“Now all the winter bells are ringing
Hear them echo through the snow
And the children’s voices singing
On the streets so far below”

I’m one of those people who will randomly play Christmas carols in June or August. My neighbors can hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring ting tingling, too, in September or November. It’s a sickness I don’t necessarily need to cure.

Now that the calendar is just one page, others have joined the revelry for a few weeks. There’s a sort of Hallmark Channel Effect (HCE) going on around us. And there’s nothing wrong with that. We humans like a happy ending. We like the comforting promise of formulaic entertainment with an expected outcome. Christmas songs and movies offer something pleasant we can rely on.

Track with me here.

What are you doing this off-season to prep your business so you can offer humans an expected, reliable outcome in spring 2019? When the New Year hits, you’ll see gobs of social media hounds offering ways to develop and keep resolutions. Have you thought about the ways you’re setting your workers up for success in next year’s construction season? The article featuring Mike Rowe here shares some thoughts on that.

By investing in your team this December, January, February and so on, you lay the groundwork to provide the “formulaic project” with an expected outcome. Whether that’s providing an excellent mix from the plant or placing an excellent mat in the field, you have the opportunity right now to make next year’s profits sing.

As we close the year on a productive and profitable construction season, I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. However you celebrate, I hope you’re able to spend time relaxing and enjoying the company of family and friends. I look forward to checking in with everyone at the trade shows and events coming up in 2019.

Stay Safe,
Sandy Lender

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One of the most vital machines for your paving operation is, of course, the paver. By taking extra time this winter to clean and shore up the paver, you invest in next paving season’s success. The online training course that we offer at this link gives an in-depth look at paver maintenance, including a downloadable checklist for paver operators and mechanics to use, but let’s look at some points of concern right now.

Make sure the paver operator and mechanic working on the paver this winter check for missing bolts and metal fatigue. This is the ideal time to fix those things. Maybe you need to repair or add conveyor belt rubber to the front of the hopper and hopper wings to improve holding capacity. Adding lights to the hopper wings now gives haul truck drivers clear delineation for backing and dumping later. Maybe you need to repair the conveyors in the hopper floor to more efficiently move material. Maybe the flow gates need attention. Whatever the point of concern, now is the time to address it.

– Before you store your paver for the season, there are things you can do to ensure it will have a healthy spring start. You want to start with a thorough cleaning with a biodegradable release agent to get any and all debris and asphalt off all moving parts and extra greasing on chains, sprockets and exposed cylinders.

– Drain the fuel tank and refill it with a winter blend to prevent the fuel from turning to sludge at cold temperatures. You don’t want to leave the tank empty, as it will be prone to rust. Also drain the fuel/water separator. Drain the spray-down system, mixing system, lines and nozzles of water, and flush them with antifreeze.

– Next, secure all the panels and lock the hopper in transport mode. You’ll lock the screed “up” off the ground to keep is from rusting.

– Cover the fume extractor and seats to prevent weathering.

– Even though you’ve stored the paver for the winter, you want to have a schedule posted to start and move the machine at least monthly. Drain and refill the lines of antifreeze, remove the blocks and uncover the fume extraction system. Starting the machine and moving it a bit will charge the battery, move the fuel and hydraulics through the system, and help prolong the life of the tires or tracks.

– Don’t forget company policy. Your team may have additional steps to lock up equipment for the next few months to keep critters or thieves at bay.

Your AsphaltPro staff wishes you a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Weekly Toolbox Tips

Did you know that companies lose around 5 percent of their revenue each year due to fraud, according to the 2018 ACFE Report to the Nations?

Did you know that worker’s compensation fraud is one of the fastest growing areas of fraud, and that the National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that it accounts for approximately 25 percent of fraud perpetrated and costs $7.2 billion annually?

That’s why during International Fraud Awareness Week from November 11 to 17, the team at Asphalt Pro has joined the global effort to minimize the impact of fraud by promoting anti-fraud awareness and education.

We’ve pulled together a list of five must-read articles from our archives to help you predict, detect and investigate potential fraud within your company, as well as how to follow new fraud prevention guidelines.

Help ensure your employees and your business remain honest!

Use Glassdoor Reviews as Fraud Predictors

How Far Can Employers Go to Investigate Workers’ Compensation Fraud?

How to Detect Worker’s Compensation Fraud in Your Construction Company

DOJ’s Fraud Section Issues New Guidance on the Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs

Claim DBE Supply Participation Correctly

Today is America Recycles Day!

Did you know that asphalt pavements are the most recycled material in our entire country. More than paper, plastic, cans, glass or any other material. Unlike many other materials, asphalt is 100 percent reusable.

Around 74 million tons of asphalt were reused in 2014, which is good for our landfills, our environment, and tax payers since a significant portion of asphalt pavements are being reused.

To celebrate America Recycles Day, why not spread the word to your friends and family on social media!

Here are a three ideas to share:

Green Asphalt Produces 100 Percent RAP