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Have something
you would like to see published in the Frattalone Scoop?
If so, please contact
Shelly in the office.
A Special "thanks"
to all of the drivers, operators, mechanics, laborers and
superintendents who help out with the dome events that
Frattalone Companies contracts in the winter. All who work these
events put in a lot of hours and do a tremendous job. THANKS!
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1. From the Corner Office
As I’m writing this article, it is a brisk –15 degrees outside.
Two days ago it was 40 degrees, and 3 days before that it was –5
degrees. Just like the weather of a Minnesota winter, the current
economic forecast changes drastically daily. How do we predict what
the 2008 construction season has in store for us?
As I have mentioned before, having a diversified company will allow
has to absorb and succeed during the yearly ups and downs of our
economy. With the variety of services and customer types we have, and
the outstanding workforce we employ, I have no reason to not believe
the 2008 construction season will be another successful one for all of
us here at Frattalone Companies.
Currently, this winter has been fairly busy compared to our typical
winters of the past. With our Gander Mountain project in Roanoke,
Virginia continuing to go strong and our other winter projects going
here in the Midwest, we are looking to have one of our better winters
in the history of our company. Looking forward to this 2008 season, I
am fairly optimistic with the current amount of work we are being
asked to bid on.
| After nine long months of negotiations, I am proud
to announce that we have finalized the acquisition of the Dawnway
Landfill in Inver Grove Heights, MN. |
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This acquisition will further diversify our company by not only
allowing us to be more competitive in the demolition industry, but
also gives our other divisions an advantage by having a location with
material availability in the southern part of the metro. Believe it or
not, material prices and locations have a large impact on being the
successful bidder, as well as “making or breaking” a project once
awarded.
So stay warm, enjoy your time with your family and friends and be
ready to have another mutually successful construction season here at
Frattalone Companies.
Best Regards,
Nick Frattalone,
Chief Financial Officer
2. Safety & Training Corner
The training season is well on it’s way at Frattalone Companies. In
fact, many of you may be done already! Good job. Upon completion of
your training don’t forget to submit a copy of your certificates to
the Safety Department. Again, many projects we work on want
documentation submitted to them. This is especially important for Haz-Mat
and OSHA 10 Hour.
If you weren’t able to make our Holiday Party, Frattalone again
drew a winner for the four-wheeler. This year the winner was Joe
Banttari, or “BIG JOE” as many of us know him. Congratulations Joe!
Joe is well deserving of this award and contributes greatly to the
safety program at Frattalone.
Work in Virginia continues to progress steadily. In January, we had
the opportunity to have OSHA Consultation audit our job site in
Roanoke. In general, they seemed to be pleased with our operation, but
did discover a few hazards that needed to be addressed. The hazards
with the respective corrective actions were:
- 1. Standard 1910.1200(f)(05)(i) A container of a hazardous
chemical was not labeled, tagged or marked with the identity of its
contents. A two-gallon gas can used to fuel pipe saw. This hazard
was corrected by removing the gas can from service. All gas cans
were then inspected and properly labeled. Labeling of hazardous
material container will continue to be a challenge but we all need
to pay attention to the containers we are using and verify they are
labeled properly. Taking a marker and writing the chemical name on
the container as it appears in the MSDS can complete this.
- Standard 1910.1200(f)(05)(ii) A container of hazardous chemicals
in the workplace was not labeled, tagged or marked speci- fying the
appropriate hazard warning. A two-gallon gas can used to fuel pipe
saw and bulk diesel fuel tank. Purchasing Hazard Warning Labels
abated this hazard. Hazard warning labels tell the users what type
of hazards exists. The potential hazards are specified by a number
(0-4) in the blue (health), red (fire), and yellow (instability)
diamonds. 0 is normal and 4 is deadly. This system is often referred
to as the NFPA diamond. We are currently looking for suggestions to
fix this problem company wide. Stickers or tags will need to be
purchased and placed on ALL hazardous chemical containers. This will
primarily include our oil, fuel, gas and coolant containers.
- Standard 1926.0251(e)(08)(iii) A synthetic web sling was not
immediately removed from service when it developed snags, punctures,
tears or cuts. Nylon slings used to lift generator. The sling hazard
was immediately abated. It was cut and therefore removed from
service. We did however have to do some retraining on rigging
inspection because the nylon sling was damaged and NOT removed from
service or identified as being damaged.
We all need to do our part and pay particular attention to
defective equipment and remove it from service as needed. Thank you to
everyone for your efforts in completing the required training. Have a
safe remaining winter and I look forward to seeing everyone in spring!
Josh Bernhard, Safety and Training Director
3. Safe Winter Driving Tips
1. Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights.
2. Pay attention.
3. Leave plenty of room for stopping.
4. Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows.
5. Know the current road conditions.
6. Use brakes carefully.
7. Watch for slippery bridge decks.
8. Don’t use your cruise control in wintry conditions.
9. Don’t get overconfident in your 4 x 4 vehicle.
10. Do not pump anti-lock brakes.
11. Look farther ahead in traffic than you normally do.
12. Remember that trucks are heavier than cars.
13. Go slow!!
Tommy Frattalone and one of the new quad axles.
4. ESTIMATING WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH
“It’s tough out there. The housing and construction industry slow
down is bad. It is not unusual to see 15 bidders on a project that, a
couple of years ago, would have had 4. Our estimator just came in from
a pre bid meeting that had so many bidders, he had to park 2 blocks
away. Prices stink as everyone tries to get enough work to keep busy.
Contractors are frightened and nervous over the price of fuel and what
the upcoming construction is going to bring.”
I’ve heard those statements over and over this last year from our
suppliers and our competitors and I agree with them – to a point. I’ve
been an estimator/project manager for 20 years and it’s always “tough
out there”. This year isn’t any different. Certain segments of
the economy are still going strong. We just have to find them.
Sometimes that means we need to bid at a project that is unusual or
far from home. Our field people are second to none and that gives us
the confidence to “take the chance”.
Last year, earthwork, utility, and landfill construction
successfully hit the road with projects in such places as Roanoke,
Virginia and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This spring, demolition will also
hit the road for the first time in a couple of years with projects in
Vincent, Iowa and Lamoure North Dakota.
VINCENT IOWA ELEVATOR
In Vincent, Iowa, we will be cutting the head
house off the top of a grain elevator. We will start 160 feet
above the ground and will take 40 feet off of the top. The
elevator is surrounded by lower structures that are to be
protected. This project will start mid February and take 6 to 8
weeks. Red and Mark Krause are scheduled to go on this one.
LAMOURE, North Dakota
In Lamoure, North Dakota, we will be removing a building for the
federal government. It is a 13,000 square foot, 1 story building.
The nearest landfill is 41 miles away. The project will start March
1st and will take four weeks. Harvey Wyss is scheduled to go on this
one.
Locally, we have just started demolition on the old Rice Street
Con Agra Flour Mill for United Products. Red and Mark Krause are
teamed up on this one. We need to get the crane work done in short
order as it is needed in Vincent Iowa mid February.
We also have several other demolition projects under way or about
to get underway. The moral of the story is –There is work out there.
We will get our share if we keep hustling.
Jim Wutzke
Demolition Division Manager
5. Frattalone Online Store
Now you can order Frattalone apparel on-line. Click on “Frattalone
Store” to the left, under the “about us” heading. There are mens,
womens and childrens clothing items, along with other items available
for purchase. The on-line store is for specialty items only. The
Frattalone Store, located in the office, will still be stocked with
sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, jackets and other miscellaneous items.
Please contact Shelly Boss in the office if you have any questions, if
you need help with an order, or if you have any suggestions as to what
items you would like to see in the on-line store.
6. Holiday Schedule
Listed below are the days that Frattalone Companies will be closed
this year:
Memorial Day - Monday, 5/26/08
Independence Day - Friday, 7/4/08
Labor Day - Monday, 9/1/08
Thanksgiving - Thursday, 11/27/08
Christmas Eve - Wednesday, 12/24/08
Christmas Day - Thursday, 12/25/08
New Years Eve - Wednesday, 12/31/08
New Years Day - Thursday, 1/1/09
7. Fishing Contest
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The 2007-2008 Frattalone fishing contest will be coming to an
end soon. All entries need to be turned in to the office by
March 31st. Please
contact Shelly in the office if you have any
questions.
| Jim Galle, a superintendent at Frattalone
Companies with his 8.8 lb. Walleye that he caught this
winter up in Milltown, WI |
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8. Congratulations!
Employee of the Month
Each month the superintendents nominate an employee whom they feel deserves the title of
“Employee of the Month”. The person chosen receives a gift certificate for $100.00.
Congratulations to the following:
November, 2007—Les Kelly
December, 2007—Dan Sebesta
January, 2008—Anita Elsner
Wedding
Chuck Buche (an equipment operator at
Frattalone Companies) and April Del Castillo were married on January
4th, 2008.
9. Company Meetings
Following are the dates for the all company safety and
informational meetings for 2008. These meetings are a very important
part of keeping you informed of company policies and procedures.
Attendance is mandatory.
· Thursday, 4/24/08
· Thursday, 8/7/08
· Thursday, 10/16/08
All meetings will start at 4:00 p.m.
The safety shoe trucks will be at the start up meeting in April.
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