Today our thoughts and prayers are with anyone impacted by the horrific events of October 1. We want to thank our first responders for what they endure every day. Remember, despite our differences we can come together as Nevadans. Today especially be a little kinder, more understanding and always be #VegasStrong.

View our Economic Update from Applied Analysis HERE.

A-1 Masonry & Sandblasting (Las Vegas), Adobe Communications Electronics Inc. (Las Vegas), Brookstone Development (Reno), Christy Corporation (Sparks), Double M Construction (Pahrump), E & M Contracting (Overton), Elite Garage Door Service (Sparks), Grace Street Planning (Sparks), Nor-Cal Floor Design (Truckee), Precision Fencing (Spring Creek), Pride Stucco LLC (Las Vegas), Ruby Dome (Elko), Sierra Craftsman (Reno), Swanson Built (Sparks), TRC Homes (Reno) and Wiser Drywall (Sparks).

Trenching and excavation is a very dangerous activity. Every company involved in trenching and excavation must have a designated competent person assigned who conducts daily inspections of your site. Although the competent person is responsible for your employees everyone entering into the trench / excavation should be trained and have at least rudimentary knowledge of the requirements. Provided are several key numbers everyone needs to know and live by:

·       Call before you dig to have underground utilities located. Call #811 several days before digging

·       The competent person must conduct daily inspections prior to entry and changing conditions

·       The competent person must conduct soil tests (1 visual, 1 manual) to classify the type of soil.

·       2 feet

o  The distance the spoil pile, tools and objects must be kept away from the edge

o  The distance that walkways must extent past both sides of a trench

o  The maximum height a trench shield can be from the bottom of the trench

·       3 feet – The distance that a ladder must extend above the top of a trench/excavation

·       4 feet

o  The depth when ladders or other systems must be used to enter/exit the dig

o  The depth where atmospheric testing is required to be conducted before entering

o  For benching the maximum height, the first bench from the bottom is allowed to be

·       5 feet – The depth that shoring, sloping, or benching is required to be used to protect workers

·       6 feet – The depth that construction fall protection is required i.e. walkways, guardrails

·       10 feet – The minimum distance that equipment must operate from overhead electrical lines

·       15 feet – Maximum width at the base to be defined as a trench, greater makes it an excavation

·       20 feet – Maximum depth protective systems can be used without an engineer’s design/plan

·       25 feet – Maximum lateral distance for any employee to have access to a ladder/egress point

By remembering these numbers, you can do your part to ensure everyone makes it home safely.

For more information on guidelines for trenching and excavation, or other construction safety questions or concerns, please contact PGM Safety Services, an affiliate company of Pro Group Management. We will be happy to assist when you visit us at www.pgmnv.com or call (800) 859-3177.

Nevada Builder’s Alliance has partnered with Prominence Health Plan to bring high-quality, affordable health insurance to our membership throughout the state.

·       SEVEN health plan options available including HMO, PPO, high-deductible and an additional POS option!

·       All plans are open access, which means no referrals required to see a specialist.

·       Comprehensive local provider network with some plans that include national network coverage for those members who live, work or travel outside of Nevada.

Tier 1 – HMO In-Network: Members access benefits via the Prominence statewide HMO network

Tier 2 – PPO In-Network: Members access benefits via the PPO statewide network and national network.

Tier 3 – Out-of-Network: Members have access to out-of-network, out-of-area covered benefits when seeking coverage with a non-contracted provider.

Contact your broker and ask for an Association Health Plan from Prominence. You can also email PHP-salesteam@uhsinc.com and a friendly member of our sales team can assist.

Learn more on our website here!