Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Dealing with Alcohol Abuse
Recognizing and Preventing Alcohol Abuse
The following article is a condensation from the "Safety News Alert" newsletter from BLR (http://www.blr.com).
One in five workers says they have been put in danger or injured because of a co-worker’s substance abuse. To keep your workplace safe, you have to recognize alcohol abuse that affects job performance and take steps to correct the problem.
Recognizing alcohol abuse is the first step in preventing it in your workplace. A number of signs can tell you if a worker is abusing alcohol.
Performance issues indicating an alcohol abuse problem include:
The following article is a condensation from the "Safety News Alert" newsletter from BLR (http://www.blr.com).
One in five workers says they have been put in danger or injured because of a co-worker’s substance abuse. To keep your workplace safe, you have to recognize alcohol abuse that affects job performance and take steps to correct the problem.
Recognizing alcohol abuse is the first step in preventing it in your workplace. A number of signs can tell you if a worker is abusing alcohol.
Performance issues indicating an alcohol abuse problem include:
- Inconsistent work quality
- Poor concentration
- Reduced productivity
- Increased absenteeism (particularly on Mondays)
- Extended lunch breaks
- Early departures
- Carelessness and mistakes
- Errors in judgment
- Risk-taking and disregard for safety
Behavior problems that warn of a possible alcohol problem include:
- Blaming others for problems
- Making excuses for mistakes and accidents
- Mood swings
- Deterioration of personal appearance
- Complaining to co-workers about problems at home
- Complaints about a vaguely defined illness
- Avoiding friends and co-workers
- Frequent financial problems (although you might not learn about this until the company gets a garnishment order or you start hearing things through the grapevine)
Of course, an employee who displays any, or even a number, of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily have a drinking problem. There might be other explanations. But when an employee’s performance deteriorates, and especially when safety is an issue, it doesn’t matter what the reason is—you have to take action.
Intervention and Prevention
When you or a supervisor recognizes a possible problem, or when a co-worker reports signs of impairment, the supervisor has to sit down with the employee right away and turn the situation around. Here are some tips for successful interventions and the prevention of future problems.
- Focus on job performance, not personal issues. Use performance documentation or incident records to support your case.
- Be clear and firm. Talk about required standards of performance and consequences if expectations are not met.
- Review your substance abuse policy without making any accusations of alcohol abuse.
- Be supportive. Offer help in resolving performance problems.
- Identify local resources. If the employee admits a drinking problem and your organization has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), refer the employee for treatment. If an EAP is not available, check with HR and get a list of alcohol abuse treatment resources in your area.
- Continue to monitor performance. If job performance continues to decline, apply progressive discipline, as necessary.
Labels: Alcohol Abuse, employees, Training
# posted by The Duraclean Team @ 10:24 AM
Monday, March 22, 2010
Delmhorst Chairman Dies
Former Chairman of Delmhorst Instrument Company Passes Away
Aristide Laurenzi, former company chairman and owner of Delmhorst Instrument Co. passed away on Sunday, January 10, 2010 after a long illness. He was 88.
Known by those who worked with him as "Mr. L," Mr. Laurenzi was born in Salerno, Italy in 1921 and emigrated to the U.S. in 1950. He married Phyllis A. Conca and opened a fine china shop, A. Laurenzi Gifts in Boonton, NJ in 1952. He joined Delmhorst Instrument Co. in 1962, became partner in 1969 and then sole owner in 1978. He was active with the company as chairman until 2005, having previously turned the business over to four of his children: Tom, John, Sandra and Paul Laurenzi.
Mr. Laurenzi was a devoted member of the community and church, and was a long-time member of ASTM International and the New England Kiln Drying Association. Mr. L is remembered at Delmhorst as a man of high intellect, resounding integrity, moral clarity and playful humor. Although he was educated in English literature and classics, his keen understanding of the technical nature of the business, combined with his unwavering expectation that each customer's individual needs were not merely met, but exceeded, laid the foundation for much of Delmhorst's success today as an industry leader of quality measurement devices.
His family was his proudest life accomplishment in addition to Phyllis, his treasured wife of 59 years, he leaves behind his ten children and their respective spouses, twelve grandchildren and three great granddaughters.
Labels: Delmhorst, Laurenzi, Obituary
# posted by The Duraclean Team @ 11:46 AM
Inspection to Cut Down on Accidents
How to Lower Workplace Accident Rates
The following article is a condensation from the "Safety News Alert" newsletter from BLR (http://www.blr.com). It provides suggestions on how to avoid personal injury.
You can't fix hazards you don't know about. Regular work area inspections are a highly effective way to identify and correct hazards. Depending on the work areas you're inspecting, a safety audit may focus on different issues.
Is all equipment in proper working order? Have employees been trained in safe operation of equipment? Are lockout/tagout rules enforced?
The following article is a condensation from the "Safety News Alert" newsletter from BLR (http://www.blr.com). It provides suggestions on how to avoid personal injury.
You can't fix hazards you don't know about. Regular work area inspections are a highly effective way to identify and correct hazards. Depending on the work areas you're inspecting, a safety audit may focus on different issues.
Housekeeping and Storage
- Are work areas kept clean and orderly?
- Are floors clear of oil, chemicals, or objects that could cause a slip, trip, or fall?
- Are containers and boxes stored so as to avoid the possibility of heavy objects falling?
- Are stairways and emergency exits kept clear?
Fire Prevention
- Are flammable materials stored properly?
- Are "No Smoking" signs posted in work areas, and are designated smoking area rules enforced?
- Do employees know the locations and proper use of fire extinguishers?
- Are fire extinguishers inspected regularly?
- Are emergency exits open and accessible?
- Do workers know their evacuation routes?
Equipment
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Is appropriate PPE furnished when needed?
- Have employees received training in how to use PPE properly?
- Is PPE inspected regularly and replaced as necessary?
Hazardous Substances
- Do hazardous substance containers have proper, legible labels?
- Are material safety data sheets available for review on all shifts?
- Are liquids in closed containers?
- Are spill cleanup materials available?
- Are food and beverages kept out of areas with hazardous substances?
Labels: Safety Compliance, Safety Management
# posted by The Duraclean Team @ 9:13 AM
Friday, March 12, 2010
A Mold Perspective
The Inside Story on Mold Hazards and Prevention
If you're looking for a cheap and easy way to improve indoor air quality, look no further than the common houseplant, says a study by NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA).
Indoor exposure to mold can cause allergic reactions and even infections. Taking precautions, however, can limit exposure and help prevent health problems. The potential for indoor exposure to mold has increased in recent years because of the way we live. Buildings are being built tighter to conserve energy, and the tighter the building structure, the greater the risk of exposure to indoor mold. The use of synthetic building materials literally seals buildings and reduces air movement. The result is a higher moisture content, which is a condition favorable for mold growth.
Poorly designed or maintained heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems contribute to indoor mold exposure as well. Air filters and air filtration devices appear to provide a comfortable habitat for mold, especially in high humidity conditions. HVAC systems may recirculate air that contains mold spores and toxins if there are no effective filter systems to trap them. If systems aren't properly maintained and cleaned, mold growth can go unchecked, and mold will continue to be circulated in the indoor air.
Humidity, of course, is also a major issue. Mold thrives in humid conditions. Human factors contribute to mold exposure as well, including the fact that we spend so much time indoors, and many of us have compromised immune systems from diseases and medications.
And, finally, you have to take into account the emergence of new and harmful mold organisms.
And, finally, you have to take into account the emergence of new and harmful mold organisms.
Prevention
There's no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment. But controlling excess moisture is a key way to stop indoor mold growth and reduce the presence of mold in the workplace or at home. Ventilation and dehumidifiers can help reduce moisture indoors.
Cleaning also helps reduce mold. Remember, when cleaning mold, always wear the proper PPE, which includes gloves, eye protection, and a mask to protect against airborne spores.
Another mold-fighting strategy is to quickly fix leaks. Leaks are a major source of mold because the moisture provides an ideal environment for mold growth.
Yet another way to deal with small, recurring mold problems is to seal surfaces with a substance such as paint to which fungicide has been added.
Cleanup
A small, localized mold problem can be cleaned up fairly easily and safely using a 10 percent solution of chlorine bleach. Just make sure to use appropriate PPE and dry surfaces completely after cleaning.
A small, localized mold problem can be cleaned up fairly easily and safely using a 10 percent solution of chlorine bleach. Just make sure to use appropriate PPE and dry surfaces completely after cleaning.
Big mold problems, however, need professional treatment. A variety of recommended procedures are currently available for large-scale mold contamination remediation, including use of oxidizers, fungicides and bactericides, and shielding compounds, which seal the antimicrobial agents within the treated surface.
Labels: Mold, Mold Prevention
# posted by The Duraclean Team @ 9:22 AM
Thursday, March 11, 2010
EPA RRP Training
Duraclean Central Hosts RRP Course
On March 10th Duraclean International hosted an EPA RRP (Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair and Painting) certification course at Duraclean Central in Arlington Heights. It was presented by Doc McClellon of Westside Environmental Plan of Action Committee (WEPAC).
Two weeks earlier he presented the same course to Dave Horwath and Bill Ondratschek of Duraclean International.
This was an open course so it was available to anyone interested in registering. There was a total of 16 attendees, 11 of which were Duraclean franchisees or Duraclean subs. The Duraclean franchisee attendees included Randy Roe, Joe Bartz, Mark Jensen and his technician Keith Metzler, Jason Sauers' technicians Dave Pricher and Bill Lundy and Duraclean International's franchise technicians Juan Lopez and Pat Ryan.
As mentioned in previous Journal postings regarding RRP training:
If you are into restoration and/or remediation where you at least remove or modify drywall and plaster then you must be certified. All that is required for your firm to be certified is to have someone in your business become a certified renovator through attendance at a course such as this one. Then you can apply through the EPA to become a certified firm. The deadline for firm certification is April 22, 2010. Part of your agreement as a certified firm is that you agree to work with subs who are certified as well.
Here Doc reviews suiting up in contained areas where lead paint is present.
On March 10th Duraclean International hosted an EPA RRP (Lead Safety for Renovation, Repair and Painting) certification course at Duraclean Central in Arlington Heights. It was presented by Doc McClellon of Westside Environmental Plan of Action Committee (WEPAC).
Two weeks earlier he presented the same course to Dave Horwath and Bill Ondratschek of Duraclean International.
This was an open course so it was available to anyone interested in registering. There was a total of 16 attendees, 11 of which were Duraclean franchisees or Duraclean subs. The Duraclean franchisee attendees included Randy Roe, Joe Bartz, Mark Jensen and his technician Keith Metzler, Jason Sauers' technicians Dave Pricher and Bill Lundy and Duraclean International's franchise technicians Juan Lopez and Pat Ryan.
As mentioned in previous Journal postings regarding RRP training:
- This applies to residential structures and publicly occupied buildings constructed prior to 1978.
- To become certified, renovators must successfully complete an EPA accredited renovator course.
As part of the renovator course lead testing procedures are presented.
The EPA's new Renovation, Repair and Painting Final Rule (40 CFR 725) holds renovators to the following criteria:
- Renovation firms must be certified.
- Certified and trained workers must be used for any jobs where lead is present in pre-1978 residences.
- Specific work practices must be followed when performing work in buildings built prior to 1978.
- Non-certified workers must work under and be trained on-the-job by a Certified Renovator.
- Renovators must educate owners/occupants.
If you are into restoration and/or remediation where you at least remove or modify drywall and plaster then you must be certified. All that is required for your firm to be certified is to have someone in your business become a certified renovator through attendance at a course such as this one. Then you can apply through the EPA to become a certified firm. The deadline for firm certification is April 22, 2010. Part of your agreement as a certified firm is that you agree to work with subs who are certified as well.
Here Doc reviews suiting up in contained areas where lead paint is present.
There are many EPA RRP certification courses available across the U.S. If you are not already signed up you should do so immediately. If you wish to take a course from WEPAC you can view their schedule on their website at: http://www.theonestophomeshop.com/.
Labels: EPA Training, Lead, Lead-based Paint Training, RRP Training. Lead Regulations
# posted by The Duraclean Team @ 8:52 AM
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Equipment and Financing Announcement
Buy Quality Used Equipment at a Great Savings with Financing Available!
Duraclean has teamed up with Aztec Financial, Inc. to offer you an opportunity to purchase quality used equipment along with great financing rates at the same time. This latest special which is valid through 3/30/2010 includes truck mount units from Hydramaster and Blue Line as well as a TES heat drying system. Particulars regarding the items including pricing and contact information will be e-mailed to you.
You will be notified in this Journal when Aztec releases new sales information. When that occurs you will be e-mailed the details. All sales and financing with be through Aztec.
Labels: Equipment, Sales, Used Equipment
# posted by The Duraclean Team @ 9:18 AM
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Peer Management
Duraclean Peer Management Group Meets for the First Time
Creation and Direction of the Group
Understanding today’s increased business regulations and still being able to respond to a changing business climate were the motivating factors in creating a Duraclean “Peer Management Group.” The idea was to invite Duraclean Franchises with similar business infrastructure; being defined as having a business location, technical as well as administrative employees in addition to people with marketing responsibilities.
Once the criteria of who would be invited to the first round was established, a meaningful agenda was next on the item to be accomplished. We wanted this to be a free exchange of dialog by the attendees, sharing both successes and failures and we understood this type of networking groups already exist within our industry so we looked to make it more.
Once the criteria of who would be invited to the first round was established, a meaningful agenda was next on the item to be accomplished. We wanted this to be a free exchange of dialog by the attendees, sharing both successes and failures and we understood this type of networking groups already exist within our industry so we looked to make it more.
Personal invitations to the attendees were made in November, 2009. Invitation criteria was based on Duraclean restoration and remediation businesses that have an office facility away from their home, with both inside employees and outside technicians, more than one service truck and have exhibited the desire to grow their business.
As part of the meeting preparations for exhibits and related discussion a “Pre-Meeting Worksheet” was sent to the attendees asking them to bring various examples of what they utilize in their business including administrative forms, handbooks, business procedures, paperwork uniforms, etc.
In addition to the obvious benefit of an open discussion we added a professional consultant to the meeting both as a facilitator and a trainer. As you will read below our first get together dealt with a core business model, so the consultant was a human resources expert. Our next meeting planned for April is on business expansion through marketing; therefore, a representative of the Dale Carnegie Institute will be our consultant to teach us to evaluate what is really happening in the market place.
The Initial January Meeting
We held the first Duraclean “Peer Management Group” session on January 28 and 29 at Duraclean Central. It was attended by the following franchisees: Randy Roe, Rick and Tim Criss, Todd Wearsch, Tim Shoup, Al and Tammy Jankowski, Joe Bartz and Jason Sauers. Bradey and Larry Parks who purchased Lane and Shirley Rainwater's Macon, GA franchise were also there as an extension of their Success Institute training.
The session was led by Duraclean President Vince Caffarello and Mary Lynn Fayoumi the President and CEO of the Management Association of Illinois who functioned as the professional business consultant. Attendees at the 2008 Annual Meeting in Las Vegas will remember Mary Lynn’s excellent general session presentation on “Human Resources Best Practices.”
The meeting was a full two days of activities. Vince started by laying out the direction the group was going in for the next two days.
The first session of the day began with filling out the organizational chart which included job descriptions of their various employees, standards of performances, pay grades and benefits and eligibility issues. Mary Lynn was an integral part in leading this part of the presentation.
Later in the afternoon new HR rules and regulations, employee handbooks, job application forms and job interview procedures were covered. Employee training and testing related topics followed. The day concluded with administration topics regarding the handling of incoming calls, scheduling, financial operations and training.
The second day began with marketing and sales of old customers, how to generate add-on sales and considerations in hiring a marketing person. The morning concluded with two concurrently held breakout groups. Rick Criss was the leader of the first group.
The second day began with marketing and sales of old customers, how to generate add-on sales and considerations in hiring a marketing person. The morning concluded with two concurrently held breakout groups. Rick Criss was the leader of the first group.
Rick's group discussed company image in relation to professional dress; specific uniform considerations for technicians; invoice paperwork components; technician compensation in regard to hourly rates and bonuses for certain types of work; route sheets; expected productivity in carpet cleaning, mold remediation and fire damage restoration; and check-in procedures.
The other group was led by Tammy Jankowski. Their mission was to concentrate on employee training ideas.
The other group was led by Tammy Jankowski. Their mission was to concentrate on employee training ideas.
Training was broken down into three employee categories including administration, sales and marketing and technicians. For all three an important consideration was the employee’s orientation and introduction to the business. Ideas such as management, marketing and sales seminar attendance, role playing, association memberships, certifications and training and field experience were also debated as they related to each applicable employee group(s).
After lunch everyone got back together and each breakout group reported on their activities. The remainder of the session dealt with producing the work in the field which expanded upon many of the topics discussed by Rick’s group.
After lunch everyone got back together and each breakout group reported on their activities. The remainder of the session dealt with producing the work in the field which expanded upon many of the topics discussed by Rick’s group.
Additional Follow-up
After the upcoming April meeting, this fall the participants will visit one of the member’s facilities to evaluate the discussions regarding a working environment. In the future visitations are planned for one or two per year until all of the participants have been through everyone’s business environment.
Labels: management, Marketing, Training
# posted by The Duraclean Team @ 2:04 PM
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