Have a Responsible Summer

Posted on by TP Mechanical Contractors

Presented by TP Mechanical | Provided by HORAN

This August 18 to September 4, law enforcement will be stepping up their “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. This means police officers will be focused on spotting impaired drivers and pulling them over.

There were nearly 10,000 people killed in alcohol-impaired motor vehicle crashes in 2014, according to the CDC. This accounts for nearly 33 percent of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. Keep this sobering statistic in mind when attending gatherings with alcohol, like barbecues, beach parties or work events.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) created a smartphone app to help drivers who cannot safely drive home. The app can help tell you where you are, help you call a taxi or help you call a friend. Other useful apps include Uber and Lyft, as both can get you home if it’s not safe for you to drive.

For more information on the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, visit the NHTSA website.

Protecting Clients and the General Public from Job Sites with Proper Barriers and Signs

Posted on by TP Mechanical Contractors

“Safety First, Always First.”

That is our first core value at TP Mechanical, and it is critical to carrying out our mission.

Safety on job sites is not only important to protecting our employees, but also our clients and the general public. A key component of keeping everyone near a work site safe is defining a clear perimeter by utilizing proper barriers and signs.

With the “Safety First, Always First” mindset, TP Mechanical adheres to all industry safety guidelines and standards. We protect our employees, clients and the general public on a work site by using proper barriers and signs to meet OSHA safety and health regulations as well as those set by the American National Standards Institute/American Society of Safety Engineers (ANSI/ASSE).

When protecting a job site, do:

  • Notify the public of any closed areas and clearly mark safe, alternative areas for pedestrian traffic
  • Maintain and keep pedestrian traffic areas well-lit so that slipping, tripping and falling hazards are reduced
  • Protect public areas adjacent to job sites from construction objects or debris with appropriate barriers, catch platforms, enclosures, perimeter or vertical debris netting, sheds, overhangs, scaffolding or similar structures

When protecting a job site, do not:

  • Block public ingress or egress routes (i.e., stairways, doors, entrances, exits, paths or hallways)
  • Let anyone without required special licenses, permits or operator training use associated machinery or vehicles
  • Store hazardous materials in anything other than properly labeled, approved containers away from the public

In September 2005, TP Mechanical became the first mechanical contractor in the U.S. to achieve the exemplary designation as an OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) participant. Our participation in VPP allows us to continually improve our safety and health management systems, and exemplifies our relentless pursuit of the highest safety standards for our employees, clients and the general public.

Grilling Safety Reminders for Your Summer BBQ

Posted on by TP Mechanical Contractors

Presented by TP Mechanical | Provided by HORAN

Though grilling is an extremely popular way to prepare food in the summer, it can also be dangerous. According to the U.S. Fire Administration, gas and charcoal grills account for an average of 10 deaths and 100 injuries annually. Additionally, the National Fire Protection Association reports that an average of 8,900 home fires are caused by grilling each year.

This year, keep the following safety suggestions in mind when you go to fire up your grill:

  • Make sure your grill is at least 3 feet away from other objects including your house, trees and outdoor seating.
  • Remember that starter fluid should only be used with charcoal grills and never with gas grills.
  • If you suspect that your gas grill is leaking, turn off the gas and get the unit fixed before lighting.
  • Do not bring your grill into an unventilated or enclosed space such as the garage or inside of your home.

Do not let children and pets play near the grilling area when cooking until the grill is completely cool.

TP Mechanical Hits Another Major Safety Milestone

Posted on by TP Mechanical Contractors

TP Mechanical has now surpassed 3 million man-hours without a lost-time accident.

By committing to our “Safety First, Always First” core value, we make it our primary goal to ensure our employees, clients and members of the general public return home to their families safely every night.

“We are more than proud to achieve 3 million hours without a lost workday injury,” said TP Mechanical Corporate Safety Director Rick Absher. “We are looking forward to reaching the next milestone as we continue to make the safety of our employees, clients and jobsites our foremost priority.”

Reaching milestones like this isn’t achieved by merely doing what’s required. That’s why we go above and beyond by participating in OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP).

Approval into VPP is OSHA’s official recognition of organizations that have achieved exemplary occupational safety and health—that’s why we were so proud to be the first mechanical contractor in the U.S. to receive this designation in 2005.

Through VPP, we’ve implemented meticulous safety and health management practices that address hazard prevention and control, worksite analysis, training, management commitment and worker involvement. We voluntarily submit to rigorous evaluations to identify ways that we can continue to improve our system.

Being proactive about safety is critical to protecting our employees and jobsites, upholding our core values and executing our mission.

As our streak continues, we promise to keep delivering “Safety First, Always First” – that’s the TP Mechanical guarantee.

For more information

Learn more about how safety is a way of life at TP Mechanical and then Contact Us to see how we can provide comprehensive mechanical services for your next project.

Our Commitment to Safety Wins Again!

Posted on by TP Mechanical Contractors

Our “Safety First, Always First” core value struck a chord again at the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Ohio safety luncheon.

TP Mechanical was presented with three safety awards:

  • AGC of Ohio Construction Safety Excellence Award (CSEA) Specialty Division Over 1 Million Hours
  • AGC of Ohio Certificate of Commendation for Excellent Safety Record 2016 (Zero Incident Rate for 50,000 Work Hours and Over)
  • AGC of Ohio Three-Year Associate/Specialty Contractor 325,000 Hours and Up Report Card Average

“We are honored to receive these distinguished awards from the AGC of Ohio, and more importantly, to have our entire team recognized for their dedication to exemplary safety practices,” said TP Mechanical President and CEO Bill Riddle. “At TP Mechanical, we treat the health and safety of our employees, clients and the general public with the utmost seriousness. It is our primary goal to ensure everyone returns home to their family at night.”

The AGC’s SEA program is the industry’s elite safety and excellence awards program. Its comprehensive selection process closely examines each candidate’s commitment to safety and occupational health management and risk control.

“We don’t just say ‘Safety First, Safety Always.’ We live it,” said TP Mechanical Corporate Safety Director Rick Absher. “Ensuring the safety of our employees, clients and jobsites is our foremost priority. We are appreciative of this recognition of our commitment to safety and proud of our current streak of more than 2.9 million hours without a lost workday injury.”

These AGC awards are another important step in our journey of success. Moving forward, we promise to keep delivering “Safety First, Always First” – that’s the TP Mechanical guarantee.

For more information
Learn more about how safety is a way of life at TP Mechanical and then Contact Us to see how we can provide comprehensive mechanical services for your next project.

National Fireworks Safety Month: June 1 to July 4

Posted on by TP Mechanical Contractors

Provided by HORAN | Presented by TP Mechanical

Fireworks are a staple at festivities for many Americans during the summer months. Unfortunately, many people do not realize just how dangerous fireworks and sparklers can be—which is a primary reason that injuries occur.

In honor of National Fireworks Safety Month, which occurs from June 1 to July 4, take some time to familiarize yourself with the following safety suggestions to avoid accidents when using fireworks.

  • Do not shoot fireworks off if you are under the influence of alcohol.
  • Always have a hose or water bucket handy.
  • Keep spectators a safe distance away.
  • Show children how to properly hold sparklers, how to stay far enough away from other children and what not to do.
  • Never try to relight a firework that didn’t properly ignite.
  • Soak all firework debris in water before throwing it away.
  • Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or shoot them from metal or glass containers.

We’re Number 1!

Posted on by TP Mechanical Contractors

Our “Safety First, Always First” core value certainly rang true at the AGC National Safety Awards.

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) named TP Mechanical as the National Safety Contractor of the Year for companies that performed more than 1 million man-hours per year.

Five AGC judges, including representatives from the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Naval Department and Intel, based their decision on:

  • Company management commitment
  • Active employee participation
  • Safety training
  • Work site hazard identification and control
  • Safety program

The TP Mechanical staff is proud of our AGC award and the recognition of our efforts to live up to the highest standards of safety. We’re even prouder of the fact that our employees go home every night injury free, and our safety record helps deliver optimal results and cost savings to our customers.

Our AGC award is another important step in our journey of success. Moving forward, we promise to keep delivering Safety First, Always First – that’s the TP Mechanical guarantee.

For more information
Learn more about how safety is a way of life at TP Mechanical and then Contact Us to see how we can provide comprehensive mechanical services for your next project.

Safety: Ladders & Stairways

Posted on by TP Mechanical Contractors

There are some hazards on the job site that seem obvious and some that need a little more attention from workers.

While the importance of ladder safety is communicated heavily at job sites, there are some workers and managers who unknowingly neglect to speak about the dangers of stairways.

According to OSHA, there are more than 24,000 injuries and as many as 36 fatalities per year due to falls on stairways and ladders used in construction.

The good news is that many of the accidents around ladders and stairways are preventable when the proper measures are taken prior to starting a job.

With Ladders

  • Use the correct ladder for the task
  • Never load ladders beyond the manufacturer’s rated capacity
  • Ensure that metal ladders are kept way from electrical work and overhead power lines
  • Have a worker partner inspect for any defects
  • Look for structural damage, grease or other slippery contaminant

With Stairways

  • Stairways must be free of dangerous objects, debris and materials
  • Cover stairs with threads to avoid a slippery surface
  • Stairways with four or more risers or that rise more than 30 inches need to have a least one handrail
  • Stair handrails must be free of hazards like splinters and nails

Indoor Air Pollution

Posted on by TP Mechanical Contractors

Presented by TP Mechanical | Provided by HORAN

The mention of air pollution often brings to mind images of city streets packed with cars or a pollen-laden spring breeze. However, indoor air pollution can be as much of a problem as outdoor pollution. A few sources of indoor air pollution include the following:

  • Tobacco smoke
  • Mold, pollen and pet dander
  • Radon and carbon monoxide
  • Household products such as cleaners, paint thinners and glue

The effects of indoor air pollution can range from mild discomfort to the development of diseases such as respiratory ailments and cancer. Young children, the elderly and those with asthma or allergies may suffer the most from poor air quality. Combat indoor air pollution with these strategies:

  • Open windows for a few minutes every day to allow in fresh air, even during winter.
  • Vacuum and mop the floor rather than sweep.
  • Don’t allow smoking indoors.
  • Test for radon and install a carbon monoxide detector.
  • Replace your plug-in air freshener and artificially scented cleaners with fragrance-free and naturally scented products.

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Camping Fun and Safety

Posted on by TP Mechanical Contractors

Presented by TP Mechanical | Provided by HORAN

Forest Camping - TentFor many people, a nice vacation means sandy beaches and exotic cultures. But not every trip can be a “dream vacation.” Fortunately, it’s possible to get away from it all without having to spring for hotels and airfare.

Camping is a great way to take in some much-needed rest and relaxation on a shoestring budget. A camping trip can provide the same sense of freedom a few hours from your home that you would get from visiting another country.

In addition to being low-cost, camping does not require much in the way of advance planning, and can easily be coordinated and undertaken with family or friends. Most campgrounds will even allow you to bring a pet along, freeing you from another vacation-related hassle.

Despite the benefits, camping also has some risks. Observe the following safety tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Forest Service to ensure that your trip goes off without a hitch.

  • Get vaccinated. Check with your medical provider to make sure you’ve had all of the recommended vaccines.
  • Be mindful of food storage and preparation. Pack food in tight, waterproof bags or containers, and keep it in an insulated cooler. Do not mix cooked and raw foods. Wash hands and surfaces often. Use hand sanitizer if water is not available.
  • Build fires in a safe area. Fires and fuel-burning appliances must be far enough away from the tent to prevent ignition from sparks, flames and heat. Make sure your fires are always attended.
  • Wear appropriate clothing for the conditions and season.
  • Think before you drink! No matter how clean or pure water looks, it’s likely to contain parasites and microorganisms that can cause discomfort and sometimes serious illness. Purify it with chemical treatment, or bring bottled water.
  • Watch out for bugs. Insects can be an issue at many campsites. Avoid attracting stinging insects by wearing light-colored clothing and avoiding perfumes or colognes. Keep a good supply of bug spray with you to repel mosquitoes, which can carry diseases.
  • Beware of poisonous plants. Familiarize yourself with any dangerous plants that are common to the area. If you come into contact with a poisonous plant, immediately rinse the affected area with water and apply a soothing anti-itch lotion such as calamine.