I ssue 1 2023 S O U T H E A S T Me r i t Shop News f r om t he Sou t he a s t e r n Mi ch i gan Chap t e r o f A s s o c i a t e d Bu i l de r s & Con t r a c t o r s What’s Inside Largest Event in Chapter History Marks 50th Anniversary Monroe Apprentice Heads to National Competition Building the Gordie Howe International Bridge
Contents ABC SEMI STAFF PRESIDENT/CEO Keith Ledbetter kledbetter@abcsemi.org VP OF EDUCATION Deanna Morley dmorley@abcsemi.org DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION Grace Bonventre gbonventre@abcsemi.org COMPTROLLER Dave Staudt dstaudt@abcsemi.org DIRECTOR OF SAFETY Drew Maltese dmaltese@abcsemi.org DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP John Manor jmanor@abcsemi.org DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION Marissa Downs mdowns@abcsemi.org EDUCATION SERVICES COORDINATOR Kaylee Cohen kcohen@abcsemi.org OPERATIONS MANAGER Michelle Wood mwood@abcsemi.org COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Kelly Forrester kforrester@abcsemi.org 2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CHAIRWOMAN Chris Scott, Paul C Scott & Sons Plumbing, Inc. TREASURER Bridget Kewin, O’Donnell Electric, LLC SECRETARY Debbie Starke, LaFemina Trucking CHAPTER ATTORNEY Frank Mamat, Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP DIRECTORS Mark Angellotti, Expert Heating & Cooling Thomas Campbell, Campbell Industrial Contractors, Inc. Robert Clancy, Robert Clancy Contracting, Inc. Stacy Demers, AssuredPartners Frank DiPonio, DiPonio Contracting, Inc. Eric Flessland, Butzel Long Adam Harding, AIS Construction Equipment Corporation Chris Holsbeke Sr, Holsbeke Construction, Inc. Chris Maltese, D.J. Maltese Construction Corp. Matt McConnell, Architectural Hardware & Supply Brian Misaras, Merlo Construction STATE BOARD MEMBERS Luke Beach, Independence Commercial Construction Robert Clancy, Robert Clancy Contracting, Inc. Frank Mamat, Dinsmore & Shohl, LLP Jim Struble, RCI Electric NATIONAL BOARD MEMBERS Robert Clancy, Robert Clancy Contracting, Inc. Chris Scott, Paul C Scott & Sons Plumbing, Inc. CET BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIRMAN Tad Martin, TMX Contracting TREASURER Jim Struble, RCI Electric MEMBERS Jeff Campbell, Campbell Industrial Contractors, Inc. Sean Fisher, Third Coast Electric Jacqueline Kaltz, KaltzCoulombe, PLLC Paige Levy, Douglas Electric Co. 04 10 02 President’s Letter 04 50th Gala 06 The “ABC Guy” Makes His Legacy 08 Christmas in Vegas Serves Up a Hunka-Hunka Good Time 10 2022 Highlighted 50 Years of Merit Shop 12 Monroe Student Wins Big at Craft Championship 14 Single Issue Voters Carry the Day for Democrats in Michigan 15 Careers in Construction: Big Focus in November Election 18 When OSHA Arrives 19 Pamar Enterprises Celebrates 40 Years with ABC 20 On Deck with International Precast Solutions Advertising & Design Sales Representative Ronnie Jacko (503) 445-2234 ronnie@llmpubs.com LLM PUBLICATIONS (503) 445-2220 | (800) 647-1511 www.llmpubs.com 12 Contact Information SEMCA Office (248) 298-3600 31800 Sherman Avenue Madison Heights, MI 48071 ABC SEMI Office (248) 298-3600 31800 Sherman Avenue Madison Heights, MI 48071
Keith Ledbetter | ABC SEMI PRESIDENT/CEO President’s Letter For over 40 years, we’ve grown accustomed to Republicans controlling at least one branch of Michigan government. Many business owners sat on the sidelines in recent elections, having grown too complacent in believing that pro-business policies would remain in place even when new faces arrived in Lansing. And in some cases, pro-business groups endorsed left-leaning candidates, assuming there would always be a Republican back stop to prevent radical changes. As of November, that back stop has been eliminated. ABC’s influence in the halls of state government has never been more important than it will be in 2023. Labor unions have long-fought for preferential treatment in federal, state, and local laws that gives them an upper hand on construction contracts using taxpayer dollars. The assault on the free market will begin in earnest in January. The year ahead is going to serve as a wake-up call as to why we’ve been fighting so hard for so long. We need your help. Sincerely, Keith Ledbetter | President and CEO ABC Southeastern Michigan Chapter 2 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc.
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4 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. 50th GALA More than 300 in attendance for ABC’s 50th anniversary celebration A ballroom dawned with an 18 foot-long American flag could only mean one thing—ABC Southeastern Michigan is celebrating 50 years. On a crisp fall evening in Troy, ABC members put on their best to attend the lavish event at the Detroit Marriott. Complete with a silent auction, dignified speakers, and plenty of laughs, the 50th Anniversary Gala did not disappoint as the “wow” factor of the year. “I am in awe of how amazing it looks in this ballroom,” said Sparkle Blinds, Inc. senior manager, Tanya Strait. “I have been looking forward to coming to this for months. I love coming to ABC events to meet new people and there have already been so many people I’ve connected with, and certainly more conversations to come as the night goes on.” There was a lot of high energy in the ballroom as the program got started. As the doors opened, guests filtered in to get settled at their tables, explore the silent auction, or take advantage of being the first in line for a celebratory drink. At 6:30 the program began with an introduction of the 2023 ABC National Chair-elect Milton Graugnard. Graugnard traveled from Louisiana to congratulate the Southeastern Michigan chapter on 50 years and present a commemorative plaque to ABC SEMI’s staff and members. “Wow! Fifty years is a huge accomplishment to celebrate,” Graugnard said. “Just looking out at all the people filling this room says so much about the members of this chapter. The support for each other and the chapter, the value you see in your membership, and the impact this association has on your business, is inspiring.” The night continued with recognizing four members who have been with ABC SEMI for 40 years. Pamar Enterprises, Douglas Electric, Arrow Concrete, and Flo-Aire were all awarded eagle trophies for hitting this momentous occasion. Other awardees for the night included Eric Davidson for his support of the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy (SEMCA) by funding the Promise Scholarship in memory of RJ Rink. Grace Bonventre, for her constant dedication to SEMCA, Jeff Sessions shares stories of his career with ABC members Olga Kovtun breaks bread with other ABC members at Gala ABC members and guests fill the ballroom at the Detroit Marriott in Troy ALA 50TH ANNI VERSARY GAL A
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 1 2023 5 50TH ANNI VERSARY GAL A and the students was awarded the chapter’s Distinction Award. Perry Merlo was awarded the highest honor, the ABC SEMI Legacy Award, for his unwavering dedication as a board member for over a decade and his leadership during difficult years built the foundation for the success to come. The night did include one surprise award. ABC Southeastern Michigan Chairwoman Chris Scott, owner of Paul C. Scott & Sons Plumbing, took the stage to recognize the hard work that goes on behind the scenes at ABC. “We owe a great debt of gratitude to the man leading this team,” Scott said. “Keith Ledbetter had a vision of where this association could be when he came to us six years ago, and I am so proud of where we stand and what is provided for our members.” The night concluded with special guest former U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions speaking to guests about the importance of free enterprise and working hard for what you’ve got. “Wow! Fifty years is a huge accomplishment to celebrate,” Graugnard said. “Just looking out at all the people filling this room says so much about the members of this chapter. The support for each other and the chapter, the value you see in your membership, and the impact this association has on your business, is inspiring.” Retired architect Ivan Denda and wife Mary share memories at Gala
6 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. The “ABC Guy” Makes His Legacy Perry Merlo Awarded ABC Legacy Award at 50th Gala Following in the footsteps of their father and grandfather, Perry and Ray Merlo founded Merlo Construction Company, Inc. in 1991. Over 30 years, the company evolved from a small concrete contractor into an enterprise with nearly 200 employees working on projects including demolition, earthwork, concrete foundations, and curb and gutter. Merlo Construction joined ABC in 2001 and Perry was designated the “ABC guy” for Merlo Construction. Little did he know the connections he would make, later joining the ABC board of directors in 2011. Perry served in nearly every executive committee role, including secretary, treasurer, and chairman, as well as serving on the ABC of Michigan Board and ABC National Board. During Michigan’s economic downturn of the late 2000s, Perry fought to save his business and a struggling ABC chapter. Faced with unpaid bills, dwindling membership, furloughs, and possible foreclosure, Perry’s unwavering vision and dedication to ABC laid the foundation for years of success to come. In 2016, as chairman of the chapter, Perry led the board to find a new president and ignite what would become a remarkable recovery for the organization—growing its membership for six consecutive years and paying off all debt. Without Perry, ABC Southeastern Michigan would not have survived to see its 50th anniversary. Perry now joins the ranks of Jim Struble and Robert Clancy as an ABC Southeastern Michigan Legacy Award winner. PerryMerlo (middle) accepts Legacy Award fromABC President Keith Ledbetter (left) andVP of Education at SEMCADeannaMorley (right) 50TH ANNI VERSARY GAL A “This room is filled tonight with people who understand hard work and believe in doing their very best,” Sessions said. We want to thank everyone who joined us for our 50th Gala. The staff at ABC is truly humbled by the support from our members. Thank you also to our sponsors: Butzel Long, Architectural Hardware & Supply, AIS Construction Equipment, AssuredPartners, Robert Clancy Contracting, HRPro, Merlo Construction, D.J. Maltese Construction Corporation, ABC Workers’ Comp, Independence Commercial Construction, Inc., Paul C. Scott & Sons Plumbing, Campbell Industrial Contractors, O’Donnell Electric, Patriot Group, ABC Insurance Trust, State Electric, KaltzCoulombe PLLC, VTC Insurance, Expert Heating & Cooling, Dinsmore & Shohl, Baker Tilly, LaFemina Trucking, and Altech Doors. Business DevelopmentManager at SpecializedRecruitingGroupAdam Klug raises a glass with friends TabithaTejero, MikeMiller, and FrankMamat sharing laughs at theVIP reception Cort Niemi from Lighthouse places a bid in the silent auction (left to right) Joseph Aragona, Rep. Andrew Beehler, Mike Harris, and Lisa McClain catching up in the VIP reception Joe and Karen Lietke from Campbell Shaw & Steel all smiles at Gala Presenting sponsor Butzel Long enjoying their private reception with Jeff Sessions and his wife Mary
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 1 2023 7 ADVERTISING RATES STARTING AT $420!
8 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. The Christmas Party—an annual tradition for ABC Southeastern Michigan members—came back with a funky twist for 2022. Attendees were transported to Las Vegas in the form of the SEMCA workshop. Candy canes lined the door, leading to an abundance of holiday spirit. Local casino/entertainment company Lorio Ross Entertainment provided spirited activities for members to test their luck this holiday season. Attendees got to help raise money for ABC SEMI’s Build Your Future Fund, an association scholarship program for trade students attending SEMCA, by playing Vegas style blackjack, craps, and roulette. Literally “gambling” on their future in the trades. “I have to admit, I love craps,” said Jennifer Pinto of American Diversity, a merchandise marketing firm. “This was such a great way to raise money to help a worthy cause and let members have a great night of Vegas in our own back yard. Having Elvis in the house was a nice touch too.” Pinto continued saying that only ABC could pull off having Elvis in a scissor lift to serenade the crowd. Members traveled far and wide to be there for a night of great networking in a Vegas style atmosphere. “What an amazing night,” remarked Andrew Krawczyk, representative for Milwaukee Tool. “I love being able to catch up with so Christmas in Vegas Serves Up a Hunka-Hunka Good Time Record number of ABC members turn up for Christmas Party CHRI STMAS IN VEGAS many of my fellow members and clients in a fun environment. Their Christmas parties are not to be missed—this year was the best so far! I drove all the way from Grand Rapids to be here and am glad I did.” As 2022 comes to a close, leadership at ABC SEMI is optimistic about what the future of the organization will have in the unsure times ahead. “With the changing political tides in Michigan we are unsure what our economy and the impact it will have on the trades will be,” said Keith Ledbetter, President and CEO of ABC SEMI. “One thing I am sure of is that ABC SEMI will be here to continue the fight to make sure our members are able to compete in the trades and fight tooth and nail to embody the merit shop philosophy. This was a great way for us to wrap up our 50th Robert Clancy and Eric Flessland getting in the spirit of the casino games Attendees hoping to win a hand in blackjack
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 1 2023 9 CHR I STMAS IN VEGAS Scott McInerney tries his hand at craps Kevin and Patty Sheridan rolling the die at Christmas In Vegas Andrew Krawczyk, Andrew Schaecher, and Evan McKenzie testing their luck in Roulette The crowd is serenaded by Elvis while Snoopy (Drew Maltese) drives the scissor lift Anniversary year here. Our members and staff had a heck of a year, and this Christmas party was just a hint of some awesome events and activities to come in 2023. Viva Las Vegas, Viva ABC!” Plans are underway for this year’s Christmas party, which will be held again at the SEMCA shop, but we’re turning up the heat for this one. We hope to see everyone for a festive Christmas in Paradise in December.
10 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. ABC SEMI 2022 Last year, ABC members, the board of directors and staff hit the ground running to make sure 2022 was the best year yet. We got off to a snowy start in northern Michigan at the annual January planning conference where members and staff sat down to work out what’s going well for the training academy and association, and how we can better both organizations. After setting goals for the celebratory year, attendees shifted their focus to fun—enjoying an evening in Bay Harbor. 2022 continued to be a great year of growth. The ABC Freedom Room debuted with its grand opening in May, the chapter played host to Congressman Kevin McCarthy and Ret. Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, and hosted its first gala with special guest Former Attorney General Jeff Sessions. What will the next 50 years hold for ABC members? 50 YEARS 2022 HIGHLIGHTED OF MERIT SHOP (left to right) DrewMaltese, Tudor Dixon, Keith Ledbetter, and Christine Scott cut the ribbon to open the FreedomRoom
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 1 2023 11 ABC SEMI 2022 “We’ve come a long way this year and I can’t believe it’s led to 300 people filling this ballroom to celebrate that achievement tonight,” said Butzel Long shareholder Eric Flessland at the 50th Gala. Perhaps a special addition to the Southeastern Michigan chapter last year was the building of the Freedom Room. Four months of construction to make every last detail perfect resulted in a grand patriotic opening ceremony. Since its opening, the Freedom Room has hosted numerous member mixers, board meetings, chamber of commerce events, and provided a space for members to meet with their clients. With a lot of celebration, however, the year closed out on a note of uncertainty for ABC contractors—leaving many wondering what 2023 will bring to the construction industry. “The last few months in 2022 saw a halt in the housing market, increasing inflation, and record high gas prices, which will affect our contractors’ bottom line,” said ABC SEMI president Keith Ledbetter. “Now with a strong blue presence in Lansing, Right to Work laws that allow workers to opt-out of mandatory union membership, and elimination of Project Labor Agreements and Prevailing Wage requirements on government jobs are likely to be eliminated within the first few months of session this year.” Ledbetter continued by noting that 2023 will require a lot more fight and discipline from ABC to protect contractors’ businesses from opposing politics. ScottMcInerney takes a swing at the first Topgolf networking event in August Jesse O’Connor fromTradesman International making connections during the first Member Mixer in August ABCmembers gather at the associations 50th Gala in October ABCmembers and Bluebook partners connect at ABC’s Meet the Generals in September Pam and Perry Merlo enjoying a moment with Tudor Dixon while she ran for Governor of Michigan The team fromMulti Drywall & Partition takes aim in the annual Clay Shoot at the Detroit Gun Club in September
12 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. CR AF T CHAMPIONSHIP Year three electrical apprentice will compete in national competition in Florida CRAFT CHAMPIONSHIP MONROE STUDENT WINS BIG AT A busy college football Saturday in November was not stopping top electrical apprentices from competing for the title of regional craft champion. Ten SEMCA students spent the day participating in a contest that would test their skills as year three and four apprentices. Students were given blueprints for a complex electrical project to be completed in eight hours. All while under the watchful eye of SEMCA instructors who were judging the competition. Gabe Roberts connecting a few wires before claiming the title Eric Shock runs wires through to the outlet while judge and SEMCA instructor Steve Gelardi inspects his panel
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 1 2023 13 CR AF T CHAMPIONSHIP The winner this year was Gabe Roberts, a year three electrical apprentice at the Monroe location and currently working at Deere Electric. This was Roberts’ first year competing and he was up against many worthy competitors. “It is such an honor to have won and to have my parents, fiancée and kids here to see it,” Roberts said. “Working on this project was one thing, but factor in the time constraints and the judges circling around you, just adds to the pressure, but it certainly made me want to work that much harder to impress everyone in that shop.” Roberts continued saying he is ready to take his skills down south and hopefully give a repeat performance. “My boss told me that if I won, he’s packing up and heading to Florida with me to cheer me on,” Roberts said. “So that kind of adds to the pressure, but I’m up for the challenge.” Event coordinator and SEMCA instructor, John Danic noted that in previous years, one, maybe two, competitors would Blake Goerlitz connects the wires inside his fuse box complete their project—but this year, five competitors finished their project and were ready to have them tested. “I am amazed at the dedication displayed by our students here today,” Danic said. “These guys have been working hard and I’m so glad to see we have five who finished this year.” Marissa Downs, the director of education for SEMCA, said that this competition shows the kind of hard work students put in to make a successful career in the trades. “I am so proud of each of the participants here today,” Downs said. “No matter if they finished or not, they pushed themselves way out of their comfort zones and learned something about themselves.” To be invited to participate in the competition, all year three and four students were asked to complete a rigorous written exam and the top 10 were selected to compete. We ask our ABC community to wish Gabe well as he heads to Kissimmee, FL in March to compete at the ABC National Convention. (left to right) Ryan Hester, Russell Ferguson, Stephen Flaga, Blake Goerlitz, Eric Shock, Trevor Barndollar, Maxwell Simon, Gabe Roberts, Deus Walker, and William Dickerhoff stand together after the competition all walking out with a bundle donated by Milwaukee DeusWalker strips wires before connecting Maxwell Simon preps his frame Trevor Barndollar double checking blueprints before the final inspection Gabe Roberts watches as the judges inspect his project
14 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. NOVEMBER ELEC T IONS Michigan saw a blue wave on November 8 Election Day, with the top three GOP candidates—Tudor Dixon, Matt DePerno, and Kristina Karamo—falling to Democrats. In addition, both the Michigan House and Senate switched to Democrat control for the first time on nearly 40 years. According to ABC Michigan President, Jimmy Greene, it was the early stances appealing to the far right that made their electability to independent voters too hard to swallow. It will be this dilemma moving forward that Greene believes will hold GOP candidates back and, frankly, jeopardize the future of merit shop contractors across the state of Michigan. “It is one thing to get the GOP nomination appealing to a certain segment of voters, but in order to win you have to balance that with what the majority feels—often those two views can be polar opposites—that happened across the board at the top of the ticket this election cycle for the GOP,” said Greene. “It was that poor showing at the top that dragged our senate and house candidates down and the reason that the Democrats now hold control of the entire state of Michigan.” Why was the midterm voter turnout so high this time? According to Greene it was a case of Republicans finally getting what they wanted with the overturn of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court that motivated a record number of voters to the polls, with the obvious majority voting Democrat. “This is a frightening trend that, frankly, I see repeating itself in future elections and not just in Michigan, but across the country,” Greene stated. “This is really a blueprint of what can be done in an election where the national trends are working against your candidates. The Democrats in the wake of an unpopular President and weak economy wisely attached themselves to an issue that not only appealed to their base, but the all-important majority of independent voters.” Greene went on to state that voting based on a singular issue will have a devastating effect on the economy and overall growth of Michigan—especially in the construction industry. He believes it will allow things like the repeal of Right to Work and prevailing wage in addition to allowing local units of government to reinstate unfair labor work agreements to happen. Driving the cost of building up making Michigan a less appealing place for companies to do business. “The problem that arises on this passion-filled single issue vote is that you not only get the result you want on that issue, but now all of the unintended consequences and economic impact of a government that has no real checks or balances anymore,” said Greene. “The Democrats own the legislature, governor’s office, secretary of state, and attorney general—rest assured all the promises ‘good and bad’ that candidates made during their elections will be kept unabated. I believe that Right to Work and the appeal of prevailing wage will be some of the first pieces of legislation introduced when the new Democrat led legislative session begins. Despite the political winds blowing against us, I can assure you that ABC Michigan is ready to aggressively fight at every turn to protect and defend our wins.” “This is a frightening trend that, frankly, I see repeating itself in future elections and not just in Michigan, but across the country. This is really a blueprint of what can be done in an election where the national trends are working against your candidates.” » Jimmy Greene, President, ABC Michigan SINGLE ISSUE VOTERS Carry the Day for Democrats in Michigan Dark Days Loom for Merit Shop Contractors
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 1 2023 15 LEADERS V I SI T ABC SEMI The summer of 2022, ABC Southeastern Michigan was an attractive association to visit heading into the November election. The association hosted the minority speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Kevin McCarthy. The congressman was joined by John James, Tom Barrett and Paul Junge, all of whom ran for seats in the House. The visit started with a tour of the Southeast Michigan Construction Academy to highlight the training programs offered by the association’s education affiliate. ABC president and CEO Keith Ledbetter gave an in-depth overview of the training facility and what students learn. (left to right) Paul Junge, JimStruble, Keith Ledbetter, Kevin McCarthy, John James, and TomBarrett engage in a tour of SEMCA Frank DiPonio (second to right) listens as Congressman McCarthy engages the audience with issues facing the construction industry Careers in Construction Big Focus in November Election ABC SEMI Connected Members to Influential Leaders in DC to Discuss Obstacles in the Industry
16 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. LEADERS V I SI T ABC SEMI CEO of State Electric Duane Lobbestael stands for a photo with Congressman McCarthy General Keith Kellogg speaks at the luncheon hosted in the ABC FreedomRoom McCarthy, Junge, and James are ready to get down to business with the welding equipment (left to right) Eric Castiglia, Tudor Dixon, General Keith Kellogg, and Keith Ledbetter pose for a photo after the luncheon Ray Merlo (second to right) relates his frustrations to the congressman regarding running his construction business
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 1 2023 17 LEADERS V I SI T ABC SEMI “It’s very important we show the congressman the impact our training programs have on the students and the industry as a whole,” Ledbetter said. “We need support in Congress to keep growing to support the industry and our members. Now that Congressman McCarthy has been here along with three locals running for congress, we can hope for greater support to connect more people to well-paying careers on a national scale.” Alongside the tour, Congressman McCarthy, James, Barrett, and Junge engaged in a round table discussion with ABC members to understand what obstacles they are facing as construction business owners. “This current administration has made it so hard to get through financially,” said Tad Martin, owner of TMX Contracting. “Certainly, as a business owner it’s been hard, but I met a woman at the gas station last week who didn’t have enough money to fill up her car. What’s worse—she probably voted for this administration and it’s failing her.” Congressman McCarthy ended the roundtable with a note of encouragement that those who joined him for the tour will head to DC shortly and help members. Shortly after Congressman McCarthy’s visit, former Ret. Lt. General Keith Kellogg spent an afternoon at the ABC SEMI office. Kellogg was in town for the Back the Blue event hosted by Brighter Michigan PAC. With an insightful discussion about national security, General Kellogg provided his perspective of the economic downturn and the threats to the American Dream. “We should never take what we have for granted,” said General Kellogg. “Freedom is a precious thing that can be stripped away any second. It takes dedicated individuals to fight and protect our ideals as Americans. Fortunately, I think I’m sitting in a room full of these individuals.”
18 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. OSHA INSPEC T IONS OSHA may inspect any worksite and often does without advance notice. These inspections may cover the entire worksite or only certain operations. Therefore, you should always be prepared for one. Before the Inspection Decide who will be the designated point of contact if an OSHA inspector arrives. Perhaps a human resources department employee or a safety department employee who can readily answer questions that the inspector may ask. Also, make sure everyone in the company knows who should be contacted when the inspector arrives and identify a private room, away from your operations, where the opening conference, interviews, and the closing conference can be conducted. You may want to have a “kit” which includes a notepad, a pen, and a camera so you can document the inspection. Other items to consider adding to your “kit” are a flashlight or a tape measure. During the Inspection A. The Arrival When the OSHA inspector arrives, ask him or her for his or her identification. Then, put the inspector in the designated private room, while you notify the designated point of contact, as well as managers, supervisors, employees, and anyone else on the premises (i.e., contractors, vendors, etc.), that OSHA is here. The point of contact should promptly greet and meet the inspector. If the point of contact is not on the premises, he or she should get onsite as soon as possible. Generally, an inspector will wait up to one or two hours; he or she will then move forward with the inspection. If the point of contact is unavailable, you should have a member of senior management meet with the inspector. walk-around to that specific reason. Notably, every OSHA violation that an OSHA officer sees can be cited, regardless of the reason for the inspection. During the walk-around, always stay with the OSHA officer. You should also mirror the OSHA officer. If the OSHA officer takes a picture or records a video, you should do the same from the same angle so you have a similar picture or video for your file. You should also document everything that the OSHA officer inspects. Lastly, during the walk-around, if there are any violations that can be immediately fixed, immediately fix them, as it may eliminate a citation or decrease a fine. D. The Interviews The inspection proceeds with interviews. The OSHA officer may interview non-management or non-supervisory employees. Employees have the right to refuse to be interviewed. Ensure employees are aware of their right to refuse to be interviewed. If the OSHA officer asks to interview any management or supervisory employees, you may ask for another manager or supervisor, or preferably an attorney, to be present during the interview (you have the right to have a representative, including counsel, present during interviews of management or supervisory employees, but not non-management or non-supervisory employees). An attorney should be present when managers or supervisors are interviewed because their statements can legally bind the company. B. The Opening Conference The inspection begins with the opening conference. During the opening conference, you should ascertain the reason for the inspection. During the opening conference, as well as throughout the duration of the inspection, you should: » Be cooperative and courteous; » Not be sarcastic or argumentative; » Not evade questions or attempt to hide anything; » Provide truthful answers, but not speculate; and » Not volunteer information (i.e., overshare); only answer questions asked. If the OSHA officer requests a copy of a document, make additional copies to keep for your file. You should not feel rushed to provide a document if it is not readily available or if the request seems unreasonable or irrelevant (or the like). Instead, ask the office to put the request in writing so your attorney can review it and possibly contest it. C. The Walk-Around If possible, attempt to limit the scope of the walk-around or target pre-designated or pre-determined routes. Ascertaining the reason for the inspection during the opening conference enhances your ability to limit the scope of the walk-around. If the OSHA officer is there for a specific reason, you may be able to limit the scope of the When OSHA Arrives A Brief Guide on Your Rights and Responses During an OSHA Inspection
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 1 2023 19 PROF I LE E. The Closing Conference The inspection concludes with the closing conference. During the closing conference, the OSHA inspector must provide you with his or her preliminary findings. Preliminary findings, however, do not indicate you will be cited. Therefore, the closing conference is not a time to argue. Rather, it is an opportunity to promote the company’s safety and health programs and commitment to safety and health. During the closing conference, you may be asked to establish timelines for correcting alleged violations. Be cautious in setting dates and allow ample time. During the closing conference, you get the opportunity to ask questions. In addition to asking any questions that you have, you should point out any inaccuracies or issues relative to any allegations made by the OSHA inspector, but do not argue with the OSHA inspector. After the Inspection After the inspection, you should debrief employees who were interviewed by the OSHA officer to determine the nature and the scope of the questions that they were asked. Under no circumstances, however, should you take any action that could be deemed as retaliation against an employee for providing information to OSHA. After the inspection, you should also contact your attorney and advise them of the inspection so they can perhaps work with OSHA to resolve any questions about the worksite and help reduce the chances of a citation being issued. If a citation is issued, your attorney can help you contest the citation. If you have any OSHA related questions or need assistance with any OSHA related matters, please feel free to contact the author of this article, Michael C. Decker, construction attorney with the law firm of Butzel Long, at (248) 379-6602 or decker@butzel.com, or contact ABC Southeastern Michigan Director of Safety, Drew Maltese, at (248) 298-3600 or dmaltese@abcsemi.org. Pamar Enterprises Celebrates 40 Years with ABC In addition to their own 50th anniversary, the family-owned and operated business was recognized for 40 years of membership with ABC Southeastern Michigan. In 1972, Pasquale (Pat) and Mary Ann Acciavatti launched Pamar—a construction site work company. Pamar is currently the longest-serving active member for the chapter and remains dedicated to their 40-year commitment to the merit shop. In the association’s early years, Pat’s unwavering support pushed the association through unfathomable protests, opening the training academy, and spreading the word of the merit shop to gain more members. “It’s been great having Pamar as a strong voice in our association,” said ABC president/CEO Keith Ledbetter. “They have helped shape us into who we are today, and I cannot wait to see where their company is in another 40 years.” The company employs more than 100 workers, serving customers through a variety of services. Pamar specializes in grading, sewer and storm, infrastructure, maintenance, and more. To learn more about their company, visit pamarenterprises.com and be sure to check out that ABC logo on their about page! Pamar Vice President Brian Olesky accepts their ABC 40th Anniversary award
20 Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc. PROF I LE On Deck with International Precast Solutions ABC Company Provides Prefab Surface for Gordie Howe International Bridge The future of commercial building has always been a fertile ground for new and innovative construction technique and development—International Precast Solutions, LLC (IPS) is no exception. This state-of-the-art commercial prefab concrete company is one of the premier suppliers of the decking system for the new international bridge. According to Alex Baker, COO for IPS, they are supplying 1,200 prefabricated concrete and stainless-steel rebar decking sections for the 3-year project. This required IPS to create a completely new form assembly line allowing for multiple pours and a minimum of three sections to be built daily. “This has been the largest project to date that we have been involved in—and that is really saying something,” said Baker. “We provided much of the precast concrete for the Little Caesars Arena, Lifetime Fitness, One of IPS’s many concrete pouring trucks fills up to pour a new bridge deck University of Michigan, Greektown Casino, General Motors to name a few. It is very humbling to have our ‘fingerprints’ all over these major projects in southeast Michigan. Being the largest supplier for the new international crossing is a major source of pride for our team and something we really enjoy being a part of.” With more than 100 employees, IPS is one of the largest employers in River Rouge and employs most of their workforce from the surrounding communities. According to Renzo Collavino, Vice President of IPS, it is a commitment to their employees and their families they do not take lightly. “There is a lot at stake when we take on these major projects,” Collavino said. “Certainly, we want to be profitable, but we need to be mindful of the changing needs in our industry and make sure we are investing in and adapting our facility to meet that need. With a team as large as we have here, we need to know well in advance what our next job will be, and more importantly, that each person who works here will continue to have a job. Our employees have made a commitment to give us their best each day and we want to ensure that is rewarded with stable employment—we take that seriously.” Covering 36-acres in River Rouge, IPS has a large footprint—this is needed to house the number of prefabricated pieces as they cure prior to delivery. In addition, A familiar sight at IPS with a constant pour of concrete
Southeast Michigan Contractors Issue 1 2023 21 IPS was formed in June 2008 when PSI, through its U.S. Holding company, purchased the operating assets of an existing precast operation in River Rouge, Michigan. The formation of IPS provided PSI with the capacity and ability to produce architectural precast components. It also gave PSI additional structural precast production capacity and a major manufacturing plant located on the U.S. side of the border. The two companies can now bid complete precast structures by combining products and cross-marketing each other’s products. Over the years a strong and dedicated management team, with a combined average 25 years of precast experience, has PROF I LE they have their own concrete plant, rail system, and industrial yard cranes to assist in shipping their products all over the country and even the world. “It can be a bit of a workout to cover our facility, but in prefabricated concrete construction you are dealing with large scale products of immense weight—you need a lot of room to properly produce that,” said Baker. “There are a lot of minds and hands involved in creating our products—from design to fabrication— each as important as the rest. It is that teamwork that makes our quality second to none and what sets us apart from our competitors.” been instrumental in growing these two companies, into a full-service structural & architectural precast operation known as The Prestressed Group. International Precast Solutions in River Rouge, Michigan is an AltusGroup Precast Producer. Twenty-two members who are leading concrete manufacturers combine resources to develop, manufacture, and market innovations for new concrete products. Their breakthrough C-GRID® carbon fiber grid reinforced CarbonCast® enclosure systems are ideal for precast walls. C-GRID® thinner precast panels and can reduce the weight by up to 50% while offering significantly improved insulation value and durability. The IPS teamprepares the stainless-steel rebar for theGordieHowebridgedecks Prefabricated decking is laid on the Gordie Howe International Bridge IPS worker lines up rebar before concrete is poured IPS’s dedication to making the bridge decks flawless shows as one worker puts some finishing touches on one section
ABC SEMI Office 31800 Sherman Ave. Madison Heights, MI 48071 (248) 298-3600
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