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Eric Starkowicz Executive Director

The OVCEC Annual Membership Meeting is just three weeks away, and time is running out to secure your spot! This is your chance to connect with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and be part of the conversations shaping our region’s construction industry. Don’t wait—register now to ensure you’re part of this important event. Details are in the Events section below!

Steubenville High School Carpentry Program Building Futures

Steubenville High School is building skills and the future for students interested in trades through a joint apprenticeship program with Carpenters Local Union 186 of Steubenville.


Students have done projects to benefit their school and community including creating picnic tables for the Steubenville Baseball Association at Belleview Park and a chalet used during Christmas at the Fort. Meanwhile, union representatives have visited to speak to classes in the past while students attend field trips such as the Project BEST Job Fair at Wheeling Park last fall, the latter of which included interactive events.

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Belmont to Break Ground on New Firehouse Soon

Village officials received an update on the anticipated timeline leading up to the groundbreaking for the new firehouse. Resident and fire department member Ed Tacosik addressed council during their first meeting of 2025.


The new facility is being constructed thanks to $3.4 million in federal grant funding that was secured in February 2023. It will allow the village’s fire department to move out of a building that dates to the late 1800s and has been suffering from a variety of structural failures in recent years.

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As a “thank you” for your membership with OVCEC, your business has access to national account pricing with several vendors through OVCEC’s Member Rewards Program. These national accounts are managed by DSI, a group purchasing organization, but the associated savings opportunities are available to you solely as an OVCEC membership benefit and without DSI based costs or purchasing requirements.

Copier Purchases and Leases



  • Up to 72% discount off list price for multifunctional devices, with flexible leasing or purchase options

Next step: When you are in the market for a new device, please contact Michael Petruzzi so that he can facilitate the quote process. Call 720-382-8162 or email mpetruzzi@dsi-mail.com.

Burn Awareness Week

The first week of February is designated as National Burn Awareness Week (February 2-February 8, 2025), an annual event organized by the American Burn Association (ABA). Burn injuries in the workplace remain a significant concern, with thousands of incidents reported annually. In 2023, the ABA’s Annual Burn Injury Summary Report recorded 32,540 burn cases, contributing to a five-year cumulative total of 156,073 cases.


Industry-Specific Risks


Certain industries are more susceptible to burn injuries due to the nature of their work. Construction, manufacturing, and food service industries consistently report the highest number of burn-related incidents. The construction industry alone accounts for nearly 25% of workplace burn injuries annually. Workers in these industries are often exposed to high heat, flammable substances, and hazardous equipment that increase their likelihood of sustaining burns.


Severity of Burns


The severity of burns can vary widely, from minor first-degree burns to life-threatening third-degree burns that can cause permanent damage to skin, muscles, and bones. 


  • A first-degree burn only affects the outer layer of skin, causing redness and pain with no blisters.


  • A second-degree burn impacts both the outer and underlying skin layers, resulting in redness, swelling, pain, and blisters.


  • A third-degree burn destroys all skin layers, appearing white or charred with potential numbness and often requiring skin grafts, as it may damage deeper tissues like muscle and fat. Severe burns often require immediate medical attention, hospitalization, and long-term rehabilitation. According to the American Burn Association, approximately 40% of individuals who sustain severe burns require hospitalization.


Impact on Employees and Employers


Burn injuries not only cause physical pain and suffering for employees but also result in significant financial consequences. Injured workers may require time off work for medical treatment and recovery, reducing productivity and causing disruption to operations. Additionally, employees who suffer severe burns may face long-term health complications, including scars, infections, and psychological trauma. 


For employers, workplace burn injuries lead to higher medical expenses, increased workers’ compensation claims, litigation costs, and rising insurance premiums. The National Safety Council estimates that workplace burn injuries cost U.S. businesses over $2 billion annually, a staggering figure that highlights the need for improved prevention efforts.


Preventing Burns in the Workplace


Preventing burns in the workplace requires a proactive approach that combines safety measures, education, and adherence to standards. Here are key strategies employers can implement to reduce burn risks:


1. Conduct Regular Risk Assessments

Employers should regularly assess their workplace to identify potential burn hazards. This includes checking equipment, reviewing work processes, and evaluating areas for exposed heat sources or flammable materials. Identifying risks early allows for prompt action to address them. 

 

Burn Hazard Site Checklist for Employer Buildings:

Credit to the City of Minot, North Dakota:

https://www.minotnd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/278/Business-Fire-Safety-Checklist-PDF


Burn Hazard Site Checklist for Jobsites:

Credit to Bentley University, EHS Office, Waltham, Massachusetts: 

https://d2f5upgbvkx8pz.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/inline-files/Contractor%20Safety%20Checklist%201.30.20.pdf


2. Implement Safety Training Programs

It is essential that employers provide hands on burn prevention training. Topics that should be covered include safe handling of hot materials, proper PPE usage, and how to respond if/when a burn injury occurs.  Regular training refresher programs ensure employees are prepared for potential risks.


3. Enforce the Use of PPE

Personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a crucial role in preventing burns. Employers must provide heat-resistant gloves, flame-retardant clothing, goggles, and face shields. PPE should be checked and maintained routinely.


4. Develop Emergency Action Plans

Employers should create clear emergency action plans for burn injuries. These plans should include first-aid measures, along with protocols for contacting medical assistance. Regular drills will ensure that employees are ready to act quickly in an emergency and are knowledgeable on the protocols of how and when to request medical assistance.


5. Promote a Culture of Safety

Fostering a culture of safety is key to long-term burn injury prevention. Employers should encourage employees to report hazards, follow safety protocols, and practice safety awareness throughout daily operations. By taking these proactive steps, employers can significantly reduce burn risks and create a safer workplace for all employees.


6. Safety at Home

The American Burn Association's theme for 2025 focuses on reducing burn risks in homes, apartments, and all living spaces. On their website, you will find burn safety prevention tips, fact sheets, and activities for young family members. Please visit their website at: https://ameriburn.org/advocacy-and-prevention/burn-awareness-week/

If you hear of a project you would like to see in our Plan Room, please let us know. We will make every effort to get it. And as always, if you need prints or you are interested in getting access to our online plan room, send us a message.


If you have questions, please contact us at ovcec@ovcec.com or 304-242-0520.


Ohio Valley Construction Employers Council
Eric Starkowicz, Executive Director

304-242-0520 | www.ovcec.com