JU ly 201 3 C o n t en ts

July 2013 | www.utilitycontractoronline.com

12 Taking a Safe Approach

By Pam Kleineke
Recognizing NUCA’s 2012 William H.
Feather Safety Award winners.

16 Keeping Utility
Contractors Safe
By Kelly Pickerel
NUCA’s 2012 Associate of the Year is
awarded to National Trench Safety.

16
20 Tips of the Trade
By Pam Kleineke

Excavator manufacturers provide market insights, ad- DEPARTMENTS

vice and a peek into their favorite machines.
8 Groundbreaking News
24 The Right Size
By Adam Purcell
40 Calendar
Compact excavators offer lower operating costs 42 Advertisers’ Index
and increased productivity.

26 Down with Downtime

By Keith Rohrbacker  NUCA
Keep your compact excavator in tip-top shape with DEPARTMENTS
these maintenance pointers.
6 Chairman’s Message

28 Compact Excavator Showcase

Compiled by UC Staff
34 Inside Washington
Dive into product offerings from nine different manu- 36 Safety Management
facturers.
38 NUCA News

31 Beyond Compliance
By Brett Sondergard
Discover tips on how to maximize trench safety training.

32 The Big Three

By James McRay
Learn why pre-manufactured shoring systems are
ideal for trench safety.

4 Utility Contractor | July 2013

 NUCA | www.nuca.com
Officers
nuca CH A I RM AN’ S M ESSAGE Chairman of the Board
Florentino Gregorio — Anchor Construction Corp., DC
Chairman-Elect of the Board
Ronald T. Nunes — R.T. Nunes & Sons Inc., RI
Vice Chairman of the Board
We Are Making a Difference Bruce Wendorf — Forsberg Construction Inc., FL
Treasurer
Jeff Rumer — Underground Infrastructure
I recently read about an OSHA study on reductions in work-related fa- Technologies LLC, CO
talities, and the numbers are impressive. Since 1970, workplace fatalities Secretary
have been reduced by more than 65 percent and occupational injury and Kara Habrock — L.G. Roloff Construction, NE
illness rates have declined by 67 percent. At the same time, U.S. employment Immediate Past Chairman of the Board
Ryan Schmitt — Petticoat-Schmitt Civil
has almost doubled. Worker deaths in America are down — from about 38 Contractors, FL
worker deaths a day in 1970 to 13 a day in 2011. Worker injuries and ill- Asst. Secretary and CEO
Bill Hillman — bhillman@nuca.com
nesses are down — from 10.9 incidents per 100 workers in 1972 to fewer than four per 100 in
2010. OSHA attributes these impressive numbers to itself and its state agencies, unions, safety NUCA
Board of Directors
professionals and the efforts of employers. I was a little surprised that there was no mention of
CONTRACTOR Mark Reisinger, PA
industry associations, because I am certain that NUCA’s safety efforts have saved hundreds, if DIRECTORS Clay Sorey, FL
not thousands, of lives. Kari Biernacki, NM Kurt Youngs, IN
Fred Chesney, FL
Since the late 1970s, promoting employee safety has been a top priority for NUCA. In the Jason Clark, IA NON-CONTRACTOR
early 1990s, NUCA hired full-time safety director (now Vice President) George Kennedy to Kevin Cripps, NC DIRECTORS
further develop our program. Through the leadership of our Safety and Damage Prevention Rick Davis, CO Yvonne Bland, AZ
Mike Donatelli, RI Roger Mohr, IL
Committee and the commitment of our professional staff, NUCA’s safety program has grown to Mark Fuglevand, WA Helen Prince, TX
be a model for the heavy construction industry. This program consistently promotes worksite Zach Fusilier, TX
Dan Hernandez, AZ DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE
safety training and education through publications that help members improve their safety pro- Bill Martinak, OR Charles Surasky, GA
grams, as well as an awards program to highlight those companies that go above and beyond NUCA
in safe practices. I believe our members have a fundamental understanding of how workplace Staff
incidents happen and what they must do to avoid them. Chief Executive Officer
Bill Hillman — bhillman@nuca.com
Our William H. Feather Safety Award winners represent the epitome of what successful
company safety programs look like. And there is never a shortage of companies to choose Director of Communications
Anne Luzier — anne@nuca.com
from when selecting the award winners. Be sure to read this month’s feature article on this
year’s safety award winners on page 12. Perhaps you will pick up a tip or two to improve Benjamin Media
your safety program. No matter how good a safety program is, I believe there is always room www.benjaminmedia.com
for improvement. Publishing Team
Our employees are our companies’ most valuable resource, and, for many of us, our em- Publisher
Robert D. Krzys — robk@benjaminmedia.com
ployees have been with us for years and are like family. We want to do everything possible to Managing Editor
prevent accidents. Training managers to take an active role in employee safety in the field can Keith Gribbins — kgribbins@benjaminmedia.com
Direct: 330.315.2197
make a big difference in how much attention employees pay to safety. And that could ensure Associate Editor
employees go home safely. I cannot imagine anything worse, as a company owner, than de- Pam Kleineke ­­­— pkleineke@benjaminmedia.com
Direct: 330.315.2198
livering news of a fatal jobsite accident to an employee’s family — which is why safety is a top Production Manager
priority in my company. Chris Slogar — cslogar@benjaminmedia.com
Graphic Designer
I hope NUCA members take full advantage of all the free and discounted safety services Elizabeth C. Stull — estull@benjaminmedia.com
available. Read your Safety Newsletter and circulate it to your managers, log on to the NUCA Marketing Director
Kelly Dadich — kdadich@benjaminmedia.com
website and download Tool Box Talks for your weekly safety meetings. Sign up your manag- Direct: 330.315.2056
ers to become safety trainers, send your key safety personnel to our annual Safety Director’s Regional Sales Manager
Ryan Sneltzer — rsneltzer@benjaminmedia.com
Forum, call George Kennedy for expert advice on safety-related issues or take member dis- Direct: 330.315.2114
counts on safety-related products in our bookstore — there’s so much to choose from! Regional Sales Representative
Renee Cardello — rcardello@benjaminmedia.com
In you are not a NUCA member, join us today. Safety benefits represent just a small fraction Direct: 330.315.2135
of the services we offer to our members. We are in the heart of the construction season when Audience Development Manager
Alexis R. White — awhite@benjaminmedia.com
you can benefit greatly from many of our services. So give us a call, and we would be happy
to sign you up. July 2013 Volume 37, Number 7, Utility Contractor
(ISSN 1098-0342) is published monthly for the
National Utility Contractors Association by Benjamin
Have a great July everyone! Media Inc., 10050 Brecksville Rd., Brecksville, OH
44141. Periodicals postage paid at Cleveland, OH
and additional office. One year subscription rates:
Complimentary in the USA & Canada and $99 in
foreign countries. Single copy rate: $10.00. ©2013
NUCA. All rights reserved by the National Utility
Contractors Association for articles contained
herein except where otherwise noted. No part of
this publication may be reproduced or transmitted
Florentino Gregorio by any means without written permission from the
publisher. Printed in the U.S.A.
NUCA Chairman of the Board
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Utility
fgregorio@anchorconst.com Contractor10050 Brecksville Rd., Brecksville, OH
44141 USA.

Canadian Subscriptions: Canada Post Agreement

Number 7178957. Send change of address in-
6 Utility Contractor | July 2013 formation and blocks of undeliverable copies to
Canada Express; 7686 Kimble Street, Units 21 &
22, Mississauga, ON L5S 1E9 Canada
gr o u n d b rea k i n g n ews

Dedicated to
Efficiency
Volvo CE North America Offers
Fuel Efficiency Guarantee for
Articulated Haulers, Wheel Loaders
and Excavators

Volvo Construction Equipment North

America is backing its dedication to fuel
efficiency with a Fuel Efficiency Guarantee
program, available with purchase of appli-
cable articulated haulers, wheel loaders and
excavators through Dec. 31, 2013.
Fuel costs continue to be one of the most
significant operating expenses owners face
today. Volvo Construction Equipment con-
tinues to maximize operator fuel savings
with advancements in product develop-
ment and technology and is reinforcing this
dedication with an expansion of its Fuel
Efficiency Guarantee program. The pro-
gram — which was initially implemented in
2010, offering a Fuel Efficiency Guarantee
on Volvo wheel loaders — has expanded
to include articulated haulers and excava-
tors. Models covered in the Fuel Efficiency Volvo CE North America is offering a Fuel Efficiency Guarantee program, available with
Guarantee program include: the purchase of applicable articulated haulers, wheel loaders and excavators, such as
the EC300D.
• Excavators — EC220D, EC250D,
EC300D, EC340D, EC380D, EC480D
and EC700C lifetime. Using GPRS (mobile network) or satellite technology, data is available for
• Wheel loaders — L150F, L180F, L220F, users securely and instantaneously online.
L350F, L150G, L180G, L220G, L250G At the time a qualifying model is purchased, fuel efficiency data will be mea-
and L350F sured using the Volvo CareTrack system. Based on fuel consumption reports, Volvo
• Articulated haulers — A25E, A30E, Construction Equipment will evaluate the fuel efficiency and share the difference
A35E, A40E, A25F, A30F, A35F, A40F, in fuel cost with the equipment owner if the machine does not meet model-rated
A35F FS and A40F FS fuel efficiency levels. If reports show a machine is underperforming in field use,
Volvo and its dealer network will provide assistance to review specific end-user
Qualifying Fuel Efficiency Guarantee ma- applications/operations.
chine models are provided a free, three-year For maximized performance and efficiency, Volvo recommends operators enroll
Volvo CareTrack Advanced subscription, in a customer support agreement through their local dealer. Volvo customer sup-
valued at $7,000. CareTrack — the Volvo port agreements are designed to help operators achieve maximum cost control
telematics system — provides owners with and minimum downtime, allowing owners to tailor Volvo machine maintenance
pertinent machine information to help them to the specific needs of their operation at a fixed cost. Customers who enroll in a
reduce fuel costs, optimize performance customer service agreement will receive double the fuel cost reimbursement un-
and maximize uptime, including real-time der the Fuel Efficiency Guarantee program. Customers who enroll in a Blue, Silver
machine operating data and fuel reports, or Gold level Customer Support Agreement will receive an additional two-year
utilization reports, warning notifications subscription in CareTrack for a total of five years’ free service.
via phone or computer and machine diag- This program is solely a guarantee of remedy and shall not constitute a warranty.
nostic history. Service reminders and history Guarantee is non-transferable and available in the United States and Canada only.
as well as parts alerts are also provided for Some restrictions apply. For full terms and conditions of the Volvo Fuel Efficiency
operator ease of use and extended machine Guarantee program, visit www.volvoce.com.
8 Utility Contractor | July 2013
 gr ound b r e a ki ng news

Groff Tractor & Equipment Buys Assets of Vernon E. Stup Co.

Groff Tractor & Equipment, an authorized full-line dealer “Groff Tractor is an excellent partner and this expansion
of Case Construction Equipment, has purchased the assets of helps strengthen the Case Construction Equipment brand
Vernon E. Stup Co. in Frederick, Md. The Frederick location in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic States,” said Jim Hasler, Vice
allows the company to better service customers in western President, Case Construction Equipment-North America. “The
Maryland, northern Virginia and eastern West Virginia, and will company understands the importance of service and they take
complement the company’s existing footprint in Pennsylvania. pride in that relationship with their customers. They are clearly
This includes branches in Mechanicsburg, Ephrata, State College, making a commitment to their customers in the region with
New Stanton, Cranberry Township and Ebensburg. this expansion.”  
The company plans to further develop the Frederick location Terms of the deal were undisclosed. The new Groff Tractor
as a full-service facility that includes an extensive parts inventory, location is located at 5859 Urbana Pike, Frederick, Md.
in-shop support and field service. The new location will also For more information on Groff Tractor, visit www.grofftractor.
expand the availability of Case rental equipment to customers in com. For additional information about Case Construction
the region. Groff Tractor President and CEO Mike Savastio reports Equipment, visit www.casece.com.
that this expansion will include the
addition of new technicians, service The new Groff Tractor location is located
trucks and advanced parts expediting.  at 5859 Urbana Pike, Frederick, Md.
“This location will allow us greater
access to our customers who work
in Maryland, Virginia and West
Virginia, as well as new opportunities
with customers formerly serviced
by Vernon E. Stup,” said Savastio.
“Rental demand continues to grow
in the region, and customers here
will benefit from greater equipment
options and availability.”

HCSS Unveils Time Card App for Smartphones

Thanks to a new app from HCSS, re-
cording employee time cards just got eas-
ier. The construction software developer
has added a mobile phone time card to
its selection of mobile apps available for
smartphones and tablets. From the mak-
ers of HeavyBid construction estimating
software and HeavyJob field management
software, the mobile phone time card app
allows foremen and superintendents in
the field to enter time and see job pro-
duction data on their “always on, always
close-by” smartphone.
With the HeavyJob mobile phone time
card app, foremen and superintendents
can enter time for workers and equip-
ment, enter quantities and write notes
for cost codes, as well as mark work for
T&M. The time card app is ideal for in-
dividuals or small crews like truck drivers
or flagging crews who may not be issued a
laptop, and also for larger crews who may
prefer a mobile device to laptops.
“We understand that many crews work
in remote locations where cell service may
not exist,” said HCSS Vice President of
Software Development Tom Webb. “We
want crews to be productive wherever they
are. The HeavyJob time card app will still
work in remote areas and it will store any
entered data until the device is back in cel-
lular coverage or a Wi-Fi network.”
The time card app is just one of many
mobile apps offered as supplements to
HCSS HeavyJob and HeavyBid. Those
include a photo app, which allows field
employees to snap jobsite photos and
send them immediately to the office; a
daily diary entry app; and an estimat-
ing app used to cost estimate, perform
markup and pricing and even collect
signatures on the go.
With the mobile platforms, contrac-
tors are not limited to working on a
single device.
“A foreman may begin entering his time
card from a laptop in his truck, add quan-
tities or take photos while standing at the
site from his phone or tablet, while the
project manager reviews job information
back at an office desktop,” said Webb.
“This will allow companies to take a ‘right
device, right person’ approach.”
For more information on HCSS mobile
apps, visit www.hcss.com/apps.
July 2013 | Utility Contractor 9
gr o u n d b rea k i n g n ews

JCB Announces $68.5 Million

Investment in Six-Cylinder
Dieselmax 672 Engine
In June, JCB announced plans to begin production of
six-cylinder engines with the addition of the JCB Diesel-
max 672 to its engine lineup. The introduction of the en-
gine represents an investment of around $68.5 million,
said the company. By the time the engine goes into full
production later this year, its launch will have created
more than 50 new jobs.
The first engine rolled off JCB’s UK production line in
November 2004. In 2011, JCB began producing engines
at its Indian headquarters in Ballabgarh. To date, JCB has
produced more than 250,000 engines globally.
“In a relatively short space of time, we have become a
major producer of engines and today more than 70 per-
cent of JCB’s machines are powered by the engines we
manufacture,” said JCB Chairman Sir Anthony Bamford.
“The move into six-cylinder engine production is a his-
toric moment for our business and a natural step to take.
We look forward to setting new standards in performance
and fuel efficiency.”
The JCB Dieselmax 672 is based on the company’s suc-
cessful four-cylinder 4.8-liter Dieselmax engine, with a
high degree of parts common across the two engine plat-
forms. The Dieselmax engine has been production for
more than eight years, with many engines worldwide run-
ning reliably after more than 20,000 hours of service. To-
day’s Dieselmax features electronic control, Delphi com-
mon rail fuel injection and fixed geometry turbocharging.
Initially, the Dieselmax 672 will be produced to meet
Stage II emissions standards for growth markets including
Russia, Brazil and China. The engine will be seen first in
JCB’s JS360 crawler excavator for those territories, but will
also be used in additional machines as time progresses.
The six-cylinder engine will be offered with ratings of
188 hp, 221 hp, 255 hp and with a maximum output of
302 hp. Maximum torque is an impressive 885 lbf-ft. More
impressive still, JCB has managed to produce an incredibly The introduction of the JCB Dieselmax 672
efficient engine in the Dieselmax 672, promising up to an 8 engine represents an investment of around
percent increase in fuel efficiency compared to previous en- $68.5 million, said the company.
gines in the JS excavator line. In testing, the 7.2-liter engine
has recorded a specific fuel consumption of just 189g/kWh mum uptime for customers. The engines will also be offered
while delivering excellent performance and rapid response. as part of the company’s OEM product line, for use in non-JCB
The six-cylinder engines will be built on a dedicated machinery.
line at JCB Power Systems’ modern purpose-built facil- “The six-cylinder Dieselmax 672 is the ultimate expression of
ity in Derbyshire, UK. In development for more than two our Dieselmax engine design philosophy,” said Alan Tolley, Di-
years, the engines have already completed more than rector of Engine Programs at JCB Power Systems. “Through the
50,000 hours of testing, 30,000 of which have been in use of innovative engine design and technological development
machines working in the field. we have produced a reliable, highly durable and incredibly fuel
The Dieselmax engines have 500-hour service in- efficient engine, that will go on to power our larger equipment in
tervals, maintaining low operating costs and maxi- many markets around the world.”
10 Utility Contractor | July 2013
 gr ound b r e a ki ng news

McElroy Reports on Success of Certified McElroy Rental Program

McElroy, a leading manufacturer of pipe fusion equipment, future, and save our customers from downtime and a loss in
is celebrating the success of the Certified McElroy Rental Pro- productivity in the field.”
gram. Certified McElroy rental machines undergo a rigorous Certified McElroy Rental locations stock a majority of avail-
checklist and regimen by participating McElroy distributors in able McElroy fusion machines, capable of fusing thermoplas-
order to provide customers with the most reliable fusion ma- tic pipe, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe, from
chine rentals in the marketplace. ½-in. CTS to 65-in. OD (16 to 1,600 mm). Productivity equip-
The two-year-old program is a partnership between McElroy ment is also available at the majority of locations.
and its participating distributors. Distributors use a compre- Goodson advises potential rental customers that finding a
hensive checklist created by McElroy to check fusion machines Certified McElroy Rental machine is easy. He finds that a major-
after each rental. By participating in the program, distributors ity of his rentals come from the online Certified McElroy Rental
pledge to provide greater continuous care of McElroy rental Locator, which can be found online at www.certifiedmcelroy.com.
machines, creating a premium rental option. If a repair to a
rental machine is needed, participating distributors are com-
mitted to using genuine McElroy Parts, installed by factory-
trained mechanics. Ninety-six percent of McElroy’s distributors
are participating in the program.
Distributors participating in the program are noticing a high-
er level of customer satisfaction.
“I think customers want something that will work in the
field, something that is dependable, something that they can
trust,” said Jake Goodson, Sales and Rental Manager at Rain-
maker Sales in Shawnee, Okla. “They know when they get out
there to do their job that a Certified McElroy Rental machine
will fire up and work.”
At an ISCO Industries location in Pryor, Okla., Tom Coats
works daily to check Certified McElroy Rental machines
with discipline. 
“I think of it as if I was going to take something home, I
want it to work,” said Coats. “When I put the Certified McElroy
Rental sticker on it and put my initials on it, I want it to work
because it reflects on me.”
“I think the Certified McElroy Rental checklists are a huge
benefit to us,” said Goodson. “It provides us reminders to not Certified McElroy rental machines undergo a rigorous checklist and
overlook certain parts of the equipment. For us, we know regimen by participating McElroy distributors in order to provide
that we’re covering the machine from head-to-toe and top-to- customers with the most reliable fusion machine rentals in the
bottom. We identify problems that help to save us time in the marketplace.

July 2013 | Utility Contractor 11

Taking a Safe
Approach
Recognizing NUCA’s 2012
William H. Feather Safety Award Winners
O
n the jobsite, safety is not a choice —
it’s a priority. Adhering to proper safe-
ty procedures during a project helps
to ensure that everyone gets home
unharmed after the day is done. By developing
structured safety programs and reinforcing safe
practices to employees, companies can be rest as-
sured that their crews are prepared for whatever a
job may throw at them.
To recognize the companies that strive for
safety and the general well-being of their em-
ployees, NUCA awards companies with the Wil-
liam H. Feather Safety Award. Who is William H.
Feather you ask? He was the very first chairman
of the Safety Committee and widely regarded as
the backbone of NUCA’s early safety initiatives.
He was honored for his many contributions to the
12 Utility Contractor | July 2013
By Pam Kleineke
association in 1976 when he was named Ditch
Digger of the Year, but his premature passing led
NUCA to search for some additional way to com-
memorate his passion for safety. At NUCA’s 1978
convention in New Orleans, a new award was cre-
ated to recognize those contractors who exempli-
fy Mr. Feather’s commitment to a safe workplace.
The awards are given to companies based on
incidence rate (OSHA 300 log), company safety
statement and company safety program informa-
tion. Participation in NUCA safety programs and
activities is also taken into consideration. The 2012
William H. Feather Safety awards were given out
at the NUCA Washington Summit this past May.
Check out the recipients over the next two pages.
Pam Kleineke is Associate Editor of Utility Contractor.
Overall Winner
Petticoat-Schmitt Civil Contractors
Jacksonville, Fla.

Based on a company culture of safety, quality and ef-

ficiency, Petticoat-Schmitt is committed to providing the
proper training for its employees so everyone is safe on
the job. From employee education and skills development
to monthly meetings and problem-solving sessions, the
company works to instill the importance of safety into each
and every one of its workers — helping them understand their role and responsibility and value to finish the
product the company provides to its customers.
Communication is key to safety at Petticoat-Schmitt, and the company encourages open dialogue among
its employees during jobsite visits. From a new hire to management, safety is important for all levels at the
company. For example, Petticoat-Schmitt has held a NUCA Safety Leadership Class for all of its managers.
Company President Ryan Schmitt and Safety Director Jeff Blomgren have played integral roles in making
sure all employees attend classes and receive the proper training. The company supplements its safety pro-
gram with a variety of educational services provided through NUCA, including training DVDs.

July 2013 | Utility Contractor 13

500,001-1,000,000 Man-Hours
Distribution Construction
Greensboro, N.C.

Safety training begins on Day 1 at Distribution Construction

and is continuously reinforced over time. The company starts
new employees off with basic skills training so they know how
to perform their jobs safely. Ongoing training is then provided to long-term employees — allowing them to improve
their skills and remain motivated to attain higher levels of safety and performance. Specialized training is offered
through the company to ensure employees have the knowledge, skills and ability to perform industry critical DOT Cov-
ered Tasks. Distribution Construction values interaction and communication among its employees to achieve success
in its safety program. For example, the company holds weekly job-specific safety meetings to ensure employees are
aware of potential hazards. It also relies on written communication to highlight employee safety achievements, safety
goals and tips. Distribution Construction has also established an employee wellness program, which has helped pre-
vent injury and illness among employees, as well as reduce employee absences and improve productivity.

200,001-500,000 Man-Hours
MAC Construction and Excavating Inc.
New Albany, Ind.

Managed by a degreed safety engineer, MAC Construction

and Excavating’s safety (EHS) program encompasses all of the
company’s services in one, informative platform. Its written
program contains approximately 38 policies along with perti-
nent forms and checklists, says the company. Education acts
as the backbone of MAC’s EHS, with employee orientation,
continual onsite workforce training and continuing education
for supervision and management all playing an important role.
Safety begins immediately for MAC employees — starting with
attending a four-hour orientation covering personal instructions on the requirements of the corporate program.
More than a dozen company training programs are used throughout the year to educate MAC’s workforce and
include a variety of topics including fall protection and confined space, to name a few. The company offers these
programs at both the “User” and “Competent Person” level. Continuous education is a requirement for MAC em-
ployees with opportunities such as NUCA certifications and up to 15 additional hours of safety training.

Up to 50,000 Man-Hours
Iowa Trenchless LLC
Panora, Iowa

For the third year in a row, Iowa Trenchless is receiving the

Safety Award in this category. Following the approach “Think
first, act second and always be prepared,” Iowa Trenchless’ prin-
cipal goal is that every employee goes home each day without
injury. Education is an important part of its safety program, and
each employee participates in OSHA 10-Hour, Excavation Safety
and Competent Person, Confined Spaces Entry and CPR/First
Aid training. Company President Jason Clark is a NUCA-certified
OSHA Confined Spaces Entry and Competent Person trainer. Ac-
cording to the company, employees are motivated to work safely, both for their own personal well-being and for that of
their coworkers. Iowa Trenchless evaluates its employees throughout the year — with an emphasis on safety compe-
tency and safe practice procedures — and rewards them accordingly. The company says it continually benefits from its
NUCA membership thanks to great resources such as updates in safety training, industry standards and requirements.
14 Utility Contractor | July 2013
Keeping Utility Contractors Safe
NUCA’s 2012 Associate of the Year Awarded to National Trench Safety
By Kelly Pickerel
W
hen working below ground-level, safety is a top
concern. Dirt doesn’t really have a conscious,
and it won’t care if people are in a trench when
it decides to cave in. That’s why trench safety
equipment is more important than the job itself, and compa-
nies like National Trench Safety (NTS) have dedicated time,
equipment and money to the cause. NUCA recognized NTS’s
dedication to keeping the construction industry safe by naming
the company as the 2012 Associate of the Year.
“It’s a true honor to be recognized as the Associate of the Year
when one considers there are so many great companies that
participate within NUCA,” says NTS President Ron Chilton.
“We were very excited about the award, as it reinforces the ef-
fect of our mission of helping to promote safety and efficiency
within this industry.”
Strong Relationships
NTS formed in 2004 after a series of events led former
Plank Co. employees to start up a new business. The large
majority of NTS co-founders — Ron Chilton, Shelly Bangerter
(Chief Accounting and Corporate Operations Officer), Wes
Jones (Senior Vice President of Branch Operations), Tom
Hartman (Vice President and Western District Manager), Gary
Martin (Gulf Coast District Manager), Robert Stevenson (Na-
16 Utility Contractor | July 2013
tional Manager of Engineered Products) and six others — have
been together for nearly 25 years, starting at The Plank Co.,
a trench-shoring specialist, and following it as it was sold to
National Equipment Services (NES) and then sold once more
to United Rentals in late 2002. Once non-compete agree-
ments with United Rentals expired, the group came together
again, and NTS was born.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary next year, NTS thrives
on one simple goal: To be the best trench safety and traffic
safety rental company in the industry. Today, with 21 loca-
tions across the United States — from Sacramento, Calif., over
to Houston, up to Chicago and down to Miami — NTS is a
dealer or distributor of major brands, including GME, SBH,
TT Technologies, Trimble and more. In addition to providing
equipment, NTS offers in-house engineering services, OSHA-
compliant training classes and trench-rescue training, with
seminars available in both English and Spanish. NUCA semi-
nars are also presented at all NTS branch offices.
Chilton says being involved with NUCA has helped NTS
grow through networking opportunities and understanding
legislation related to the construction industry.
“NUCA does a great job of supporting the needs of the utility
construction industry,” he says. “Being part of NUCA is a great
way to stay connected with pending legislation that impacts the
industry and support an organization that is actively lobby-
ing for the benefit of the industry. It’s also a smart way to stay
connected with industry peers, competitors and changes in
technologies and techniques.”
Since its founding, NTS has had an active involvement in
local NUCA chapters. As the company has expanded across
the country, it has continued to support local chapters with
NTS employees serving as chapter leaders. In 2012, NTS be-
came a NUCA Silver National Partner, contributing $25,000
to the organization. In exchange for the significant financial
support, NUCA provides opportunities for national partners
to promote products and services, most notably by being
an exclusive exhibitor at the annual NUCA Convention, the
Washington Summit and the Safety Directors Forum.
“Our decision to become a Silver partner was based on our
belief that NUCA was the only organization in the country
that properly represented the underground industry in Wash-
ington and at the state level,” Chilton says. “We also recognize
that NUCA does a great job supporting the needs of utility
contractors across America. Therefore, we felt NTS had a re-
sponsibility to support NUCA and provide it with additional
financial resources so that the organization — and more im-
portantly the contractors that NUCA supports — had a strong
voice in Washington and at the state level.”
Sponsoring events at the NUCA Convention — like the
corn toss games this year — is also important to NTS.
“Events like these are a great way to engage with people in
the trench safety industry,” Chilton says. “We believe having
fun with your customers and competitors is always a good
way to improve communication and increase value for every-
one in the group. We enjoy these events and also think they
are a fun opportunity to meet new people and network.”

A Comfortable Outlook In addition to providing equipment, NTS offers OSHA-

It’s difficult to predict the future, but NTS isn’t too worried
about where the utility construction industry is heading.
“While we don’t have a crystal ball, we do feel the util-
ity construction market is poised for a strong rebound in
2013 and beyond,” Chilton says. “Clearly, federal funding
issues and state funding issues are a gating factor to our
industry. With that said, with the continued aging of the
national water and sewer infrastructure coupled with the
low level of investment over the last few years in these sys-
tems, the U.S. has no choice but to increase its investment
in this area to be able to keep up with minimal growth and
normal repairs. At some point in the near future, these in-
vestments will have to be made no matter what the politi-
cal environment in Washington is.”
Chilton says keeping informed of what’s happening in
the industry is important, and NUCA makes that easier on
its members.
“We greatly benefit from the information produced by
NUCA that allows us to learn and participate in the regu-
latory changes/discussions related to our industry and to
keep abreast of the ever-changing business environment,”
he says. “NUCA is also a great place to learn about new
technologies, new products and new techniques that are
being introduced to the industry. The ability to talk to
compliant training classes along with NUCA seminars.
industry leaders, contractors and vendors is always a plus
for a company like NTS.”
NTS is also a member of the Associated General Contrac-
tors of America (AGC), Associated Builders and Contractors
(ABC), Houston Contractors Association, American Rental
Association and several other organizations on a national
and local scale.
“Many of these organizations do a good job of providing
relevant information, including economic forecasts and leg-
islation reviews, which is beneficial for our local managers,”
Chilton says. “Our branch management teams also enjoy the
opportunity to participate in and interact with clients in the
events the various associations host during the year.”
Through talking with industry leaders and clients, NTS
feels comfortable with the next few years.
“We are cautiously optimistic that smart decisions will
begin to be made by the politicians at the federal and state
level, which will continue to drive the growth of our indus-
try,” Chilton says.
Kelly Pickerel is a Contributing Editor of Utility Contractor.

July 2013 | Utility Contractor 17

 Tips of the Trade
Excavator Manufacturers Offer Market
Insights, Advice and a Peek into their
Favorite Machines
By Pam Kleineke

John Deere and Hitachi

Michael Boyle, Construction & Forestry Products Consultants Manager
Gold Partner

Buying Advice: When you are checking competitive excavator specs, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Manufacturers
will publish lift capacities with or without a bucket. If you are comparing excavators, the excavator with no bucket weight will have
a lopsided view in lift capacity as opposed to the excavator that has a bucket. Reading the fine print is important.

Safety Tip: Operator safety is a concern of every manufacturer and that’s why most manufacturers have items in place to help
educate operators about safety issues. These include things like videos, AEM safety manuals, posters and decals, equipment safety
checklists, excavator simulators, self-study guides and, of course, operator training classes.

Favorite Units:
John Deere: For contractors looking for more productivity in a mid-size package, the 180G LC is the answer. The 180, which
weighs 44,317 lbs, offers farther reach, deeper digging depth, additional lift capacity and more arm and bucket dig force. The cab is
spacious and comfortable and comes equipped with an easy-to-navigate enhanced LCD monitor that lets operators easily dial-in a
wealth of machine info and functionality. The rugged Tier 4 Interim (Tier 4i) engine meets rigid emissions regulations, enabling you
to work wherever there’s work — even in nonattainment areas.
Hitachi: The ZX135US-5 delivers power, precision and ease of operation in an easy-to-maneuver package. Its reduced tail swing
design gives operators the freedom to focus on work rather than worry about counterweight overhang. Three work modes let operators
choose the digging style that best fits the job. And when the digging gets tough, the power-boost button provides instantaneous extra
lifting power. The Isuzu engine meets Tier 4i emissions regulations, making jobs more profitable. The ZX135US-5 can come with
rubber pads and has a backfill blade option that can be used for backfilling, stability or deeper digging depth.
20 Utility Contractor | July 2013
Case Construction
Equipment
ner
e Part
Bronz

Rob Marringa, Brand Marketing Manager

Market Insight: We’re cautiously optimistic and taking a
wait-and-see approach with 2014 to see the levels of investment
in infrastructure. There are a variety of projects associated with
excavators and the utility business in general. We are seeing
increased sales across all machine styles [compact excavators,
minimum tail swing excavators, conventional machines] based
on the broad scope of these projects.

Safety Tip: Take time to walk around and understand

the jobsite before jumping into the excavator. Take note of
surrounding structures, overhead utilities and marked underground utilities. Do a check of the machine to make sure that everything
appears to be in working order and that there aren’t any hazards present or obvious maintenance issues from the previous day or shift.

Favorite Unit: My current favorite for the utility market is the CX145C SR, a new minimum swing radius excavator from Case. These
excavators deliver almost the same level of performance as their conventional counterparts, but they do so in a footprint and package
that offers the customer greater versatility. The CX145 CSR operates well in close-quarter applications such as along single-lane roads
and directly next to buildings. The machines also feature a significant fuel savings (9.2 percent) over the model they replace. We’ve
also increased its operating weight by 3,659 lbs and boosted hydraulic performance to significantly improve lift capacity and speed
compared to its predecessor.

Hyundai Construction Equipment Americas

Shane Sirmons, Marketing Manager
Market Insight: At the beginning of 2013, economic forecasters
predicted a modest recovery in the commercial and industrial
construction industry. The Associated Builders and Contractors forecasted
that nonresidential construction will expand 5.2 percent in 2013. Some
forecasters predicted even bigger leaps on the residential side. The National
Association of Home Builders said total housing production will increase
by 20 percent in 2013 over 2012 levels. All of this new construction
requires utility contracting, plus funds have become available to update
or replace aging infrastructure. From the manufacturing perspective, we
know that excavators play an important role in utility construction, and
we are starting to see increased demand for these machines.

Buying Advice: When procuring an excavator in the utility

construction sector, you need a machine that is versatile enough to
handle different project types. In particular, the excavator needs
to handle various attachments such as hydraulic hammers for
breaking concrete, hydraulic augers for digging and plate compactor
attachments for trench compaction. These attachments are crucial to
utility construction, so the excavator should have enough power and
durability to have multiple attachments.

Favorite Unit: Hyundai’s 145LCR-9 compact radius excavator is ideal for light excavating and utility work. Powered by a
113-hp Mitsubishi engine, it provides a digging force of 19,620 lbf and maximum dig depth of 16.9 ft. The tail swing radius is a
tight 4.1 ft and dozer blades are optional. Hyundai has loaded the 145LCR-9 with many features and benefits that come standard.
Hyundai’s 7-in. wide color LCD screen Cluster with toggle switch lets the operator choose personal machine preferences and
work modes, self-diagnostics, maintenance checklists and machine security. Hi-mate, Hyundai’s proprietary remote management
system, gives operators and dealers vital information on the machine from any computer with Internet access.
July 2013 | Utility Contractor 21
Kobelco
George Lumpkins, Product Marketing Manager

Attachment Advice: Users should realize the importance of

bucket selection to each job they are working on. It is important
to ensure that the bucket being used is the one that is best suited
for the work at hand. A bigger bucket may move more material
but it will also slow the machine down in the process. Similarly,
quick couplers may allow for operators to more easily change
buckets, however digging force will ultimately be sacrificed.

Safety Tip: When it comes to safety, it is of extreme

importance that the equipment operator has read and fully
understands the machine’s operator manual and keeps it in the
cab to reference as needed. The same should also apply to all optional
attachments, such as couplers. It is essential that operators are familiar with each and every
piece of equipment they are using.

Favorite Unit: The ED160 Blade Runner combines two machines in one — a dozer and an excavator — giving operators a
competitive edge. Unlike most excavators, this 92.8-hp, 37,000-lb model is equipped with more than just a backfill blade, but
a six-way power-tilt blade with float, tilt, lift and angle options. Designed for heavy dozing, the ED160 has a rugged, oversized
undercarriage for excellent durability and performance as well as curved track pads for optimal traction and higher flotation. In
addition to dozing, the ED160 has a .65-cu yd bucket, a 19,000-lb digging force and a zero tail swing radius — making it ideal for
digging, even in tight spaces.

Kubota
Keith Rohrbacker, Product Manager
Market Insights: The utility construction market segment is Kubota’s fourth most popular customer application. Using sales
to this segment as an indicator, demand is increasing but at an uneven pace. Customers tell us that there are jobs available, but
the irregular pace of housing starts and the reduction in infrastructure funding have placed limits on future opportunities. We are
all looking forward to 2014 and hopefully a more steady improvement in infrastructure spending and housing starts.

Buying Advice: Consider the reliability and durability of the

brand of machine you are purchasing. The dealer should be an
authorized compact excavator dealer and be able to fulfill all of
your service and parts needs in a timely manner.

Favorite Unit: The Kubota KX040-4 is the newest in Kubota’s

most popular series. The 4-ton KX040-4 packs performance,
versatility and comfort into one compact machine. The KX040-
4 replaces the KX121-3 and prioritizes the economy while
supporting the environment with its “Eco Plus” system, giving
operators the option of “eco mode” for up to 20 percent less
fuel consumption than the prior model. The KX040-4 features
a deluxe interior that rivals larger models with a spacious air-
conditioned cab, wide entrance, fully flat floor, deluxe suspension
seat and an easy access, up-front control panel. The KX040-4 also
boasts auto downshift travel motors, which shift automatically
to improve productivity. Consider an optional angle dozer blade
or an optional six-way dozer blade to improve your backfilling
efficiency and improve productivity.

22 Utility Contractor | July 2013

 JCB
Vincent Whelan, Product
Sales Manager of Compact
Excavators

Market Insight: The market is

trending to remain flat for 2013 with
the rental sector continuing to be
strong. Utility construction will enjoy
a strong end to 2013 as monies for in-
frastructure re-build and urban projects
are finally released; this will continue
into 2014. With around 36 percent of
the total compact excavator market go-
ing into utility construction, the sector
is a key driver in the design of the com-
pact excavator especially in the 2.5- to
4.5-metric ton range. The general pop-
ulace’s demand for instant communica-
tion is driving utility “last mile” type
projects, and that, mixed with an aged
infrastructure from sewers to overpass-
es, bridges and road networks, means
that there are good times ahead for the
utility contractor.

Safety Tip: Safety must be the first

thing in every contractor’s mind, if you
work in or around our industry. This
also applies to the manufacturers of the
machines that they use. The very nature
of what utility contractors do and where
they work means that the proximity to
the general population and coworkers
is often in very tight spatial conditions.
To this end, visibility is paramount and
elimination of all blind spots allows the
operator to see his environment and
keep it safe.

Favorite Unit: The 8026CTS is a 2.7-

ton conventional tail swing excavator,
which now sits alongside the JCB 8025
zero tail swing excavator. The 8026 is even
more efficient than the 8025, due to the
lower power rating of the three-cylinder,
24-hp engine, and it delivers an 8 percent
efficiency gain, driving a ‘Nachi’ variable
displacement hydraulic pump. The 8026
has a lower center of gravity, and with its
conventional tail swing design delivers
outstanding lift capacity and excellent sta-
bility, while offering better productivity,
versatility and operator confidence.

July 2013 | Utility Contractor 23

The Right
Size
Compact Excavators Offer Lower Operating Costs and Increased Productivity
By Adam Purcell
O
ver the past decade, there’s been a surge in the popularity
of compact excavators. These small, but mighty machines
deliver strong performance in a compact package, which
has made them a favorite among utility contractors.
Based on their size and weight, compact excavators are easy to
transport with a truck and trailer and they maximize a crew’s ac-
cessibility on the jobsite — making sure work gets done in tight
areas. Features such as 360-degree upper structure rotation, boom
swing, a backfill blade, attachment flexibility and excellent power-
to-weight ratios enable compact excavators to be versatile and im-
prove productivity.
Compact excavators are a good way to “right-size” a machine for
utility applications. Prior to compact excavators becoming popular,
it was very common to dig an 8-ft deep hole with a 20,000-lb, 100-
hp machine. These days, it is more common to see an 8,000-lb,
30-hp machine completing that same application. Using a properly
sized machine has numerous benefits, including lower acquisition
costs, lower operating costs and lower engine emissions. All of
these factors equate to a better return on investment and a smaller
environmental footprint.
Many manufacturers even offer a 1-ton compact excavator to
work in very confined spaces. These minis feature the same type of
benefits as larger compact excavators, including the ability to utilize
hydraulic attachments. The 1-ton size excavators are a good way to
increase productivity and utilize machine power for applications
that have historically been limited to difficult manual labor.
Packed with Productivity
One of the key features to the compact excavator is the ability
to rotate its upper structure 360 degrees. This function gives the
24 Utility Contractor | July 2013
Bronze Partner
operator the ability to dig and load material in the most conve-
nient orientation, which varies greatly by jobsite. For instance,
if the operator needs to dig while keeping the machine in the
street, the dump truck can park directly behind the compact ex-
cavator so only one lane of traffic has to be shut down. In that
same application, the zero tail swing feature is very beneficial.
The zero tail swing ensures the back of the excavator will not
project over the tracks while rotating the upper structure. While
working in a street application, this feature ensures the excavator
does not enter a second lane of traffic. With some alternative dig-
ging machines, a second or even third lane of traffic would need
to be shut down because the machine does not feature upper
structure rotation. That shortcoming really limits machine place-
ment while trying to get the job completed with the least amount
of disruption to the surrounding area.
Once a compact excavator digs a hole, the backfill blade is a
convenient way to refill the hole or grade the residual material.
The popularity in the backfill blade has led manufacturers to
develop even more options beyond the vertically adjustable two-
way blade. The next step up is the four-way blade which adds the
capability to turn the blade left and right. Some manufacturers
even offer a six-way blade for specialty applications which allows
the operator to tilt the blade. All angle blades assist in making
the operator’s job easier, but using an angle blade requires less
repositioning and allows the operator to use the blade in smaller
areas. The angle blade feature is easy to operate and can really
improve productivity during backfilling or leveling applications.
Attachments allow compact excavators to increase their pro-
ductivity by completing many different types of applications for
the utility contractor. The basic design of an excavator gives it
a long reach, which has many advantages • accessibility constraints; and leads to higher operating expenses.
for accessing hard-to-reach spots with the • attachment capacities; Purchasing an undersized machine can
required attachment. Investing in and • hydraulic attachment compatibility; result in poor cycle times and insuffi-
using attachments improves equipment • and transportation capabilities. cient performance. Also, if the compact
utilization and reduces the likelihood excavator is underpowered, the con-
of needing to rent another machine to Once the typical jobsite requirements tractor is forced to rent supplemental
complete the job. Beyond standard buck- are understood, it is easy to match machines more frequently. The right
ets, common hydraulic attachments are them with the machine specifications. machine will complete the job most ef-
thumbs, breakers, swivel buckets, augers It is critical to purchase the right-sized ficiently and offer your crew the big-
and vibratory plates. Changing between machine for the job in order to maxi- gest bang for its buck.
these attachments is easy using a quick mize return on investment. Purchas-
coupler. All of these attachments have ing an oversized compact excavator Adam Purcell is the Product Manager of Exca-
their own capabilities and benefits, but comes with a higher acquisition price vators and Dumpers for Wacker Neuson.
they collectively take the excavator’s over-
all utility past just digging holes.
Despite their small size, many compact
excavators feature large and comfortable
operating environments in all configura-
tions: ROPS-only, canopy and cab op-
tions. Manufacturers are constantly re-
searching ways to improve the operator’s
comfort level while working. A comfort-
able operator is a more productive opera-
tor, and many of the cabs in the industry
feature very functional working environ-
ments. Some of the key features include
a large entrance, adjustable seat, heat and
air conditioning, adjustable windows, pi-
lot controls, a radio and large displays.
Wheeled compact excavators have re-
cently been introduced to North America
and are available in the 6- to 9-ton range.
These innovative excavators provide seri-
ous mobility benefits to the contractor.
With no need for a truck, trailer or driv-
er, wheeled excavators provide notable
transportation time and cost savings.
Wheeled excavators can also deliver im-
proved productivity over a traditional
backhoe with a smaller machine foot-
print, 360-degree upper structure rota-
tion and faster repositioning. The ability
to quickly roll up and dig on a jobsite
is the key differentiator in making the
wheeled excavator an operator favorite.

Purchasing Power
When looking to purchase a compact
excavator, it’s important to determine if
the machine’s specifications match up ac-
cordingly with the majority of the work
being done on the job. Making sure the
crew is equipped with the properly sized
machine is essential to a successful pur-
chase. When purchasing a compact ex-
cavator, evaluate these key specifications:

• maximum dig depth requirements;

• lifting capacities and heights;

July 2013 | Utility Contractor 25

 Keep Your Compact Excavator in Tip-Top
Shape with these Maintenance Pointers
By Keith Rohrbacker
E
ven with easy-to-access maintenance features, a compact
excavator that is running a large job or project will un-
fortunately often miss routine maintenance checks. All
maintenance is important for extending the life and in-
tegrity of a machine, and there are a few routine procedures that
should never fall to the wayside — no matter how busy the job.
The most important maintenance activities you can perform on
compact excavators are the initial oil and filter changes. This is
critical to maintain proper function of the engine, track motors,
hydraulic system and air filter. After the initial oil and filter chang-
es, it is important to keep up with other routine maintenance as
well. Make these checks part of your daily routine:  an engine compartment that is easy to access with a large
1. Check engine and hydraulic oil levels. Checking engine and
hydraulic oil levels should remain a daily priority. Factoring a
few minutes to start the day with these two simple checks could
save thousands of dollars in repair and replacement costs.  Checking the oil shouldn’t be that hard.  Find a machine
2. Check the water and fuel separator. Checking for the
presence of water in the fuel is an easy, yet crucial, daily
check. Some excavators’ fuel/water separators come with a
red ring in a clear bowl. This red ring will float on water,
making it nearly foolproof to monitor this potentially dam-
aging fuel/water combination.  located in this area and should be easy to access.
3. Lubricate pivot points on the working group. Pivot points
on the boom, dipper and bucket, along with the house
swing bearing area, should be lubricated as indicated by
the maintenance chart to reduce wear. These points need
special attention when performing excavation work in
water. When operating an excavator in water, generously
grease before and after each use.
4. Track adjustment. Track tension should be checked peri-
odically or daily if the excavator is frequently in heavy use.
Too loose of a track can result in poor maneuvering and
lead to de-tracking, where the track comes off the idler and
drive sprocket. Too tight of a track can cause premature
wear and breakage. Both scenarios will cause downtime
and costly repairs.
Equipment Features that Make Main-
tenance Routines Easier
Ensuring that the compact excavator is equipped with features
that help with easy routine checks is the first step of the mainte-
nance process. If a machine is difficult to maintain, or if access to
crucial operating components are challenging to reach, the real-
ity is that it probably won’t get done. Here are a few features that
will help keep regular maintenance within reach:
26 Utility Contractor | July 2013
1. All grease points on one side of the boom. Greasing
daily is one of the easiest, most cost-efficient ways to keep
an excavator running properly. Having all grease points
on one side of the boom limits the need for the operator
to move back-and-forth, across or under the boom for
greasing. Other greasing features to look for include an
easy-access grease gun storage compartment and a visible
greasing schedule posted on the machine with a diagram.
Keeping grease maintenance an easy-to-do, one person
job means that it is more likely to get done. 
2. Easy engine access. Look for a compact excavator with
door and color-coded filters and compartments. Many
excavators on the market require the operator to crawl
under the machine and physically unscrew wing-nuts to
open the doors before they have access to the engine.
that opens on the back, with full 180-degree access to
batteries, oil filters, engine oil, air filters and everything
else that needs to be monitored on a regular basis. This
is critical for ease of maintenance, but also as an added
safety precaution, since the manual engine stop is also
3. LCD screen with maintenance reminders. An Intel-
LCD panel will notify an operator when maintenance
is due and will also signify what errors the excavator is
experiencing by use of error codes. This will help op-
erators to identify and fix a problem before it causes
significant damage. The best part? LCD screens include
programs to alert the operator of any potential prob-
lems every time the machine starts up, so it is a con-
stant maintenance reminder. This is particularly helpful
when multiple operators are running the machine. If the
machine doesn’t come equipped with an LCD screen,
then a visible maintenance chart under the seat is criti-
cal — so the operator doesn’t have to reference the own-
er’s manual for routine checks.
4. Two-piece dozer hose. Dozer cylinder hoses are prone
to damage because they are low on the track frame. Two-
piece dozer hose fittings are on the front of the track frame
rather than up and inside the machine. If damaged, the
two-piece dozer cylinder hose design eliminates the need
to lift, support and crawl under the excavator. Shorter
hoses are less expensive as downtime is reduced.
Keith Rohrbacker is a product manager with Kubota Tractor Corp.
 Beyond Compliance
Tips to Maximize Trench Safety Training
By Brett Sondergard
S
afe work is efficient work and efficient work is prof-
itable work. Any contractor who’s been around the
track a few times knows that these statements are true.
The “P&L effect” of a safe work environment, and the
importance of OSHA compliance, are equally good reasons to
choose the most effective training program for your workers.
Classes in confined space entry training (CSE) on OSHA
standard 29 CFR 1910.146, and excavation safety training for
competent persons (CPT) on OSHA standard 1926 subpart P,
are widely available from industry suppliers, private providers,
universities and online sources. Although all are designed to
satisfy OSHA requirements, the instruction methods and even
the instructors themselves can be substantially different.
Given the importance of risk management in the construc-
tion business model, it’s well worth the effort to identify the
best trench safety training programs for your particular busi-
ness. Here are some things to consider:
Field perspective. If you had the choice, would you
learn to drive a car from someone who has done it before or only
read about it in a book? Many contractors find that instructors
with hands-on field experience are better equipped to convey
both the technical information and the practical application of
CSE and CPT content to workers.
As one example, a worker entering a confined space may use
a lifeline and retrieval system “by the book.” But if that worker
suddenly loses consciousness from toxic gas, a few seconds can
make a difference between life and death. Does the coworker
above ground know whether to crank the winch to the left or to
the right? By sharing real-life jobsite stories, an instructor with
field experience can help trainees retain critical information.
Regionality. Regional differences in vocabulary, trade
terminology and regulations can reduce trainee retention if
they’re not addressed by the program. A blower in one area of
the country may be called a ventilator or fan somewhere else —
that small thing can be a stumbling block to learning. Soils differ
widely from one region to another, and even the same soil may
be described locally in different terms. Another consideration is
state-specific requirements: Some states and municipalities have
regulations that add another layer of compliance to the federal
standards.
For these reasons, United Rentals Trench Safety has found it
more effective to base instructors permanently in a region, rath-
er than use a centralized curriculum with traveling instructors.
While a more generic program can adequately certify workers,
any local or state variances will need to be communicated by
the contractor.
Touch and feel. Have you ever held a multi-gas
monitor in your hand? Neither have most of the construction
workers who attend confined space training classes. Being able
to examine a gas monitor, tripod hoist or ventilation duct can
be as valuable as reading about hydrogen sulfide or carbon
monoxide levels in a textbook.
Again, one is not a substitute for the other — it’s a case of
practical application reinforcing theoretical instruction. If you
feel your employees will respond to “touch and feel” CSE and
CPT training, then look for a program that includes access to
equipment as part of the curriculum.
The convenience factor. With the advent of
online training, CSE and CPT compliance can be accomplished
with minimal disruption to the workday. There are some trade-
offs, such as the lack of face-to-face interaction with an instruc-
tor. Nevertheless, web-based training can be the best practi-
cable avenue for workers who find it easier to train on their
own schedule.
A good middle ground, from a convenience standpoint, is to
find a provider with a large branch network and a reliable sched-
ule of holding classes at least once a month at each location.
This has the advantage of face-to-face sessions without delaying
project schedules. Alternatively, some providers will train crews
at the contractor’s place of business — a more convenient option
if you have a large group that needs to be trained at one time.
United Rentals, the largest provider of trench safety solutions in
North America, trains more than 20,000 workers per year in CSE
and CPT standards through its North American network.
Ultimately, any recognized and complete trench safety train-
ing program with a good track record will tick the box on
compliance and go a long way toward keeping your workers
injury-free. But there are degrees of effectiveness and smart
contractors connect the dots between safety, efficiency and
profitability. When you put in the effort to identify a “best fit”
training provider, you demonstrate a top-down commitment to
the health and welfare of your crew as well as your business.
Brett Sondergard is Region Sales and Marketing Director for United
Rentals Trench Safety.
July 2013 | Utility Contractor 31
 The Big
Three
Why Pre-Manufactured Shoring Systems Are
Ideal for Trench Safety
By James McRay

I
n 1978, the United States Department of Labor’s Occupational
Health & Safety Administration (OSHA) mandated the use of a
trench protection system for all excavations deeper than 5 ft. And
35 years later, trench safety is just as important with protection
systems (such as trench shields, shoring or simply sloping trenches or
excavations) being used on jobsites all across the country. Although a
contractor’s designated Competent Person can design a shoring system
(if the excavation or trench is not deeper than 20 ft), there are many
reasons why pre-manufactured shore systems are the way to go to
ensure safety. Efficiency Production, a leading manufacturer of trench
shielding and shoring systems, explains why:
1. It takes out the guesswork of compliance. Shoring companies
are required to accompany all of their trench shield and shoring
equipment with Tabulated Data. The Tabulated Data sheet stipulates
the engineered restrictions of the device or system depending on
the soil conditions — Type A, B or C — as classified by OSHA’s
standards. As long as a contractor abides by the Tabulated Data
and keeps a copy of it at the worksite while the system is being
installed, then he or she is compliant with OSHA.
2. Two Words: Professional Engineer. Most shoring companies
have a Professional Engineer on staff that stamps the Tabulated Data
sheet, which is required by some states. Plus, once an excavation
gets deeper than 20 ft, OSHA requires a trench protection system
to be designed and engineered by a Professional Engineer.
“There has never been a fatal trench collapse accident when
trench shields or shoring were used within the restrictions of
the Tab Data,” assures Mike West, Efficiency’s Vice President
of Engineering.
3. Manufacturers are here to help. Don’t forget, shoring com-
panies are ready and willing to help contractors design, imple-
ment and supply a good trench safety system or simply offer
advice and expertise.
“We work directly with contractors to make sure that they are
using our shoring correctly and safely,” says West. “We’ll even
design a custom shoring system for a contractor; something they
can use to bid a project. We do that frequently with Slide Rail,
including giving the contractor CAD drawings.”
Trench safety is not complicated, and it can mean the difference
between life and death for your crew. There are a lot of resources
available, particularly from trench shoring and shielding manufacturers.
Bottom line: There’s no excuse to not practice trench safety.

James McRay is Director of Marketing and Media for Efficiency Production Inc.

32 Utility Contractor | July 2013

 Inside Washington

Keeping an Eye on
the WRDA
By Will Brown

A
s the first quarter of the 113th Congress comes to
a close, Congress has very little to show for it. So
far, the actions in Congress can best be described
as yet-to-be-fulfilled promises. The 113th Con-
gress began with several marque items on the agenda. Se-
questration, Tax Reform, Immigration Reform and the Wa-
ter Resources Development Act (WRDA) were the priorities
of both the House and Senate, yet over the last six months
very little progress has been made. Unfortunately, the prog-
nosis for meaningful action on any of these issues is not
promising.
While Congress has followed through on deep budget
cuts known as sequester, the looming budget proposals by
the House and Senate are separated by approximately $90
billion. It is likely this difference will result in a stalemate
for both chambers and yet another Continuing Resolution,
which essentially extends current spending levels.
Whispers of discussions surrounding Tax Reform have
begun on Capitol Hill. It has been documented that House
Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp (R-
Mich.) and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Bau-
cus (D-Mont.) have engaged in several discussions laying
the foundation for tax reform, but there has been no an-
nouncement of a plan. Senator Baucus has announced he
will not seek re-election and may be interested in pursuing
tax reform as a capstone to his Senate legacy. Similarly, Rep-
resentative Camp faces term-limits to his chairmanship at
the end of 2014.
In a break from the status quo, the Senate has taken a lead
on a few of these issues where the House has had difficulty
moving legislation. As we reported earlier in the year, the
Senate passed the WRDA with a Water Infrastructure Fi-
nancing Investment Act (WIFIA) component. The WRDA,
which passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan
support, awaits action in the House (as of press time).
The Senate version of the WRDA faces a few challenges
in the House. Specifically, the WRDA has been known as an
“earmark” bill — though not necessarily the bad kind of ear-
marks that lack transparency. Since Congress implemented
an earmark ban, crafting a WRDA that has historically con-
tained earmarked projects has proven to be a challenge for
both the House and Senate.
Additionally, the WIFIA component could prove a chal-
lenge for the House to include in the WRDA. The Senate
version authorizes $50 million per year for five years ($250
million total) to fund WIFIA’s pilot program. This number
could be very difficult to swallow for conservative House
Republicans who were elected on the promise to cut govern-
ment spending.
On the other side of the Hill, the House has yet to
introduce legislative language for either the WRDA or
WIFIA. House Transportation and Infrastructure Com-
mittee Chairman Bill Shuster openly calls the WRDA his
committee’s “top priority.” The introduction of specific
language should not dissuade outsiders to the chair-
man’s sincerity as the political, logistical and pragmatic

We Want to Hear from YOU!

NUCA’s Government Relations Manager Will Brown encourages readers
of Utility Contractor to share their views on this and other policy issues
discussed in Inside Washington. Please write to him at will@nuca.com.

34 Utility Contractor | July 2013

 Inside Washington

challenges abound. Nearly half
of the House Transportation and
Infrastructure Committee mem-
bers are serving in their first or
second term. This has required
an extensive education process by
the committee though roundtable
discussions, hearings and stake-
holder meetings (several of which
NUCA has been involved in).
Additionally, without specific
language, the House leadership has
been slow to divulge a strategy for
moving the WRDA through com-
mittee and onto the floor knowing
that the likelihood of support from
the full Republican Caucus is un-
Committee hopes to introduce the language of both the WRDA and WIFIA
prior to the Fourth of July, followed by committee action prepping the leg-
islation for floor action before the August recess. This is by no means set in
stone and could be altered by concurrently moving priorities in the House
such as immigration reform and tax reform. Additionally, the IRS and NSA
scandals could take eyes off the ball and further delay action.
All said, there is still reason to be optimistic that the WRDA and WIFIA
will get done this year. Chairman Shuster remains publically supportive
and active in moving legislation. We have seen a positive shift in the rheto-
ric surrounding the WRDA from the newer members of the committee
indicating our education activities and lobbying is having a substantial
effect. Additionally, what has in recent years been the most difficult action
in Congress has already been taken; the Senate has already passed the bill.
Though the WRDA and WIFIA are by no means a sure thing, we must
continue to put the pressure on our Representatives. We must continue to
reach out to them, contribute to them and visit them in their districts to
persuade action in our best interest.

National Utility Contractors Association

likely for philosophical and politi-
cal reasons. Will Brown is NUCA’s Government Relations Manager.
The House seems unhappy with
the way in which the Senate bill
circumvents the earmark ban by
ceding traditionally Congressio-
nal authority to the Army Corps
of Engineers (and thus the Execu-
tive Branch) to study, select and
fund projects. When language is
introduced in the House a differ-
ent approach should be expected.
Though it is unclear what tact that
will take, it is clear that the House
will not be taking up the Senate
version in its entirety.
Unfortunately, until legislative
language is filed or a discussion
draft is circulated, the possibilities
abound for how the WRDA could
be moved forward. For example,
it is possible that the WRDA and
WIFIA could move as one bill, but
they could also move separately
and concurrently. One thing that
is certain, however, is that there
will be a conference committee
between the House and Senate to
negotiate a final package for both
chambers to consider.
The timeline for introducing
language remains in flux. Prelimi-
nary conversations suggest the
Transportation and Infrastructure

July 2013 | Utility Contractor 35

N s af e t y m a n ag em en t
Employee Representation
During OSHA Inspections
T
he Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) recently released a Letter of Interpretation
(LOI) authorizing non-unionized employees to se-
lect a union organizer or community activist to act
as the employee’s representative during an OSHA inspection
provided the representative was selected by the employees. Al-
though OSHA maintains this interpretation is consistent with
past practices, this is actually a drastic change from what has
been the norm since the OSHA Act was enacted in 1970.
The OSHA Act and OSHA standard 1903.8 — Representatives
of Employers and Employees gives employees the right to have an
employee representative accompany the Compliance Safety and
Health Officer (CSHO) during inspections. OSHA 1903.8(a)
states: “… A representative of the employer and a representa-
tive authorized by his employees shall be given an opportunity
to accompany the CSHO during the physical inspection of any
workplace for the purpose of aiding such inspection.” (b) “…
If there is no authorized representative of employees, or if the
CSHO is unable to determine with reasonable certainty who is
such representative, he shall consult with a reasonable number
of employees concerning matters of safety and health in the
workplace.” (c) “The representative(s) authorized by employ-
ees shall be an employee(s) of the employer. However, if in
the judgment of the CSHO, good cause has been shown why
accompaniment by a third party who is not an employee of the
employer (such as an industrial hygienist or a safety engineer)
is reasonably necessary to the conduct of an effective and thor-
ough physical inspection of the workplace, such third party
may accompany the CSHO during the inspection.”
During the inspection, the representatives of both the em-
ployer and employee are permitted to accompany the inspec-
tor, ask questions, talk to the inspector and identify or ask
questions about potential hazards identified by the CSHO. In
unionized companies, the union typically has a designated in-
dividual, such as a shop steward, accompany the CSHO, but
many non-unionized companies do not have representatives
designated in advance of an OSHA visit to represent employ-
ees. Designated representatives may include, for example, a se-
nior well-known individual, safety committee member or any
other employee as long as a reasonable number of employees
have selected their representative.
36 Utility Contractor | July 2013
By George Kennedy
OSHA regulations and the recent LOI acknowledge that
most employee representatives will be employees of the em-
ployer being inspected; they also indicate that there may be
times when the presence of an employee representative who
is not employed by that employer will allow for a more effec-
tive inspection. When there is no employee-designated repre-
sentative the decision to designate an outside representative,
including a union or community representative, is left up
to the judgment of the CSHO. But the employees must still
agree to permit this individual to act as their representative.
OSHA 1903(8)(c) states: “The representative(s) authorized
by employees shall be an employee(s) of the employer.” The LOI
states that “there may be times when the presence of an em-
ployee representative who is not employed by that employ-
er will allow for a more effective inspection.” However, the
CSHO must be able to show good cause why accompaniment
by a third party who is not an employee of the company is
reasonably necessary to conduct an effective and thorough
inspection.
Limiting Non-Employee Walk-Around
Representatives
There are things companies can do to limit the aspect of
OSHA bringing in a non-employee union or community rep-
resentative to act as the employee representative. Employers
should consider taking the following precautions:
• The first and probably easiest thing a company can do is
to have employees designate their representative(s) prior to
having an inspection. In construction, this may require hav-
ing employees designate their representative at each jobsite.
Once this is accomplished, OSHA will have a difficult time
overruling the choice of the employees. It would be a good
practice to ensure that the individuals who have been selected
are informed about OSHA regulations (e.g., OSHA 10-hour
outreach program) and what takes place during an OSHA in-
spection. Some CSHOs may try to challenge the employee’s
selection because the individual they selected may not be
knowledgeable enough to represent employee’s interests or
speak English well enough to communicate about potential
safety violations.
 sa fe ty ma nage me nt

• Ask to see the CSHO’s credentials and the credentials of
anyone who accompanies the CSHO. Challenge the cre-
dentials of anyone who does not have an OSHA ID card.
Determine why the CSHO believes it is necessary to have
a non-employee representative accompany him or her dur-
ing the inspection. Also, challenge the non-employee repre-
sentative’s safety and health credentials to prove that his or
her involvement would be of no value and would only be
disruptive and create problems. Don’t forget to check with
your employees to see if they agree with the CHSO bringing
in an outsider to represent their interests.
• Refuse to permit the non-employee access because of the
possibility that the individual could be injured during the
course of inspection and he or she is not covered by work-
ers’ compensation and his or her presence creates a poten-
tial liability for the employer. In addition, many insurance
companies request that non-employees be restricted from
new or additional requirements and only attempt to explain
requirements based on the opinions of individuals who work
for OSHA.
Conclusion
Participation by non-employee union or community repre-
sentatives during an OSHA inspection can lead to problems
for non-union companies. Without question, this letter of
interpretation will create new animosity between OSHA and
employers if OSHA moves forward and CSHOs start to insist
that employers permit non-employed union or community ac-
tivists to act as employee representatives during inspections.
Employers should take action to put protections in place to
secure and protect their interests. Prepare an OSHA Inspec-
tion Policy and educate managers and foremen so they know
how to handle an OSHA inspection. Talk to your employees,
explain their rights and have them select their representatives.

National Utility Contractors Association

entering work areas because the non-employee could be in- By being prepared, your company can still have a say if OSHA
jured. Consider having the individual sign a release (hold shows up at the entrance to your jobsite or facility.
harmless agreement) from liability, but some attorneys say
that it would not be worth the paper it is written on. George Kennedy is NUCA Vice President of Safety.
• Require the non-employee to sign an agreement that he or
she will agree to wear all required person protective equip-
ment, not take any pictures or videos, not disclose any in-
formation obtained during the inspection, share the names,
addresses, phone numbers, etc. of employees interviewed
during the inspection, not relinquish any proprietary infor-
mation and comply with the National Labor Relations Act
by not conducting unionizing activities or promoting union
membership while at the jobsite or on company property.
Or if the individual is a community activist, he or she must
agree not to discuss economic, political or social interests.

Refuse Access to the Worksite

If OSHA continues to insist on having a non-employee rep-
resentative accompany him or her during the inspection after
you have asked all the questions and voiced all your concerns,
there’s the option of reminding the CSHO that you know you
have the right to deny OSHA entry and ask for a warrant that
orders you to permit OSHA and the non-employee to enter
your jobsite or facility. Sometimes it is necessary to pull out
all the stops.
It’s doubtful that most reasonable CSHOs will want to go
through all this trouble just to gain access to jobsites or facilities
when all they have to do is ask the employer to have the employ-
ees designate an employee representative for the inspection.
While most construction companies don’t ask for search
warrants when OSHA shows up, it remains to be seen how
judges will react to this interpretation if confronted with a re-
quest for a warrant directing the employer to permit a non-
employee to enter the worksite. Judges will refer to the let-
ter of the law (1903.8) because interpretations do not create
July 2013 | Utility Contractor 37
NUCA News

Two Members Receive National Community Service Award

During NUCA’s Washington Summit, members gathered at the annual Awards Luncheon to celebrate some of the
most outstanding accomplishments of member companies, chapters and leaders in 2012. We know that winning
awards is not what motivates people in our line of work, but it’s important, encouraging and appropriate to recognize
work well done in service to members and the community.
Every year, NUCA honors exemplary community service with the National Community Service Award. This year,
the 250-plus employee category was awarded to Western Summit Constructors and Dave Schmitt Construction Co.
won in the 1-25 employee category.
Congratulations to Western Summit Constructors and Dave Schmitt Construction for making committed efforts to
give back to your community!

Western Summit Constructors

In support of Homes for Our Troops, a national non-profit
that provides specially adapted homes for severely injured vet-
erans at no cost to them, Western Summit’s project team con-
structed an entire house foundation for U.S. Army Cpl. Nick
Orchowski, a veteran who was severely injured while serving in
Iraq. Western Summit’s portion of the work required construct-
ing approximately 350 linear ft of a 3-ft tall spread footing. The
donated materials included formwork lumber, hardware, small
tools, survey equipment, trucking and a crew of 20 volunteers.
The company and volunteers have strong convictions about
serving our veterans and wanted to focus their efforts on those
who give so much for our country. The team felt a strong con-
nection with the mission of Homes for Our Troops and reached
out to the organization inquiring how they could assist in Or-
chowski’s home build.
Original plans stretched the foundation construction over four weekends to not overburden the workforce. However, Homes
for Our Troops condensed the foundation work into two weekends in an effort to make the target completion date of July 1, 2012.
On the first weekend, a crew of 20 volunteers constructed forms and poured the base slab of the spread footer. The following
weekend, a second crew of 20 poured the remaining concrete stem walls. On Monday, the forms were stripped and the entire
jobsite was demobilized and turned over to the general contractor.
The outpouring of support by company volunteers was immediate — from craft all the way up through management. Many of
Western Summit’s employees continued to volunteer their own time and labor, working on the framing of the structure and land-
scaping, after the company’s portion of the project was complete. Employees are looking forward to working on another Home
for Our Troops project in 2013.

Dave Schmitt Construction Co.

When the call for volunteers to install playground equipment in the bedroom community of Fairfax, Iowa, went largely unan-
swered, the Parks Committee asked Dave Schmitt Construction Co. to take on the job. Several employees attended the Parks Com-
mittee meeting and presented a plan to help assemble the playground equipment and provide any equipment and tools needed.
The Parks Committee was overwhelmed by the show
of support and was excited to get the project started. A
company foreman initiated several phone calls to un-
derstand the task and what was expected. With Oc-
tober still being a part of the company’s busy season,
many employees worked their 40 hours by Thursday
and showed up to volunteer on Friday.
In the end, 20 employees provided 146 man-hours
and roughly $1,000 in supplies and equipment. De-
spite the cold and wind, the project went smoothly and
was completed in half of the estimated time.

38 Utility Contractor | July 2013


NEW MEMBERS
CONTRACTORS
Andrewglen Development LLC
JJ Brandstatter
7900 E. Union
Suite 1100
Denver, CO 80237
jay@andrewglenholdings.com
www.andrewglenholdings.com
B C Underground
Doug Reese
3551 Metro Pkwy.
Fort Myers, FL 33916
dougreese@bateman-contracting.com
Belvedere Contracting Inc.
Buck Moody
1003 Jupiter Park Ln.
Suite 5
Jupiter, FL 33458
buck@belvederecontracting.com
Caloosa Site Development Inc.
Rick Yelvington
504 Center Rd.
#A-4
Fort Myers, FL 3907
rick@caloosasite.com
Crestline Construction Co. LLC
Erik Kerr
3500 Crates Way
The Dalles, OR 97058
erik@crestlineconstruction.com
www.crestlineconstruction.com
Frank J. Zottola Construction
Frank Zottola
P.O. Box 180
Valencia, PA 16059
J.P. Murphy Inc.
Jim Murphy
16751 Old US Route 41
Fort Myers, FL 33912
jim@jpmurphyinc.com
www.jpmurphyinc.com
Jackson Land Development
Rick Jackson
1888 N.W. 21st St.
Pompano Beach, FL 33069
www.wjsonsco.com
K&R Plumbing Construction
Co. Inc.
Richard Rogers
14463 S.E. 152nd Ave.
Clackamas, OR 97015
rickr@kanddrplumbing.net
www.kandrplumbing.com
Kozik Brothers Inc.
Todd Kozik
213 Executive Dr.
Suite 300
Cranberry Township, PA 16066
kbitodd@nauticom.net
Landmasters Development Inc.
David Smith
P.O. Box 1674
Melbourne, FL 32902
dslandmasters@aol.com
RevCon Inc.
Chad Mitchell
16655 S.W. Ivy Glenn St.
Beaverton, OR 97007
chad@revconinc.net
www.revconinc.net
ASSOCIATES
Airgas National Welders
Beth Bryson
5311 77 Center Dr.
Charlotte, NC 28217
beth.bryson@airgas.com
Carolina Environmental
Contracting Inc.
Joanne Cheatham
P.O. Box 1905
Mt Airy, NC 27030
joanne@carolinaenvironmental
contracting.com
Cast Systems
Bruce Tschetter
19400 Peachtree Blvd.
Port Charlotte, FL 33948
bruce@castsystemsllc.com
Ferguson Waterworks Inc.
Mark McFalls
17323 Jean St.
Fort Myers, FL 33912
mark.mcfalls@ferguson.com
www.fergusonwaterworks.com
Flowcon
Paul Billings
P.O. Box 637
Bailey, NC 37807
paul@flowconinc.com
Flygt, a Xylem Brand
Christopher Stewart
5771 Country Lakes Dr.
Fort Myers, FL 33905
chris.stewart@xyleminc.com
Fortiline
Larry Blumberg
2291 W. Airport Blvd.
Sanford, FL 32771
larry.blumberg@fortiline.com
www.fortiline.com
H&E Equipment Services
Phil Blalcok
3821 Generosity Ct.
Garner, NC 27529
pblalock@he-equipment.com
HD Supply Waterworks
Bruce Berry
4750 Laredo Ave.
Fort Myers, FL 33905
bruce.berry@hdsupply.com
www.waterworks.hdsupply.com
Linder Industrial Machinery
Corp.
Heath Draper
4656 Elevation Way
Fort Myers, FL 33919
heath.draper@linderco.com
www.linerco.com
Mack Industries of North
Carolina
Betsy Mack
P.O. Box 579
Sharpsburg, NC 27878
bmack@mackconcrete.com
Martin Marietta
Brandon Lindsey
8701 Red Oak Blvd.
Suite 540
Charlotte, NC 28217
brandon.lindsey@martinmaietta.com
Maximo Equipment Co. Inc.
Peter Walters
P.O. Box 990381
Naples, FL 34116
peter@maximoequipment.com
National Trench Safety LLC
Conrad Thomas
3521 Asbury Ave.
Charlotte, NC 28206
www.ntsafety.com
National Trench Safety LLC
Donald “Bub” Godsey
7285 Peppermill Pkwy.
North Charleston, SC 29418
bubgodsey@ntsafety.com
Nortrax Equipment
Dave Walsh
3005 Hanson St.
Fort Myers, FL 33916
dave.walsh@nortrax.com
www.nortrax.com
July 2013 | Utility Contractor
NUCA News
Rain for Rent Inc.
Mike Haley
4350 Golf Acres Dr.
Charlotte, NC 28208
mhaley@rainforrent.com
www.rainforrent.com
Rinker Materials Concrete Pipe
Kathryn Moore
2040 Ortiz Ave.
Fort Myers, FL 33905
kathryna.moore@cemex.com
www.cemexusa.com
United Rentals Inc.
Brett Sondergard
825 Purser Dr.
Raleigh, NC 27603
bsonderg@ur.com
United Rentals Inc.
Bill Schwalm
National Utility Contractors Association
6390 Corporate Park Circle
Fort Myers, FL 33966
bschwalm@ur.com
www.ur.com
US Shoring & Equipment Co.
Chad Pendley
11070 S. Pipeline Rd.
Euless, TX 76040
cpendley@rmseq.com
www.usshoringandequipment.com
Xylem Inc.
Michael Sturgill
202 Winston Creek Pkwy.
Lakeland, FL 33810
michael.sturgill@xyleminc.com
www.godwinpumps.com
YPC Consulting Group PL
Frank Murati
5701 Country Lakes Dr.
Suite 3
Fort Myers, FL 33905
fmurati@ypcconsulting.com
www.ypcconsulting.com
39
 in d u s t r y c a l en da r
July
19 — NUCA of Colorado Annual Golf Tournament, Park
Hill Golf Club, Denver, 303.808.5643
26 — NUCA of Ohio Annual Scholarship Golf
Outing, Westbrook Country Club, Mansfield, Ohio,
419.636.6178
27 — NUCA of Arizona Baseball Outing, Arizona
Diamondbacks vs. San Diego Padres (with prizes
sponsored by ALB Piping), 480.775.3943
August
8 — NUCA of Pennsylvania Crab Feed, Annual
Membership Meeting & Member Appreciation Night,
Eastern Derry Township Volunteer Fire Department,
Derry, Pa., 717.234.8055
9 — NUCA of Pennsylvania Golf Outing, Chestnut
Ridge Golf Resort, Blairsville, Pa., 717.234.8055
40 Utility Contractor | July 2013
16 — NUCA of Oregon Golf Tournament, Gresham Golf
Course, Gresham, Ore., 503.742.8877
26 — NUCA of Rhode Island 35th Anniversary
Scholarship Golf Tournament, Wannamoisett Country
Club, Rumford, R.I., 401.996.6965
October
1-3 — ICUEE, Kentucky Exposition Center, Louisville,
Ky., www.icuee.com
2 — NUCA National Fall Board Meeting,
El Conquistador, Puerto Rico, 703.358.9300
12 — NUCA of North Florida Annual Fishing
Tournament, Sisters Creek Marina, Jacksonville, Fla.,
904.296.1230
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TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY 41
61
Advertisers’ index

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American Shoring............................................................................2 National Trench Safety.....................................................................7
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Arntzen Corporation.......................................................................41 NUCA Careers.................................................................................27
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construction contract/
sales volume
1.  Under $500,000
2.  $500,000 - $1 Million
3.  $1 - $10 Million
4.  $10 - $25 Million
5.  More than $25 Million
How much will your
company spend on
equipment and services
in the next 12 months
1.  Under $100,000
2.  $100,000 - $250,000
3.  $250,000 - $500,000
4.  $500,000 - $1 Million
5.  More than $1 Million

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Fax to: 888.585.0180 | www.utilitycontractoronline.com | UC0713

42 Utility Contractor | July 2013

 Building & Renewing
Liveable Cities with
Trenchless Technology
CALL FOR ABSTRACTS!
We are currently accepting abstracts for the
2014 Trenchless Technology Road Show in Niagara Falls.
Trenchless topics include (but are not limited to):
• Pipeline Planning & Design
• Pipeline Construction & Rehabilitation
• Materials
• Geotechnical Considerations for Pipeline Projects
• Pipeline Locating, Inspection & Condition Assessment
• Asset Management
• Safety, Risk Assessment & Management
• Sustainability
• Research & Development
• Condition Assessment & Rehabilitation

Presented by CATT &

Trenchless Technology Magazine May 28-29, 2014
Pre & Post Courses May 27 & 30
Scotiabank Convention Center
Niagara Falls

ABSTRACT Submissions due July 31, 2013

Please submit online at: www.catttrenchlessroadshow.com