The 2005 Construction Season is well underway. This season there have been a few changes regarding our Loss Prevention Personnel from Liberty Mutual. David Shirley has moved on to a different position with Liberty Mutual. I wish David the best in his new position and would like to thank David for his efforts to help improve our Loss Control Programs over the past four years. Joe Yuhas will be the new face you will be seeing out in the field most of the time. Stephanie Bostwick will also visit our job sites from time to time. I am looking forward to working with both Joe and Stephanie this year.

When Joe and I met for the first time, Joe asked me which of our “Safety Minded” Supervisors and crew we could “Target” to work with to lead by example and go the extra mile regarding safety and loss control. After some discussion with Joe, I gave Steve Armstrong a call and asked him if he would be willing to check with his crew and be our “Target” crew and be willing to go above and beyond the safety requirements set by the company. Steve and the crew accepted the challenge by making vests and safety glasses mandatory at all times.

Joe and I visited Steve and his crew in Winnebago County. Everyone had on his or her vests and safety glasses. All of the drivers had their seat belts on. Joe and I were very impressed with the commitment to safety of this crew. Joe did find a couple of minor problems when we did a plant inspection, but overall everything at the plant was in good condition and well guarded. Hopefully, in the near future we can initiate a safety committee for the crew to help improve the safety culture even more. Congratulations to Steve and his crew for stepping up to the plate and showing what safety leadership is all about.

On a much less pleasant note we have already tipped over a dump truck, belly dump and a ready mix truck this year. Slow down and be careful!

I would like to take this time to thank all of the members of the different Safety Committees throughout the company for showing their leadership and commitment to the improvement of Manatt’s Safety and Loss Control Programs. These employees are doing the best they can with the tools they are given to make a positive difference in this company. How have you shown your appreciation towards these employees lately? Again, congratulations to everyone that has the courage to serve on a Safety Committee. Positive change is a good thing!

REMEMBER: THE DEFINITION OF INSANITY IS DOING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AGAIN AND EXPECTING DIFFERENT RESULTS!!!!