Flashings

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USGBC launches green schools effort

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has launched its "Fifty for Fifty" initiative, which works with state lawmakers in all 50 states to promote green schools. The initiative's goal is for every state legislature to have its own caucus or working group of lawmakers advancing green schools.

USGBC's "Fifty for Fifty" initiative provides state legislatures with current information about green building developments and technologies, networking opportunities with like-minded legislatures, partnership opportunities with local professionals, and opportunities to present best practices in regional and national forums.

Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico and Virginia legislatures are launching the initiative.

"For students and families across the country, more green schools ultimately mean more effective educational facilities, significant operating cost savings, a better environment and healthier communities," says Rick Fedrizzi, USGBC's president, chief executive officer and founding chair. "The caucuses will add the significant weight of their voices to this critically important effort. If we're successful at creating green schools for every child, no matter his or her economic bracket, we'll raise a generation of smart, healthier, inspired kids."

Disciplining employees for off-duty conduct

If you're considering disciplining an employee for the way he or she behaves off-duty, be sure you have legitimate justification for your actions. Several states don't allow employers to discipline their employees for performing legal activities while not at work. However, action can be taken if an employee's off-duty activities make your company vulnerable to legal or financial consequences.

Here are some precautions to take when deciding whether to discipline an employee for something he or she has done while not at work:

• Seek legal counsel. Talk with your company's legal counsel before disciplining an employee for off-duty conduct.
• Focus on business issues. You must have a business-related concern to justify disciplining an employee for off-duty conduct. If an employee's off-duty conduct is affecting the employee's work performance, you may have legitimate justification for disciplining the employee.
• Be cautious of competitors. Some state courts may not allow employers to discipline employees who socialize with competing companies' employees. It often is best to have employees sign nondisclosure agreements.
• Remain consistent. Make sure you apply rules and policies consistently among all employees.

Source: Adapted from The Manager's Intelligence Report, September issue

Fewer workers died on the job during 2007

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 5,488 workers were killed on the job during 2007, which is a 6 percent decrease from the 5,840 deaths reported during 2006 and the fewest workplace deaths reported since BLS began tracking data in 1992.

However, there were increases in some types of fatal workplace injuries. Workplace homicides increased 13 percent to 610 from an all-time low in 2006, and a record 835 workers died from falls.

BLS states the U.S.' most dangerous occupations are held by fishermen and fishing-related workers with a rate of 111.8 fatal injuries per 100,000 workers; logging workers with a rate of 86.4; aircraft pilots and flight engineers with a rate of 66.7; and structural iron and steel workers with a rate of 45.5.

The construction industry experienced a 5 percent decrease from the 1,239 deaths recorded during 2006 to 1,178 during 2007. However, this is still more deaths than were recorded in any other private-sector industry. In 2007, there were 10.3 fatal work injuries for every 100,000 construction workers.

Overall, during 2007, there were 3.7 fatal injuries for every 100,000 U.S. workers, the lowest annual rate ever reported by BLS' census.

BASF raises prices

BASF has increased prices for its Butonal® and Butofan® styrene-butadiene high-solids and medium-solids latex products by 11 cents per wet pound. The products are used in the adhesives, construction, sealants, saturation, asphalt and foam markets. The price increase went into effect Sept. 15.

BASF attributes the price increase to a rise in raw material costs, especially butadiene, which has significantly affected the company.

FM Approvals makes guide available online

FM Approvals has made its Approval Guide available online at www.approvalguide.com. The Web-based database is free and can help users choose equipment and materials to protect commercial properties from damage. The guide provides current information about 50,000 FM-approved fire-protection products, building materials, electrical equipment and services.

"FM Approvals believes this complete online access to its Approval Guide data will prove invaluable for users so they can have more confidence in the choices they make to prevent and reduce property risks," says Paris Stavrianidis, FM Approvals' manager.

Details

Michael Sasse

What is your position within your company?
I'm president of Commonwealth Roofing Corp., Louisville, Ky.

What is the most unusual roofing project you've performed?
The dome of the Kentucky state capitol building

Why did you become a roofing contractor?
A good friend's father ran a roofing company, and I went to work with him after a bad tornado went through Louisville in April 1974. That friend was Rick Steinrock, now president of American Roofing & Metal, Louisville, and an NRCA Executive Committee member. I went to work for Rick when he went on his own then bought into my company in 1981.

What was your first roofing experience?
Nailing shingles on a suburban home

If you weren't a roofing contractor, what do you think you would be?
A writer or musician

List three words that describe yourself.
Christian family man

Where is your favorite place to travel on vacation?
Kaanapali Beach in Maui, Hawaii

Name one extravagance that you allow yourself.
My pipe (black Cavendish with a little Burley mixed in)

What is the most high-tech thing in your house?
A geothermal heat pump

What's your favorite television show?
"Top Gear"

If you could invite any three people to dinner (dead or alive), whom would you invite and why?
C. S. Lewis because I like theology; Winston Churchill for his historical perspective and wit; and my sister Nancy who died from a sudden illness last winter—you always want one more time with loved ones you've lost.

What do you like most about your job?
Implementing redemptive solutions to problems for my employees and customers. Identifying root problems, establishing solutions and watching them work is a kick.

What is your roofing industry involvement?
I am founding president and director of the Greater Louisville Roofing Contractors Association; president and director of the Kentucky Roofing Contractors Association; and a director for NRCA and the National Roofing Legal Resource Center.

People would be surprised to know…
As a teenager, I was a hippie folk/rock musician, and I'm still a good rhythm guitarist.

When an employee won't ask for your help

Not all employees are comfortable asking a supervisor for help. Often, employees will try to obtain information without directly asking you. Here are some signs an employee may need help but is afraid to ask:

• The employee asks everyone but you for help. Watch for an increase in conversations that may stop abruptly when you approach. More important, look for other employees falling behind in their work because they're helping the employee who is reluctant to approach you.
• The employee asks "causal" questions. These questions may be vague and relate indirectly to the topic causing the employee confusion. They are an attempt to get help without letting you know it's needed.
• The employee avoids your questions. Be sure to follow up if an employee dodges your questions about deadlines or a project's progress. This may indicate the employee has chosen to work through a problem alone in the hope that he or she will stumble upon a solution.

Source: Adapted from The Manager's Intelligence Report, April issue

Portland offers vegetative roof system incentive

The Bureau of Environmental Services in Portland, Ore., will offer incentives to install new vegetative roof systems in the city. The incentives are part of Portland's Grey to Green program, which is working to increase the city's environmentally friendly storm water management infrastructure.

The Grey to Green program's goal is to add 43 acres of vegetative roof systems in Portland during the next five years. The incentive grants will pay up to $5 per square foot for new vegetative roof systems. The city will spend about $300,000 in vegetative roof system grants during this fiscal year and will make the grants available for five years.

Industrial, residential, commercial and mixed-use projects are eligible for the incentives. An Environmental Services committee will review applications and award grants quarterly. Grant application packets are available at www.portlandonline.com/bes/ecoroof or by calling (503) 823-7914.