Workers are always needed to do jobs that fall into the skilled trades category. These jobs include plumbing, masonry, carpentry, masons, plasterers, painters, glaziers, and any of the building trades. With more construction projects underway with a demand for more residential and commercial buildings, there is an increase in jobs for those who are trained in skilled trades.

A skilled tradesman or tradeswoman must undergo hands-on training and have experience in their field, so they can ensure that they do the job properly and to specification. To be a skilled tradesperson, one usually goes to a trade skill or vocational skill to get the needed skills. These are jobs that once required an apprenticeship to get into the field.

Other skilled trades include riggers, heavy equipment operators, electricians, general maintenance and repair workers, CNC machine tool operators and programmers, machinists, and many other jobs.

The Outlook

Job growth in the skilled trades is higher than in the workforce in general and these jobs also have higher than average salaries. If you have graduated high school, or if you have served in the military and you are now looking for a career, a job in the skilled trades could offer you a rewarding career. There are dozens of options, so there is bound to be a job in a field that interests you.

Getting The Proper Training

Associated Training Services (ATS) offers hands-on training in the construction and heavy equipment industry. Since 1959 the school has trained many workers to take on jobs in the skilled trades. Training programs prepare students for jobs in these fields:

• Crane operators
• Riggers
• Signalperson
• Heavy equipment operators
• Truck driver training
• Directional drillers

ATS offers financial assistance and participates in the GI bill. ATS has two national third-party credentials through the National Center for Construction Education & Research and the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators. To learn more about the programs, call (800) 383-7364 today.

Trenching and excavation are among the most dangerous jobs, according to the United States Department of Labor. OSHA’s definition of excavation is any trench, cavity, depression, or cut that is man-made on the surface of the earth made by the removal of dirt. OSHA defines a trench as an underground excavation that has greater depth than width but isn’t any wider than 14-and-a-half feet. Important trench safety.

The Dangers of Working With Trenches

The greatest risk of working with trenches is cave-ins. When there is a cave-in, it is much more likely to lead to fatalities or serious injuries than other excavation accidents. Other hazards associated with trenches include falls and loads falling off as well as accidents that involve mobile equipment and its operation. Every year there are dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries from trench collapses.

Protecting Workers Around Trenches

No worker should enter a trench that isn’t protected. Trenches that are 5 feet deep or deeper must have a protective system unless it is made completely of stable rock. If a trench is 20 feet deep or more requires a protective system that is designed by a registered professional engineer or based on tabulated data that has been prepared or approved by an engineer.

Protective Systems

Different kinds of protective systems are used for trenches. Cutting back the trench wall at an angle that is inclined away from the excavation, sloping is an effective protective system. Another option would be shoring, which requires installing aluminum hydraulic or other supports to keep soil from moving and causing cave-ins. Workers are shielded using trench boxes or other supports to help prevent cave-ins. Designing a protective system for a trench can be complicated because multiple factors must be considered including the cut depth, the soil’s water content, soil classification, changes because of the climate or the weather, the materials that are going to be used inside the trench, and other activity within the vicinity.

Regular Inspections

OSHA standards require daily inspection of trenches by a competent individual who can identify any existing hazards, predict hazards, or determine if working conditions are hazardous, unsanitary or dangerous to the workers. This competent individual must be authorized to take corrective actions to either control or eliminate the hazards.

Safe + Sound Week was observed during August and the week was a time to celebrate the successes of workplace safety and health programs. Throughout the week, information was made readily available for other tips to help improve workplace safety.

The United States Department of Labor and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) believes that the annual event is beneficial in many ways. Successful health and safety programs can identify and manage workplace hazards so injuries and illness can be avoided. OSHA’s goal is to improve sustainability and make safety the priority.

Many organizations have found participating in Safe + Sound Week can help get a safety program underway, bring new life to an existing program, or just offer companies the opportunity to recognize successful programs and employee efforts.

Who Should Participate?

All organizations who are needing an opportunity to recognize their safety commitment should join in the annual event. During 2018, more than 2,70 businesses participated and helped raise awareness about workers’ safety and health. During 2019, almost 2,500 businesses signed up to join the activities.

To learn more about the annual event, and to participate next year, visit the OSHA website at https://www.osha.gov/safeandsoundweek/.  You should plan year-round for safety and implement the appropriate changes and programs to help encourage your employees to safely and effectively handle all projects.

Every business should have a safety plan in place and have a published list of safety protocol for all the different job roles in their operation. Businesses who have such programs have much lower accident rates and fewer injuries reported.

Increase in the Number of Operating Tower Cranes Across the United States

A tower crane operator has an important job. They are going to maneuver heavy loads by shifting their heavy loads from one area to another part of the worksite. To operate one of these tower cranes, the construction worker must undergo extensive training and understand how to safely and professionally operate the equipment.

While there is growth in the construction industry, the role of tower crane operators may be seeing more growth than any other role in the construction industry. The number of crane operators declined by 7.16 percent from 2016 to 2017 dropping from 60,478 crane operators to 56,148 crane operators.

The 2017 workforce consisted of 56,100 crane operators, who have an average salary of $58,486, which is $6,421 per year more than the average annual salary for workers in the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7.4 percent growth rate for the workforce during the next decade, but they expect to see a greater demand for additional crane operators with an 8.48 percent increase in crane operators during that same 10-year period.

Why The Need For More Crane Operators?

The growth of the country remains strong and building projects and construction work is continuing. With the need for better infrastructure and the construction and updating of roads, bridges, and so forth, there is an increase in the number of construction workers needed – including those who can operate cranes to lift the heavier things on the job site.

The demand for crane and tower operators is expected to be greater than the national average for workers in general, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With the increase in demand, many companies will increase salaries and improve benefits so they can be more competitive and recruit higher quality and better-trained crane operators.

Crane Operator Training

To operate a crane, the worker must undergo extensive training to get the proper certifications. ATS offers crane operator training programs and even has obtained a new tower crane to use for training those who want to pursue a career in the field. Call (800) 383-7364 to learn more about the training programs available.

Reports have indicated that there were 4,000 construction jobs added during May 2019. The Associated General Contractors of America reported that during the last 12 months there has been a 3 percent increase, which totals 215,000 new jobs. That is a significant construction jobs increase.

The number of those in the construction industry looking for employment is at a record low. The lowered unemployment rate and the increase in jobs are being credited to a tight job market instead of a decrease in projects. Many experts expect the trend to continue.

According to the Association, the construction industry’s unemployment rate is even lower than the unemployment rate throughout the country overall. While the average salary in the construction industry is 10 percent greater than employment in the private sector, the number of openings for workers in the construction field continues to climb.

Looking At Unemployment Rates

In May 2018, the construction industry had an unemployment rate of 4.4 percent. One year later – in May 2019 – the unemployment rate for the industry had dropped to 3.2 percent. Looking at the numbers, that is a drop from 415,000 to 294,000 construction workers. Both the unemployment rate and the actual number of unemployed construction workers were at their lowest since 2000.

A government report indicated that in April 2019 there were 360,000 construction job openings in April 2019. That figure was the highest in the last 19 years of recordkeeping for that specific detail. The average hourly rate in the construction industry is $30.68, and that amount is about 10 percent higher than the average rate of $27.83 in the private sector.

Since there is a limited number of workers available, many companies offer construction workers better benefits and are increasing pay rates. More construction companies are working diligently to recruit the most experienced and better-trained workers to fill any open positions.

Getting The Right Training

If you are interested in a construction career, you should get the proper training so you can be prepared for the job. Associated Training Services (ATS) offers a variety of hands-on training programs. Call us today to learn how we can help you get on track to a new career.

Like any other machinery, skid loaders work best when they’ve been looked after. This means regular monthly inspections, cleaning, and maintaining every part of the machine. But the big question is, how often do you need to repeat your maintenance checklist in order to get the maximum performance out of your skid loaders. Is it annually? Monthly? Or daily? We talked to a few local mechanics and operators and got our answer – it’s monthly. Let’s find out why.

Benefits of Monthly Maintenance and Inspections

1.     Safety

Creating a safe working environment should be the top priority in any workspace – even more so on a construction site. Even though skid loaders are some of the most versatile and tough heavy machinery out there, maltreating or not doing the required maintenance can make them more dangerous – both for the operators and those working around them. Burnt-out brake pads, dangerously high engine temperatures, and malfunctioning hydraulics are often causes of tragedy – but all of this can be avoided.

Give your operators and mechanics the time and resources to carry out the required maintenance tasks. If you think your operators are not well-versed with best maintenance practices, hold a short training seminar to create awareness.

2.     Preventing Costly Breakdowns

A skid loader that isn’t working is a skid loader that isn’t making money. More downtime means your operators and in many cases, other members of your construction crew cannot go about their work. But it all becomes a lot worse if your skid loader has to be sent to the shop for repairs.

Heavy machinery repair bills can easily reach thousands of dollars at a time. But inspecting and ensuring no undue stress leads to extra wear and tear. Parts in the engine bay are more sensitive to friction and temperatures and a lack of proper fluids can wreak havoc. Regular inspection will ensure that irregularities or even the smallest problems don’t go under the radar and eventually lead to breakdowns.

Avoiding breakdowns also means you won’t miss important deadlines, keep up with your schedule, and not have to pay for skid loaders on hire.

3.     Efficient Performance

When skid loaders are not working at max efficiency, the operating costs will be higher. These costs may increase due to higher lower fuel mileage, having to change oil/hydraulic fluids more frequently, shorter track life, and parts like belts, motors, and fans burning out much quicker. The best way to avoid this? Maintain your skid loader monthly.

When parts like hydraulic pumps are clean and working under optimal conditions, you’ll get higher performance at lower costs.

In a nutshell, monthly maintenance will increase the life of your machine, prevent costly breakdowns and delays, and keep everyone around the skid loader safe. If you don’t have a maintenance checklist, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. 

The Ultimate Monthly Maintenance Checklist

1.     Attachments

Attachments are important parts of your skid loader that add versatility and additional capability to your machine. However, because they change as per the requirements of the job, they are often overlooked and do not get the maintenance they deserve – don’t make this mistake. Inspect all of your attachments every month.

2.     Tracks/Tires

Track tension or tire pressure is one of the most critical aspects of safe operations as improper tensioning can lead to excess wear and tear or worse, causing the skid loader to walk out of the tracks. Wrong tire pressure can also damage the undercarriage and decrease the overall stability of the skid loader.

3.     Fluid Levels and Oils

Oil and hydraulic fluids lubricate the internals of your skid loader and prepare them for the extremes of working under harsh conditions. The operator or mechanic should check fluid levels every month to ensure they are at the right level and top them off if they aren’t. The monthly inspection also means the mechanic will be able to spot and clean grime before it builds up excessively.

4.     Internal Systems

The engine, electronics, hydraulic, and cooling system too requires a monthly inspection to ensure no damage was done to any of these parts. Monthly maintenance also means the mechanic will be able to check the build-up of any contaminants before they can cause any damage. You might also have to change or repair the fans, motors, and belts on a monthly basis.

So there we have it. Monthly – the sweet spot of regular maintenance for your skid loader.

Construction Worker in New Mexico

A New Mexico construction worker, that went above basic job duties, has been hailed a hero after he saved a toddler from a fire in Albuquerque on Friday, July 12, 2019. According to media reports, Mason Fierro was putting a roof on a building when a fire started at the apartment complex next door.

The construction worker said the crew heard a man screaming for help from a second-story apartment. He was hanging a baby and toddler out the window, trying to get them to safety. The construction crew grabbed ladders to the apartment building to assist in rescuing the occupants who were trapped.

Construction Crew Saves Two Children From Blaze

Mr. Fierro told the man to drop his children off and that he would catch them. He said the man first dropped a little girl from the window who he caught. In a few moments, the man dropped a small boy, who was caught by the construction crew as well.

 The fire at the apartment complex resulted in three people being treated at an area hospital. The two children caught by the construction workers were taken to the hospital by relatives. A third person suffered smoke inhalation. All three are in stable condition and are expected to make a full recovery.

The fire department reported that the apartment building was a total loss. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined, but the investigation is ongoing. Firefighters arrived on the scene within 5 minutes of receiving the call, but they said they were glad the construction workers acted promptly and saved the children. The firemen credited the construction crew with saving the lives of the baby and the toddler.

The construction industry has jobs for individuals who can operate different kinds of machines and heavy equipment. To find employment in this field, you will need to undergo specialized training and know the proper safety procedures so you can do the job to specification and safely.

Associated Training Services (ATS) offers students the opportunity to train in a variety of fields, so they can find employment in various industries and operating different kinds of equipment and machines. Here are just a few of the different kinds of equipment that ATS instructors can provide training for:

• Excavators
• Bulldozers
• Backhoes
• Wheel loaders
• Scrapers
• All-terrain forklifts
• Motor graders
• Articulated off-road dump trucks
• Hydraulic cranes
• Articulated boom cranes
• Lattice boom cranes
• Tower cranes
• Digger derricks
• Truck driver training

Heavy Equipment Training For Those Seeking Employment

ATS has highly experienced instructors who can provide two levels of heavy equipment operator training on the different kinds of heavy equipment included on the list. These are the most commonly used pieces of equipment used in industries that employ heavy equipment operators. The training programs include hands-on training and classroom experience. Students will learn how to read grades, grading stakes, laser levels, site plans, soils, and site layouts as well as learn all the proper operating techniques and safety protocols.

Students who are learning how to drive a truck commercially and obtain a CDL will be able to seek employment driving a truck, a crane, or a heavy equipment operator. When a student obtains a CDL, he or she can drive a truck and haul the heavy equipment to the job site or drive a mobile crane on the roads. Students learn the basic skills that are needed to drive Class-A vehicles.

Getting The Details

When you are ready to learn more about the different kinds of training programs for heavy equipment operation, call ATS and learn about the financial assistance and other opportunities available to prospective students. Call (800) 383-7364 today and speak with an admissions counselor.

Bridge Inspections are a priority! Millions of people cross bridges daily. These bridges are inspected by trained engineers, but sometimes damages occur, or problems are unnoticed leading to bridge collapses. Over the last 50 years, there have been several U.S. bridges collapsed. Some of these were caused by accidents or collisions while others are structural deficiencies. Here are some examples of major U.S. bridge disasters:

• As an example, the Hyatt Regency Walkway in Kansas City, Missouri, collapsed on July 17, 1981, killing 114 people. The weight of the guests caused the fourth and second-floor walkways to collapse. They both fell onto a crowded dance floor in the hotel lobby.
• Just outside Mobile, Alabama, on September 22, 1993, a section of an Amtrak passenger train fell from a trestle into the bayou and caught fire. A barge hit the railroad bridge just before the Amtrak train hit the bent tracks and then fell into the bayou. There were 47 deaths in the Big Bayou Canot accident.

• On December 15, 1967, the Silver Bridge collapse led to 46 deaths. The bridge reached from Point Pleasant, West Virginia, to Gallipolis, Ohio. Witnesses said the 1,460-foot bridge that was suspended fell into the river in less than 20 seconds. Investigators determined a bridge fracture caused the structure to fall like a “deck of cards.”
• In more recent years, in 2007, the I-35 W Bridge in Minneapolis, Minnesota, collapsed into the Mississippi River and killed 13 people. Investigators believe the bridge fell because the support plates were about half as thick as they needed to be.

Bridge Inspections

Bridge inspectors must undergo extensive training. There are guidelines regarding the frequency of bridge inspections, which depend on state and federal guidelines. The regulations establish the requirements for a bridge inspector, the required frequency of inspections, and the kinds of bridges that must be inspected. State Departments of Transportation (DOTs) usually adhere to the federal inspection regulations, which are found under the National Bridge Inventory Standards (NBIS) and will add to them. States usually require more frequent inspections than the NBIS calls for. To become employed as a bridge inspector, you must undergo specialized hands-on training and become familiar with NBIS and the state requirements.

Career fairs are a great place to find different job industries in the construction industry. According to Indeed.com, more than 117 career fairs nationwide include construction job openings. There are dozens of different kinds of job opportunities in the construction field. These openings include positions for heavy equipment operators, commercial truck drivers, and crane operators.

If you are a seasoned construction professional or if you are a recent graduate of a training program, you can find opportunities at career fairs. You can introduce yourself to managers in the industry, and you can let them know you are in the market for a career opportunity and your abilities.

Different Construction Opportunities at Career Fairs

There are dozens of opportunities in the construction field. These jobs could involve infrastructure construction and design, the housing industry, building, and remodeling commercial facilities, and projects in the hospitality industry. There are also job openings in the gas and oil industry, and for trucking companies that transport goods and materials across the country.

If you are looking for a career in the construction industry, or if you are attending a specialized training program where you are learning a specific job in the construction field, you can benefit greatly from attending job fairs. Before going to a job fair, have all your documents in place. That means take a well-manicured resume with a copy of your high school diploma, and any other certificates or credentials that you may have.

Getting Training

If you are interested in a career in the construction industry. Associated Training Services (ATS) offers hands-on training for those who are wanting to enter the construction industry. To learn more about ATS, call (800) 383-7364.