Safety Blog – By: Steven Kearns

Safety…The CRAFT Way

What do you think of when you hear somebody reference workplace safety?

Often times our first thoughts are of basic forms of Personal Protective Equipment (or PPE) such as steel-toed boots, safety glasses, gloves, hard hats, and maybe even bright colored clothing. However, in our industry it often goes far beyond simply wearing the appropriate protective clothing.

More often than not, these simple practices are just not enough to avoid some more serious incidents. With so many different activities occurring on and around a construction site it is important that our employees not only know how to work safely, but to be aware of those activities which potentially pose a threat to their safety. For this reason we take the time and effort to provide our employees with information so that they may identify and avoid potentially unsafe conditions.

Here at James CRAFT & Son, Inc. we do this in multiple forms. The most common way we are able to convey this information to our field (and office) employees is through weekly “Safety Toolbox Talks” which touch on a different subject every week. Other ways which our employees learn to work safely include specialized training and certification in areas of Fall Protection, Confined Space Entry, Respirator Usage, CPR & First Aid, Rigging & Signal Person training, and the use of job specific tools/equipment… just to name a few! 

It’s at this time of the year that most of us take time to remember what we are truly thankful for. That’s why we dedicate one day every December to pull all our employees from their respective job sites and engage them in our company wide Safety Day where we can update their training and bring in industry professionals to educate them on what to watch for as they work.

This year as part of our annual safety awards Chad Shimko (on left), Damian Sipe (in middle), and Trent Wagner (not pictured) each received their 10 Year safety awards alongside Dave Arndt (on right) who received his 15 Year safety award.

These are presented only to employees who have worked entirely accident free for the required period of time. Congratulations!!!

Political Action Blog – By: Steven Kearns

“Get into politics or get out of business.”

This is a principal that we at James CRAFT & Son, Inc. have subscribed to since the beginning. With the upcoming Presidential election we are reminded just how important it is that we as Americans take an active role in the selection of our elected officials and get our opinions in front of them. Here are a few ways that you can make an impact in the political process:

  • Contact your elected officials! Did you know that the majority of the Pennsylvania and US Congressmen actively engage in social media such as Facebook and Twitter? These are incredibly effective tools for getting directly to your officials. With the modern Smartphone revolution, they are constantly being notified whenever they are mentioned or posted about. If you agree with a vote let them know, if you disagree with a vote let them know, and most importantly if you have an opinion about an upcoming vote LET THEM KNOW! This is a fantastic way to get directly at your officials!
  • Do your research! In today’s day and age, it is so easy for everybody to express their opinions. We see it so much with media today, where celebrities and the officials themselves work to portray a candidate as “cool” or “hip” or in touch with the people. So many people are making their decisions based solely on the opinions of others. Instead of turning elections into a popularity contest, let’s look into the issues that are truly important to each of us! Research the stance of the candidates based on the issues that affect you and use that for the basis of your choice.
  • VOTE! So you decided who you want to win the election? Great! Now go out and do your part to secure your candidate’s victory. Remember, with Pennsylvania’s new Voter ID law, you must provide a valid form of identification upon arrival at your local polling place.

Election Day is Tuesday, November 6, 2012.