National Safety Month

June 2021 marks the 25th year for National Safety Month, sponsored by the National Safety Council. Safety is paramount in our line of work at Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal. Whether installing new roofing 10 stories high in Kansas City’s skyline or fabricating in our sheet metal shop, Cornell crews take safety seriously.

A lot has changed when it comes to safety since our company started in 1927. While there are many more protections in place, you can never take safety for granted. We continuously look for ways to maximize and enhance safety protocols for our crews. National Safety Month is a reminder for us – and all construction companies – about the importance of working toward our common goals of reducing workplace injuries and accidents, and improving safety on our job sites.

This year, the National Safety Council recommends a focus on the following safety topics to bolster Safety in the workplace:

  • Prevent Incidents Before They Start: Identifying risks and taking proactive safety measures to reduce hazard exposure on everything from ergonomics to chemical management is important in creating a safe workplace.

 

  • Address Ongoing COVID-19 Safety Concerns: While we are making strides against COVID-19, the pandemic remains. Employers play an important role in the return to physical workspaces, building trust around vaccines, mental health and much more.

 

  • Ensuring Individual Security on the Job: Being able to work without fear is necessary for an inclusive safety culture. Leading organizations focus not only on physical safety but psychological safety as well.

 

  • Ongoing Advancements to Your Safety Journey: Safety is all about continuous improvement. Whether organizationally or individually, the National Safety Council has resources to lend a hand. Visit NSC.org for more information.

 

To learn more about Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, visit www.CornellRoofing.com or call 816-252-8300.

Covid – 19 Update From Department of Labor

From our Friends at Law Firm Seigfreid Bingham. Thank you!

#covid-19, #coronavirus, #ConstructionKCBy John Vering & Mark Opara

On March 25, 2020 the U.S. Department of Labor published on its website a Model Poster for covered employers to post, email to their employees or put on an internal or external website to meet the posting requirements under the new Families First Coronavirus Response Act (herein Act). The DOL website has a link to Frequently asked Questions about how and where to post the Notice and other options on providing it to employees of covered employers.

In addition, DOL has published Fact sheets on Employee Paid Leave Rights under the Act and Employer Paid Leave Requirements under the Act. Further guidance is contained in three Questions and Answers documents published by DOL on the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, COVID-19 and the Fair Labor Standard Act and COVID-19 and the FMLA. These Fact Sheets and Guidance do not have the effect of regulations and leave a number of important questions unanswered as the April 1, 2020 effect of the Act rapidly approaches. We are advised that DOL does not plan enforcement actions against employers during the first 30 days the Act is in force as long as covered employers are making good faith efforts to comply with the Act.

Where else can I get more information and updated information?
We encourage you to keep updated on the latest developments and guidance being provided by DOL and other federal, state and local authorities including but not limited to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, and the Kansas City Missouri Department of Health. Regularly review the websites noted above, our firm COVID-19 Resources page and cdc.gov, coronavirus.gov and the CDC’s Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers. Another valuable resource is the National Governors Association website nga.org which provides valuable resources from every state on COVID-19 and steps employers can and should take to deal with this pandemic.

This article is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Please note that the Families First Coronavirus Act presents many novel legal questions, and we encourage you to seek legal advice for the application of this and related laws to your specific situation and please note that legal requirements are changing on a daily basis. Readers with legal questions should consult the authors, ([email protected]), Mark Opara ([email protected]) or any other shareholders in Seigfreid Bingham’s Employment Law Group, including:, John Neyens, Brenda Hamilton, Shannon Johnson, or your regular contact at Seigfreid Bingham at 816-421-4460.

 

A Good Year for Cornell

As reported in an earlier post, 2019 was a good year. The Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal team put a heavy focus on job-site safety, which resulted in ultimate success. This was a year of one of our lowest percentages and a reduction in the rate by which companies’ premiums are based.

With the start of a new year and decade, Cornell is proud to announce ZERO incidents in 2019! President Mary McNamara commented, “Safety is more than a word at Cornell. Keeping our people safe is a mindset.” McNamara added, “ I am very proud of the continued focus on safety and the fact that we attained this great result.”a good year

With Fall Protection the #1 OSHA Standard violated, Cornell’s mantra is: “No one gets hurt today.” Mary added, “At Cornell Roofing and Sheet Metal, we will continue to invest in the time, training, certification support and latest safety equipment needed to help keep our people safe.”

To all the Customers, Trades and Suppliers, Cornell wishes you all a safe and prosperous 2020!

 

The MRCA, A Family Affair

Mary McNamara, Owner and President of Cornell, was recently appointed to the Midwest Roofing Contractors Association (MRCA) Board. McNamara continues a tradition of service to the roofing industry from the McNamara family at the regional and national levels.

Humble Beginnings

The MRCA  traces its beginnings to early 1950. For several years discussion of the benefits of a regional organization to represent roofing contractors had been going on. It was after a roofing clinic in Topeka, Kansas on January 12, 1950 that the organization was created.

Then Everything Changed

While conventions have always been a part of the MRCA, they began as a forum for contractors to gather and exchange ideas. In 1965, the first technical research project titled “Don’t Panic – Here’s How to Make a Roof Drain”, was published. Despite how it sounds today, it revolutionized the roofing industry. Overnight architects uniformly adopted the projects recommendations and the industry began changing.

Continuing a Tradition of Service

“ I am Honored to be appointed to the MRCA Board and look forward to collaborating with the many talented members of this

The MRCA, Organization, Midwest Roofing Contractors Association
Rob McNamara

organization,” McNamara stated. Her father, Jim McNamara was President of the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association. McNamara’s Uncle Don, served as president of the organization in 1981 and was awarded its highest honor, the James Q. McCawley Award in 1982. Don’s son Rob also served as its president. Its safe the say this has become a family affair.

MRCA Drives Positive Change

From the first industry altering publication, the MRCA Technical and Research (T&R) Committee was formed and has presented studies that have dramatically impacted the industry. As a result, the industry has seen an improvement of products and architects and specifiers have been influenced and guided to follow sound roofing practices. The MRCA has continually worked to improve the conditions for the roofing contractors and ultimately their customers. For more information visit: www.MRCA.org