TP Helps Ken Anderson Alliance Open Just Brew Coffee House

Located in Cincinnati, Just Brew Coffee House serves much more than a cup of hot coffee or a fresh pastry. Just Brew is one of several work programs by the Ken Anderson Alliance (KAA)–a nonprofit organization with a mission to create LIVE, WORK and ENGAGE opportunities for adults with disabilities.

Working around a tight schedule to accommodate the grand openings of the Just Brew Coffee House and KAA’s new office spaces, TP was hired to install new plumbing, grease traps and the necessary drainage for the spaces. The TP team worked extended hours, met with plumbing inspectors, and kept the job site as clean as possible (mopping every day before leaving!) to help ensure the project was completed in time for the special openings. 

One week before the scheduled openings, it was discovered that two air conditioning units had been struck by lightning and the remaining functional unit was unable to keep the KAA offices cool against the 90-degree summer heat. The KAA building is also home to the Adult Day Services program that provides support to adults with disabilities, some of whom have medical conditions that can be exacerbated by extreme heat. TP responded immediately and brought four spot coolers into the space to keep employees and day program participants comfortable. This allowed both KAA and Just Brew to continue with the grand openings and their programs as planned until the three HVAC units could be fully replaced. 

TP Mechanical and the Ken Anderson Alliance’s day-to-day activities look different, but we share an important purpose–serve others and provide opportunities to better our communities. We look forward to supporting and partnering with KAA in the future.

To find out more about the Ken Anderson Alliance visit kenandersonalliance.org.

Three Tips to Prevent Heat Stress and Heat-induced Illnesses on a Jobsite

Safety First, Always First.

With summer upon us and temperatures rising, it is important to understand the risk factors of heat stress and take precautions to avoid it and other heat-induced illnesses.

Heat stress generally occurs when spending long periods of time outside in excessive heat, and symptoms typically include physical exhaustion, cramping, rashes and dehydration. In the most severe cases, heat stroke may occur, which can result in confusion, irrational behavior, loss of consciousness and even death.

“Heat stress is certainly something we take seriously,” says Jamie Absher, Safety Specialist at TP Mechanical. “Our employees are outside on jobsites daily during the warmer months, and their health and safety is our foremost priority.”

There are a variety of factors that put anyone at a higher risk of experiencing heat stress, including:

  • High temperatures and humidity
  • Direct sun exposure
  • Not drinking enough fluids (dehydration)
  • Physical exertion
  • Limited air movement
  • Bulky or heavy personal protective equipment or clothing
  • Radiant heat sources (vehicle and equipment engines, hot manufacturing processes, etc.)
  • Certain medications (e.g., diuretics, antihypertensives and anticholinergics)
  • Physical conditioning and health conditions (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular disease, influenza, etc.)
  • Lack of recent heat exposure (not acclimatized)
  • Age of 65 or higher

To mitigate the above risk factors and prevent heat stress, here are three strategies to employ on your jobsite:

  1. Implement a heat safety plan. It is important to train workers on the risk factors, symptoms and health effects of heat stress, as well has how to respond to a heat illness incident. Establishing someone as a heat safety leader on the jobsite to manage the heat safety plan and monitor workers is another way to be proactive. When possible, it is also beneficial to utilize modified work schedules to schedule more physically demanding and non-essential outdoor work during cooler times of the day.
  2. Stay hydrated. NIOSH recommends that for moderate activity in moderate conditions, each worker should drink one cup of water every 15 to 20 minutes. Keep fluids – especially water – readily available to workers on the jobsite. Employers should also consider providing urine color charts near toilet facilities so workers can monitor their hydration level throughout the day.
  3. Keep cool. Our bodies naturally produce heat, even during rest, so being sure to cool off during physical exertion is key to avoiding heat stress. Regular breaks should be taken in air conditioned or shaded, breezy areas. Avoiding non-essential bulky or heavy clothing and equipment can also reduce the risk for heat stress, and employers should consider providing cold packs or cooling vests to workers on particularly hot days.

To learn more about our commitment to workplace health and safety, visit http://www.tpmechanical.com/about-tp/safety/.

May is Food Allergy Action Month

Presented by TP Mechanical | Provided by HORAN

A food allergy occurs when the body has a specific immune response to certain foods. Sometimes, the body’s response can be severe or life-threatening. Food allergies are a growing food safety and public health concern, according to the CDC. It is also estimated that between 4 and 6 percent of U.S. children are affected by some type of food allergy.

Among other things, Food Allergy Action Month was created to spread awareness about what food allergies are, how to recognize them and how to help someone who is having an allergic reaction. Common symptoms of an allergic reaction to food include the following:

• A tingling sensation in the mouth
• Swelling of the lips, tongue and throat
• Itching, hives and a rash throughout the body
• Cramping, diarrhea or vomiting
• Wheezing and difficulty breathing
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Loss of consciousness


Despite CDC Recommendation, Many Adults Still Refusing Shingles Vaccine

Presented by TP Mechanical | Provided by HORAN

Shingles is an extremely common—and painful—viral infection, affecting 1 out of every 3 Americans at some point in their life. It’s caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, so anyone who has had chickenpox is at risk of developing shingles. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus remains dormant in the body. While scientists are unsure what causes the virus to awaken at a later date, they do know that the only way to reduce the risk of getting shingles is to get vaccinated.

Recommended Shingles Vaccine
The CDC recommends that adults use a new vaccine called Shingrix instead of Zostavax, which had been the recommended vaccine from 2006-2017. Shingrix provides strong protection against shingles and postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), the most common shingles complication. In studies, two doses of Shingrix were found to be more than 90 percent effective at preventing shingles and PHN.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?
The CDC recommends that healthy adults 50 years and older get two doses of Shingrix, two to six months apart. People who have had shingles in the past, have received the Zostavax vaccine or are unsure if they have had chickenpox should also receive the Shingrix vaccine, according to CDC recommendations.

To find doctor’s offices or pharmacies near you that offer the vaccine, visit HealthMap Vaccine Finder.

Join Our Team: Apply for the TP Mechanical Apprenticeship Program!

We will be accepting applications for our next class of apprentices Monday, June 4 through Friday, June 15 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

We will be accepting applications for the following programs at these locations:

  • Plumbing | Pipefitting – Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Lexington
  • Fire protection – Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton
  • Sheet metal – Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton

We invite you to stop by the appropriate office location for the trade program you are interested in to complete the application process and schedule your interview. Bring a copy of your high school diploma, GED or a letter from school with an anticipated graduation date, and you will take a math test during the application process.

All our apprenticeship programs are free and consist of a minimum of 8,000 on-the-job training hours and 576 hours of classroom learning over the course of four years. We also offer a wide variety of classes outside the core required apprenticeship classes to help you broaden your skills and challenge yourself.

Additionally, all of our apprentices earn 20 to 25 credit hours towards an associate degree at Columbus State over the course of the four-year program. To earn your associate degree, you will need to take an additional 10 general education classes at Columbus State, or have your credits transferred to a school closer to you to complete your degree program.

“Over the years I have had the pleasure of not only watching the apprenticeship program evolve, but have been lucky enough to have been involved in the program as an instructor,” said Tony Marple, Plumbing Services Manager in Columbus.

Quality instructors, on-the-job training and teamwork – that’s the difference between our industry-leading apprenticeship program and other options. When you become a part of the TP Mechanical family, we invest in your future.

Our goal is that you will be a vital asset to the company at the end of the four-year program. We want you to continue down a path of learning and experience to become a leader at TP Mechanical.

To learn more about our apprenticeship program, visit http://www.tpmechanical.com/apprenticeship-program-detail/, or contact Jen Madden at 513-851-8881.

Researchers Link New Danger to E-cigarettes

Presented by TP Mechanical | Provided by HORAN

The use of electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes has grown exponentially in recent years—especially among young adults in the United States.

The liquid used in e-cigarettes contains nicotine and other harmful chemicals, including heavy metals and carcinogens. The liquid nicotine used in e-cigarettes comes in thousands of different flavors, many of which are appealing—and harmful—to teenagers.

Researchers from the University of California, San Diego found that popular fruity vape flavors appear to contain the highest levels of cancer-causing materials. The study recommends that parents warn teens of the dangers associated with e-cigarettes to discourage usage.

5 Healthy Snacks to Satisfy Your Workday Hunger

Presented by TP Mechanical | Provided by HORAN

Snacking can be an important part of a healthy diet. Healthy snacks can provide midday energy boosts and fuel for exercising, and can help decrease your hunger and the odds of overeating at mealtime. Try incorporating these five simple snacks into your meal plan.

  1. Almonds—1.5 ounces of almonds (about 35 nuts) provides enough fiber, protein and good fats to keep you feeling full until your next me
  2. Greek yogurt parfait—1 cup of Greek yogurt with berries is a great way to get protein, calcium, fiber and antioxidants.
  3. Blueberries and mini Babybel cheese—1 cup of fresh blueberries has only 80 calories. When paired with two mini Babybel cheeses, you get a high dose of fiber, antioxidants, protein and calcium.
  4. Apple and ½ cup roasted chickpeas—Apples are fat-, sodium- and cholesterol-fr What’s more? One medium- sized apple has less than 100 calories. When paired with ½ cup roasted chickpeas, you get a snack that provides protein, and good fats and carbs.
  5. Veggies with hummus—Snacking on raw, fiber-rich vegetables during the day can help keep you full between meals. For extra protein, eat your veggies with hummus. Be sure to check the serving size on your hummus container to keep your portion size in check.

This article is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as professional advice. Readers should contact a health professional for appropriate advice.

© 2018 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

Do You Know the Signs of a Kidney Stone?

Presented by TP Mechanical | Provided by HORAN

A recent study published in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings journal found that the prevalence of kidney stones has increased more than fourfold in women and more than twofold in men over the past 30 years.

If treated in a timely fashion, kidney stones usually don’t cause permanent damage. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Pain so severe that you can’t sit still or find a comfortable position
  • Pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting, fever or chills
  • Blood in your urine
  • Difficulty passing urine

People Behind TP Mechanical Introduces Dan Holland

Dan began his career with TP Mechanical in June of 1998 as a laborer and then enrolled in the apprenticeship program. He then moved on to a lead plumber on multiple job sites before becoming a superintendent in 2002. He showed an interest in the growing demand for fabrication and moved into that department, and in 2009, he became Fabrication Leader.

Dan is responsible for overseeing the workload and employees in our fabrication facility. He coordinates product ordering and scheduling logistics between our fabrication facility, distribution centers and project jobsites.

Dan also serves as a liaison between the multiple departments at TP Mechanical, as fabrication plays a critical role in the vast majority of our work. He works closely with each department to offer innovative solutions for project schedules and scopes. Dan often works with the CAD department to offer knowledge and experience towards value engineering of mechanical installations.

Dan feels the work TP accomplishes in the fabrication facility affords the company the ability to fast track project schedules with the goal of saving the end users money.

“Being creative and using outside-the-box thinking turns into an enhanced schedule opportunity for our customers,” Dan stated. “Our primary goal is to make sure we understand the end users’ needs, looking at the best possible solutions to deliver innovative value engineering without adding extra cost.”

Dan believes this different mentality of approaching project schedules with the end user in mind, combined with a higher level of upfront planning, is what makes TP Mechanical stand apart from other mechanical contractors.

Learn more about our fabrication abilities by visiting our website tpmechanical.com/fabrication.

Save Lives: Don’t Be a Distracted Driver

Presented by TP Mechanical | Provided by HORAN

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nine people are killed and over 1,000 others are injured every day in accidents that involve a distracted driver in the United States. The National Safety Council observes April as Distracted Driving Awareness Month to draw attention to this epidemic.

Distracted driving is driving while doing another activity that takes your attention away from the road, and can greatly increase the chance of a motor vehicle crash. While there is little you can do to control other people’s driving, there is plenty you can do to reduce your own distractions.

There are three main types of distractions:

  1. Visual: taking your eyes off the road
  2. Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
  3. Cognitive: taking your mind off of driving

By practicing safe driving techniques, you can significantly reduce your chances of being involved in an auto accident. In addition to avoiding distractions, it’s important to be aware of other drivers around you and make adjustments to your driving accordingly.