WorldWide Drilling Resource

WorldWide Drilling Resource ® is a proud member of this association. National Drilling Association Tel: 877-632-4748 Fax: 216-803-9900 www.nda4u.com 11 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® SEPTEMBER 2014 "0",-" - 0 &' '" &) (*-. -&2"- )! )/( ", *# ' !"- "1 -"! &.- *'" +")",- , $ &.- &)$- ((",- ((", &.- &0",.",- " .&++&)$ . &'&2",- ' 1 &.- &+" &+"- *'. *) "".% / - * &'" &. *&) ,*! %*.( &' *( 111 &. *&) /- Safety Just One Topic Covered at 2014 SEDC by WorldWide Drilling Resource ® The recent Shallow Exploration Drillers Clinic (SEDC) at the Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, offered atten- dees numerous informative presenta- tions. Jobsite safety was a key topic of discussion at this year’s clinic. Keeping the drill rig mast away from overhead power lines is vital to any drilling project. First and foremost, it is important to remember, only move the drill rig with the mast down. Before raising the mast, walk com- pletely around the drill rig and deter- mine the minimum horizontal distance from any point on the drill rig to the nearest power line to make sure there is at least 100 feet between the rig and the power line. If the horizontal distance is less than 100 feet and you cannot move the rig a safe distance, you should consult with the local utility company before beginning. Remember, wind can cause both hoist and overhead power lines to move toward each other. Communicating safety issues be- tween management and the crew was also emphasized. M a n a g e m e n t ’ s commitment to safe- ty should be evident to the drill crew. If a crew member stops a task for safety, management should address the concern promptly. The respon- sibi l ity for jobsite safety f lows both ways. Crew mem- bers should remem- ber the following: j If it is not safe, do not do it, and don’t ask or allow coworkers to do it either. j Speak up immediately if you see something unsafe. j If you are not sure of something, or do not understand something, speak up and ask. At the end of the day, everyone wants to go home safely, and good clear communication about safety issues is one way to make sure everyone does. Tom Salm, senior project manager for Terracon, Inc. dur- ing his presentation at the 2014 SEDC. WWDR photo. Construction Industry to Hire More Veterans Adapted from Information by the U.S. Department of Labor In an announcement at A National Symposium: Veterans’ Employment in Construction , a broad coalition of con- struction employers and associations pledged to hire 100,000 veterans over the next five years. More than 100 American construction companies came together to announce the plan to repay veterans for their service to our country. “All men and women who have sac- rificed for our country in our armed serv- ices deserve opportunities for good jobs worthy of their character and their achieve- ments,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. “The Department of Labor will do whatever it takes to help our veterans translate their skills and lead- ership into jobs, and I am inspired by the commitment displayed today by the con- struction industry and all our partners in helping to achieve that mission.” The construction industry is expect- ed to see rapid growth over the next few years; some believe it may even surpass the growth of the economy as a whole. According to estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction will be one of the fastest-growing industries in the nation, with a job growth of more than 1.5 million jobs between now and 2022 - some 2.6%. Construction companies large and small are stepping up to ensure the industry welcomes our country’s veter- ans with good-paying jobs. More than 80 additional companies are committing their training and employment programs to fill new construction jobs with veterans. The construction industry was rep- resented at the announcement by executives of several participating com- panies. Larry L. Melton, project executive for Bechtel Corporation, and a Marine Corps veteran who served in Desert Storm said, “Veterans are invaluable to the construction industry. Men and women who serve in the military often have the traits that are so critical to our success: agility, discipline, integrity, and the drive to get the job done right.” Connecting veterans who are ready to work with the construction industry seems like a perfect fit. Interested in hiring veterans but don’t know where to begin? The Department of Labor Web site (www.dol.gov/vets/) offers the following tools for employers: a How do I find qualified veterans? a What does the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act require? a America's HeroesAt Work: AStep- by-Step Toolkit for Employers. a Strengthening Military Families.