Natural disasters have affected people around the world. These floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes have caused significant damage, which requires the efforts of many construction companies and their workers. Cranes, bulldozers, and other forms of heavy equipment are needed to clean up the debris and to make the communities safe again. Then, truckers are needed to haul in the equipment for the cleanups, take in supplies for the rebuilding, and haul in the equipment for the new construction efforts to clean up the damage.

The Water Damage Restoration and Clean-Up Process

For those communities that have suffered from flooding, there will be a need for water damage restoration and clean-up to ensure the communities are safe for residents. Here are some tips for those working with flood clean-up and restoration:

• Structural and electrical damage inspections – starting from the exterior before entrance is permitted
• Check for gas leaks and fire hazards using battery-powered light sources
• Wear durable shoes, eye protection, and sturdy rubber gloves
• Never mix chlorine bleach with vinegar or ammonia during the cleaning process.
• Stay on the lookout for snakes, rodents, fire ants, and other animals.
• Wear a respirator to filter spores when working around mold

Clean-Up After Tornados or Earthquakes

The clean-up process after an earthquake or tornado can be intense. Be sure to wear gloves, sturdy shoes, and protective gear. Be on the lookout for electrical risks, such as broken power lines. Watch for broken glass, sharp objects, and rodents. A respirator might be needed to filter the air if there are contaminants or mold.

Training For Such Tasks

If you are interested in a career helping with cleanup and damage restoration or rebuilding after natural disasters, ATS training programs are available to train those for different roles in the construction field. Learn about heavy equipment operation, crane operating, or truck driving from ATS. To learn about the ATS programs, call (800) 383-7364 today to learn more about training programs at Associated Training Services.

While accidents happen in all job roles, more construction workers are injured or killed on the job than those in other professions. According to the Laborers’ Health and Safety Fund of North America, the number of construction deaths on the job in the construction industry increased in 2016 based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data. There were 5,190 fatal on-the-job injuries in the U.S. in 2016, according to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. That figure was a 7 percent increase over 2015. Of those deaths, 970 of them were in the construction industry.

• When the figures were looked at more closely, the most common workplace accident that led to death was transportation accidents, which accounted for 40 percent of the fatalities. More workers were killed in transportation accidents than in any other work-related incident.
• The second most common fatal event was violence that was caused by other people and/or animals.
• Another shocking figure involved overdoses on the job. On-the-job overdoses increased 32 percent from 2015 totals. Fatalities that were tied to overdoses have continued to increase by at least 25 percent per year since 2012.

One of every five workplace death happens in the construction industry. When that is broken down, about 80 construction workers die every month in a workplace accident. When construction accidents were reviewed more closely, the leading cause of death for construction workers is falling. Of the construction workplace fatalities, 379 people died in falls during 2016, which was an increase from 348 in 2015.

While many construction workers interact with tools and heavy equipment on a daily basis, about one-fourth of the laborers killed in the construction industry were killed because of unintentional contact with machinery or equipment, such as cranes, grading machinery, backhoes, front-end loaders, forklifts, and aerial lifts. There were fewer transportation-related deaths in the construction industry, but there were more trench deaths – with the number climbing to 37 in 2016 from the previous year’s 26 deaths.

Lattice cranes, also called lattice boom cranes, are transported by trucks and then assembled on site. Lattice cranes have high capacities and long boom lengths, making them perfect for various applications. There are many configurations of lattice cranes, and their modular design gives them the flexibility to adapt the crane to the specific needs of the project for which it is being used. ATS offers lattice crane training and certifications.

Not all lattice boom cranes are the same. There are three different kinds of these cranes. Here are the options:

• Crawler cranes – These cranes have the advantage of moving with heavy loads for short distances. It has a maximum capacity of 1.600 tons. Because of its compact design, it is an excellent choice if there is a project where there is a limited workspace.
• Outrigger cranes – These cranes consist of a truck crane and the pedestal crane. The pedestal crane is used for projects that are stationary and are capable of transporting up to 2.000 tons. It can be set up rather quickly, providing a lower cost for operation. The truck crane is a substructure made up of a multi-axle truck. This is a highly mobile crane and is drivable on public roadways while carrying up to 750 tons.
• Ring cranes – These are versatile and innovative cranes capable of heavy lifting, which can be used to accommodate the needs of the mining, oil and gas, refinery, nuclear power plants, and offshore platforms.

Crane operators must undergo extensive training and have the proper knowledge to operate a crane safely. Associated Training Services (ATS) offers crane training and has a new lattice crane to help students learn everything they need to know about crane assembly and operation.

Mobile Crane Operator Training

ATS has three different levels of mobile crane operator training. Here are the three levels are broken down for students:

• The first level focuses on hydraulic cranes and large hydraulic cranes.
• The second level focuses on lattice boom cranes and articulated boom cranes.
• The third level focuses on tower cranes and digger derricks.

During the programs, students learn to safely operate the cranes and obtain crane operator certification through the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). To learn more about the programs, call ATS at (800) 383-7364.

The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) is a non-profit agency that was established in 1995. With headquarters in Fairfax, Virginia, the organization’s mission is to develop effective performance standards that promote the safe operation of cranes. Operating a crane requires certifications, training, and skills to ensure the safety of the operator, coworkers, and the general public.

Associated Training Services (ATS) offer a variety of training programs, including those that help individuals train to be crane operators, riggers, or signalpersons. These programs will qualify or certify the trainee so he or she can seek employment in the field and perform their jobs safely and as they should. ATS offers several programs that are customized to meet the needs of the different employers in the fields. Here are some of the different NCCCO certifications that are available to ATS students:

• Lattice boom crane – crawler and truck
• Large telescopic boom cranes – swing cab and rough terrain
• Small telescopic boom cranes – fixed cab and boom trucks
• Articulated cranes – knucklebooms
• Digger derricks
• Tower cranes
• Overhead cranes

Also, NCCCO Rigger 1 and NCCCO Signalperson certifications are available. ATS also offers OSHA-compliant rigging and signalperson qualifications.

The Importance of Certifications

You need to have the proper training and certifications before you go on the job site. If you don’t have the proper certifications, you and your employer could face the consequences, especially if there is an accident with injuries or damages.

To protect yourself and to help you stabilize your career and future, make sure you understand all the processes and get the right certifications. There is a demand for qualified crane operators, so it is a great career choice. To learn more about the crane operator, rigging, and signalperson training available at ATS, call (800) 383-7364 today. Financial aid is available.

Mark your calendars, Associated Training Services will be holding a Skilled Trades Career Fair on August 15th, 2019 from 10:00 am – 2:30 pm at the ATS training grounds. The Wounded Warrior Project & TEAM Rubicon will be benefiting from this event.

“Skilled Trades” refers to a number of occupations that require specific hands-on skills, such as machinists, welders, heavy equipment operators, laborers, commercial truck drivers, and electricians.

These occupations are a critical part of the nation’s workforce and play key roles in the field of manufacturing, construction, and repair.

Please RSVP to Jeremy at jeremy.w@atsdigs.com.

You may also visit Facebook for up to date details about this event. We look forward to seeing you.

When it comes to crushed stone or earthmoving services in the vicinity of Fitchburg, Wisconsin, Hammersley Stone has become a trusted name. For more than half a century, Hammersley Stone has provided first-rate services. As a member of the Wisconsin Transportation Builders Association, Hammersley Stone is a full-service contractor that can take care of a variety of needs for builders, contractors, and property owners.

Here are a few of the things that Hammersley can do to help with a building project:

• Site grading
• Land development
• Street and road construction
• Site development
• Sewer, water, and septic systems
• Building excavation
• Backfill
• Concrete and asphalt recycling
• Portable screening
• Screened topsoil
• Onsite rock crushing
• Building demolition
• Railroad rehabilitation
• Sand and crushed limestone
• Rock excavation
• Parking lots and driveway prep and building
• Paths and trails

Taking the time to sit down with the client to better understand the needs of the project as well as customer expectations, the Hammersley Stone team will go a step above and beyond to ensure all needs and expectations are met.

Crushed Products and Materials

Offering a variety of crushed products and fill materials that can be used for a variety of projects and to help with various construction needs, Hammersley can help with different kinds of project needs. Here are a few of the available materials:

• Crushed limestone products
• Crushed sandstone products
• Recycled materials, including those from recycled concrete and asphalt
• Topsoil
• Fill materials

Hammersley will also take recyclable materials and crush them for reuse, such as clean concrete and clean asphalt. These products are used for road bases, driveways, parking lots, retaining walls, and more.

Trust in Hammersley Stone

Hammersley Stone is a name you can trust for your project. They definitely believe in putting customers first, so they deserve a 5-star rating on all levels. They stick by their word and believe in customer satisfaction.

If you are looking for a dependable contractor to help you with your land moving needs or to provide crushed products or materials for your projects, call Hammersley Stone at (608) 845-7804 to get a free estimate for your project specifications.

President Donald Trump and Congressional Democratic leaders agreed to aim for an infrastructure package worth $2 trillion recently, but many don’t think Congressional Republicans will agree because there are questions as to where the funding for the package would come from. However, the package is still in the works.

This infrastructure project would be designed to upgrade and improve the country’s aging infrastructure, which includes bridges, roads, internet, telephone, electric, sewage, and water systems. These all play a vital role in the development and prosperity of the communities.

The agreement was made because the infrastructure investment will create jobs and make the country more economically competitive with other countries. This means that there will be more opportunities and a greater demand for those who are trained and who can work in different construction roles.

The Need For More Construction Workers

There will be a greater need for heavy equipment operators, such as those who drive big trucks, dozers, graders, and even operate cranes. In addition, there will be a need for professional truck drivers who can transport the heavy equipment where it needs to go.

ATS offers training that can help with the different roles that will need to be filled with infrastructure projects. These jobs include:

• Heavy equipment operators
• Rigging and signalperson
• Directional drilling
• Mobile crane operators
• Tower crane operators
• CDL training
• Utility Locating
• Other specialized training

ATS accepts financial assistance, including veterans’ benefits. If you would like to learn more about ATS and how we can help you prepare for a career-building infrastructure, call (800) 383-7364 today.

A rock quarry is a place where minerals, sand, and rocks are extracted from the earth’s surface. An open-pit mine a rock quarry is open to the earth’s surface. Quarries are used to provide landscaping materials and construction materials. Rock quarries have varying lifespans, and the materials can be depleted in as few as 5 years, or they could last for as long as 50 years.

Rock Quarry Equipment

Many kinds of heavy equipment are used in a rock quarry to remove rocks and minerals. Stripping and drilling equipment is used to remove the material between the materials being extracted and the surface. Usually, large-scale bulldozers, which are called crawler tractors, are used. Blasting with explosives is often necessary. The crawler tractors can remove large amounts of dirt by using front-mounted blades and rear-mounted ripper arms.

Wheel loaders have hydraulic buckets and arms that can load the dirt that the crawler tractors move. These massive loaders have a bucket with a capacity of as much as 35 tons. These loaders are used for loading rocks and minerals into rock trucks, which then transport the goods to be processed. Rock trucks are huge trucks that are used to haul the excess dirt that is moved so the rock can be extracted. These trucks can have engines with up to 3,500 horsepower and can haul up to 3,600 tons. They can haul a lot of material in a short timeframe.

Crushers are used to turn large rocks into small stones. These are powerful machines that have fixed steel plates, vibrators, and jaws so they can crush material from the trucks and turn it into the finished product that is sold to customers. These crushers can be adjusted to produce gravel and stone of different sizes and weights, depending on the needs of the client base. After the crushing has been completed, smaller-scale yard loaders will take the product and create smaller stockpiles, where customers will then come pick it up.

The Proper Training

ATS Heavy Equipment Operator School trains individuals to operate all kinds of heavy equipment so they can pursue careers working in a rock quarry. To learn more about the programs available at Associated Training Services, call (800) 383-7364 today.

While some people view Memorial Day as the kick-off to summer celebrations, Memorial Day is so much more. It was designated as a day to remember and for saluting our American service members who died while serving in armed conflicts. Celebrated the last Monday in May, the day dates to shortly after the Civil War.

According to the website for the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) created Decoration Day on May 5, 1868 – three years after the Civil War’s conclusion – as a time for those across the country to decorate the graves with floral arrangements. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared May 30^th as the date to observe Decoration Day so flowers would be in bloom across the country.

How Does Memorial Day Differ From Veterans Day?

Congress made Memorial Day an official holiday when they passed the National Holiday Act of 1971. Some people confuse Memorial Day with Veterans Day, but they are two very different observations. Veterans Day is a federal holiday observed on November 11, which was set aside to honor everyone who has served in the military.

Veterans Day got its start as Armistice Day honoring World War I’s conclusion, which officially was November 11, 1918. It was 1954 after the U.S. had been through both World War II and the Korean War when Congress amended the Act of 1938 by removing the word “Armistice” at the urging of different veterans’ service organizations. The legislation was approved on June 1, 1954, they set aside November 11^th as a day to honor all American military veterans.

Thank You To Those Who Gave The Ultimate Sacrifice

Those of us here at Associated Training Services would like to thank all those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to help protect our country and its freedoms. We also would like to thank the families of those who were willing to give their lives to our country.

Construction Worker Dies After Falling Down Shaft in Florida

According to Miami news stations, a construction worker died after falling down an elevator shaft while working on a building in Hallandale Beach, Florida. According to the news reports, the worker was working inside a large building being constructed in the vicinity of Southeast Third Avenue in Hallandale Beach on Friday, May 3, 2019, when he fell down the elevator shaft. This is why ATS teaches safety training.

According to the authorities who responded to the accident scene, the construction worker was helping build an addition for the building when he fell to his death. Police reports indicate that the fall was at least 10 stories. Hallandale Beach Fire and Rescue got help from the Broward County Sheriff’s Fire Rescue in recovering the body of the construction worker.

Crane Collapse in Seattle

On April 27, 2019, a construction crane that had been working on an office building for Google in Seattle, Washington, collapsed onto Mercer Street below. Four people were killed, and four others were injured. Many experts believe that the pins or bolts were prematurely loosened or removed from the crane and that made the crane’s vertical mast more vulnerable to the wind pressure that day, allowing the crane to topple. Many experts say the crane collapse was because of human error during the disassembling process.

In this case, it is believed that the workers prematurely removed the pins that secured sections of the mast to one another, and that caused the crane to topple. While sometimes workers remove the pins prematurely, that practice doesn’t coincide with the instructions of the manufacturer for the crane disassembly process. There is an investigation into the incident, and five companies that played a role in the construction project are being reviewed.

The Importance of Safety at Construction Sites

Construction workers must adhere to safety training guidelines when working on construction sites. Many workers are injured on the job every year, and often, these injuries can be avoided when the proper safety gear is used, and the proper protocol are followed.