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2006 Tip of the Month Archive
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April 2006: Strengthen Negotiation Skills
May 2006: Safely Cleaning a Spreader
June 2006: Local Marketing Help
August 2006: Employee Sign-Off Sheets
October 2006: Trick, or treat Your Transmission Right?
November 2006: Deicing Tips-General Application Techinques
December 2006: Worker's Compensation Help
May 2006: Safety & Training Tips
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Cleaning Spreaders = Safety First
Company policy should forbid anyone from entering a spreader hopper to clean thoroughly while the conveyer chain is in activation mode. A slip could result in getting a leg or arm caught in the mechanism and lead to dismemberment and/or serious injury. We ask personnel to tap on the outside of hopper with a rubber mallet, and if need be, enter the hopper with the truck and spreader shut-down while dislodging tuck products.
This tip submitted by Paul Fulmore, CSP in Dedham, MA
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April 2006: Strengthen Negotiation Skills
Consider joining a negotiation class in your area. You can learn new negotiation skills, and many of these courses are attended by agents working for procurement and purchasing departments of cities, towns, and more. It's a great way to network and meet potential clients.
This tip provided by Nancy Sullivan in Auburn, MA
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June 2006: Local Marketing Help
Become a member of the Chamber of Commerce or the Better Business Bureau in your city or town. It helps to add credentials to a small or large business, and can improve your image.
The Chamber of Commerce in our area sponsors breakfasts that are 'cheap' and you get to rub elbows with the big shots of local companies who are making the decisions. It also offers small to large discounts to the business owners in the community.
This tip provided by Nancy Sullivan in Auburn, MA
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August 2006: Employee Sign-Off Sheets
Maintain training sign off sheets in every employee file. In other words, employees need to be trained on each individual piece of equipment. After training, have the employee sign off on the sign-off sheet. The employee should have to run the equipment to demonstrate their ability, comprehension, and competence.
Special thanks to Brian Walters of RMG Enterprises LLC in NY for this tip.
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October 2006: Trick or Treat your transmission right?
When preparing your crews for the season, it's always important to keep transmissions in mind. Here are some tips taken from SIMA's Basic Snowplowing Techniques training video:
-Come to a complete stop before shifting into reverse
-Wait until the transmission engages before accelerating
-Avoid spinning wheels by easing off the gas, allowing the wheels to grip the surface
-Design plowing pattern so you can move in forward gear as much as possible
-Avoid riding the clutch on trucks with manual transmission
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November 2006: Deicing Tips-General Application Techinques
Refresh your crews to ensure sage and efficeint deicing techniques. This information was taken from SIMA's Basic Principles of Ice Control video.
-On parking lots that have active traffic, apply deicer to the entrances and exits first, then to the drive lanes and aisles. Not only will this start the melting process in these high traffic areas, but vehicle traffic will help move some of the deicer into the parking stalls.
-Shut the spreader off completely when pedestrians are present
-Use the wind to your advantage by spreading on the upwind side
-Since deicer brine will flow down and across a banked curve, spread material on the high side, let gravity work for you
When finished, take a moment to look over the entire job site making sure nothing has been missed
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December 2006: Worker's Compensation Help
Worker's compensation is one expense that can not or should not be avoiced. Most businesses assume that their policies are issued correctly with the right rates, classes, discounts etc. Mistakes or assumptions are made at times. Audit companies are able to look at your policy and payroll records during and after your annual insurance audit and find ways to reduce your costs. These firms work on a contingency basis and if they save you money, they may get a % of that savings. If they don't save you money, you don't pay a dime.
This tip provided by Nancy Sullivan of Sullivan Contracting and Landscaping in MA
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