It's February and while construction hasn't slowed much this winter season many of our members are looking ahead to growing staff in the spring-summer. Labor shortages continue to be the number one issue for our members. Make a plan for how you will engage and mentor the next generation of workforce. There are many resources available to help, if you need assistance let us know.

Aces Seamless Gutters (Sparks), B&B Specialties (Las Vegas), Bach Electric (Las Vegas), Battle Born Pool and Spa (Sparks), CCR Precision Surveying (Las Vegas), Commercial Restroom Solutions (Gardnerville), Donovan Flooring and Tile (Reno), Donovan Operations (Reno), Donovan Painting (Reno), LinkUs (Reno), M&D Paint and Drywall (Las Vegas), Majestic Marble and Tile (Carson City), Fast Trac Electric (Las Vegas), Riley Plumbing & Heating (Gardnerville), Rock Star Finishes (Henderson), Shaw Construction Co (Reno), Three Pole Electric (Sparks), and TL Consulting (Washoe Valley).

Machinery can cause severe injuries like amputations, fractures, lacerations, or crushing incidents. Some injuries can be minor or close calls such as abrasions, sprains, burns and cuts.

How will employees be protected? The employer’s responsibility is to provide a safe working environment to employees. Having Safety Policies and Procedures on machine guarding is key.

Training employees on how to follow machine operation instructions leads to less risk of injury. Employees who understand the hazards can protect themselves from injury by ensuring that machine guards are in place. When training, use the Manufacturers Operating Instructions for the type and location of machine guards you will be working with. Hands on training is very effective when employees are shown what to look for and avoid. Record your training; make sure you have a sign in sheet with the subject you trained and date. Employees who follow the manufacturers operating instructions can ensure that the machinery is being used correctly and safely with all its parts and guards in place. If employees bring their own equipment, make sure to have an inspection checklist to assure its in good working order prior to use.

Making sure employees understand the fundamentals of machine guard safety is key in keeping them safe and at minimal risk of injury.

For more information on Machinery and Machine Guarding, 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.

All seven health insurance plan options are open access, which means there are no referrals required to see a specialist. Plus, the Prominence comprehensive statewide network includes access to all Valley Health System hospitals in southern Nevada and the growing Northern Nevada Health System that will include the new Sierra Medical Center opening Spring 2022.

The following health plans offer out-of-state coverage for employees and dependents who live, work or travel outside of Nevada:

Through a collaboration with Cigna, Prominence is pleased to offer national network access to an expansive national network that includes more than 6,300 hospitals, more than 1 million physicians and multiple ancillary providers across the country.*

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!

 * Based on Cigna analysis, November 2019. Subject to change.