v
A Quarterly
Journal of
Limbach
Safety
A Few Words on Jim Zak
Offered by Bob Wilder, Safety
Manager at Harper Limbach
Jim was a close, personal
friend of mine, the brother I
never had. I first met Jim in
2002. We’re both Safety Di-
rectors for Limbach and we
were attending a Committee
meeting in Pittsburgh.
We both looked forward to
seeing each at the committee
meetings even though we
talked daily on the phone.
When we weren’t talking
about work, we were talking
about our families—our wives,
our kids and our grandkids.
On a professional level, Jim
will be missed by all of us who
worked with him. We will miss
his contributions, loyalty and
dedication to our safety pro-
gram at Limbach. On a per-
sonal level, he will be missed
as the great friend and confi-
dant that he was to me. I’ve
been so lucky to have known
him and to have had him in
my life. I have so many
memories of times with my
friend Jim and those memo-
ries are treasures.
Jimmy, if love could have
saved you, you would have
lived forever. Semper-Fi my
friend.
The Limbach Family Loses One of its Best
Sadly, in the beginning of
this year, Limbach unexpect-
edly lost one of it’s most be-
loved and well respected
employees. On January 29,
2009 Jim Zak passed away,
leaving a legacy at Limbach
stretching 35 years. Remem-
bered for his humorous and
friendly demeanor, Jim was
a true team player, making
countless contributions to
the success of his company.
Starting his Limbach career
as a sheet metal tradesman
at the Detroit branch, Jim
worked through the ranks
becoming a foreman, then
Project Manager, and on to
Safety Manager. Proving
himself time and time again,
Jim accepted each promo-
tion with a sincere humility,
earning the admiration of all
his coworkers.
this issue
Jim Zak P.1
Safety & You P.2
Harper Safety P.3
Spotlight on Crane Safety P.4
An integral part of the missed by the entire Limbach
safety culture at Detroit family.
Limbach, his deep compas- “Jim’s unexpected and shock-
ing departure has left us with
a hole in our lives and hearts,”
offers Hal Ruffner, EVP of the
Central Region, “we will not
forget the lessons we have
learned from a dear family
member and close friend.”
Limbach Company’s
New Safety Newsletter
This marks the beginning of
Safety Limbach — a quarterly
Jim Zak, high above Pittsburgh, in
Mt. Washington effort to journal the safety culture
at Limbach and highlight indus-
sion for the welfare of his
try trends and concerns. We
co-workers was always ap-
hope you enjoy, and continue to
parent. Never seeking rec-
strive for an Incident and Injury
ognition, Jim’s true focus
Free Workplace each and every-
was always on helping
day on the job and at home.
other people. Good-natured
and caring, this is his de-
parting legacy. He will be
Pittsburgh Limbach
Receives Letter of Praise
Pittsburgh Limbach is currently work-
ing on the Westinghouse project for
Turner Construction. Their commit-
ment to safety has not gone unno-
ticed, as is evidenced from the follow-
ing letter sent to Pittsburgh’s Branch
Manager, Mike Balistreri, from
Turner’s Project Safety Engineer:
Mike,
I just wanted to take the time to
send you this email regarding Lim-
bach's safety out here on the West-
inghouse Project. I can't brag enough
about your dedication and commit-
ment about safety. I have yet to ob-
serve one of your workers not wear-
ing safety glasses, vests, etc. I just
wish the rest of the subs out here
could follow your lead. It makes my
job so much easier when I don't even
have to look twice at a Limbach em-
ployee performing work. Every single
one of your workers clearly under-
stands what is expected of them
safety-wise, and it shows. I have had
only one concern to date and it was
for a radio, very minor. So, thanks
again for making safety your number
one priority and leading by example.
It does not go unnoticed.
Leo Kramer
Turner Construction Company
(Pittsburgh)
Project Safety Engineer
(Westinghouse Project)
Looking Beyond the Number to
what is Really Important: People
By Bill Haverstock
Safety Manager at Western Air Limbach
Most of us have similar reasons
for why we work. We have our-
selves and our families to sup-
port, and we enjoy taking part in
hobbies and other interests. We
are also generally good at what
we do, confident in our ability to
get the job done and keep our-
selves from getting hurt in the
process. Yet, there are people
from the Western Air family that
are injured at work every year.
While, it is at a rate far below
average for the construction in-
dustry, one injury is too many.
For a minute, ignore the numbers
and the recordable frequencies
and think about who is affected
by an injury. Who would suffer if
you or someone on your crew
was injured? An injury can offset
your ability to swing a golf club,
play catch with your son, or walk
your daughter down the aisle at
her wedding.
The IIF journey is not about
lowering our recordable fre-
quency and severity. It is about
protecting your ability to earn a
living, support your family and
dependents and enjoy yourself
away from work. You, are the
key. You have the ability to pro-
tect yourself and those you work
with everyday. The IIF journey
emphasizes and encourages the
willingness to never walk past an unsafe act. Not because you
are told to do so, but because it is the way you want to work.
There are many who work at Western Air, and maintain IIF
practices the majority of the time. This is clearly visible in our
safety record. But, what allows us to continuously send our
workers home injury-free, is when the importance of working
safely is seen as a group effort—The entire Limbach family
(including our sub-contractors and their employees) working
together as one team towards the same end .
As the Western Air safety director, I challenge each of you
for the remainder of 2009, to be willing to participate in devel-
oping the pre-task-plans. This includes: 2 minute minors,
assisting in conducting job-site inspections, helping to train
new employees, and encourage those working with you on
how to avoid injuries. Also, speak up when you notice a haz-
ard or a safer, and therefore
“ You, are the key.
better way to complete a task.
You have the ability
We hope you are proud of the
safety ef- to protect yourself forts we strive for at
Western Air. and those you work We know you will help
us to achieve our ultimate
with everyday.”
goal of an incident and injury free
workplace by continuing to embrace IIF Culture. Not because
you’re required to, but because it is the best way to protect
what is most important – you.
Western Air Awarded for Safety
California Association of Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning
Contractors, National Association (CAL SMACNA) is pre-
senting Western Air Limbach with a safety award at their
43rd Annual Convention on April 18, 2009. The SMACNA
is a non-profit trade organization that seeks to be a unify-
ing voice of the contractor / construction industry. They
grant awards to companies that boast a nine or lower inci-
dent rate. Western Air can be proud of this accomplish-
ment as it illustrates their devotion to safety!

Harper Limbach LLC Sets New High in Safety
th
On January 9 , 2009, Associated
Builders and Contractors (ABC)
National Safety Committee in-
formed Harper Limbach that the
Branch was eligible for the prestig-
ious ABC National Safety Excel-
lence Award.
The ABC National Safety Award
recognizes companies who exhibit
exceptional safety performance via
first-rate safety programs. Awards
are based on data submitted via
STEP Platinum applications, as
well as interviews with the safety
directors and owners of a company.
Award categories are based on
total work-hours in a calendar year
in combination with placement in
the North American Industry Classi-
fication System (NAICS). Harper
Limbach was the past recipient of
This Month’s Safety Stories of Caution
an ABC national Safety Excel-
lence in 2005, and is proud to be
considered again this year.
In addition, recipients of ABC's
STEP Platinum award will be
further eligible to participate in
the 2009 Constructor Segment of
the Construction Users Round
Table (CURT) Construction In-
dustry Safety Excellence (CISE)
Awards program. The CURT
CISE Award acknowledges com-
mendable safety performance of
individual constructor firms and is
intended to display CURT’s sup-
port of safety culture and the
belief that constructors hold the
primary responsibility for execut-
ing on-site safety.
Harper Limbach is proud of the
achievements of all its employ-
-ees and will strive to continue
to be at the forefront of em-
ployee safety. We understand
that constructors are most effec-
tive when they work in conjunc-
tion with the owner and archi-
tects/engineers to ensure an
overall safe workplace. By par-
taking in the NSEA and the
CURT CISE Award, Harper can
be publicly rewarded for their
ongoing effort to maintain out-
standing safety programs, poli-
cies and procedures.
The 2008 National Safety Ex-
cellence Awards will be pre-
sented June 24, 2009 during the
annual Excellence In Construc-
tion banquet at the Renaissance
Hotel in Washington D.C.
Safety Efforts at
Limbach Philadelphia
Ladder Safety
Ladders are fundamental tools
that every trade, in every branch,
uses daily. Over the past 9
months, The Philadelphia Limbach
Branch has targeted ladders in the
field and in the warehouse. Old,
worn and broken ladders are con-
tinuously identified and removed
from service. The branch coordi-
nates with their distributor to re-
place worn and broken parts if
possible. New ladders are pur-
chased as needed and much at-
tention is paid to how they’re
transported and secured.
Crane Safety
In January ‘09” Limbach Philadel-
phia hosted a Lunch & Learn
about Crane Safety. AmQuip’s VP
of Risk Management presented a
class that referenced the new
crane standards, recent legisla-
tion, responsibilities and safe rig-
ging practices. A good mix of field
and management were in atten-
dance and a spirited question and
answer session followed the train-
ing. Amquip reviewed our Pre-

Contributor: Jim Blose, Safety Manager at Pittsburgh Limbach task Lift form and provided sug-
Location: Westinghouse Project, Pittsburgh gestions on how to improve upon
Recently, there were 2 accidents at the Westing- to release him. It was later reported that the workers had been it.
house project that were brought to my attention. aware that the controls were not working properly, but continued
Neither of them involved a Limbach employee. to use the lift anyway. A decision that could have proved fatal.

1. A carpenter using an Aerial lift to install siding
on the exterior of the building, maneuvered his
basket through a window opening on the 5th
floor in order to secure a panel. As he proceeded
to move the lift, releasing the control, the lift did
not stop and pinned him against the steel. Efforts
to lower him with the ground controls were un-
successful and steel had to be cut away in order
2. An iron worker was using a grinder with a cutting wheel to
remove steel in one of the stairwells. While working with grinder
overhead, the wheel kicked back, striking him in the shoulder. He
had to be taken to the hospital to receive several stitches. A
grinder with a cutting wheel is the most dangerous common tool
we use. It should only be used when there is no alternate means
of completing a task.
 Recent Crane Accidents Put Spotlight on Crane Safety
Crane safety is an issue garnering increased
media attention due to the rash of recent crane
accidents in New York City, Miami, Houston,
and Las Vegas. The Bureau of Labor Statistics
estimates an average of 82 workers die each
year as a result of these crane accidents.
OSHA reports that the leading causes of crane
related fatalities include workers being stuck
by loads, electrocution from booms making
contact with power lines, and collapse.
As a result of these high profile incidents,
many are calling for “third-party” or govern-
mental oversight into the regulation of crane
safety. Efforts are being fueled to require state
by state certification of both cranes and opera-
tors. Currently, the responsibility for crane
safety falls to construction companies, and
operators do not need to be certified as com-
petent. However, more and more cities and
private companies are developing certification
and inspection policies. More often than not,
these horrible crane tragedies are caused by
human error and could have been easily
avoided.
A 250 page report concerning last year’s Mid-
town Manhattan tower crane collapse outlines
how decisions made during the routine jump of
Safety Incentives at D.C. Branch
The DC branch finished 2008 with over
228,000 working hours. In that time, there
were two recordable accidents, four first aids
and zero lost time accidents. This is an ac-
complishment to be proud of and we must con-
tinue to strive for an excellent safety record in
2009. This year, a special focus will be placed
on IIF Safety and refresher training courses.
After conducting IIF presentations at the Phila-
delphia branch, JMJ Associates came to DC to
begin an intensive pilot training program, con-
sisting of two, eight-hour classes accompany-
ing three days in the field. The training was
aimed at equipping foreman with the neces-
sary tools to coach employees and emerge as
IIF leaders. By preparing foreman to preemp-
tively recognize jobsite hazards and unsafe
behavior, an open dialogue of proper safety
protocol can be initiated to avoid injuries be-
a Favelle Favco M440E crane lead to the ca-
tastrophe. Seven lives could have been spared
if master rigger, William Rapetti, had not ig-
nored the manufacturer’s instructions. While
the manufacturer specified eight attachment
points, only four were used. One sling was
Midtown Manhattan tower crane collapse on March 5, 2008
damaged and all were rigged incorrectly. Wit-
nesses report hearing tremendous “snapping”
noises, as the overturning resistance of the 19-
story crane was compromised and it split
apart .
This tragic event illustrates, “the con-
sequences of taking shortcuts on the jobsite,”
commented Buildings Commissioner Robert
LiMandri. The office of the Borough President
By Bill Brock Limbach’s National Safety Director
fore they occur. All work place accidents can
be eliminated if we stay committed to IIF cul-
ture and always think prior to acting.
On April 1, DC held its annual employee rec-
ognition lunch. The branch’s safety record was
celebrated for a 25% reduction in recordable
accidents over 2007, consistent safety alerts,
no lost workdays in 2008, and a continuous
promotion of employee wellness. At the event,
two annual safety awards were presented to
fitter Vern Hutchinson and plumber Jim Marti-
nez for their commendable work habits and
ceaseless IIF promotion at the jobsite. Both of
these employees also received the Jim Zak
Memorial Safety Recognition Award.
In addition, two new employee recognition
programs have been established this year. The
first includes a $25 Lowe’s gift card awarded to
any employee who goes, “above and beyond,”
in areas concerning safety or innovations for
the company. The second program will be a
quarterly award that designates an outstanding
also found that the building where the crane
was operating had nine open violations, includ-
ing failure to have a site security manager pre-
sent and working without a permit. Rapetti is
now facing civil and criminal charges. A De-
partment of Buildings crane and derrick in-
spector was also arrested and charged with
filling a false inspection report.
While public officials throughout the U.S. are
turning to regulation to minimize future risk,
these occurrences can be reduced by continu-
ing to constantly remain vigil to all crane safety
concerns.
Penny Caused ‘05 JAX Beach Crane Collapse
3 workers were injured when a 100-ton crane col-
lapsed on a Jacksonville Beach construction site in
2005. An OSHA investigation discovered the culprit
to be a single penny (and negligence). A penny had
been lodged into the crane’s safety switch in order
to override the safety mechanism and make the
crane easier to operate. Another example of what
can happen when deadlines are put before safety.
Safety 101
Editor: Stephen Michael Scaff
Director of Safety: Bill Brock
Contributors: Blose, Gallagher, Haverstock, Wilder, Brock
field or office employee who demonstrates the
“I Care” aspect of the IIF program. This individ-
ual will receive a plaque inscribed with their
name and accomplishment.
Incentives such as these serve to ensure that
people stay focused on safety and are ac-
knowledged for doing so. We hope to make
2009 the best year to date for safety perform-
ance at our branch. A continuous safety edu-
cation provides us with the knowledge to care
for each other in the office, the field and at
home. While making safe decisions is a per-
sonnel choice, it has an impact on everyone.
Vern Hutchinson and Jim Martinez receive Safety
Awards at DC Recognition Lunch