShowcaseTraffic Vest Harness from NorthSafety ProductsNorth Safety Products, based in Cranston, R.I., is one ofthe leading manufacturers of occupational health and safetyproducts worldwide, offering a full range of quality personalprotection equipment (PPE), including respiratory, hand,protective footwear and clothing, welding, head, first aid,hearing, eye/face, fall protection, lockout/tagout, safety signageand traffic safety apparel and products. When visibilityis needed, North’sTraffic Vest Harness willkeep workers saferwhere the danger offalls and other accidentsmay be present. Madefor fall arrest and workpositioning, the provenFP700/3D nylon, veststyle,sized harnesscombined with a lightweightmesh traffic vestwork together to protectworkers who must beseen to be safe.Online: www.northsafety.comEclipse Arrow Board fromAllmand Bros.The Allmand Eclipse solar flashing arrow boards,available with highly efficient LED lamps and 15- or 20-light configurations, are extremely energy-efficient unitsthat can run unattended for months. The Eclipse uses50-, 75- or 100-watt high-performance, self-regulatingsolar panels that charge heavy-duty, commercial marinedeep-cycle power batteries to deliver quiet, efficient anddependable performance.The solar panels have a 25-year output warranty.Optional solar panels may be added to increase solar chargingof the batteries.Because the Allmandarrow board doesn’tuse an engine, there26 Utility Contractor | July 2007is no fueling, oil,critical leveling,noise or fuel spills,and virtually nomaintenance isrequired. The solarpanels remain facingupward whether theunit is in operatingmode or when thearrow board is in astowed position fortravel or storage in order to collect energy and charge batteries.The unit’s sign board lowers for convenient towingand is available with trailer mount or retrofit configurationsin standard 15- or 25-lamp models.A bright red flashing low-voltage warning lightindicates when batteries need recharging and is visible fordrive-by inspections. An on-board circuit monitorensures optimum battery life by shutting down the unitbefore voltage drops to a low level. The Eclipse isequipped with either highly efficient LED lamps oreconomical halogen lamps that can be easily replacedwithout discarding the fixture assembly.With a solar retrofit kit, a gas or diesel-powered arrowboard converts to an efficient, quiet, dependable solarunit. The kit includes everything needed for the user toconvert a trailer to high-efficiency solar power, with thesame warranty, replaceable lamps and electroniccontroller along with a pair of self-regulating highperformancesolar panels. The only difference is therigid solar panel mounting.Both the standard Allmand arrow board and the retrofitkit models include the 2200/SE ALT 15-lamp arrow boardand the 2200/SE APF 25-lamp arrow board. Both modelsare available with standard, inexpensive and replaceablePAR 46 halogen or optional highly efficient LED lamps.Online: www.allmand.comHeavy-Duty Footwear fromCaterpillarCAT Footwear is a partnership between two wellestablishedleaders in their fields – Caterpillar andWolverine. The product line has evolved from basic workboots to a wide range of industrial styles and high levelsof resilience that appeals to a large consumer base.The “Pneumatic” boot by CAT Footwear meets ASTMF2413-05 PR standards through the inclusion of a steel midplatedesigned to prevent objects from puncturing the sole.In addition to being puncture resistant, the Pneumatic featuresa steel toe that meets ASTM F2413-05 I/75 C/75 standardsas providing the highest available strength for impactand compression. The outsoleprovides supreme slip resistance andis rated ASTM F2413-05 I/75 EH;protecting the wearer againstopen circuits up to 600volts in dry conditions.The 6-in. upper ismade of waterproofleatherwith a protecti v erubber toe.Online: www.catfootwear.com

Safety ShowcaseMCR Safety LuminatorMCR Safety’sLuminator seriesof safety vestsprovides highvisibility.Thesevests are ANSI/ISEA 107-2004Class II and ClassIII, Level 2reflective materialcompliant. MCR’sdielectric, meshback Luminatorvest CL2OC is afavorite of utilitycontractors.Additional featuresinclude a 2-in. silverstripe, nylonzipper solid frontclosure, six pocketsand sizing up to 4X.Other popularconstruction, emergencyresponse andutility industrieshigh-visibility vestoptions include Luminator style WCCL2LA. This seriesfeatures Velcro adjustable side straps with reflectivestripes. Construction includes mesh polyester vest with2-in. silver stripe centered over 3-in. orange stripe,Velcro front closure, soft polyester black binding onfluorescent lime background for additional contrast andmaximum visibility.Other cool offerings for hot environments includeour Class III CL3ML, which features two pocketsand Velcro closure on a fluorescent lime mesh frontand back material.Online: www.mcrsafety.comGeneral EquipmentGas-Powered VentilatorGeneral Equipment, a family-owned manufacturer ofearth augers, ventilation blowers, asphalt cutters and surfacepreparation equipment introduces the GP8/GP8Hportable gasoline air ventilation blower.Able to accommodate most confined workspacerequirements, the compact unit is ideal for supplyingfresh air around construction sites; removing toxic andnoxious atmospheres from confined work spaces; aidingin detecting sewer line leaks; and providing fresh air forpersonnel inside tanks and vaults.The GP8 is available with a Briggs & Stratton 3.5-hp,3,600 rpm engine or with a Honda 3.5-hp, 3,600 rpmengine (GP8H model). The blower housing is fabricatedfrom cast aluminum, for superior resistance to externalfield damage. An adjustable governor with manual speedcontrol allows the operator to vary the blower volume asneeded. The GP8 weights just 56 lbs, making it easy totransport around the jobsite.Online: www.generalequip.comSafety First Consulting & SalesSafety First Consulting & Sales has made orderingeasier by setting up packaged sets of personal coolingproducts that work on the evaporative process, enhancingthe body’s own evaporative process to cool itself.These packaged sets are unique and custom-made to eachcustomer’s specifications. With each set included free isan OSHA Quick Card on Prevention of Heat Illness,reformatted, laminated and on a clip, sturdy enough forthe workplace and a laminated ¼ emergency phonenumber list on the same clip.Online: www.safetyfirstconsultingsales.com28 Utility Contractor | July 2007

GroundRulesUnderstanding HowOSHA Really WorksBy Greg StrudwickWhen many of today’s contractors got their first jobsjust out of high school or college — at least thosewho graduated before 1970 — what we now know asOSHA (the Occupational Safety and HealthAdministration) didn’t even exist. Some contractors doing federalwork were probably aware of provisions in the existingConstruction Safety Act, but it was contract language and therewasn’t any federal enforcement. For the most part, contractorssimply learned that avoiding accidents saved them money.However, many of those same contractors knew and understoodthe benefits of a safe and healthful workplace. One example wasfrom my early days working for Murray Construction, under thetutelage of an aging pipe layer named Eli Brown. Eli never had anyformal training, so his knowledge of working safely came from alifetime of experience and an understanding that personal safetywas his responsibility and his first priority.He told his crew to watch the surroundings, and to listen.Just by listening and concentrating on your environment, he said,the trench itself could give clues as to its stability. Eli learned overa long period of time that using your senses and ability to recognizepotential hazards were part of a normal workplace routineand the key to survival while laying pipe in a trench.But not everyone was like Eli in those days, so a number ofprotections have been developed over the last 30-odd years tohelp contractors keep their workers safe in the trenches. One ofthe most significant changes started when the Occupational Safetyand Health Act was passed in 1970 and OSHA was created. Fromthat point on, it was clear that the utility construction industrywould never be quite the same again.30 Utility Contractor | July 2007

Standards & ComplianceThe Occupational Safety and Health Act (also knownas the Williams Steiger Act) begins with a simple statement:“To assure safe and healthful working conditionsfor working men and women.” According to OSHA’sSmall Business Handbook the current goal and missionstatement is as follows.“Under the occupational safety and health act of 1970,employers are responsible for providing a safe andhealthful workplace for their employees. OSHA’s role isto ensure the safety and health of America’s workingmen and women by setting and enforcing standards; providingtraining outreach and education; establishingpartnerships; and encouraging continual improvementin workplace safety and health”As OSHA regulations began to appear, it didn’t takelong for contractors to realize the influence these newrules would have on their businesses. Inevitably, thenew rules were greeted with a fair share of resistance.Many contractors were shocked to learn that there werefines issued after their first inspection. Others thoughtthat the first inspection should be for advice. Some simplyfound the new standards confusing.The first standard for excavation and trenching(referred to as OSHA Subpart P) used terms such as“angle of repose” and “banks.” Workers like Eli foundthe terminology confusing, and it became difficult tokeep jobs profitable. So in 1989, OSHA revised the standardto eliminate anyconfusion and makecompliance easier.These are the currentstandards and representminimum requirements.However, sometimescompliance withOSHA standards is notadequate to eliminatethe hazards.OSHA’s trenchingstandard states thatcontractors are touse an adequatelydesigned protectivesystem in any unsafetrench, except whenexcavations are in stablerock or are less than5 ft deep. In addition,the competent personneeds to have examinedthe ground andstate that there is noindication of a potentialcave-in. For example,a trench dug 4-ftdeep in sugar sand (orthat has been blasted) would obviously require either atrench box or an engineered shoring system — withoutquestion.In the past, many contractors have found some of therules to be either inconsistent or simply too difficult tofollow. They ended up throwing up their hands and saying“to heck with OSHA compliance.” Today, these contractorshave been reduced to a small minority. However,they still serve to adversely affect the rest of the contractorswho are working in compliance.There have been similarly frustrating experienceswith the “Right-to-Know” laws and OSHA HazardCommunication (Haz Comm) laws, which were introducedin the 1970s and 1980s. However, contractorssoon realized that despite its apparent complexity, theOSHA rules actually boiled down to just four basicrequirements:1) The program must be in writing2) Employees must be trained about thehazards of the chemicals with which theywill be working3) Material safety data sheets (MSDS) must bereadily available4) Chemicals must have labels and employeesmust understand themOSHA’s Haz Comm rules are found at 1926.59 andrelates back to the 1910.1200 for the full text of thestandard. Recently, OSHA published several questionsIn 1989, OSHA revised the standard for excavation and trenching (referred to asOSHA Subpart P) to eliminate any confusion and make compliance easier. Theseare the current standards and represent minimum requirements.July 2007 | Utility Contractor 31

Over the last 37 years, OSHA and the utility contracting community have workedtogether to exchange ideas and communicate the realities of the industry.about a new approach to Haz Comm called the GloballyHarmonized System (GHS). OSHA is considering makingthe MSDSs uniform so that they can be usedthroughout the world. This new type of MSDS will haveboth text and pictures.OSHA recently stated that a notice of proposed rulemakingfor confined space in construction would bepublished later this year (once published, please takethe time to convey any comments from your localchapter). The Government Relations department of theNational Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) willmake sure these comments are submitted to OSHA sothat it understands the needs of the industry.By January of 2008, OSHA has stated it will publish arevised electric power transmission and distributionelectrical protective equipment standard. The currentconstruction standard is more than 30 years old. OSHAhas stated that this revised standard will address fallprotection from aerial lifts for overhead power-linework and protective equipment.Today, there are several ways OSHA changes astandard. A person, an association of employers oremployees, a nationally recognized standards-producingorganization, the National Institute of OccupationalSafety and Health (NIOSH), or an advisory committeemay request that an OSHA rule be added, revised orremoved.An important part of bridging the gap between contractorsand OSHA is the Advisory Committee onConstruction Safety and Health (ACCSH). TheACCSH provides informationto OSHA aboutcurrent needs for newor improved rules.ACCSH recommendsthat the originalexcavation and trenchstandard be replaced in1989 with the currentstandard. ACCSH hasalso recommendedchanges to theconfined space, safetyprogram and cranestandards.NUCA is currently amember of ACCSH;however, even whenNUCA does not hold aseat on this advisorycommittee, its Safetydepartment attendsmeetings, submitspublic comment andparticipates in theworkgroups. Currently,ACCSH has severalwork groups thatreflect current construction industry areas of concern.These groups focus on Diversity/Multilingual, FocusedInspection Initiative, Noise, OSHA Training Institute(OTI), Residential Fall Protection, Rollover Protection,Silica, Training Certification and Trenching.Common GoalsOver the last 37 years, OSHA and the utility contractingcommunity have worked together to exchangeideas and communicate the realities of the industry.An important step in this ongoing process has been thenational alliance between NUCA, OSHA and otherregional and state alliances.For the last two years, the national alliance hasallowed and encouraged NUCA to work with OSHA toprovide expertise to develop training and educationprograms on utility construction, such as the 10-houroutreach program, which emphasizes on trench andexcavation safety. This program can be downloaded freeof charge from the NUCA Web site, but the 10-hourcard can only be signed by a certified OSHA 500instructor.Even with these types of programs in place, consensuscan still be difficult to achieve. It has taken a significantamount of time, effort and cooperation, but employersin the underground utility construction industry havefinally begun to work together with OSHA officialstoward a common goal and focus on the issues thataffect the safety and health of every utility constructionworker in the United States.32 Utility Contractor | July 2007

5 Tips for Your Next OSHA Visit1. Stop working. If a site visit occurs, never continue to workin front of the COSHO (frequently used acronym referringto an OSHA compliance officer). Always ask for their identificationand call the corporate office immediately.2. No onsite documentation. Documents should not be givento compliance officers onsite. The COSHO has the authorityto request certain documents, but your corporate officeshould be allowed to produce them. Also, keep a running listof all documents they have provided.3. Just the facts. Never offer unsolicited information. Just answerthe officer’s questions as accurately as possible. Take pictureswhere they take pictures and never leave their side while theyare making an inspection of your jobsite.4. Keep a record. When the COSHO leaves the site, intervieweveryone he or she talked to and immediately transcribe areport, then forward it to the safety director and/or thepresident of the company.5. Keep a cool head. The COSHO is only doing their job.Treat them the way you would like to be treatedand keep the site as compliant as possible. There aremore citations written for obvious infractions than anythingelse.Both sides have recognized the importanceof working together — regardless of how someindividuals feel about OSHA. Everyone workingin the utility business knows that oneaccident can destroy a company. At the veryleast, it can eliminate a contractor’s ability tobid on certain projects.At times, OSHA’s job is thankless, unpopular,and most certainly difficult. It is also difficult forcontractors. The work environment is more difficultto control than ever, due to more restrictionsand difficult issues relating to overall governmentalcompliance. As work becomes morecompetitive, we have to remember the responsibilitythat Eli assumed with regard to his crewemployees and their families.Safety is a communal responsibility to helpeliminate work-related pain, suffering anddisease. That’s the simple goal. It is extremelydifficult to achieve, but it’s worth every ounceof effort for every contractor and employer inthe United States. People like my friend andmentor, Eli Brown deserve thanks for helpingso many to be around to see their grandchildrenand to prosper in this business.Greg Strudwick is owner and founder of GregStrudwick & Associates, a safety consulting firmbased in Coppell, Texas, and a member of OSHA’sACCSH.July 2007 | Utility Contractor 33

Two Tasks,One MachineTractor Loader Backhoes Can Help ContractorsTackle all of their Digging and Loading NeedsBy Jason MorganIt’s no secret the tractor loader backhoe can easilytackle two of construction’s fundamental operations— trenching and loading. Like peanut butter and jelly,the loader and the backhoe go hand in hand on allsorts of projects. But tractor loader backhoes do morethan just dig and load — these multi-tasking machinescan take PTO implements off the rear and sometimesattachments off the backhoe boom or the loader’s quickattachplate.They are the smaller, more versatile version of traditional,beefy backhoe loaders and they’re quickly earninga reputation as an overachiever in the constructionequipment business. Komatsu, Caterpillar, Yanmar,Kubota, John Deere, Case, New Holland, Volvo, JCB,Terramite and Terex are some of the marketplace heavyhitters. However, the backhoe loader’s roots originallydate back to the agricultural tractor market.“When John Deere entered the market, they basicallybolted a backhoe onto the back of a tractor; Kubota had asimilar design, but these machines were still reported asagricultural tractors,” says Jim Blower, mid-range productmanager for JCB. “The main difference is that with a tractorloader backhoe, you can take the backhoe off of themachine and under it is a three-point hitch with a PTO.So, it’s essentially a tractor. You can take off the backhoeand put on a mower and the rear PTO will run it. A [traditional]backhoe loader doesn’t have a three-point hitchor a PTO.”With plenty of sizes, options and versatility, a tractorloader backhoe (TLB) might be the ideal machine foryour diverse operations in the construction, utility oragricultural sector, which require dig and load applicationsmost of the time. It also offers the versatility of takingtractor or skid steer implements.Before you saddle up and head off to the dealer lot,take some time to familiarize yourself with the varietyof TLB options on the market. Weigh the pros andcons of manufacturers, glean operational techniques34 Utility Contractor | July 2007

When you climb into a tractor loader backhoe and swing the seat around to the backhoe position, take specialnotice of the boom. There are two types of boom configurations for TLBs today — curved and straight.aimed at improving efficiency and safety and find aversatile loader backhoe that can handle the complexityof projects that make your business so diverse andrewarding.Boom, Boom, BoomIf your piece of equipment is an extension of your owntwo hands, and the TLB’s loader is your right hand andthe backhoe is your left, you might be able to get awaywith calling yourself ambidextrous. The loader and thebackhoe are a great starting point for measuring yourmachine needs. We suggest climbing into the TLB andswinging the seat around to the backhoe position, takingspecial notice of the boom. There are two types of boomconfigurations for TLBs today — curved and straight.While John Deere, Caterpillar, New Holland, IngersollRand and Yanmar are set up on the curved boom end ofthe camp, Komatsu, JCB, Kubota and Terramite utilizestraight boom designs. In a nutshell, the argument is usuallythat curved booms might provide improved visibilityand easier truck loading. On the other hand, straightbooms utilize fewer welded plates to gain strength andtend to be less expensive machines.The curved boom craze began when backhoes startedto mirror the design of hydraulic excavators that employa curved design for added visibility beneath their booms.However, a TLB with a 10-ft dig depth isn’t going to bemoving mountains, so the curved vs. straight boomargument comes down to a matter of philosophy andpersonal opinion.“We could argue the pros and cons of straight andcurved booms all day. It basically came from manufacturerswho made big excavators. Big excavators have curvedbooms,” says Blower. “CAT came from making big excavatorsand they brought that design to the smallermachines. All JCB’s backhoes have straight boom.”As your eye travels down the length of the boom,you may find that the TLB has the option of a sideshiftingboom system, as opposed to a center-mountedboom, which is the standard in North America.A side-shifting boom is a backhoe boom that is set onrails, on which the boom can slide to the left or rightremotely. It’s a popular European technology. With theside-shifting mounting system, operators can pullthe TLB next to a house or wall, slide the boom overand dig right up against the obstruction. Just note thatside-shifting booms are fairly rare machines, but a fewmanufacturers, such as JCB, still manufacture smallside-shift machines.“Yanmar had such a system on its compact excavatorsin the 1960s, but with the advent of house swing andboom swing on excavators, side-shifting on excavators isno longer needed,” says Bill Gearhart, assistant marketingand product manager for Yanmar ConstructionEquipment. “Also, the cost of a side-shift backhoe isusually much higher than a center pivot backhoe.”Although uncommon, side-shifting backhoes can beuseful when traversing the jobsite. If you happen tobe operating a side-shifting backhoe and you’re workingon a cramped jobsite, slide the backhoe to one sideof the machine and then pivot the boom inward towardthe machine. By pulling the boom parallel to the backof the TLB, you minimize the boom’s overhang and theresult is a smoother, more compact ride.July 2007 | Utility Contractor 35

With spiky teeth and the load capacity of a construction-grade icecream scoop, the TLB's heavy-duty bucket is primed for someserious trenching action.Buckets of OptionsJust past the boom, something catches your eye.With spikey teeth and the load capacity of a construction-gradeice cream scoop, the TLB’s heavy-dutybucket is primed for some serious trenching action.Like their compact excavator brethren, TLB bucketscome in an array of sizes and options.“The bucket on a TLB is similar to, but different from,the one found on a compact excavator. Usually, the backhoeloader bucket is a heavy-duty design due to higherdigging forces. Of course, this depends greatly on who isdefining a compact excavator,” says Jeff Aubrey, backhoeloader product manager for Komatsu. “Eight-ton compactexcavators can use buckets much like those foundon tractor loader backhoes.”On a TLB the most common size bucket is a 12-in.But 8-, 18- and 24-in. buckets are also available so you canoutfit your backhoe for any job, big or small. Like compactexcavators, most TLBs feature a quick attachmentsystem as standard equipment, for swapping a heavy-dutybucket for a rock bucket, and many manufacturers offerauxiliary boom hydraulics for powering more demandingattachments such as hydraulic breakers, hydraulic thumbsand tilting buckets. But the majority of the time, you’regoing to have the standard heavy-duty bucket equippedand you’re going to be boom-deep into a trench.“When digging a trench, peel — don’t scoop. Use thedipper to strip layers of soil from the trench. This is36 Utility Contractor | July 2007faster and neater,” says Aubrey.“When repositioning the unit toextend the trench, lift the stabilizersand the loader bucket off the ground.Then lift and push with the backhoeto move the entire machine forward.There is no need to engage the transmissionor turn the seat. The operatorcan then use the backhoe tostraighten the machine on the trenchline.”Before you starting trenching, allTLB manufacturers agree that safetyshould be at the top of the list when itcomes to operation. As with any pieceof equipment, always be sure to readthe owner’s manual before hoppingonto the operator’s seat and wear yourseat belt when you are at the reins.Then phone your one-call servicesbefore moving a muscle.“Check with the utility companies tosee if there are any buried utilities inthe area where the operator will be digging,”says Curt Unger, general salesmanager for Yanmar ConstructionEquipment. “Never swing any loadabove another worker’s head. This isespecially true if you are swinging overa trench where someone is working.Be aware of the outriggers and watch them to be sure theydon’t cause a cave in into the trench.”Carrying the LoadAfter exploring the backhoe portion of your TLB, it’stime to concentrate on the bucket. There’s probably ahuge pile of dirt beside your trench after you tested yourdigging skills. At this point, a skid steer loader wouldcome by to collect the spoils. But you and your TLB arebig boys and you can clean up your own mess. Just returnyour backhoe to the full and up-right position, swingyour seat around and hit the material loading warpath.While the skid steer loader will fit in tighter work areas,the TLB can move more material faster on open range jobsites.The popular 24-in. bucket and simple load and drivecontrols make quick work of any loading job. The jobdetermining the size of the attachment or bucket is fairlystandard procedure in the attachment game. If you’reworking a construction site, oftentimes the building codeswill determine what bucket size the operator should use.For instance, if building footers need to be 18 in. wide, an18-in. bucket would be a perfect match. There are 12- and16-in. buckets that are also commonplace on a TLB, alongwith 4-in-1 buckets and grapple bucketsBasically, the loader bucket is controlled with one lever.Pull the lever back to raise the bucket, push it forward tolower it, left to curl the bucket and right to dump the contents(controls may vary). Depending on the manufactur-

er and options, there might be a second lever that operatesauxiliary hydraulics for a grapple or 4-in-1 bucket.If your loader duties call for moving material that isless pliable, such as a crates of bricks or stacks of lumber,more than likely, your backhoe loader is equipped with aquick attachment system that will let you swap yourbucket for a set of pallet forks. Typically, these quickattachsystems are compatible with skid steer attachments,but you’ll want to be careful as to which attachmentsyou slap on your TLB.“There are a couple things to look out for when equippinga skid steer attachment to a tractor. You have to considerwhat you are working with, how dense and howheavy it is. Determine the material’s weight by cubic footand then compare that number to what your tractor canhandle,” says Blower. “Sometimes operators will be movinglight material and they’ll put on a larger bucket. Thenthey’ll move heavy material with that same bucket withouteven thinking about it. It tends to happen more oftenin the north when operators move snow. They thinksnow is light, which it is when it falls from the sky, butwhen it sits around and freezes, it gets extremely heavy.”Although it isn’t really fair to compare the skid steer’ssupreme versatility with a TLB, these loader backhoes dohave tool carrying advantages.“With a TLB the operator sits up higher, so he has bettervisibility. The two machines [TLB and skid steer] arealso built differently. A skid steer loader is built on a rigid,one-piece frame with a small wheelbase and small tires. It gives a rougherride than a TLB,” says Unger.“Conventional steering wheels alsomake the TLB more popular in therental yards because many people arenot familiar with skid steer controls.”then use both the lift and bucket functions to fill thebucket. Finish, don’t start, with the bucket curl to get themaximum payload.”As the backhoe outriggers sink into the ground likelanding alien spacecraft from planet productivity and thebucket tears into the ground, it’s just a matter of timebefore you oscillate your seat and take hold of the loadercontrols to move the backhoe’s spoils. Just don’t get tooexcited when you are getting your work done in recordtime and forget about safety, proper machine operationsand the machine’s limitations. Although you may feel bigand mighty atop your TLB, remember that the TLB is stilla compact machine.“Don’t overwork the machine. These are still compactmachines with limitations. If you spend all day, every daydigging 10-ft trenches with a 10-ft machine, you mayneed a larger machine,” says Blower. “While 10-ftmachines can dig a trench that deep, that’s the maximum.10-ft machines were designed to dig 5- or 6-ft trenchesand then move on to a new operation.”A safe operator who is conscious of the machine’s limitationswill be a productive operator. Although thesehighly productive machines are ready to tackle two of themost common jobsite chores, keep in mind that the TLBisn’t a magic wand. But that might not stop the crew fromcalling you Merlin after you’ve dug a trench and made thedirt pile “magically disappear” in no time.Jason Morgan is assistant editor of Utility Contractor.Safety ChecksSafety should be in the forefront ofevery equipment operator’s mind.Aside from reading the owner’s manual,the operator needs to be aware of allpersonnel in his work area and wherethey are at all times. The machines cancover a lot of ground and handle ahuge work load quickly, but you don’twant to be too eager to swing aroundto the loader controls and get movingbefore you survey the area to makesure you aren’t going to mow downany of your working buddies.Check and double check the areawhen operating a TLB on any jobsite.When you’re faced with a mountainof material to load and move,“use the proper gear so you don’t spinthe tires or tax the engine excessivelyand stay in control,” says Aubrey.“Enter a pile with the bucket level,July 2007 | Utility Contractor 37

By Karen SwansonPerhaps the two greatest words any student everhears are “Snow Day.” For city governments,however, the winter storms of2006 did not mean extra freetime. Instead, ice storms and blizzardsadded up to an economic nightmare.Officials from MidAmerican EnergyCo. estimate that costs incurred toexpedite repairs and restore poweramounted to more than $1.5 millionper day — costs that cannot be passedalong to customers.Further, these costs represent repairsonly. The true economic impact of thestorm would include lost retail revenueand personal wages, decreased workerproductivity, business and manufacturingclosings and increased costs for temporarypower sources. These expensive consequencesfuel the ongoing debate overwhether electrical power lines should beoverhead or underground. While utilitycompanies argue overhead lines are lessexpensive to install, the City of Pella,Iowa, considers its decision to bury a majority of the city’spower lines as an investment that has paid dividends.Expensive consequences of recent snow storms haved fueled ongoingdebates across the country over whether electrical power lines shouldremain overhead, or be installed underground.38 Utility Contractor | July 2007

A Grounded ApproachThe City’s decision to put its power lines undergroundstarted after a routine state inspection. Whenlines for cable television were hung in the 1980s,installers failed to observe the mandated clearances.Consequently, the overhead system did not meetNational Electric Safety Code requirements, and theIowa Utility Board required the City to correct theproblem.In deciding how to fix the problem, the City comparedthe costs to rebuild the current circuitry withthe costs to construct the system underground.The additional cost for underground construction wasapproximately 32 percent higher than the estimate foran overhead system. However, according to the engineeringexperts who analyzed the costs, comparingthe results of construction was like comparing “applesto oranges.”The analysis stated that an underground systemwould require much less ongoing maintenance whenactivities such as tree trimming and removal were considered.Further, an underground system is more reliablesince it is not susceptible to lightning, ice storms,wind and animals.While not easily quantified, an additional considerationfor the City of Pella was the aesthetic improvementgained by burying lines underground. Settled in 1847by Dutch immigrants, the City prides itself on maintainingelements of that heritage. The town square isreminiscent of the Netherlands – complete with brickstreets, storybook storefronts and an authentic 1850sworking windmill. This city of 10,000 people nearlydoubles in size each spring as visitors flood in for theannual “Tulip Festival.”Weathering the StormFor a variety of reasons, the City opted to move thelines underground. When a major ice storm and blizzardhit the area in March 2007, they were glad theydid. Fewer than 9 percent of Pella residents were withoutpower during the storm and power was restoredwithin an average of four hours. By contrast, in thecommunity of Oskaloosa, a mere 18 miles to the southeast,nearly 100 percent of residents were withoutpower, and power was not restored for nearly a week.While storms of this magnitude are not common,they aren’t an isolated incident either. Tornadoes,severe thunderstorms and straight line wind also havethe potential to create additional downed lines andpower outages. In 1993, a similar ice storm in Pellacreated outages that lasted days, not hours. Repairsdue to the storm in 2007 were minimal in terms ofefforts and cost.“This is a tribute to everyone’s efforts to rebuild andmaintain our electric systems,” said Larry Peterson,electric director for the City of Pella. “Along with otherinitiatives, the underground conversion of our systemhas definitely paid dividends.” Peterson added that theUnderground electrical systems are also more reliable,since they are not susceptible to lightning, ice storms,wind and animals.City has spent a little over $9 million for upgrades andconversions that started in 1993. Today, approximately70 percent of the electric system within the corporatelimits has been converted to underground.While the initial cost to bury lines underground generallycosts more than installing them overhead, theinvestment to bury lines is one to consider over thecourse of several decades. Dollars not spent in repairsafter one major storm can easily recoup the additionalinvestment cost. Underground lines may cost more initially,but they are safer, require less maintenance and aremore visually aesthetic.Karen Swanson is a technical writer for Two Rivers Marketing,based in Des Moines, Iowa.July 2007 | Utility Contractor 39

NUCA MEMBER PROFILEArrow Directional BoringPushing the EnvelopeSouth Florida Directional Boring ContractorFinds New Challenges Around Every CornerBy Nick ZubkoSome people are born “techies.”They’re always keeping up with thelatest technology and are neverafraid to try something new. While itusually applies more to computers, communicationdevices or maybe even stereo equipment,the habit can pay off just as much in theconstruction business. At least, that was thecase for Greg and Jeff Blake, two brothers fromSouth Florida whose interest in a technologycalled directional boring sent their careersdown a brand new path.Each brother got their start separately in thecable television installation business. Four yearsworking for someone else was long enough, andthe two brothers soon teamed up to open ArrowCommunication Enterprises Inc., which hasnow been in business for almost 20 years.Originally, they wanted to call their new companyAlliance Communications (as in the alliancebetween two brothers). But since that name wasalready taken they went with “Arrow” instead,because they would always be on target.The name fit, and the business grew steadilythrough the late 1980s and early ’90s until theBlakes began to hear about a new utility installationprocess called directional boring(also known as horizontal directional drilling, orHDD). Their technological curiosity got the bestof them and they jumped in the market a fewyears later, launching Arrow Directional BoringInc. in 1996.“We put everything on the line to buy thatfirst drill rig,” says vice president Jeff Blake. “It cost usover quarter of million dollars that we did not have.We managed to figure out the finances, but then wecouldn’t convince anyone that this was the way to go —no one was doing this type of work. We were one of thefirst three directional boring companies in the southeast.”Anything But “Boring”The Blake brothers bought their first boring machine in1994. They starting out by doing the work for free asdemonstrations and giving seminars to teach engineers40 Utility Contractor | July 2007Starting with a communications business, the Blake brothers jumpedinto the directional boring market in 1996.and municipalities this new type of utility installation.“So many people got into this business just to get richfast, but they didn’t realize that there is a lot of skill that hasto go into it,” notes Blake. “When the telecom boom washitting, you heard of doctors, lawyers, landscapers jumpingin — anyone who could afford a machine had one.”Unlike other directional boring contractors, ArrowDirectional Boring didn’t jump into the telecom boom inthe late ’90s — instead, it dedicated itself to the water andsewer market. In the last two years, the company has experiencedits most promising growth on all levels. The opera-

NUCA MEMBER PROFILEtion has been streamlined from as many as 80 employees afew years ago down to about 30. However, its scope of workhas remained the same, with drill rigs ranging from 17,000to 140,000 lbs. In the end, the process has made them significantlymore profitable — and more manageable.“In the beginning, we only did cable TV, power andtelephone work, but now most of it is water and sewer,”explains Blake. “All of the underground markets have reallytaken off. As the municipal infrastructure gets older andolder and the harsh weather, more utilities are goingunderground and in very crowded easements the only wayto put the utilities in is by trenchless means.”As directional drilling became more common, Arrow’sprojects evolved from using boring to simp[ly crossroads and bodies of water to doing entire subdivisionsfor new installations and rehab work. In fact, its mostdifficult job to-date seems to be revised every year.Two years ago, it was installing 2,000 ft of 30-in. pipe 65ft beneath the New River in Ft. Lauderdale. A year ago —2,450 ft of triple 8-in. pipe 155 ft under the IntercostalsWaterway in Jupiter, Fla. Earlier this year, Arrow crewscompleted another 2,600 of 14-in. pipe in Jupiter.A unique project last year involved drilling four 400-ftbores 10 ft on center to install 14-, 24-, 30-, 42-in. steelcasings. Using an American Augers DD-140 and a 24-in.Hercules Grundoram from TT Technologies, the crewplaced the casings under two canals, a railroad and astreet with only 3 ft of cover under the canals.“That wasn’t a huge project, but it was challenging andfun,” notes Blake. “What makes this job so fun andexciting is that it’s always changing; there is always a newchallenge around the corner. In the beginning we wereimpressed when we did a 400-ft shot of four 4-in. pipes.Now we really excel at long, challenging directionalbores. We’re doing bores over a half a mile long anddiameters up to 48 in. It’s a very exciting time in ourindustry. Records are being broken every day.”Questions & AnswersSince the Blake brothers started the company more than10 years ago, their philosophy has been to learn from thebest and never be afraid to ask questions. This approachwas taken to the next level when Jeff joined theUnderground Contractors Association of South Floridaback in 1998. He even attempted to start a trenchlesschapter called the Florida Directional Driller Association,but with such a young industry it was disbanded after onlythree years.“During that time, I got deeply involved in our local, stateand national associations,” notes Blake. “Now I’ve held everyposition on the board of directors including president fortwo years in our local chapter, every position on the stateboard [except for president] and have sat on the nationalboard for the past four years as a contractor director.”Over the years, Arrow projects have continued to evolve, asits most difficult project to date is revised every year.On the local level, Blake is currently the immediate pastpresident and sits on the executive board of directors.During his time on the UCASF, Blake has been involvedin several issues important to the local utility contractingcommunity. He’s currently fighting with the cities and countiesin the area, which are doing their own utility constructionwork without putting it out to bid.“In Florida we have F.S. 255, which is a competitive bidstatute,” explains Blake. “Any public work over $200,000must be put out to bid so that the taxpayers pay the least,for the most responsible bidder to install their utilities.”Blake’s involvement in NUCA started the same time as itdid locally, hoping to get involved with a group of professionalsin the industry to discuss problems the companywas having with its peers. Today, Blake sits on NUCA’strenchless committee and on the board as a contractor representativefor South Florida. When schedule permits, theytry to go to all of the NUCA events and seminars, as well aspurchase products from its extensive library.“When we joined NUCA and the state and local associations,we simply wanted somewhere we could get honestanswers to our questions and have the opportunity tomake changes to the laws we needed to have in place toprotect the industry,” Blake explains. “Right now, one ofthe most important ones we have today is the push to getthe funding back into the Clean Water Act. It’s what isgoing to keep all of us employed.”Nick Zubko is associate editor of Utility Contractor.July 2007 | Utility Contractor 41National Utility Contractors Association

INSIDE WASHINGTONNUCA Explores Potential for PrivateInvestment in Water MarketBy Eben WymanAlthough NUCA continues to keep the pressureon Congress to advance legislation thatwould reauthorize the EPA’s State RevolvingFund (SRF) programs at significantly higherfunding levels, the association recognizes that at thispoint any and all reasonable funding solutions shouldbe on the table for consideration. Because the nationwill face more than a half-trillion dollars in water andwastewater infrastructure needs in approximately 12years, there is more than enough room for multiplefunding sources. That’s why NUCA and other organizationsare taking a serious look at the possibility ofestablishing a water infrastructure trust fund and otherlong-term solutions, including private investment inthe water market.No “Silver Bullet”There’s no need to rehash the numbers that underscorethe recognized need for funding increases.Any regular reader of Utility Contractor reads aboutthem all the time. Suffice it to say that whether youlook at estimates from private industry, environmentalgroups or even the federal government, the results areclear: America’s aging environmental infrastructure isdeteriorating rapidly, and it will take a lot of money tomake even a minor difference.Meanwhile, even with SRF reauthorization legislationadvancing further than it has in the past several years,SRF appropriations are low and finding the new moneythat Congress would authorize will be no easy task.Further, with the new fiscal conservatism, at least thatof the new Democratic Congress, the availability ofappropriated funds is decreasing, not increasing. Infact, currently Congress and the White House are fightingit out over a $23 billion difference in total budgetand appropriations numbers for all federal programsnext year.While NUCA and several other organizations interestedin water and wastewater infrastructure continueto explore “dedicated sources of revenue,” the showstopperquestion “Who’s going to pay for it?” has yet tobe answered. NUCA continues to engage in these conversations,but don’t hold your breath for a water trustfund bill to be passed in the near future. Even if it wereto pass, there would still be plenty of room for otherviable sources of funding.Public-Private PartnershipsWhile the concept of opening the door to privateinvestment to what are traditionally considered publicmarkets commonly causes instant heartburn for manyfolks, opportunities for public-private partnerships(PPP) offer a number of benefits to government, industryand the American public.The Government Accounting Office defines a PPPas a “contractual agreement formed between publicand private sector partners that allows more privatesector participation than is traditional.” The GAOfurther states: “The agreements usually involve a governmentagency contracting with a private companyto design, renovate, construct, operate, maintain,and/or manage a facility system. While the public sectorusually retains ownership in the facility or system,the private party will be given additional decisionrights in determining how the project or taskwill be completed.”PPPs became popular in the highway constructionmarket in the mid-1980s, when state DOTs and transitagencies began outsourcing several planning and developmentactivities to private contractors. As PPPs becamemore prevalent, their popularity grew, especially in thegovernment and private sectors. PPPs offered governmententities opportunities to encourage entrepreneurialmanagement of projects, expedite project delivery and42 Utility Contractor | July 2007

INSIDE WASHINGTONCurrently, only a fewwater and wastewaterprojects are funded withPABs [private activitybonds], because theyare eclipsed by more‘politically attractive’projects such as housingor school constructionthat compete underthe same cap.“”apply advanced technologies — all of which had thepotential for reducing the volume of public payrolls.Private sector organizations benefited from PPPs throughthe expansion of their customer bases, diversification ofbusiness models, and in opportunities to participate ininfrastructure investment.Adjusting Private ActivityBonds (PABs)The president’s FY2008 budget plan proposes toallow for more PPPs in the public water market bylifting the state volume cap on Private Activity Bonds(PABs). PABs work through a public-private partnership,wherein a municipality works with a privatewater company to receive tax-exempt financing for awater project that the state views as being in thepublic interest.PABs are currently restricted by congressional caps,based on a state’s population, that limit the total dollaramount that the state can use on them. These caps areobstructing the use of PABs in many areas. The president’sbudget calls for legislation that would eliminate thevolume cap on PABs in order to encourage additionalneeded private investment for water and wastewaterinfrastructure refurbishment. Currently, only a few waterand wastewater projects are funded with PABs becausethey are eclipsed by more “politically attractive” projectssuch as housing or school construction that competeunder the same cap.NUCA is under no illusion that the administrationhas a new appreciation of the importance of fundingthe nation’s environmental lifelines. This proposal ismerely the administration’s desire to have privatemoney pay for needed projects in lieu of spending federaldollars. However, consistent with the position thatall reasonable funding sources should be considered,NUCA fully supports the provision. Although thereappears to be considerable interest in the subject, legislationthat would lift the cap had not yet been introducedat the time this article was written.Bringing water projects from under the PAB state volumecap would offer a number of benefits, including the:• Expansion of the availability of financing to helpcommunities tackle infrastructure refurbishmentneeds;• Reduction of the cost of project financing, whichwould assist in controlling water and sewer rates; and• Sharing of the financial risk and responsibility withthe cooperating private entity.Addressing Local ConcernsIn May, I had the privilege of presenting NUCA’s positionon these matters at Benjamin Media’s “UIMInvesting in Water Infrastructure Conference” at theHarvard Club in New York City. In brief, it is the association’sposition that although NUCA believes that astrong federal component will be needed in undergroundinfrastructure financing in the future, expandingopportunities for private investment in this marketshould also be considered. To encourage “out-of-thebox”thinking, NUCA has also participated in meetingswith other associations and major corporations that arecurrently considering investment opportunities in thewater infrastructure market.Additionally, NUCA maintains that appeasing localanxieties will be fundamental to the passage of anylegislation to remove the cap on PABs or to advanceany further opportunities for PPPs. Among these concernsare: the reluctance of municipalities and/orother local water entities to relinquish any controlover their decision making authority, issues that willinevitably be raised by labor organizations, and smallbusiness concerns such as access to larger, “designbuild”projects.Nonetheless, local officials will have to ask for participationfrom the private sector to meet their infrastructureneeds; private participation will not berequired. Therefore, the bottom line is that these concernswill need to be addressed if considerable privateinvestment opportunities stand a chance in the waterinfrastructure market. NUCA is simply encouragingall stakeholders to look at these opportunities with anopen mind.Eben Wyman is NUCA Vice President of Government Relations.July 2007 | Utility Contractor 43National Utility Contractors Association

SAFETY MANAGEMENTNUCA Launches New HDD SafetyTraining ProgramBy George KennedyAlthough the use of horizontal directionaldrilling (HDD) to install pipe and cable eliminatessome of the hazards associated withopen-cut excavation, it introduces some thatare unique to HDD, such as the possibility of unknowinglydrilling through a sewer lateral. For that reason,contractors should develop and implement safety policiesand procedures designed specifically for HDD operations.That said, it is currently difficult to find safety trainingmaterials pertaining to trenchless methods. That’s whyNUCA’s Trenchless Technology Committee decided tohelp fill the gap by developing a Horizontal DirectionalDrilling Safety Training Program based on one originallydeveloped by NUCA member Steve Theis, vice presidentof safety for the MYR Group Inc.The new training program, which is available as aPowerPoint presentation, will help construction managers,foremen, competent persons and workers identifycommon hazards unique to HDD and provide informationabout how to eliminate or control them. It isdesigned to be presented by an instructor (in-house orconsultant) who will use the included notes to discussthe issues in detail. (It is not recommended for use as aself-taught, e-learning training experience.)The program starts out with several basic principles.Successful safety programs require management andThe manufacturer’s operators manual is the main source of information on a specific piece of HDD equipment.44 Utility Contractor | July 2007

SAFETY MANAGEMENTemployees to work together to eliminateor control hazards that could injure thegeneral public and employees, or damageequipment and property. Contractors,competent persons and equipment operatorsshould always refer to the manufacturer’soperator’s manual to ensure thatdrilling equipment is being used properlyand safely.Prior to starting any job, a job specifichazard analysis should be performed toidentify existing and potential hazards. It isalso important to comply with all applicableOSHA, state, and local rules and regulations.(Note: Although OSHA does not haveany rules or regulations specific to HDDoperations, many of the construction standardsdo apply to the work performed.)Each job should have a competent personto oversee the work. A competent person forHDD work should be knowledgeable aboutHDD operations, capable of identifyingexisting and predictable hazards, and havethe authority to take corrective action tocorrect hazards.We believe that training participants willbe shocked by the list of potential hazardsthat will need to be addressed and controlledor eliminated to protect the workersand public from injuries. Companiesshould consider the following list as a startingpoint for creating a HDD jobsite checklistto ensure that all hazards have beenidentified and controlled or eliminated: rigoperation, pilot bore tracking, reamerinstallation and removal, reamer tracking, utility clearances,electrical strike protection, rotating drill pipe,groundwater, drilling fluid system operation, working onproduct side, communication, lack of line of sight,hydraulic pressure, stabilization, handling loose drillpipe and making/breaking tool joints.As the program continues, the instructor will discusspre-mobilization and pre-construction issues such asexisting conditions, utility locates, traffic concerns, borepathalignment, etc. Participants will also learn what personalprotective equipment should be used.The new training program also addresses in detail whatemergency procedures must be initiated to reduce thelikelihood of injury/damage if existing utilities —gas, electric, fiber optic cable, sanitary/storm sewer — arestruck during the boring operation. It is important tonote that those procedures are different for each type ofutility. Another crucial aspect of emergency preparednessThe utility location should be potholed and visually inspectedbefore drilling commences.is reporting all utility strikes. To emphasize this point, theprogram provides a brief synopsis of an accident thatresulted when gas from an unreported rupture laterleaked into a subdivision and exploded. The accidentresulted in one fatality, one injury and $2 million in propertydamages.The members of the NUCA Trenchless TechnologyCommittee created the foregoing program in the beliefthat accidents like the one described above can be preventedif owners, contractors and employees worktogether to establish and follow HDD-specific safetyplans that incorporate all applicable laws and best practices.To obtain a copy of the NUCA HorizontalDirectional Drilling Safety Training Program, visit theNUCA Web site (www.nuca.com) and click on the linkfor the NUCA Store.George Kennedy is NUCA Vice President of Safety.July 2007 | Utility Contractor 45National Utility Contractors Association

NUCA NEWSNUCA Foundation Awards College ScholarshipsDuring the Washington Summitin May, the NUCA Foundation forEducation and Research selectedthe winners of its five annualscholarships. Recipients must bethe sons/daughters of parents/legalguardians employed by NUCAmember companies, studentemployees (including part-time) ofNUCA member companies, ordependents of NUCA chapterexecutive directors. Additionally,applicants must be entering (as afreshman) a two- or four-year collegeor university in the fall.In making its selections, theFoundation’s Scholarship Committeeconsidered an applicant’s scholasticstanding, ACT and/or SAT scores,extra-curricular activities, communityservice, career goals, work experienceand an essay. This year’sScholarship Committee included:Dick Foster (PKF-Mark III Inc.,Newtown, Pa.), Linda Schellenberg(Armadillo Underground, Salem,Ore.), Alan Gravel (WillowConstruction, Powder Springs, Ga.)and Tina Dillon (Atlas Excavating,West Lafayette, Ind.).46 Utility Contractor | July 2007D.A. Foster MemorialScholarship($2,000/year over four years);Michael P. Richter Jr.A graduate ofSpring CreekHigh School inSeven Springs,N.C., Michael“Paul” Richter isthe son of MichaelP. Richter, T.A.Richter Loving Co.(Goldsboro). In thefall, Paul will enter the University ofNorth Carolina-Chapel Hill, where heplans to study civil engineering. Hiscareer goals include improving drinkingwater in third world countries bydesigning less expensive, more effectivewater treatment systems and joiningor starting an engineering firm.NUCA $4,000 Scholarship($1,000/year over four years)Kara L. SwerdfegerA graduate of Pueblo West HighSchool in Pueblo West, Colo., KaraSwerdfeger is the daughter ofRandall Swerdfeger, K.R. SwerdfegerConstruction (Pueblo West). In thefall, Kara willenter BrighamYoung Universityin Provo, Utah,where she plansto pursue anundergraduatemajor in ExerciseScience. After Swerdfegerobtaining a master’sdegree in Physical Therapy, shewants to start her own physical therapypractice, specializing inpediatrics.Antonio Marinelli FoundersScholarship($2,500 one-time award)Andrew S. PenzA graduate of Mayo High School inRochester, Minn., Andrew Penz is theson of Rick Penz, Fraser ConstructionCo. (Rochester). In the fall, Andrewwill enter St. Olaf College inNorthfield, Minn., where he plans todouble major in Physics andMathematics. After obtaining a master’sdegree in Civil Engineering, hewants to join the management ofFraser Construction, his father’s excavationand demolitionbusiness.Andrew hasworked at Fraser’sfor four years as ajanitor and for twosummers as anestimator’s assistant.Also worthPenznoting is the factthat Andrew’s brother, Matthew T.Penz, won NUCA’s 2004 $4,000scholarship.William & Shirley BurgettScholarship($2,000 one-time award)Andrew S. KinnairdA graduate ofJefferson CountyInternationalBaccalaureateSchool inIrondale, Ala.Andrew Kinnairdis the son ofK e n n e t hKinnaird,American Ductile Iron Pipe Co.(Birmingham). In the fall, Andrewwill enter Auburn University inAuburn, Ala., where he plans tomajor in architecture and minor inbusiness. After working for a time atan architecture firm, he would liketo own his own firm.NUCA $1,000 Scholarship($500/year for a two-yearprogram)Holly A. BestA graduate ofBradford HighSchool in Starke,Fla., Holly Bestis the daughterof Marney Best,PipelineContractors Inc.(Starke). In thefall, Holly willKinnairdBestenter the two-year Associate in Artsdegree program at Santa FeCommunity College in Gainesville,Fla. From there, she hopes to transferto the University of Florida to gether undergraduate degree in prelaw,and then attend law school. Hercareer goals include becoming anattorney in family court and eventuallya Supreme Court judge.

NUCA NEWSNUCA Presents 2006 AwardsIn conjunction with the May 2007Washington Summit/Spring Board &Committee meetings, NUCA held itsAnnual National Awards Dinner atthe Westin Arlington Gateway inArlington, Virginia. The association— which devotes its resources to legislative/regulatoryadvocacy, jobsitesafety promotion and professionaleducation and training — honoredthe impressive achievements of individuals,companies and chapters inall of these areas, as well as in the areaof community service, during theprevious year.We Dig America Award (presented by James King)National Community Service Awards (presented by Terry Dillon)Robert Hunter, Commissioner ofthe City of Atlanta’s Departmentof Watershed Management,accepted the We Dig AmericaAward on behalf of AtlantaMayor Shirley Franklin.Left: Bud Bradley, president of Raymow Construction Co. accepted the National Community Service Award in the11 – 50 employee category for the company’s annual Diabetes Challenge Charity Bike Ride. Right: Kevin Crist,Project Engineer, and Vanessa Bachman, Estimating Assistant, of Archer Western Contractors, Ltd. accepted theNational Community Service Award in the 251+ employee category for the company’s monetary and in-kind contributionto Rebuilding Together—Atlanta National Rebuilding Day 2006: The Rankin House.July 2007 | Utility Contractor 47National Utility Contractors Association

NUCA NEWSWilliam H. Feather Safety Awards (presented by Greg Strudwick)Left: Virginia DiCristofaro and Mark A. Bragger Sr. of A.E. Bragger Construction Co. Inc. accepted theaward in the 0-50,000 man-hours category. Right: Bud Bradley of Raymow Construction Co. Inc.accepted the award in the 50,001—100,000 man-hours category.Left: Travis Linville and Roxann Criswell of DeKalb Pipeline Co. Inc. accepted the award in the 100,001-200,000 man-hours category. Right: L.D. Alexander of RMCI Inc. accepted the award in the 200,001-500,000man-hours category on behalf of winner Sundance Mechanical & Utility Corp.48 Utility Contractor | July 2007

NUCA NEWSWilliam H. Feather Safety Awards (presented by Greg Strudwick)Bill Santa and AlexParis Alex E. ParisContracting Co. Inc.accepted the award inthe 500,001-1,000,000man-hours category.Left: Mark Latham of Western Summit Constructors Inc. accepted the award in the 1,000,000+ man-hours category.Right: Joseph Wilkerson of JF Wilkerson Contracting Co. Inc. accepted the 2006 Overall William H. FeatherSafety Award.50 Utility Contractor | July 2007

NUCA NEWSNUCA/PAC Awards (presented by Bill Bocchino)Left: Executive Director Vikki McReynolds accepted the Leadership, Stewardship and Grassroots PAC awards onbehalf of the Georgia Utility Contractors Association. Right: Executive Director Jane Jernigan accepted theTeamwork PAC Award on behalf of NUCA of New Mexico.Chapter Awards of Excellence (presented by Lyle Schellenberg)NUCA of Iowasecretary/treasurerBrandon Young and vicepresident Andy Wolfaccepted two ChapterAwards of Excellence—Annual Publications andPeriodical Publications.July 2007 | Utility Contractor 51National Utility Contractors Association

NUCA NEWSChapter Awards of Excellence (presented by Lyle Schellenberg)The Georgia Utility Contractors Association won three 2006 Chapter Awards of Excellence — Annual Publications,Periodical Publications and Legislative/Government Affairs. The awards were accepted by Legislative Committeemember Keith Steen, Director of Safety & Education Bradley Newcomer, Director of Membership &Communications Michael Moon and chapter president Shirley Cooley.The vice president of the Utility ContractorsAssociation of North Florida, Ryan Schmitt, acceptedthe William H. Clausen Community Service Award.52 Utility Contractor | July 2007

NUCA NEWSChapter Awards of Excellence (presented by Lyle Schellenberg)NUCA of New Mexico won the Chapter Award of Excellence in Educational Programming. The award was acceptedby L.D. Alexander, Laura Lynch and chapter president Kari Biernacki.Left: Executive Director Melinda Dailey accepted the Chapter Award of Excellence in Special Events on behalf ofNUCA of Oregon & SW Washington. Right: The Chapter Award of Excellence for Outstanding Leadership by aChapter Executive Director was awarded posthumously to Jeff Hanson, the former executive director of theMinnesota Utility Contractors Association. MUCA President Bruce Lillehei accepted the award.54 Utility Contractor | July 2007

NUCA NEWSNEW MEMBERSCONTRACTORSActive ConstructionScott MorseP.O. Box 191Gig Harbor, WA 98335Work: (253) 851-4696Fax: (253) 857-5052scottm@activeconstruction.comApply-a-LineRon Reilly175 Roy Rd., SW, Bldg. CPacific, WA 98047Work: (253) 299-1200Fax: (253) 299-1250ron@applyaline.comwww.applyaline.comAtlanta Boring & Tunneling Inc.Chris Graham957 Hwy 85 ConnectorBrooks, GA 30205-1805Work: (404) 363-8744Fax: (404) 363-6240atlantatunneling@bellsouth.netBelarde Co. Inc.John BelardeP.O. Box 684Woodinville, WA 98072Work: (425) 376-2500Fax: (425) 376-0332john@belardeco.comwww.belardeco.comCarr Contracting Inc.Carl Carr8999 Gurley RdDouglasville, GA 30134-1656Work: (770) 942-8960Fax: (770) 942-8962carrc@bellsouth.netCostello IndustriesMonte Russo123 Costello Rd.P.O. Box 310444Newington, CT 06131-0444Work: (860) 666-3311Fax: (860) 666-2749Dan Kauffman ExcavatingDan KauffmanP.O. Box 79Lincoln City, OR 97367Work: (541) 994-8584Fax: (541) 994-6466dkauffmaninc@yahoo.comE F Possinger & Sons Inc.Nyles J. Possinger257 Rimrock Rd.Stroudsburg, PA 18360Work: (570) 629-2774Fax: (570) 629-6921K.M. Davis Contracting Co. Inc.Miller Davis3259 Austell Rd., SWMarietta, GA 30008-6835Work: (770) 434-0095Fax: (770) 434-1009Lewis Trucking & Grading Inc.Charlie B. Lewis7786 Old Covington HwyLithonia, GA 30058-4234Work: (770) 482-4001Fax: (770) 482-7828Long Hauling & Excavation Inc.Billy Long2309 Wager Rd.Erie, PA 16509Work: (814) 824-8075Fax: (814) 824-5016NPL ConstructionJohn Tully6407 Ft. Smallwood Rd.Baltimore, MD 21226Work: (410) 355-1083Fax: (410) 354-3972jtully@nplcc.comwww.nplcc.comPickarski IncBenjamin PickarskiPO Box 1200Gouldsboro, PA 18424Work: (570) 676-9320Fax: (570) 676-9644pickinc@ptd.netProspect ConstructionMike McFarland11623-23rd St., SEPuyallup, WA 98372Work: (253) 939-9306Fax: (253) 852-8088prospectmjm@comcast.netRSE Grading Co. Inc.Stephen K. HillPO Box 669Lilburn, GA 30048-0669Work: (770) 921-3207Fax: (770) 923-5864rseinc@mindspring.comSouthern Site DesignMatt Sutton1220 George C. Wilson Dr.Augusta, GA 30909-0904Work: (706) 855-7648Fax: (706) 855-7649southernsitedesign@yahoo.comStillwater Enterprise IncJim Griggs1005 Weatherstone Pkwy Ste. 210Woodstock, GA 30188-4498Work: (770) 928-0204Fax: (770) 517-6841Utility Lines Construction Services Inc.Bill Turner4455 Commerce Dr. Ste. 103Buford, GA 30518-3446Work: (770) 271-9171Fax: (770) 271-9140Womex Inc.Gerald Golden201 S. Filey Rd.Dillsburg, PA 17019Work: (717) 432-9333Fax: (717) 432-0440egolden201@aol.comASSOCIATESAXA AdvisorsRonan S. Marra8720 Castle Creek Pkwy. #231Indianapolis, IN 46250Work: (317) 558-3639Fax: (317) 578-0075ronan.marra@axa-advisors.comwww.axa-advisors.comBlue Star Barricade & Traffic ControlEarl Mahan2951 N. Lamont St.Las Vegas, NV 89115Work: (702) 399-1083Fax: (702) 399-3787Fieldbrook Pipe Supply Inc.Michael T. Winter800 West High St.Olney, IL 62450Work: (888) 292-7473Fax: (618) 395-8502mwinter@fieldbrookpipe.comMerrill Carlson & Co. PLLCEldon Carlson15 South Grady Way Suite 433Renton, WA 98057Work: (425) 255-5945Fax: (425) 255-8565ecarlson@merrillcarlson.comwww.merrillcarlson.comMobile Force RefuelingCarol CoadP.O. Box 3645Gilbert, AZ 85299Work: (480)752-9891Fax: (480) 752-9892carol@mfrservices.comRain for Rent Inc.Daniel Kester8143 Beachwood Rd.Baltimore, MD 21222Work: (410) 388-1988Fax: (410) 477-1909info@rainforrent.comwww.rainforrent.comSoutheastern Silt & Erosion Inc.Nick Freeman903 East 17th Ave.Tampa, FL 33605Work: (800) 248-2099Fax: (813) 273-9196nfreeman@sesilt.comwww.sesilt.comTraffic Control Service Inc./Allied Trench Shoring ServiceJason Uhrinyck3520 W. Illini St.Phoenix, AZ 85040Work: (602) 426-1888Fax: (602) 426-8272juhrinyck@tcsi.bizwww.tcsi.bizTraffic Control Service Inc./Allied Trench Shoring ServicePhil Burkhardt6680 Surrey St.Las Vegas, NV 89119-3928Work: (702) 252-3300Fax: (702) 252-3326pburkhardt@tcsi.bizwww.tcsi.bizJuly 2007 | Utility Contractor 55National Utility Contractors Association

EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHTTerex Introduces TXC300 LC-2 ExcavatorTerex Corp. is a diversified global manufacturer,offering a broad range of equipment for use in variousindustries, including the construction, infrastructure,quarrying, surface mining, shipping, transportation,refining and utility industries.Adding to an impressive line of quality, highperformanceearth moving equipment, Terex recentlyannounced the launch of its new TXC300 LC-2 excavator.Replacing the TXC300 LC-1 unit, the TXC300 LC-2includes upgrades and advanced features designed toincrease operator comfort, productivity and fuel efficiency.The company will replace its line of LC-1 machines withnew LC-2 units throughout this year and into 2007.Terex product manager Bob Wickwire says the rentalindustry in particular will benefit from the upgrades on thenew LC-2 machine, beginning with the new pattern changecontrol, “This new feature allows the operator to change thecontrol pattern. Rental yards need to accommodate as manyoperators as possible and this simple pattern change controlmakes the job quick and easy,” says Wickwire.In addition, Wickwire adds that the the TXC300 LC-2will give customers a low cost of ownership. “The newTXC300 LC-2 excavator delivers tremendous savingsover the life of the machine by reducing overall maintenancecosts,” he explains. “For instance, oil change intervalshave gone from 2,000 to 4,000 hours, airfilter replacements are required every 2,000 hours versusevery 500 hours and front pin lubrication intervals havegone from 50 to 250 hours.”The new unit also features a Tier-3 emission-compliantengine that uses a common rail injection system.The advanced system uses high fuel injection pressure toburn the smallest particle fuel size completely, whicheliminates smoke and increases fuel efficiency. Accordingto Wickwire, the new engine combined with the newelectronic management system (e-EPOS) increases productivityby 4 percent and fuel efficiency by 6 percent.“The new e-EPOS system communicates with the ECU(engine) and the CAN (controller area network) to assurethat the engine and hydraulic systems share the informationrequired to operate at maximum efficiency. Thecombination of the two ensures an efficient balancebetween power and economy.”Wickwire says the new e-EPOS system also gives operatorsaccess to advanced self-diagnostic technology forquick and precise problem resolution. While a newattachment flow rate control — not available on the oldLC-1 model — allows the operator to adjust the dischargeoil flow to attachments precisely to the GPM requiredfor the tool.The LC-2 model also features a wider, roomier cab,automatic climate control with 20 percent more coolingcapacity and 8 percent more airflow and less enginenoise. Wickwire says Terex reduced the engine noise byinstalling a larger advanced cooling fan, remote fan drivesystem and new muffler with a doubled wall structure.Online: www.terex.com56 Utility Contractor | July 2007

EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHTBobcat Silt-Fence Installer AttachmentThe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)mandates that contractors control storm waterrunoff and discharge of pollutants if one acre ormore of land is disturbed. In addition to these federalrequirements, some states and municipalities haveeven stricter erosion control guidelines. Contractorswho need to meet EPA requirements to controlstorm water runoff can do so more efficiently — allwhile minimizing manual labor — with the new siltfenceinstaller attachment from Bobcat Co.The Bobcat silt-fence installer attachment providesa faster and more secure method of installingsilt fence than the old methods of trenching or diggingby hand. The attachment is approved for use onBobcat skid steer loaders (models S220 throughS330), compact track loaders (models T180 throughT300), the A300 all-wheel steer loader, as well as compact tractors with up to 100 hp and a Class I or Class II three-point hitch.With the Bobcat silt-fence installer, silt-fence material is quickly threaded under a rod and through the chute on theblade. The attachment is then lowered into the ground to a maximum depth of 20 in., and the silt fence unrolls automaticallyas the machine is driven backward. The quick-change cap that mounts on the end of the silt-fence holderincludes a spring-loaded plate that ensures proper tension so the roll won’t unwind unintentionally.Four mounting options fit different needs, including loader center mounted, three-point hitch center mounted, threepointhitch 72-in. side-shift frame and three-point hitch 84-in. side-shift frame. Side-shift mounting frames enable operatorsto install silt fence in the optimal position. Operators can slightly offset the attachment to gain better visibility tothe blade, or they can offset the attachment completely to get close to obstacles.Online: www.bobcat.comVermeer and McLaughlin V250 Vacuum ExcavatorThe Vermeer and McLaughlin V250 is a lowcostvacuum excavator system capable ofhydro-excavation and retrieving both wet anddry spoil, and incorporates many of thestandard features of larger vacuum excavationand remediation units into its production.The 250-gal hydro-excavation unit ispowered by a 25-hp Kubota diesel engine whichfeatures electric start and throttle. The unitfeatures a 575-cfm blower — which is the mostpowerful in the industry for its size range, andan exclusive three-stage filtration system with aCyclone separator and two-micron washablefinal filter, which eliminates the cumbersomedraining and cleaning of a full-size bag housewith multiple expensive filters.A tandem axle 7,000-lb GVWR trailer withelectric brakes on each axle make this unit idealfor limited right-of-way access and easy transport between jobsites. Dual hydraulic cylinders and a full rear doorfor spoil ejection speeds cycle times while dual 50-gal freshwater saddle tanks positioned over the axle for bettertowing and decreased tongue load. The V250 vacuum is ideal for small cities, and contractors to identify utilitiesbefore excavating or drilling.Online: www.vermeer.comJuly 2007 | Utility Contractor 57

INDUSTRY CALENDARJuly 200712 — Carolina Precast Concrete Products/NCUCA Don Owings Golf Classic,Oak Valley Golf Club, Winston-Salem, NC,North Carolina Utility ContractorsAssociation, (919) 845-773315 — MUCA Day at the Dome,Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome,Minneapolis, MN, Minnesota UtilityContractors Association, (800) 567-682217 — UCA Annual ScholarshipAwards Night,Hilton-Deerfield Beach, Deerfield Beach, FL,Underground Contractors Association ofSouth Florida, (954) 979-620018 — NUCA of Arizona GeneralMembership Meeting,NUCA of Arizona, (602) 953-766519 — UCANF General MembershipMeeting,Utility Contractors Association of NorthFlorida, (904) 296-123026-29 — UUCF Annual Convention,Boca Raton Resort & Club, Boca Raton, FL,Mid Florida Utilities & TransportationContractors Association, Inc., (407) 831-601029 — NUCA Family Fun Day/EquipmentRodeo, NUCA of Oregon & SouthwestWashington, (503) 742-887730 — UCARI 29th Annual Scholarship GolfTournament,Utility Contractors Association of RhodeIsland, (401) 766-1890August 200717 — Golf Tournament,NUCA of Oregon & Southwest Washington,(503) 742-887719 — CFUTCA Membership Social, Rusty’sSeafood and Oyster Bar,Cape Canaveral, Florida, Central FloridaUtility & Transportation ContractorsAssociation, (321) 632-7400September 20078 — NUCA of Arizona Fall GolfTournament,NUCA of Arizona, (602)953-76659-12 — APWA International Public WorksCongress & Exposition, San Antonio,APWA, (816) 472-6100, apwa@bbs.pubworks.org14 — Fall Golf Tournament, Mission InnGolf & Tennis Resort,Howey-in-the Hills, Florida, Mid FloridaUtilities & Transportation ContractorsAssociation, Inc., (407) 831-601018 — General Meeting,NUCA of Oregon & Southwest Washington,(503) 742-887721 — Sporting Clays,Central and Southwest Virginia UtilityContractors Association, (540) 857-952522 — NUCA at the Iowa Speedway,Newton, Iowa, NUCA of Iowa,(515) 278-8700October 20073-5 — NUCA Fall Board Meeting,Westin Buckhead Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia,National Utility Contractor’s Association,(703) 358-930013-17 — WEFTEC 2007 Annual Conference& Expo, San Diego, WEF, (800) 666-020616-18 — International Construction &Utility Equipment Exposition (ICUEE) 2007-The Demo Expo,Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville,Kentucky, ICUEE, (800) 867-606058 Utility Contractor | July 2007

THE PIPELINESlidehammerHand Operated Jack Hammers•Interchangeable ends•Portable•Easy Storage•Pin Point Accuracy•No Power to Operate•Quick, Simple and PowerfulCallander Equipment PTY LTDwww.slidehammers.comMichael Latas &Associates, Inc.Executive Search ConsultantsServing the construction industry nationallyThe leader in executive search serving the construction and A/E/P industries exclusively since1975. Your premier source for executive, managerial and professional-level needs. We aremembers of and support 16 national trade associations including NUCA. Strictly confidential.“Your 1 st Choice For Choice People”Tel: (800) 280-7811 • Fax: (314) 993-0632website: www.Latas.com • e-mail: latas@latas.comJuly 2007 | Utility Contractor 59

ADVERTISERS’ INDEXCNAwww.CNA.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7NUCA Buyer's Guide330-467-7588 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5Calculated Industrieswww.calculated.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Callander Equipmentwww.slidehammers.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59Cerda Industries, Inc.www.cerdaindustries.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Cherne Industrieswww.cherneind.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Dixie Mat Hardwoodwww.dixiemat.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33Efficiency Productionwww.usatrenchboxbuilder.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Fastlane Construction Softwarewww.fastlanesoftware.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59Formex Manufacturingwww.formex.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37GMEwww.GME-Shields.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Greg Strudwick & Associateswww.team-safety.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60Griffin Pump and Equipmentwww.griffinpump.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62Hammerheadwww.hammerheadmole.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59Harco Fittingswww.harcofittings.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59Interstate Truck Rentalwww.goitr.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59Kenco Corporationwww.kenco.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59Michael Latas & Associateswww.latas.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59Moffatt Enterprises541-548-1144 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25NUCA — Excavation DVDwww.nuca.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49NUCA — Pure Waterwww.americansforpurewater.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53NUCA — Trainingwww.nuca.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29NUCA — Transporting DVDwww.nuca.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27Pro-Tec Equipmentwww.pro-tecequipment.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Reef Industrieswww.reefindustries.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33Stein Books adwww.trenchlessonline/bookstore.htm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60Taylor Made Plasticswww.thepipeplug.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59Topcon Positioning Systemswww.topconpositioning.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Trenchless Road Show330-467-7588 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61United Renalswww.UnitedRentals.com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cover• Reviewed by Prof. Ray Sterling, Directorof the Trenchless Technology Center atLouisiana Tech University• “A rare jewel!” According to GermanProf. Dr. J. Wagner• Totally new calculation approachfor jacking pipe• Extensive discussion of geotechnicalconsiderations• Comprehensive review of pipe materials• Fantastic guide for the design oftrenchless technology installations• The most essential information onmicrotunneling• 85 figures and pictures, plus 26charts with unique, color graphics• Presents main lines and laterals• Covers pilot tube and conventionalmicrotunnelingAuthor: Professor, Dr. Dietrich Stein;Stein and Partner GmbHPrice: $50*Author: Professor, Dr. Dietrich Stein;Stein and Partner GmbHPrice: $160*Interested in seeingYOUR ad in thenext issue ofUtility Contractormagazine?Contact Ryan Sneltzer at Benjamin Media, Inc. for details(330) 467-7588 • rsneltzer@benjaminmedia.com*Shipping & handling not included60 Utility Contractor | July 2007