The Volume 8, Issue 1 Shortcuts are Killers Most of us have the necessary skills and knowledge to do our jobs well, and most of us don t want to hurt ourselves or anyone else. Why then do we take shortcuts, setting up ourselves and others for injury? The following is a list of things we often do, even though we know we shouldn t. You can t fool safety devices but we remove or wedge back safety guards so they won t protect us. We know that flames or sparks are not permitted around flammable liquids but some of us smoke around them. A protruding nail in a guard rail can cause an injury but we don t bother to remove it or bend it over. Horseplay causes a lot of injuries on the job but many of us continue to play practical jokes. We know the safe way to climb a ladder but we climb it with one hand full of tools. We should wear our personal protective eye equipment but we leave our safety glasses in the trailer. We know better than to use chemicals without reading the MSDS but we use the chemical anyway. SAFETY FIRST! STOP NO SHORTCUTS Spring 2014 A bump or bruise to the head can really hurt but we continue to work without our hard hats. It s dangerous to block fire-fighting equipment but we stack boxes of material in front of fire extinguishers. We know not to work within 10 feet of a power line but there s just one more load of pipe to be unloaded. This is a short list, you can probably think of a lot more because we all at one time or another, have been guilty of taking shortcuts. Usually it s because we are attempting to save some time. Occasionally someone comes up with an idea that works, and is a time-saver. That s great, as long as safety is not sacrificed. Your life and your health are too important to risk by taking stupid chances, and this is exactly what 999 out of 1000 shortcuts are stupid. Don t take Shortcuts! If you re injured, the minutes you saved may cost you days, weeks, or months of recovery time.
Page 2 The Union News MEMO TO MEMBERS Barry Evans, Business Manager 2014 is here and the work that we've all been waiting for has finally arrived! The new castor at the Timken Faircrest Steel Facility is underway and two Local 94 contractors, Kauffman and Schmid, are dually manning the work. We've also got the new Fractionizer Unit out at the Marathon Oil Refinery, which has been awarded to BMWC Constructors who will begin construction in March 2014, calling for 50-80 workers. A definitive date has not been set yet, but the City of Canton will be implementing a Water Meter Replacement and Installation Project. The contractor has not been assigned but the Union Hall will keep you informed of any updates as we receive them. This project will have a duration of 18 months and employ 10-15 people. Another upcoming project is the Canton Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrade. Again, the contractor has not yet been assigned, but the project will be underway later this year. In Massillon, Heinz Foods will be hiring for a project lasting around 4-6 months and will employ around 20 people. Our commercial work is holding steady with many projects coming up this year. And as always, safety remains a critical issue, and one that we must remain diligent to enforce. As work continues to grow, we must work hard to maintain a safe and healthy environment for all our members. HEALTH AND WELFARE TO: MEMBERS FROM: The Board of Trustees, below is a summary of material modifications This a the notice of modifications made to the Plumbers & Pipefitters LU #94 s Health and Welfare Fund and is being furnished to you as provided by law. This notice should be kept with your Summary Plan Description booklet. Effective with the January 1, 2014 work month contributions received in excess of the 36 month maximum dollar bank accumulation will be credited to the member s individual Medical Reimbursement Account on a monthly basis. Effective with the January 1, 2014 work month, the 12 month consecutive period required for reinstatement of coverage will be removed. The reinstatement of the eligibility rule will only require receipt of 150 credited hours of employment with one or more contributing employers. Effective January 1, 2014 reimbursements from Medical Reimbursement Accounts will be processed on a monthly basis. Members have been provided an updated form for requests for reimbursement of medical expenses. Remember to please keep this information with your Summary Plan Description. As always, if you have any questions regarding these changes, please contact the Fund Office. For more information contact the Plan Administrator at 33 Fitch Boulevard, Austintown, OH 44515 or call 1-800-435-2388.
Volume 8, Issue 1 Page 3 FYI If you have any questions or need assistance regarding Workers Comp, contact: Joe Narduzzi (330-488-3004) Rob Haren (330-806-8737) The BWC customer contact center is open from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. Their toll-free number is: 1-800-644-6292 MEMBERS PLEASE KEEP US INFORMED! Has your address changed? Has your phone number changed? If you have moved or changed your telephone number, please make sure you inform the office with your new information. Remember, we cannot contact you if we do not have your current and correct contact information. Do you know who your beneficiaries are? You may contact the offices below to make any changes or updates, or visit their websites to download the appropriate paperwork: Plumbers & Pipefitters National Pension Fund (all classifications) Phone: 1-800-638-7422 Website: www.ppnpf.org Local 94 Health & Welfare and Annuity (Building Trade members) Phone: 1-800-435-2388 Website: www.yourunionbenefits.com Ohio State Plumbers & Pipefitters Health & Welfare Plan (MES & Residential members) Phone: 1-866-301-3776 The Holiday checks are sent out 4 times a year and are for the following holidays: Memorial Day 4th of July Labor Day Christmas JATC NEWS The training department will be conducting classes for a Rigging Certification. This certification may turn out to be very important for members of Local 94. It is encouraged that you contact the training coordinator at 330-477-7300 to learn more about the classes.
Page 4 The The Union News 2013 CHRISTMAS PARTY Taking a break from his sleigh leading duties, Rudolph made the rounds at the annual Christmas party. He had a good time putting smiles on the faces of kids and adults alike!
Volume 8, Issue 1 Page 5 2013 CHRISTMAS PARTY Santa stopped in the Mayfield Senior Center to visit with the kids. The party was an afternoon filled with lots of great family fun, plenty of smiles and good cheer!
Plumbers, Pipefitters and Refrigeration Local Union #94 3919 13th St. SW Canton, Ohio 44710 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID CANTON OH PERMIT #1005 CALENDAR OF EVENTS June 4, 2014 Wednesday Retirees Golf Outing Edgewater Golf Course LU94 REMINDERS Union Meetings 2nd Tuesday of each month @ 6:00 pm HE SAID IT... Retirees Club Meetings 3rd Tuesday of each month @ 12:00 noon June 28, 2014 Saturday Local 94 Picnic August 23, 2014 Saturday Local 94 Golf Outing Edgewater Golf Course Our Members are committed to their work, regardless of weather conditions and workplace environments. It doesn't matter if we are outside in the heat or cold, or using less than desired bathroom facilities, the work ethic is brought to the table each and every day and that effort is expected to show up on our pay check and our benefits. LU94 MERCHANDISE ~ FOR SALE Local 94 Business Manager We have T-shirts, hooded sweatshirts, windjackets and hats for sale at the Union Hall. They make great gifts to give or to get! Stop in to purchase your LU94 merchandise.