MEC&F Expert Engineers : 05/09/17

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Why Falls Remain a Deadly Problem in the Construction Sector and What We Can Do About It





The National Safety Stand-Down: Why Falls Remain a Deadly Problem in the Construction Sector and What We Can Do About It

Posted on by Alissa Zingman, M.D.; Christine M. Branche, Ph.D., FACE; CDR Elizabeth P. Garza, MPH, CPH
Standing on rooftops and rebar are facts of life in the construction industry, but fatal falls from these heights do not have to be. In the United States each year, 10,000 construction workers are seriously injured from falls at the worksite (1). In 2015 alone, 350 construction workers perished due to falls, accounting for nearly 40% of all construction sector fatalities (2). Perhaps not surprisingly, failure to meet OSHA’s Fall Protection Standard was the most common citation in that same year (1).  Non-fatal falls can also cause serious injury. About 10,000 workers sustain injuries in nonfatal falls each year. Injured workers may require surgeries and hospitalizations and they may miss work time and lose pay. Additionally, workers’ families and communities are impacted when they are unable to work, to play with their children, or to help their aging parents.

Hearing loss has been shown to be a risk factor for falls, where hearing deficits may diminish one’s awareness of their overall environment thus making falling and tripping more likely (4). Dangerous noise is common to construction sites, and one in four construction workers who are exposed to noise experience hearing loss (3). Because of the problem of hearing loss, this year it has been added to the construction falls prevention campaign, during which NIOSH, OSHA, and the NORA Construction Sector Council team up to take action. The construction falls prevention campaign, now in its sixth year, draws attention to fall protection and prevention in the United States. The fourth National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, which is linked to the campaign, will be May 8-12, 2017. This year’s efforts will include information on hearing protection.

The Stand-Down takes its cue from the military, in which operations stop, or “stand down,” when a critical safety problem is identified. The National Safety Stand-Down is a voluntary event in which employers stop work and meet with employees to discuss safety. Educational materials are available from CPWR—The Center for Construction Research and Training and other partners at www.stopconstructionfalls.com, and from OSHA, including OSHA’s fall prevention training (1). NIOSH’s ladder safety app and sound level meter app are available for free download. Additional relevant information is available on the NIOSH Falls in the Workplace Topic Page.

The audience for this effort is tremendous. Each year, 9.8 million Americans are employed in the construction sector, one of the most dangerous industries. Unfortunately, nearly half of all deaths on construction sites occur in companies with ten or fewer employees or among those who are self-employed (1). For this reason, a national campaign to reach employers and workers is necessary to raise awareness about life-altering and fatal injuries. Working with large corporations on safety policies is critical, but not sufficient. The campaign is designed to reach construction contractors of all sizes, and this year, special efforts are underway to work with insurance partners. 

Also, reaching Spanish-speaking contractors, supervisors and employees is always important (5), given that 30% of the construction workforce is Hispanic. Spanish-language materials, including videos are available. The campaign and Stand-Down are designed to address the broader construction community, including the workers and employers who are not part of larger organizational structures.

During the Stand-Down employers are encouraged to participate by planning ahead; training their employees in fall prevention, including the proper use of fall protection; using the free resources available; and providing fall protection where relevant. Workplace safety is an issue that affects us all, personally and economically. Let’s take a moment to Stand Down for safety in construction.

Alissa Zingman, M.D.; Christine M. Branche, Ph.D., FACE; CDR Elizabeth P. Garza, MPH, CPH
Alissa Zingman, MD, Occupational and Environmental Medicine Resident, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, on rotation at NIOSH [February 2017]. 
CDR Garza is Assistant Coordinator for the Construction Sector in the NIOSH Office of Construction Safety and Health.
Dr. Branche is Principal Associate Director and Director, Office of Construction Safety and Health.

References

  1. CPWR—The Center for Construction Research and Training. Construction falls prevention campaign. http://stopconstructionfalls.com/. Accessed February 21, 2017.
  2. U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Commonly used statistics. https://www.osha.gov/oshstats/commonstats.html Accessed February 15, 2017.
  3. Masterson E., et al. Trends in Worker Hearing Loss by Industry Sector, 1981-2010. AJIM 2015;58:392–401.
  4. Lin F, Ferrucci L. Hearing Loss Linked to Three-Fold Risk of Falling. John Hopkins Medicine and National Institute of Aging http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/hearing_loss_linked_to_three_fold_risk_of_falling February 27, 2012, Web. 20 March 2017.
  1. NIOSH, ASSE [2015]. Overlapping vulnerabilities: the occupational safety and health of young workers in small construction firms. By Flynn MA, Cunningham TR, Guerin RJ, Keller B, Chapman LJ, Hudson D, Salgado C. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2015- 178.

Cal/OSHA fines $353K D&D Construction Specialties, Inc. and Tyler Development, Inc. for Fatal Drainage Shaft Accident and for multiple workplace safety and health violations





News Release No.: 2017-35                                     Date: May 9, 2017

Cal/OSHA Cites Two Employers for Fatal Drainage Shaft Accident

Los Angeles—Cal/OSHA has cited two companies $352,570 for multiple workplace safety and health violations, including ten serious and three willful category violations, following an incident in which a worker lowered into a 50-foot drainage shaft fell to his death. Neither D&D Construction Specialties, Inc. nor Tyler Development, Inc. followed permit required confined space procedures to work in confined spaces. Cal/OSHA in 2012 cited D&D Construction, Inc. for violating similar safety orders at a different construction site.

General contractor Tyler Development was constructing a single-family residence in the Bel Air area and hired subcontractor D&D Construction to install and service reinforced concrete posts known as caissons[1] on the property. On October 21, 2016, a D&D Construction worker entered the drainage shaft, which was 4.5-feet in diameter and lined with concrete, to clean out mud and debris. He stood inside a bucket attached to a mini crawler crane with no personal fall protection. After descending 10 feet into the shaft, the worker lost consciousness due to the oxygen deficient atmosphere, fell approximately 40 feet and drowned in one foot of water.

“Cal/OSHA launched a confined space educational program to bring attention to the dangers and preventable deaths that occur in confined spaces,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Juliann Sum.  “The program helps employers identify hazards and create effective safety plans that include air monitoring, rescue procedures and training before work begins.”

Cal/OSHA cited D&D Construction $337,700 for 13 violations, including two willful serious accident-related, one willful serious, one serious accident-related, six serious, and three general in nature. The accident-related violations were cited for the company’s failure to:

  • ensure safe entry into the confined space,
  • have an effective method to rescue the worker in the confined space in an emergency, and
  • test the environment to determine if additional protective equipment, such as a respirator or oxygen tank, were required to work safely in the shaft.

Tyler was cited $14,870 for five violations, three of them classified as serious violations, for the employer’s failure to:

  • evaluate the worksite for possible permit-required confined spaces,
  • ensure that the subcontractor meets all requirements to comply with a permit space program, and
  • protect workers from the hazard of impalement by guarding all exposed reinforced steel ends that extend up to six feet above the work surface with protective covers.

Confined spaces are defined as large enough for workers to enter, but have limited openings for exit and entry, with a potential for hazards related to the atmosphere and space. They are found in multiple industries, and include water and sewer pipes, boilers, silos, kilns, vaults, tunnels and pumping stations.

In 2011, there were seven confined space fatalities in California. In two of the incidents, rescue was attempted by co-workers without proper evacuation training, resulting in the death of one worker and serious injuries to two workers. In response, Cal/OSHA launched a confined space emphasis program in 2012 to raise awareness of these hazards and ensure employers follow proper safeguards. This safety program includes training in identifying hazards, creating a safety plan and rescue procedures.

A willful violation is issued where evidence shows that the employer committed an intentional and knowing violation—as distinguished from inadvertent, accidental or ordinarily negligent—and the employer is conscious of the fact that what they are doing constitutes a violation, or is aware that a hazardous condition exists and no reasonable effort was made to eliminate the hazard.

A serious violation is cited when there is a realistic possibility that death or serious harm
could result from the actual hazardous condition.

Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from safety and health hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch provides free and voluntary assistance to employers to improve their safety and health programs. Employers should call (800) 963-9424 for assistance from Cal/OSHA Consultation Services. Cal/OSHA has also published a wealth of helpful guides for employers and workers.







[1] A caisson is a reinforced concrete pile or post that transfers the load (weight) of the home directly to bedrock.






D & D Construction Specialties, Inc.

Sun Valley, California 91352
(818) 767-8864
 
D & D Construction Specialties, Inc. specializes in limited & no access hillside foundations & tough hand excavations.

Our other services include caissons, soldier piles, shoring systems, test pits/borings, foundations, grade beams, underpinnings/pads, all structural concrete, retaining walls, footings and slope repairs.

We have drill rigs, production rigs, hard rock rigs, low overhead rigs for hillside/limited access/flat reach rigs & hollow stems.

We have served California since 1993.

2 ICON employees, Jon Murray Karkow and Cagri Sever, died in an ICON Aircraft, Inc. A5 plane crash near Lake Berryessa in Napa County, CA










Investigators need the public's help to determine what went wrong moments before a plane crashed at Lake Berryessa. The plane was a single-engine light sport amphibious aircraft. The model hit the market less than two years ago.


The crash happened near their HQ and where they do their test flying. It is a major blow because Jon Murray Karkow was one of the company's top pilots or officials. 


Monday, May 08, 2017 11:20PM
NAPA COUNTY (KGO) -- Investigators need the public's help to determine what went wrong moments before a plane crashed at Lake Berryessa. The plane was a single-engine light sport amphibious aircraft. The model hit the market less than two years ago.

ICON Aircraft created a lot of buzz in the aviation industry when it debuted the A5, which is part boat, all airplane but clearly, Monday's crash is a setback for the Vacaville-based start-up.

NTSB investigators say their first priority is to get the ICON A5 to a secure location.

The aircraft was only in the air for 20 minutes before it crashed in a remote section of Lake Berryessa.

Inside were two ICON employees who died in the crash -- the 55-year-old pilot Jon Karkow and his passenger 41-year-old Cagri Sever.

"We don't have any known witnesses at this point in time to the accident sequence itself," said NTSB investigator Joshua Cawthra. "We are looking for witnesses."

In a statement, Icon CEO, Kirk Hawkins said in part: This was a devastating personal loss for many of us... the thoughts and prayers of our entire organization are with the families of both people on board, they were truly amazing individuals.

The A5, an amphibious, single-engine, two-seater sells for as much as $257,000.

ABC7 spoke to Hawkins last year. "Most airplanes are designed to haul things from A to B, and the pilot and the experience is an afterthought. The human experience and the pilot is the first thing that we think about."

Industry experts say while the crash is no doubt a setback for the company, Icon has been applauded for introducing an innovative aircraft to the market.

"In that regard, it has been exciting especially for those who want to see more light sport aircraft," said ABC Aviation Analyst John Nance.

As for the investigation, the NTSB says a preliminary report should be released in the next five business days.


Jon Karkow spent 22 years in aircraft development at Burt Rutan's Scaled Composites where he led more than 20 programs, including five complete airplanes and the around-the-world Virgin GlobalFlyer, current holder of three absolute aviation records. He served as the Technical Program Manager for Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic commercial space program, and currently works as the Lead Aero Engineer at ICON Aircraft where he was responsible for the hydrodynamic and spin-resistant design of the A5 amphibious aircraft. Jon received a BA in Physics at Kenyon College and a BS in Aeronautical Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is an active experimental test pilot with instrument, multi-engine, seaplane, helicopter, and glider ratings, and is a licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic.

Jon Murray Karkow, dead at A5 plane crash

 It's not good for Icon that two of eight planes have been destroyed and the chief designer / test pilot was killed in a production compliant plane.


Cagri Sever appears to be a Turkish military pilot.



 Cagri Sever, the dead Turk.  Now that was a good thing.

===================

Two ICON employees killed in ICON Aircraft plane crash near Lake Berryessa identified

Two people are dead after a small plane crashed in a Napa County lake.

The scene was so remote, crews could only access it by boat. The plane crashed just after 9 a.m. Monday near Lake Berryessa.

The NTSB and FAA as well as the Napa County sheriffs have been investigating. The plane that crashed was a special amphibious plane that's made nearby in Vacaville.

The victims have been identified as 55-year-old Jon Murray Karkow, the pilot in command of the aircraft, and 41-year-old Cagri Sever, who was a passenger. Both are employees of ICON Aircraft.

The single-engine ICON A5 crashed under circumstances officials have not determined yet. Officials believe the aircraft was only airborne for about 20 minutes before it crashed.

Lake Berryessa is used as an ICON training ground for planes that can take off and land both on water and land. A sheriff's department describes the moment when they got the call Monday morning and discovered there were two people inside. "We got the call that there was a plane crash, we sent everybody of course. CHP actually sent their helicopter off and I believe they lowered someone into the scene and then he checked them both out, declared them both dead at the scene," he said.

Below is a statement from ICON Aircraft CEO Kirk Hawkins:

"It is with great sadness that I write this. Earlier today, two ICON Employees were killed in an A5 accident while flying at Lake Berryessa, CA. We have no details on the cause of the accident right now and the names of the victims have not been released publicly. The NTSB and FAA have been notified and ICON will be working closely with them to fully support their investigation.

This was a devastating personal loss for many of us. Once arrangements have been made with all the families involved we will let you know more. Please hold your calls and requests for a brief period while we work through this tragic event with the family members and employees. The thoughts and prayers of our entire organization are with the families of both people onboard, they were both truly amazing individuals."


The investigation continues into why this happened after just a short 20-minute flight.
A single-engine Icon A5 plane crash is seen near Lake Berryessa in Napa County on Monday, May 8, 2017.

Officials are investigating after two people died in a plane crash near Lake Berryessa in Napa County on Monday.

===================

Napa coroner identifies plane fatalities at Lake Berryessa


JENNIFER HUFFMAN jhuffman@napanews.com
May 8, 2017 Updated 10 hrs ago



LAKE BERRYESSA, CA — Two Vacaville aircraft company employees died Monday morning after their amphibious plane crashed onto the shore of Lake Berryessa, the Napa County Sheriff’s Office reported.


The crash occurred shortly after 9 a.m. next to Little Portuguese Cove at the eastern end of Lake Berryessa between Pleasure Cove Marina and Markley Cove Resort.


Jon Murray Karkow, 55, was the pilot and Cagri Sever, 41, was his passenger. Both are employees of ICON Aircraft, at 2141 ICON Way in Vacaville.


“We have no details on the cause of the accident right now,” ICON CEO Kirk Hawkins said in a written statement.


“This was a devastating personal loss for many of us,” Hawkins said. “The thoughts and prayers of our entire organization are with the families of both people onboard. They were both truly amazing individuals.”


ICON will be working closely with the National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration “to fully support their investigation,” said Hawkins.


According to Napa County Sheriff’s Capt. Steve Blower, Karkow was most recently living in Vacaville, having moved up from Tehachapi. Sever came to Vacaville from Ann Arbor, Michigan about a week ago.


The bodies of the two men were taken to the Napa County Coroner’s facility, said Blower. A forensic exam will be completed by the coroner’s office this week.


The plane that crashed was a two-seat, single-engine ICON A5 Amphibious Light Sport Aircraft. Icon A5’s have been a common sight flying over the Lake Berryessa area recently, said Blower.


In mid-April, one ICON customer even used an ICON aircraft to arrange for a marriage proposal to take place after landing at the lake.


Such amphibious light-sport aircraft can land on land or water, officials said. This is a concept plane that is beginning limited production at an assembly facility in Vacaville. According to the Icon website, the price for the plane is listed as $189,000.


This isn’t the first ICON crash. During flight operations in Miami on April 1, an ICON aircraft experienced “an extremely hard landing” that resulted in hull damage that caused the aircraft to take on water. Both the pilot and passenger were uninjured. Initial information suggested pilot error, said the company.


The Sheriff’s Office set up a command post at Pleasure Cove Marina. The crash site was inaccessible by land, so deputies and other agencies were using boats to get to the crash scene. Efforts to recover the aircraft were still underway on Monday afternoon.


The FAA sent an investigator to the crash scene. Shortly before noon, the FAA said it had completed its preliminary investigation and cleared the bodies for removal.


Just before the crash, it was 65 degrees at the lake, sunny and with northeast winds of 2 mph, according to Weather Underground.


Both the FAA and the NTSB will investigate the crash, FAA spokesman Ian Gregor said.


Officials from Cal Fire and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation were among those who responded to the mid-morning tragedy.


This was second plane crash in nine days at Lake Berryessa. On April 30, two passengers received minor injuries when they accidentally crashed a pontoon plane into the lake while practicing touch-and-go landings on the water.


The plane, a 2003 Glasstar experimental floatplane, was towed upside-down to shore.

Date:08-MAY-2017
Time:09:30 a.m.
Type:Silhouette image of generic A5 model; specific model in this crash may look slightly different
Icon A5
Owner/operator:Private
Registration: N184BA
C/n / msn: 00007
Fatalities:Fatalities: 2 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:0
Airplane damage: Written off (damaged beyond repair)
Location:near Lake Berryessa in Napa County, CA -   United States of America
Phase: En route
Nature:Training
Departure airport:Nut Tree (KVCB)
Destination airport:
Narrative:
The plane crashed under unknown circumstances. Both occupants died in the crash.



Sources:

http://abc7news.com/news/2-die-in-plane-crash-near-lake-berryessa/1968552/
http://www.kcra.com/article/faa-small-plane-crashes-near-lake-berryessa/9620743
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pleasure+Cove+Marina,+Lake+Berryessa,+128+Highway+%236100,+Napa,+CA+94558/@38.4911991,-122.1586559,17z/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x8084fa6a934a8bad:0x5edbe4982e99313e?hl=en-us
http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry/NNum_Results.aspx?NNumbertxt=N184BA

http://personalwings.com/float-plane/icon-a5-review/
http://www.flyingmag.com/learning-to-fly-icon-a5
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lAd5EVTBKP0
Registration source- 07 was visible on the tail of the wreckage, signifying the aircraft was MSN 07. Also, part of the tail number, "...4BA" was visible. According to the FAA database, the registration for the MSN 07 aircraft is N184BA.
http://personalwings.com/tag/icon-a5/

Chris Blakeley of Alpha Steel Erectors under investigation for the death of one of his workers in Marlboro, Massachusetts

The dead steel worker in Marlboro, Mass. was an employee  of
Alpha Steel Erectors, a Colorado Springs-based "company".  Upon some investigation, there is something very wrong about this "company".

The owner of Alpha Steel Erectors is listed as Chris Blakeley.  His facebook page lists the following about him:
There is also at least one ripoff report about Chris Blakeley and numerous complaints.





Chris Blakeley under fire

D C Steel Builders, unsafe, un-trained, and broke

This is the company listed in Chris Blakeley's facebook pages.  Apparently, after the company went belly up, he set up another company named Alpha Steel Erectors.  Something is smelling very bad here.

Christopher E Blakeley, DC Steel Builders Inca former mortgage banker decided to get into the steel erection business, so he went to work for a company in Florida, (united steel erectors) where he learned all the wrong things, he has no formal training only the hands on monkey see monkey do approch, just recently on 10-16-2010 he was contracted to erect a 20,000 square foot building located on:

The campus of the university of Wyoming, where he hired a highly experienced iron worker, for help, however his greed and need for money outweighed the advise and safety concerns and direction of the Supervisor he hired to help , because he did not have the experience and or equipment to proceed with the steel erection and totally ignored standard erection procedures he suffered a total collapse of the structure he was contracted to build, in my opinion, DC Steel Builders should be run out of the steel erection business until such time as Mr.christopher Blakeley , gains some formal education in the business.!!!! And some formal safety training.

Not only was DC Steel Builders responsible in whole for this accident, but could have caused the deaths of several of his employees , and it was all because of his poor financial situation and his greed!!!!!! , In addition to this he has turn his back on the basics of trust of a employer and employee relationship , and has not even paid his employees, so to anyone planning on or has received a quote from DC Steel builders.

The above facts should be weighed carefully before doing any business with Christopher Blakeley.


He is a snake oil sales man in my opinion and will say anything, so you are forewarned!!! And he should not be trusted , in my option, I will say this in his favor, he is a great salesman , but that’s it, and I believe he would be far better selling used cars , because I firmly believe this is where he’s talent lies
And leaving steel erection to the trained and safe contractors.!!!!

OSHA investigates after an Alpha Steel Erectors employee died when he fell 35 to 50 feet from a roof while working on the New England Sports Center expansion in Marlborough, Mass.


Marlborough: OSHA probes death of construction worker



Updated May 8, 2017 at 7:22 PM



By Jeff Malachowski
Daily News Staff


MARLBOROUGH, MA – Federal safety investigators are looking into the death of a 30-year-old Arizona construction worker who fell 35 to 50 feet from a roof while working on the New England Sports Center expansion.

Police received a 911 call just before noon that a construction worker fell off the roof of the Donald Lynch Boulevard ice arena. The man, whom authorities did not identify Monday, was taken by ambulance to Marlborough Hospital where he died about an hour later, said Police Detective Jared Snapp.


Authorities are investigating what caused the man, an employee of Colorado Springs-based Alpha Steel Erectors, to fall, but say no foul play is suspected, said Elizabeth Vlock, spokeswoman for the Middlesex District Attorney’s office.



The owner of Alpha Steel Erectors is listed as Chris Blakeley.  His facebook page lists the following about him:
There is also at least one ripoff report about Chris Blakeley and numerous complaints.

The Andover office of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is inspecting the construction site for any violations, said agency spokesman James Lally.

Lally declined to comment on the specifics of the investigation because it is ongoing. He said the purpose is to determine if there were any violations of workplace safety standards defined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act of 1970.

Under federal law, OSHA has six months to complete its investigation. Lally anticipates more information will be available when the inspection is complete.

Officials from Alpha Steel Erectors and Wes Tuttle, general manager of the New England Sports Center, could not be reached for comment Monday.

The New England Sports Center is undergoing an 88,830-square-foot expansion, which will include two new ice rinks, 110 more parking spaces and potentially a second restaurant.

Built in 1994 with four ice rinks, the New England Sports Center has undergone a handful of expansions in recent years. In 2005 the facility added a fifth rink and expanded again in 2010 to add a sixth to meet the growing demand for ice time.

The expansion is slated to be completed this summer.


=====================




MARLBORO, Mass.- 


A 30-year-old construction worker from Arizona was killed when he fell 35 to 50 feet while working at the New England Sports Center on Sunday.

Police said they were alerted to the fall just before noon and the man was taken by ambulance to UMass Memorial - Marlboro Hospital, where he died about an hour later.


The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration responded, along with the medical examiner’s office and police detectives.

Marlboro Police Lt. Robert Jusseaume said the man was working for a steel company that is constructing new ice rinks at the facility on Donald Lynch Boulevard. It is believed he fell from a beam, police said.



MARLBOROUGH – The 88,830-square-foot expansion of the New England Sports Center remains on track to be completed early this spring.

The project: The City Council this summer signed off on a special permit allowing New England Sports Management, which operates the center, to expand. The expansion will include two new ice rinks, 110 more parking spaces and potentially a second restaurant, said Wes Tuttle, general manager of the New England Sports Center.



Timeline: Construction crews recently installed footings, plumbing and the foundation for the new rinks. Tuttle expects work on the last foundation wall will be completed in the next few days and crews will then begin work paving the parking lot. “We’re very, very happy with the progress,” said Tuttle. “It’s exciting. We’re anxious to get it done.” Crews cleared numerous trees over the summer where the rinks and parking lot will be located. Tuttle hopes the new rinks will open in February or March. 

Growth: The expansion will provide additional opportunities, such as allowing more teams to play at the complex, attracting bigger national and global hockey tournaments and the addition of a curling club. Tuttle and Sudbury Firefighter Mike Matros are also organizing the Hero Cup hockey tournament, which will bring teams of firefighters from across the world to the center to compete.

Economic benefit: Susanne Morreale-Leeber, president and CEO of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, characterized the center as a key resource to helping city businesses flourish. Morreale-Leeber expects the ongoing expansion will increase business to city hotels, restaurants and shops. “The New England Sports Center has been really key all these years in helping our community stay stable,” she said. “With the expansion, they’re going to be able to attract large competitions and that means more business for our business people. It’s good for the business community.”

The facility: Built in 1994 with four ice rinks, the New England Sports Center has undergone a handful of expansions in recent years. In 2005 the facility added a fifth rink and expanded again in 2010 to add a sixth to meet the growing demand for ice time. The complex also features a pro shop, arcade and restaurant. The center has hosted numerous national and regional events during its history.
====================


Chris Blakeley under fire

D C Steel Builders, unsafe, un-trained, and broke

This is the company listed in Chris Blakeley's facebook pages.  Apparently, after the company went belly up, he set up another company named Alpha Steel Erectors.  Something is smelling very bad here.

Christopher E Blakeley, DC Steel Builders Inca former mortgage banker decided to get into the steel erection business, so he went to work for a company in Florida, (united steel erectors) where he learned all the wrong things, he has no formal training only the hands on monkey see monkey do approch, just recently on 10-16-2010 he was contracted to erect a 20,000 square foot building located on:

The campus of the university of Wyoming, where he hired a highly experienced iron worker, for help, however his greed and need for money outweighed the advise and safety concerns and direction of the Supervisor he hired to help , because he did not have the experience and or equipment to proceed with the steel erection and totally ignored standard erection procedures he suffered a total collapse of the structure he was contracted to build, in my opinion, DC Steel Builders should be run out of the steel erection business until such time as Mr.christopher Blakeley , gains some formal education in the business.!!!! And some formal safety training.

Not only was DC Steel Builders responsible in whole for this accident, but could have caused the deaths of several of his employees , and it was all because of his poor financial situation and his greed!!!!!! , In addition to this he has turn his back on the basics of trust of a employer and employee relationship , and has not even paid his employees, so to anyone planning on or has received a quote from DC Steel builders.

The above facts should be weighed carefully before doing any business with Christopher Blakeley.


He is a snake oil sales man in my opinion and will say anything, so you are forewarned!!! And he should not be trusted , in my option, I will say this in his favor, he is a great salesman , but that’s it, and I believe he would be far better selling used cars , because I firmly believe this is where he’s talent lies
And leaving steel erection to the trained and safe contractors.!!!!