Any QC/QA director will tell you that having a clean, organized lab environment lends itself to safety. Let’s look a little more deeply at safety in the lab.

Almost all preparation and testing of asphalt requires heating or cooling it to potentially dangerous temperatures. Your activities may require fire-retardant and heat-resistant clothing; eye protection; and gloves; and in some cases, ventilation (fume hoods), respirators, or self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) may be required.

Always use caution when handling asphalt samples or working around the lab area. Remember, the sample can or jar sitting there might have been in an oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit or higher just a few moments ago. If special equipment for handling of sample containers is provided with the testing or preparation equipment, use it.

As always, the most important aspect of safety in the workplace is knowing what needs to be done and having a prepared plan for accomplishing it. Know ahead of time what you will need to perform the next task properly and safely and have those items ready for use in the work area. Always check the immediate area around the next machine or workstation in the lab to ensure that you have a place to put the material from the previous step, and that no obstructions are in the way.

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Transportation construction companies from four states were recognized Sept. 26 for their outstanding employee safety programs during the American Road & Transportation Builders Association’s (ARTBA) Annual Convention, held in Nashville, Tenn.

The annual ARTBA “Contractor Safety Awards” were created to promote worker safety and health as core values of the transportation design and construction industry.

The contractor finalists were competitively selected, based upon their accident and injury rates on work sites as reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); their Experience Modification Rates (EMRs) as determined by their insurance carriers; and their safety programs. Finalists from three different categories, based on the personnel hours worked in the previous year, were invited to present before a panel of industry judges.

Winners were selected based on demonstration of key principles of safety excellence including management commitment, employee participation, incident investigation, auditing, planning and risk assessment.

The size categories are companies with 1) less than a million personnel hours worked in the previous year; 2) 1 million – 3 million; 3) Over 3 million.

The awards were presented as follows:

• Under a million personnel hours = WW Clyde, Orem, Utah; Texas Sterling Construction Co., Houston, Texas (tie).
• 1 million – 3 million personnel hours = Superior Construction, Portage, Ind.
• Over 3 million personnel hours = Lane Construction Corp., Cheshire, Conn. 

Three transportation construction professionals, a transportation researcher, and a company program that connects and empowers female employees were all honored with the American Road and Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) Foundation’s “Women Leaders in Transportation Design & Construction” awards Sept. 26. The honors were bestowed during the association’s national convention in Nashville, Tenn.

Ethel Birchland Lifetime Achievement Award

Named for an ARTBA executive from the mid-1920s, this award is given to individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership, long-term service in the industry’s public or private sectors and dedication to the advancement of innovation and other women leaders.

Regine C. Beauboeuf, PE, senior vice president and director of Infrastructure and Mobility Equity, HNTB Corp.

After 37 years in the transportation and infrastructure industry, including as a supervising engineer for the Michigan Department of Transportation, Beauboeuf brings unparalleled experience to large, complex projects. She has managed some of HNTB’s key design-build projects and public-private-partnership ventures. In her current role as director of Infrastructure and Mobility Equity, she is charged with providing technical expertise and leadership on HNTB’s ongoing efforts advancing equity through the organization’s existing work, enhancing its Partners Program, increasing opportunities for historically underutilized businesses and collaborating with industry associations. As vice chair of Michigan Women Forward and through her affiliation with numerous social service organizations, Beauboeuf has worked tirelessly to advance opportunities for women.

Amy Schroeder, highways development program manager, Idaho Transportation Department (ITD)

Amy Schroeder manages the Innovative Contracting Unit for ITD, where she plans and implements comprehensive transportation system improvements. This includes Idaho’s award-winning Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle (GARVEE) program, which funded 59 highway improvements, and helped reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities by 80 percent. Throughout her career, Schroeder has shared her knowledge and passion for transportation design and construction with younger generations of women through the “Engineering Girls” program at Boise State University and the American Legion Auxiliary “Girl’s State” program.

Meet a Woman of Asphalt: StoryBuilt’s Jeani Ringkob

The Glass Hammer Award

This award honors companies in the transportation construction industry that have innovative programs and activities directed at successfully promoting women leaders within their organization.

RS&H

In 2019, a group of women at architecture/engineering firm RS&H launched the Ignite Women’s Professional Network – a forum for female associates to participate in the growth of the company while advancing opportunities for women to lead, advocate and connect. The 140-person network enhances awareness of challenges women face in the industry, prompting meaningful change within the company and externally. The women of Ignite provide direction for new programming, bring recommendations to executive team members, and consult with the human resources team. Since its inception, the number of women in senior leadership roles increased 140 percent, women serving on the executive team increased 35 percent, and women promotions increased eight percent.

Meet a Woman of Asphalt: Lehman-Roberts’ Maria Bennett

Future Industry Leader Spotlight Award

This award recognizes students enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies at a U.S. college or university who have achieved an outstanding academic record and demonstrated extraordinary leadership skills within and outside of the academic environment.

Kamalen Santos-Diaz, BS, MS

Santos-Diaz is a recent graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso, where she earned a master’s and bachelor’s of science in civil engineering. During her master’s program, she conducted research on electrified roadways for the National Science Foundation Engineering Research Center on “Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification” (ASPIRE). She plans to pursue a doctorate in civil engineering and aims to one day work on sustainability issues at the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Leah Helmer

Helmer is pursuing a bachelor’s of science in construction management at Louisiana State University. She also works full-time for Blythe Construction, a heavy highway contracting firm where she has risen through the ranks from plant laborer to project coordinator and engineer in training. As a member of the company’s Community Service Committee, she participates in numerous philanthropic activities and through her involvement in the National Association of Women in Construction, Helmer supports other women in the industry. Upon completing her bachelor’s, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in business administration.

Those of you who read these notes on a regular basis know I admit to re-writing and editing the living daylights out of them prior to publication. I tend to obsess. Count this treatise on sensor and wiring updates among those receiving the obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment before upload because, true to form, I felt the need to extrapolate the minor inconvenience taking place in my life onto the entire industry.

Here we go.

If you own or operate a hot-mix asphalt (HMA) plant, you’re keenly aware of the benefits of automating the control of that plant. Updating blending systems that store and measure out ingredients for multiple mix designs is a smart business practice. Setting alarms that alert you to maintenance schedules as well as potential failure of a belt, weigh pod or what have you is a good business move. I could take up this entire note spelling out the positives for your bottom line after installing or updating operating system features, fleet management software, safety cameras, silo loadout systems, and so on.

But have you stopped to think about the wiring carrying the messages and data? Have you considered the sensors that function like synapses in a brain? Maybe I’m being a touch melodramatic, but old, 1970’s wiring knotted up in a rusting controls cabinet with stuttering motors and failing amperage draw won’t safely and reliably carry the loads that today’s robust controls systems demand. And before anyone gets offended by my suggestion that something made in the 1970s is “old,” please note I was born in 1970 and too often have moments that feel a bit ancient.

Take my internet troubleshooting skills as an example for all of the above. When a person—whether she’s a magazine editor or not—has exhausted her skills for bringing a modem back online, it’s time to bring in the experts. When they suggest new equipment (ie, controls) to solve the problem, yet that equipment doesn’t solve the problem, one must look at the wiring. While the house I live in is not quite as old as I am, I’ve got some questions about the electrical infrastructure leading to the rotting pole at the corner of my property. I share this to point out: there would be no point in replacing the modem and router in the AsphaltPro Magazine editor’s home office if the internet service provider did not also replace the faulty box and wiring on the pole outside.

Are you planning an upgrade to your HMA plant controls system to enhance productivity and profits? Make sure the wiring and sensors feeding power to and from that new system are up to snuff. Make sure they can carry the load and keep you at full capacity, full production for full profit potential.

Stay Safe,

Sandy Lender

 

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) hosted its annual Legislative & Policy Forum (LPF) in Washington D.C. Sept. 20-23 at the Capitol Hill Hyatt Regency. With over 300 attendees, NSSGA conducted committee meetings, hosted dynamic general sessions and held its Hill Day for members to advocate for the industry.

The highlighted speakers included Former Rep. Bill Shuster (PA), who provided the Advocacy Update and Hill Day Prep; Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA) and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (MD), who kicked off Hill Day; a keynote by White House Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu; and insights and analysis by The Cook Report’s Amy Walter. Additionally, NSSGA Board Chair and CEO of Bond Construction, Karen Hubacz, along with NSSGA Vice President of Government & Regulatory Affairs Michele Stanley, gave the 2022 State of the Association.

“We need to make sure we stay unified as an association – all of us – our large, medium, and small producers. While we all have businesses to run, we must also continue to seek common ground on issues important to our industry,” said NSSGA Board Chair and CEO of Bond Construction, Karen Hubacz.

On Hill Day, more than 230 NSSGA members traveled to Capitol Hill to conduct more than 215 meetings with their Representatives. They urged Congress to continue effective implementation of IIJA; remove harmful red tape on material producers; not select material winners in the marketplace; and help the industry with workforce development challenges, which include supporting The Mining Schools Act that will help develop future engineers and miners.

NSSGA’s President & CEO Michael Johnson also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Wildlife Habitat Council’s President Margaret O’Gorman. The agreement continues the working partnership between the organizations to promote sustainability initiatives.

“Our Legislative & Policy Forum is the perfect venue to introduce our members to the Wildlife Habitat Council and continue our long-term partnership,” said NSSGA President & CEO Michael Johnson. “We encourage all our members to take advantage of this unique collaboration and take an active role in creating wildlife habitat creation, restoration and maintenance at their operations.”

Additionally, to close the week, NSSGA debuted a new session, “Unscripted – A Conversation with the NSSGA Leadership,” where members asked questions about the association. Many questions focused on the association’s future goals and the incorporation of becoming more active with the association.

The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) today announced the recipients of the Environmental Excellence Awards and the 2022 winner of the Environmental Leadership Award. The Excellence Awards recognize operations that actively demonstrate a commitment to the exemplary use of environmental controls and systems. NSSGA announced there were a total of 12 Gold winners, 10 Silver winners and 88 Bronze winners.

The NSSGA Environmental Awards (listed below) were recognized during the Sept. 22 lunch at the Legislative & Policy Forum that featured Keynote Speaker Amy Walter. Larry Liebesman was selected as the Environmental Excellence Winner for his dedication and work over the past 20 years in providing NSSGA with legal advice. He most recently authored the NSSGA/ARTBA amicus brief in the Sackett case.

“NSSGA takes pride in our member’s innovative methods and constant drive to operate as top-tier environmental stewards of the land,” said NSSGA President & CEO Michael Johnson. “With the recent Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the demand for aggregates is higher than ever. Our members continue to provide these critical materials while exceeding environmental standards. I am thrilled to congratulate all the environmental winners.”

The top-scoring Gold winner was also chosen as the Platinum winner. It was revealed on-stage during the ceremony as Booneville Sand & Gravel, Hallett Materials, A CRH Company. NSSGA also awarded a National Stars of Excellence Award, which is presented to an operation with multiple Gold Awards in Safety, Community Relations or Environmental Excellence within a five-year period. It was announced that Granite Canyon Quarry of Martin Marietta won for its 2021 Community Relations Excellence and 2022 Environmental Excellence Awards.

A complete listing of the 2022 Award winners can be found at nssga.org/awards.

2022 Environmental Awards of Excellence

Platinum Winner

Booneville Sand and Gravel
Hallett Materials
A CRH Company

Gold Award Winners

Norwood Quarry
Barrett Paving Materials, Inc.
Colas USA

Booneville Sand and Gravel
Hallett Materials
A CRH Company

Ball Ground Quarry
Martin Marietta

Black Rock Quarry
Martin Marietta

Bonds Quarry
Martin Marietta

Fuquay Quarry
Martin Marietta

Granite Canyon Quarry
Martin Marietta

Greenwood Quarry
Martin Marietta

Hatton Quarry
Martin Marietta

Hunter Stone
Martin Marietta

Jones Mill Quarry
Martin Marietta

North Austin Quarry
Martin Marietta

Silver Award Winners

Elk Mills Quarry
Allan Myers

Orange Grove Plant
CalPortland Company

Ames Mine
Martin Marietta

Bridgeport Crushed Stone
Martin Marietta

Idabel Quarry
Martin Marietta

North Bridgeport Quarry
Martin Marietta

Platte Sand and Gravel
Martin Marietta

Woodworth S&G
Martin Marietta

Beck Street Quarry
Staker Parson Materials & Construction
A CRH Company

Saranac Lake Quarry
Upstone Materials, Inc.
Colas USA

Bronze Award Winners

Chelsea Sand & Gravel
Aggregates Industries
Holcim US

Cedar Hill Quarry
Allan Myers

Devault Quarry
Allan Myers

Paradise Quarry
Allan Myers

Talmage Quarry
Allan Myers

Boonville Quarry
Barrett Paving Materials Inc.
Colas USA

Litchfield Quarry
Barrett Paving Materials Inc.
Colas USA

Watertown Quarry
Barrett Paving Materials, Inc.
Colas USA

Rio Rico Plant
CalPortland Company

Alico Quarry
CEMEX

Deerfield Sand Mine
CEMEX

Krome Quarry
CEMEX

Palmdale Sand Mine
CEMEX

St. Catherine Quarry
CEMEX

Union Sand Mine
CEMEX

Bangor Quarry
dba Dirigo Materials
Eurovia Atlantic Coast, LLC

Big Rock Quarry
Granite Construction

Felton Quarry
Granite Construction

Palmer Facility
Granite Construction Company

Garland Aggregates
IA Construction Corporation
Colas, USA

Lippert Aggregates
IA Construction Corp.
Colas USA

Gretna Bottoms Pit
Lyman-Richey Sand & Gravel
A CRH Company

Arcola Yard
Martin Marietta

Augusta Quarry
Martin Marietta Materials

Beckmann Quarry
Martin Marietta Materials

Bedrock Quarry
Martin Marietta Materials

Bells Savoy Sand and Gravel
Martin Marietta

Broken Bow S&G
Martin Marietta

Cook Road Sand & Gravel
Martin Marietta

Davis Quarry
Martin Marietta

Garfield Sand and Gravel
Martin Marietta

Genoa Yard
Martin Marietta

Greco Caliche Pit
Martin Marietta

Gregory Yard
Martin Marietta

Guernsey Quarry
Martin Marietta

Helotes Quarry
Martin Marietta

Hickory Quarry
Martin Marietta

Hondo Quarry
Martin Marietta

Hugo Quarry
Martin Marietta

Katy Yard
Martin Marietta

Kerrville S&G
Martin Marietta

Laredo Yard
Martin Marietta

Medina Rock & Rail
Martin Marietta

Melendy Yard
Martin Marietta

Milford Quarry
Martin Marietta

Mill Creek Granite
Martin Marietta

Millett Yard
Martin Marietta

Mont Belvieu
Martin Marietta

Navasota Yard
Martin Marietta

New Caney Yard
Martin Marietta

North Columbia Quarry
Martin Marietta

Parkdale Quarry
Martin Marietta

Parsons Sand and Gravel
Martin Marietta

Penrose Ranch
Martin Marietta

Perryville S&G
Martin Marietta

Phillipsburg Quarry
Martin Marietta

Pinesburg Quarry
Martin Marietta

Poteet Sand Plant
Martin Marietta

Red Canyon Quarry
Martin Marietta

Robstown Yard
Martin Marietta

Rosenburg Yard
Martin Marietta

Ruby Quarry
Martin Marietta

San Pedro
Martin Marietta

Sawyer Quarry
Martin Marietta

Smithson Valley Quarry
Martin Marietta

Snyder Quarry
Martin Marietta

Specification Aggregates Quarry
Martin Marietta

Sunflower Quarry
Martin Marietta

Taft Sand and Gravel
Martin Marietta

Tin Top Sand and Gravel
Martin Marietta

Tomball Yard
Martin Marietta

Troy Sand & Gravel
Martin Marietta

Tyler Rail
Martin Marietta

Washita Quarry
Martin Marietta

Webberville Sand and Gravel
Martin Marietta

Stoneco of Michigan, Denniston Quarry
Michigan Materials and Aggregate Company
A CRH Company

Stoneco of Michigan, Maybee Quarry
Michigan Materials and Aggregate Company
A CRH Company

Stoneco of Michigan, Newport Quarry
Michigan Materials and Aggregate Company
A CRH Company

Stoneco of Michigan, Ottawa Lake Quarry
Michigan Materials and Aggregate Company
A CRH Company

Louisville Yard
Nugent Sand Company

Channahon
Ozinga Materials & Logistics

Henry
Ozinga Materials & Logistics

Posillico Wash Plant
Posillico Materials, LLC

North Branford Quarry
Tilcon Connecticut Inc.
A CRH Company

Haldorson Pit
United Companies
A CRH Company

Plattsburgh Quarry
Upstone Materials, Inc.
Colas, USA

Dabney Operations
Vulcan Materials Company

Behr Quarry
Wendling Quarries, Inc.