Company News

3rd Annual Gulf Coast Welding and Heating Technology Conference

Join Us September 21, 2016 in Houston, Texas for the 3rd Annual Gulf Coast Welding and Heating Technology Conference presented by Miller.

United Services Group owner’s Stephen Gillman and Josh Armstrong will be a part of the Keynote Presentation on “New Risks and New Rewards in Welding Along the Gulf Coast”.  They will be speaking along with Mike Lang, Fluor, Chris Goocher, Fluor, and Scott Witkowski, Maverick Testing Laboratories.


When:
Wednesday, September 21, 2016


Where:
ITW Welding Miller Hobart Technology Center
15331 Vantage Parkway East
Houston, Texas 77032


Event Times:
Daytime Session: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Free)
Networking/Demonstrations: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Free)
Evening Session: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM ($25 in support of AWS Houston, Texas) AWS Chapter Guest Speaker: Marcus Luttrell


How To Register:
Register through Miller Weld by Clicking Here

join-us-september21-gulfcoastconference

 

Safety Tips: Hearing Protection

Safety Tips: Hearing Protection

Did You Know? Hearing protection is required when noise exposure exceeds an action level of 85 dba.  (For comparison, a table saw has a dba of 95.)  It is estimated that approximately 30 million people in the U.S. are occupationally exposed to hazardous noise levels. Noise is an unwanted sound that can affect job performance, safety, and your health.

OSHA requires all companies to provide fall protection for elevations of four feet in general industry workplace and six feet in the construction industry.  They also require fall protection to be provided when working over any dangerous machinery or equipment regardless of distance.


Signs You Need Ear Protection:
  • If it is necessary for you to speak in a very loud voice, or shout directly into the ear of a person to be understood, it is likely that the noise level is high enough to require hearing protection.
  • If you have roaring or ringing noises in your ears at the end of the workday, you are probably being exposed to too much noise.
  • If speech or music sounds muffled to you after you leave work, but it sounds fairly clear in the morning when you return to work, you are being exposed to noise levels that are causing a temporary hearing loss. In time, this can become permanent if you do not take care.

Proper Use of Ear Protection:
  • Hearing protection should not cause you discomfort. If it does, ask if there are other options that you can try.
  • If foam earplugs are used, they should be inserted correctly into the ear. This is done by squeezing the earplug so that it’s compressed fully, then opening the ear canal by pulling on the top part of the ear with the opposite hand, and carefully sliding the foam earplug into the ear. It is important to hold the earplug in place for 15 seconds so that it expands properly inside the ear canal.
  • Earmuffs are easy to use, but may not offer the same level of protection as most ear plugs. Always check the Noise Reduction Rating of the earmuff or ear plug to ensure you have the right level of protection.

Safety Work Practices & Tips:
  • Use comfortable hearing protection such as earmuffs and earplugs
  • Be sure you’ve been trained to properly insert disposable foam earplugs
  • Avoid inserting/removing earplugs if your hands are dirty. Better to clean first.
  • Take breaks from loud noises even if protective gear is worn.
  • Identify equipment and work areas where signs can be posted to make other workers aware of high noise areas.
  • Make noise sources such as compressors/machines away from workers.

Interesting Sites with Additional Information and Tips:

CWPR Toolbox Talk: Hearing Protection (PDF)

Amerisafe: Hearing Protection

Caterpillar: Hearing Protection (PDF)

Harvard EHS: Hearing Conservation Fact Sheet (PDF)


Sources of Tips and Information in this Post:

OSHA – Occupational Noise Exposure

Caterpillar: Hearing Protection (PDF)

Blog: Insurance Safety Recognition

United Services Group and it’s subsidiaries received a letter of recognition from our insurance company, Federated Insurance, for our exceptional safety record over the last year.  We are happy to have a partner like Nathan Sipp and the Federated Insurance team to help support the team we have here at United Services Group.

The letter read:

Please accept this letter as appreciation and congratulations for your exceptional results in safety. The entire team at Federated Insurance is proud to be a small part of what you do. Your leadership and safety focus on the job site have earned you an exemplary workers compensation experience modification this year. Given the number of man hours, your results were particularly significant and stood out from the rest of our construction clients. Thank you for all you do.

Blog: 5 Reasons Customers choose USG over the Competition

As a company, we hold ourselves to provide our customers with a list of corporate attributes to help us provide our customers with a safe and quality end-product.  We are committed daily to being the best specialty services contractor in the process industry.  Our commitment is driven by these five attributes:  safety, quality, effectiveness, partnership, and continuity.

  1. Safety
    • We have built our company with a commitment to safety and above all else, our employees work performance, is driven by this responsibility.  Our staff is an integral part of our safety culture and we encourage them to take a hands-on approach while in our home office, on a field assignment and through the development of safety processes for continual company improvement. We know through a safety commitment from every member of our team that we can accomplish our goal of zero accidents.  We want every member of our team to return home safely.

  1. Quality
    • We pride ourselves on providing quality services in every facets of the project. We work with our customers to develop quality programs and processes that help decrease the possibility of shortcomings happening on the job-site. Additionally, our team is built with talented and experienced personnel who are the driving force of our organization.  Their commitment to their craft as well as their interest in being cross-trained help provide our customers with a superior product.

  1. Effectiveness
    • We have made a commitment to grow our team. Our goal is to produce high-quality results for our customers.  We set ourselves apart from the competition by building a team of skilled employees and not just assembling a workforce.  Our craftsmen are specialized in their skill sets and our supporting staff is cross-trained to honor our commitment to providing our customers with superior service.

  1. Partnership
    • United Services Group provides our customers with a partner that unites with them to assure their project scope is completed in accordance with their specifications. By becoming part of the project in the early stages, we are able to provide our customers with additional help in the planning phase; off the project, finding ways to improve the schedule and budget for the projects. Additionally, working with our customers on multiple projects, we are able to provide them a level of comfort knowing our business and team from the inside out.

  1. Continuity
    • Offering our customers, a variety of specialty field services provides them with a contractor who is committed to the duration of their project. Being able to tie into every aspect of their project provides our customers peace of mind because our team is handling multiple facets of the project, keeping it on schedule.  Additionally, this continuity provides a cost-savings to our customers by limiting mobilization and providing stability by using the same craft personnel to perform multiple projects.

These five reasons allow United Services Group to thrive in the competitive process industry by proving clients with service excellence.  Much more than just a corporate motto, Achieving Service Excellence is a battle cry for each member of our team starting at the top of our organization. 

Each member of our team is tasked from the moment they are hired on with United Services Group to provide service excellence to our customers through their safety-first mindset and commitment to proving our customers with quality.  As a company, the commitment to service excellence provides us an opportunity to not just perform a job for a customer but to build a partnership with them for years to come.

Safety Tips: Fall Protection

Safety Tips: Fall Protection

Did You Know? Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry.  Falls from elevations account for approximately one-third of all deaths in construction.  Falls can be prevented.  Employers can set-up the job-site and workplace to prevent falls from overhead platforms, elevated work stations, or into holes in the floors and walls.

OSHA requires all companies to provide fall protection for elevations of four feet in general industry workplace and six feet in the construction industry.  They also require fall protection to be provided when working over any dangerous machinery or equipment regardless of distance.


Fall Prevention Safety Tips for Employers (from OSHA’s Alliance Program):
  • Develop a written fall prevention plan.
  • Identify potential fall hazards prior to each project and during daily walkarounds. Pay attention to hazards associated with routine and non-routine tasks.
  • Eliminate the need for fall protection where possible by rescheduling the task, isolating the task, or changing the task.
  • Ensure that fall protection equipment is appropriate for the task, in good condition, and used properly.
  • Conduct general fall prevention training on a regular basis.
  • Train workers on the specific fall hazards identified and on the required personal protective equipment.
    Conduct regular inspections of fall protection equipment in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and OSHA requirements.
  • Emphasize fall hazards unique to the site, such as open floor holes or shafts, riser penetrations, and skylights.
  • Team up with other construction employers and employees to identify best practices and share fall prevention solutions.

Safety Work Practices & Tips:
  • Identify all potential trip­ping and fall hazards before work starts.
  • Look for fall hazards such as unprotected floor openings/edges, shafts, skylights, stairwells, and roof openings/edges.
  • Inspect fall protection equipment for defects before use.
  • Select, wear and use fall protection equipment appropriate for the task.
  • Secure and stabilize all ladders before climbing them.
  • Never stand on the top rung/step of a ladder.
  • Use handrails when you go up or down stairs.
  • Practice good housekeep­ing. Keep cords, welding leads and air hoses out of walkways or adjacent work areas.

Interesting Sites with Additional Information and Tips:

Amerisafe – Checklist for Personal Fall Protection

CWPR Toolbox Talk: Falls from Moving Machinery (PDF)

CWPR Toolbox Talk: Preventing Falls from Scaffolding (PDF)

CWPR Toolbox Talk: General Protection and Awareness (PDF)


Sources of Tips and Information in this Post:

OSHA – Fall Protection: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/fallprotection/

OSHA’s Alliance Safety Tips for Employers and Employees (PDF)

OSHA’s Fall Protection Quick Card (PDF)

Safety Tips: Back Injury Prevention

Back Injury Prevention

Did You Know?  Back injuries account for 1 in 5 workplace accidents.  Lifting heavy items is one of the leading causes of injury in the workplace. When employees use smart lifting practices they are less likely to suffer from back sprains, muscle pulls, wrist injuries, elbow injuries, penal injuries and other injuries caused by lifting heavy objects.   The best way to prevent back injuries is to develop habits that reduce the strain placed on your back. 

As always at United, safety is our top priority!  We want our team to return to work the same way you left.  Please stay safe!

These are some basic things you can do to help prevent an injury:


Proper Lifting Procedures:
  1. Take a balanced stance with your feet about a shoulder-width apart. One foot can be behind the object and the other next to it.
  2. Squat down to lift the object, keeping your heels off the floor. Get as close to the object as you can.
  3. Use your palms to get a secure grip on the load, making sure you’ll be able to maintain a hold on the object without having to switch your grip later.
  4. Lift gradually using your legs, abdominal and buttock muscles and keep the load as close to you as possible. Keep your chin tucked in so as to keep a relatively straight back and neckline.
  5. Once you’re standing, change directions by pointing your feet in the direction you want to go and turn your whole body. Avoid twisting at your waist while carrying.
  6. When you put a load down, use these same guidelines, in reverse.

Avoid Lifting and Bending Whenever Possible:
  • Anytime you can spare your back the stress and strain of lifting and bending, do so!
  • Place objects up off the floor: If you can set something down on a table or other elevated surface instead of the floor, do it so you won’t have to reach down to pick it up again.
  • Raise/lower shelves: The best zone for lifting is between your shoulders and your waist.  Put heavier objects on shelves at waist level, lighter objects on lower or higher shelves.
  • Use carts/dollies, when available, to move objects instead of carrying them yourself.
  • Use cranes, hoists, lift tables and other lift-assist devices whenever you can.

Safety Work Practices and Tips:
  • Lifting loads heavier than about 50 pounds will increase the risk of injury.
  • Some loads, such large spools of wire, heavy tools and machinery place great stress on muscles, discs, and vertebrae. Use pallet jacks and hand trucks to transport heavy items.
  • Materials that must be manually lifted should be placed at “power zone” height, about mid-thigh to mid-chest.
  • Make sure proper lifting technique is used. (See Above)
  • Maintain neutral and straight spine alignment whenever possible.
  • Bending at knees, not at the waist, helps maintain proper spine alignment.
  • Rotate tasks so employees are not exposed to the same activity for long periods of time.
  • Utilize proper handholds, including handles, slots or holes, with enough room to accommodate gloved hands.
  • Wear proper PPE to avoid finger injuries and contact stress.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.

At-Risk Behaviors to Avoid:
  • Carrying loads on one shoulder, under an arm, or in one hand, creates uneven pressure on the spine.
  • Reaching moves the load away from the back and places considerable strain on the shoulders.
  • Holding items for a long period of time increases the risk of back and shoulder injury.
  • Cold temperatures can cause muscle pulls.

Interesting Sites with Additional Information and Tips:

Safety Toolbox Topics: Back Injury Prevention Techniques

OSHA: Back Injury Prevention Training Guide (PDF)

Grainger QuickTips: Proper Lifting Techniques


Sources of Tips and Information in this Post:

OSHA – Materials Handling: Heavy Lifting 

Oklahoma State EHS Safety Training: Back Safety

News: United Services Group awarded 2nd straight Gold Safety Award

Charlotte, North Carolina – United Services Group was named a recipient of the North Carolina Department of Labor’s Gold Safety Award for the second straight year.  This is the highest safety award issued by the Department of Labor in North Carolina. 

The North Carolina Department of Labor recognizes companies throughout the state that achieves and maintain good safety records for a complete calendar year.  United Services Group has been honored by the North Carolina Department of Labor in each of their first two calendar years in business. 

The Department of Labor designed this program to stimulate interest in accident prevention and to promote safety in the workplace by providing an incentive to employers and employees to maintain a safe and healthful workplace.  The awards program was founded in 1946.

Stephen Gillman, Co-Owner of United Services Group said: “This award is really driven by our craft: the men and women, whom day in and day out make it their priority to provide a safety first obligation to the services we provide the power industry.”  The gold award is awarded to organizations who maintain a D.A.R.T. case rate at least 50 percent below the statewide rate for its industry.  

Stephen continues, “being able to receive the gold award in each of our first two full years in business really shows the power of the individuals that we employ here.  Our company motto is ‘Achieving Service Excellence’ and that excellence begins with safety.  We could not be prouder of the team we have around us.”

As a company, we are committed to providing our workforce the necessary resources to be safe and successful daily.  Every employee plays an integral part in our safety culture and we encourage them to take a hands-on approach while in our home office, on a field assignment and through the development of safety processes for continual company improvement.  The buy-in by each member of our staff allows us to provide safety in all we do.

—-

About United Services Group
United Services Group offers union and non-union field welding and field machining services with expertise in maintenance, life extension, specialty engineering and new construction applications.  We have expertise in multiple industries including both nuclear and fuel power generation, pipeline, petrochemical, refineries and other industrial markets.  For more information, visit our website at www.united-services.com.

Safety Tips: The Fourth of July

Happy Birthday, America! 

The Fourth of July is a huge holiday weekend for many – spending time with family and friends, heading to the beach, barbecuing and of course fireworks! However, all of these activities present an opportunity for injuries to happen.  So before you light off any fireworks or fire up your grill this holiday, take time out to make sure you are taking the necessary safety precautions to keep yourself safe as well as your friends and family. 

We have compiled a small list of safety tips for your holiday weekend adventures as well as a few additional sources for more information!

As always at United, safety is our top priority!  We want our team to return to work the same way you left for your holiday weekend.  Please be safe!


4th of July Safety Tips:
  1. Keep the kids away from the fireworks at all times, and keep spectators at a safe distance. Attending fireworks displays organized by professionals is always safe than trying to put on your own show.
  2. Use Alcohol Responsibly. Alcohol and fireworks can be a hazardous and dangerous combination. Have a designated drive to bring party-goers home from the festivities.  Also note:  Alcohol and swimming combined is just as dangerous as drinking and driving.
  3. Review safe boating practices. Be sure to have the adequate number of life preservers on hand for extra guests and become familiar with boating laws in your area. Don’t drink and drive on your boat as it is illegal to operate your boat while under the influence.
  4. Cover food and beverages while outdoors to discourage bees and other insects from attending your party.
  5. Apply sunscreen before and during an outdoor party. UV rays can cause painful burn the next day and could cause skin cancer in the long term.  Dermatologists recommend a minimum SPF of 15.
  6. Drink plenty of water to avoid heat illness in hot climates. Spend adequate time indoors or in the shade.  The risk of heat illness is increased when participating in strenuous activity or sports.  Alcohol consumption can also promote dehydration and increase the risk.
  7. Keep children away from campfires and grills.
  8. Don’t leave food out all day. U.S. FDA suggests never leaving food out more than one hour when temps are above 90 degrees. Allowing food to sit out in temperatures can invite food-borne illness.
  9. Be a safe swimmer. Never swim alone and make sure the kid’s water play is adequately supervised at all times.
  10. Keep pets indoors.

Interesting Sites with Additional Tips and Information:

American Red Cross: Red Cross Issues Safety Tips For 4th of July Holiday

Protection 1: 4th of July Safety Tips

PetMD: Top 10 Fouth of July Pet Safety Tips


Sources of Tips & Information:

MedicineNet.com – 11 Tips for a Safe Fouth of July

Blog: Anatomy of a USG Welder

The Anatomy of the United Services Group Welder

At United Services Group, we pride ourselves in providing the best and brightest team of specialty labors to complete our projects.  Our team is built on a philosophy of providing service excellence to our customers.  Service excellence is defined as providing our clients with four major aspects on every project: safety, quality, affordability and effectiveness.  These keys provide our customers with a partner that unites with them to assure their project scope is completed in accordance with their specifications.

Our team is dedicated to their craft.  We have set ourselves apart from the competition by building a skilled team and just not assembling a workforce.  At United Services Group, we value providing each customer with a versatile group of craft labor.  Providing versatility helps cut down on unnecessary pass through costs to our customers and ultimately helping the project stay on budget.

 

What do the welders carry in their “toolbox” to the job-site?

Safety Mindset Every employee employed by United Services Group is committed to safety.  Their work performance is driven by this responsibility. We begin the implement our safety practices from an employee’s first day as a member of our team.  From daily job briefs, weekly safety meetings and yearly conducted safety workshops; we are taking the crucial steps to provide our employees the tools necessary to perform every task they begin with a safety focus.  We encourage them to start each job with one simple question:  Is this task as safe as it can be?

Strong Work Ethic – Our employees are committed to their craft.  They show up on each project with everything they need to perform their best work.  They work diligently to present their best work day in and day out on the job-site.

Well-Trained – Our employees are certified and trained on various weld processes in our facility.  Before beginning a new project, each employee completes a refresher course on these processes.

Teamwork – Our welders have worked in a team environment on all of our projects.  Each person knows their role on the team and can perform it to the best of their ability.  They are able to easily adapt at the lead of project management and execute as changes present themselves in the schedule.

Experience –  On average our welders have over 15 years’ experience welding various weld processes.  They are also very experienced working on new construction and outage projects.  They are able to easily step in and hit the ground running at the start of the project.

 

By the Numbers:

98% Percentage – Since the start of United Services Group in September 2013, our welders have averaged less than two percent (2%) reject rate on our projects.  They have run multiple projects where our teams have completed projects without a weld rejection.

0 – At the time of this post, our company has worked over 425,000 hours without a lost time accident and without an OSHA recordable injury.  We pride ourselves in providing the safety specialty services in the industry.

Anatomy-of-a-United-Welder-Infographic

Blog: The Hat of Summer | www.USGGear.com

USGGear-FLASH40-Sale-HELLOSUMMER

With the start of summer just around the corner, we are excited to announce a promo code for all USGGear fans.  Use the code HELLOSUMMER between now and July 1, 2016 for 40% off all hats on our gear website:  www.usggear.com.  Go grab that hat you have been eyeing all spring!