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Eric Starkowicz

Executive Director

OVCEC Election Results

We are pleased to announce that Joseph M. Baker (Cast & Baker Corporation) and Dale E. Lewis (Ohio-West Virginia Excavating Company) have been unanimously elected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Ohio Valley Construction Employers Council.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the election. Per the OVCEC by-laws, this message serves as the formal announcement of the results.

Baker and Lewis' three-year terms will begin on January 1, 2026. There is a two (2) term limit. The newly elected members will replace Michael Baker and Brian Hendershot, whose terms expire at the end of this year. We are extremely grateful for their many years of service and dedication to the OVCEC. 

Congratulations Joe and Dale!

Opening Night Victory

OVCEC is proud to partner with the Wheeling Nailers this season as the First Period Sponsor for all home games. We also kicked things off as the Presenting Sponsor of Union & Trades Workers Appreciation Night, where the Nailers celebrated a third straight opening night sellout and a well-earned win. Thank you to everyone who joined us!

The Moundsville indoor recreational center plans continue to progress thanks to a $1.5 million contribution from the Marshall County Commission. Grae-Con Construction, Inc. has been brought on as a consultant to assist with workflow and subcontractors.

"It's a great donation and a great contribution, and we think we can have this project completed just over $4 million,” City Manager Rick Healy said.

Abrasive Wheel Machinery (aka Grinder) Safety

An OSHA review of 27 grinder accidents found that more than 26% had a fatal ending. Common causes include workers being trapped in the grinding wheel or being hit by flying debris from a wheel explosion.

Machines that use abrasive wheels are powerful and most operate at high speeds, usually several thousand revolutions per minute. If a grinding wheel shatters while it is turning, the fragments from the wheel assembly (including the flange, spindle end, and nut) can travel at more than 300 miles per hour. To ensure that abrasive wheels are safely used in your workplace, know the hazards and how to control them.

Machine Guarding

• Side Guards: These must cover the spindle, nut, and flange, and protect at least 75% of the wheel diameter.
• Adjustable Tongue Guard: This must be present and kept adjusted to within 1/4 inch of the grinding wheel's periphery.
• Strength: Safety guards must be strong enough to withstand the force of a bursting wheel.

Work Rests and Adjustments

• Work Rest: For bench and floor-mounted grinders, the work rest must be rigid, adjustable, and kept within 1/8 inch of the wheel to prevent jamming.
• Guard Adjustment: The adjustable tongue guard should be adjusted to within 1/4 inch of the wheel.

Pre-Use Inspection and Mounting

• Inspection: Before mounting, all wheels must be inspected for cracks or defects and "ring tested". Watch the video Ring Testing Grinding to understand a ring test.
• RPM Check: The machine's spindle speed must not exceed the maximum operating speed marked on the wheel.
• Mounting: Wheels must fit freely on the spindle, and mounting nuts should not be tightened excessively.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Eye and Face Protection: Operators must wear safety glasses or goggles and a face shield.
• Other PPE: Depending on the work, gloves, hearing protection, and respiratory protection may be necessary.

Other Safety Requirements

• Clothing: Operators should not wear loose clothing or jewelry and should tie back long hair.
• Maintenance: Ensure the area around the grinder is clean and free of flammable materials.

Click the button below for OSHA's checklist on abrasive wheel machinery.

It's Flu Season - Help Keep Everyone Healthy

Flu season typically runs between November and April, so now is the time to talk to your employees about how to stay healthy and prevent unintentionally passing the flu throughout the workplace. Use the resources below to raise awareness and keep your employees safe.

• Safety Talk - Take steps to keep yourself and others safe
• Poster - Germ-free Zone
• Video - Cold and Flu Safety in the Workplace
• Flu vaccination: myths & facts

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.