Traditionally, outdoor projects start in the spring with a good chance that it will require digging.  Whether homeowner, excavator, or facility owner, there is shared responsibility in safety that comes with the digging process. Using the PA 811 system communicates the need of locating utility lines before the digging phase begins to help prevent injuries, property damage, and inconvenient utility outages under Pennsylvania law. During the month of April, Pennsylvania 811 Safe Digging Month serves as a reminder to all excavators and homeowners to call 811 at least three business days before you dig.  The call will submit a request so that the approximate location of an underground utility can be identified and marked by facility owners. To prevent injury and utility disturbance (don’t upset the neighbors), let’s take a closer look at what is involved for the DIY homeowner, contracted excavator, and facility owners. Homeowners If you are a [...]

According to CDC statistics, slips, trips, and falls are the number one cause of construction worker fatalities, accounting for one-third of all on-the-job deaths in the industry.  Hazards can range from being well hidden to extremely noticeable.  But there is good news - these incidents are very preventable. Taking proper precautions on the job site every day and paying special attention during winter weather will help prevent employee injury. Perform A Daily Jobsite Assessment Evaluate worksites for dangerous hazards and develop a plan for each day. Check that worksites and passageways remain reasonably clean and free from obstructions. Pay close attention to protruding nails, objects, splinters, holes, loose boards, or other hindrances. Check for uneven or slippery areas. Check and gear up for the weather. Communicate plan to field team. Maintain Good Housekeeping Practices A clean-as-you-go method makes sure trash and waste materials are picked up immediately rather than coming [...]

February 19, 2021 In an industry as unique as fencing, third-party training options were falling short of being specific enough to our company’s values and our staff’s most performed tasks.  There are certain trainings, like OSHA and HAZWOPER, that are irreplaceable, but we wanted more for our team.  We wanted to share those personal years of knowledge and experience, our history of lessons learned, and our prioritizing culture of safety to all team members. So, in the spring of 2020, we initiated what we refer to as our Company-Specific Training Program.  A now vital tool for our staff, management, and field teams—tailored to their everyday experiences and needs. The RFI Conception of Leadership As Rutkoski Fencing, Inc. (RFI) began diversifying into high security, utility, government and industrial, and commercial markets, we were also moving toward more heavy civil construction, such as excavation, drilling, drilled pier foundations, and site restoration.  During [...]

January 12, 2021 You may think the most hazardous “gas” in your home is the one coming from your dog, but there are certainly many more toxic gases that you can be harmful if exposed. The American Association of Poison Control Centers reported that over 90% of poison exposures occur within the home. Hazardous gas exposure can occur from household cleaning products to naturally occurring environmental causes. What is the best way to stay safe? Be aware of toxic gas warning signs and equip your house with the necessary detection equipment. Radon The month of January is dedicated as National Radon Action Month for good reason.  This invisible toxic gas is a colorless, odorless, and present in the environment naturally. High radon levels afflict nearly 1 in every 15 homes in the United States, many people are unaware that this is a problem in their house. It is produced from [...]

December 9, 2020 The 2020 holiday season is quite different from any other we have known before. Beginning in November and ending mid-January, there are several tips to remember about seasonal safety.  But the most important safety advice this year is to simply follow the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) COVID-19 guidelines. We have put together a list of common holiday health and safety recommendations that includes virus precautions to keep you and your family out of harm’s way.  Let's keep safety at the forefront of our minds. COVID-19 Prevention Holiday cheer is not the only thing you can spread during the Christmas season. This season the holidays are being celebrated in an unusual but inventive way to protect ourselves and our family members. Choose Small Gatherings - Due to the pandemic, the safest way to celebrate is to have very small family gatherings, if any at all. Many families [...]

November 18, 2020 Judging by the sprinkle of snow on the ground this morning, winter is approaching! While you are preparing for the season by holiday decorating and baking cookies for Santa, or your career takes you outdoors in the brisk elements, there are a few safety measures to follow that will keep you safe from cold related illnesses. Gear Up! Wearing warm, insulated layers will help protect your body against cold stress. Wearing a hat, gloves, scarf, insulated socks, waterproof footwear, and a neck/face mask will help preserve body heat and protect your vulnerable extremities. A bonus feature of wearing a mask to prevent the spread of coronavirus, it will protect your face against the cold too! Plan Ahead Check the weather forecast before planning a day outside. If you are working outside, pre-planning could help you schedule tasks during the warmest parts of the day. Don’t forget to [...]

During the week of August 10th through 16th, Rutkoski Fencing, Inc. and Merut Construction Corporation joined thousands of other companies in the nationwide National Safety Council event called “Safe + Sound Week”. The annual event is intended to raise awareness and remind workers about the importance of proactive health and safety programs. Our proactive approach to safety is to find and correct potential hazards before an incident occurs. The safety team applied this event to create a friendly competition by providing an opportunity for employees to be awarded as an individual and as a field team for participation. Employee participation was encouraged in two ways. The first approach was through on-site field safety. Throughout the week, members of the health, safety, and environment department performed site inspections on each project site. Scaled on a point system, the project site with the safest inspection would be awarded a catered lunch of [...]