Construction – Trillium Staffing

More Than 40% of U.S. Workers Suffer From This. Are You One of Them?

Jenna Mathieu — Mon, 28 Dec 2020 13:42:26 +0000

As if the holidays weren’t a whirlwind enough on their own, the new year always brings with it a renewed list of projects, tasks and responsibilities no matter what your line of business is. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise that more than 40% of U.S. workers are sleep deprived. What’s worse? Nearly 13% of all workplace injuries in the U.S. may be attributed to fatigue. With stats like that, here’s what you need to know to stay safe in the workplace and help your colleagues do the same.

Some quick stats on the impact of workplace fatigue:

Workplace accidents/injuries are 30% more likely to occur on night shifts than day shifts.
Working 12 hour shifts? Your risk factor increases by 37% of accident or injury.
Fatigue accounts for an estimated loss to employers of $136 billion in health related lost productivity.
More than 70 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder.

So what can we do to help ensure safety in the workplace?

Increase headcount to lower the need for extended hours worked during a shift.
Whenever possible, schedule employees on a regular and predictable schedule that can help build healthy sleep patterns.
Evaluate the work environment for opportunities to increase alertness such as lighting, temperature and bright aesthetics.
Offer regularly opportunities for employees to collaborate or work with others for interaction.
Provide employees with education pieces on healthy sleep patterns and how to identify the symptoms of fatigue that may impact safety and performance.

Are you a stand out professional, technical professional, driver, or skilled worker seeking contingent, temporary, or long term career opportunities? Visit our job board for more information! Want to learn more about how you can gain access to Trillium’s national network of professionals and skilled workers? Contact us today!

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 22,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

15% of All Accidental Deaths Start With This

Jenna Mathieu — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 15:03:20 +0000

While it’s no shocker that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of accidental deaths, did you know that something as simple and often times preventable as slips, trips and falls are the second leading cause of accidental death? Unless you work in a Safety or Risk Management role, you probably don’t give a lot of thought to this topic. Here’s why you should.

The good news? While one of the most frequently reporting injuries, it’s also one of the most preventable type of accident or injury that occurs in the workplace. Here’s little insight into the most frequent causes as well as some tips for prevention:

Causes:

Dirty, freshly waxed, wet, poor conditioned or transitioning walking surfaces
Uneven or irregular surfaces
Mounting or dismounting from equipment, vehicle, ladders or platforms
Weather hazards
Uncovered hoses, wires or cluttered walking surfaces
Poor lighting conditions, improperly fitting safety equipment, poor hazard signage
Fatigue, poor visibility, impairment due to drugs or alcohol, carelessness
Carrying objects improperly, distracted employees, rushed employees

Prevention Tips:

Good housekeeping and regular maintenance of surfaces and work environments
Training on safe lifting, carrying and safe fall techniques
Wearing proper footwear and PPE
Maintain all equipment to prevent leaks, spills, and drips
Install slip-resistant floors in high risk areas
Make sure all loose hoses, wires or cords are properly secured and marked

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 22,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

The Most Expensive Workplace Injuries

Jenna Mathieu — Fri, 09 Oct 2020 15:02:19 +0000

While workplace injuries and illnesses cost employers an estimated $170 billion every year, the costs among them vary greatly. We often hear of companies complaining about the costs of PPE and safety equipment in roles where they don’t suspect the injuries to occur or not understanding the costs of them when they do. Regardless of cost, the important factor is the wellness and safety of the employees.

Thankfully the most costly injuries aren’t typically the most common. Below are a few of the most expensive injuries per occurrence:

Amputations
Dislocations
Electric Shock
Crushes
Traumas

While some of those injuries have an individual cost over $100k, even inflammation can cost an employer nearly $25k. The key to injury and illness prevention is regular risk assessments followed by implementing any necessary changes. For best results in addition to your risk and safety teams, include employees from each role in your assessments and planning. Those individuals who are exposed to the environment and job duties on a daily basis can give great insight into things that may be easily overlooked by others who aren’t performing the essential duties for extended periods of time.

Trillium, a national leader in staffing and recruitment is a valued staffing partner to over 22,000 companies nationwide. Trillium is privately owned by Oskar René Poch.

Military Construction Projects on the Rise for 2019!

Carmen Hoover — Mon, 17 Sep 2018 16:34:37 +0000

It’s hard to believe that we are already looking into 2019 in terms of industry trends and what to expect on the job market landscape. Believe it or not, US Lawmakers have already signed legislation to increase spending on Military construction projects by 2.4% in the coming year. That equates to earmarking $10.3 million just for military related construction projects in 2019.

This measure provides funding to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and its Directorate of Civil Works (for harbor maintenance, lock, dam, levee and environmental restoration), the Naval Facilities Engineering Command and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (for hospitals, medical clinics, cemeteries). As this is great news for those contractors that specialize in government related construction projects including infrastructure, VA hospitals, etc., there may also be room for smaller general contractors and subcontractors who are trying to get their foot in the door with military projects. For additional information on how your company may be able to get a piece of this lucrative pie in 2019, check out constructiondive.com for details and additional resources.

The Trillium brand of companies is privately owned by René Poch and provides more than 30 years of industry leading recruitment and staffing services through its divisions including: Trillium Staffing, Trillium Construction Services, Trillium Driver Solutions, Trillium Marine, Trillium Technical, Trillium Environmental, and Trillium Techs. With approximately 90 offices nationwide and nearly 400 internal recruitment professionals, the Trillium brand is proud to be recognized by Staffing Industry Analysts as a Top 25 Largest Industrial Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Largest Staffing Firm in the U.S., a Top 100 Fastest Growing Staffing Firm in the U.S., and a 2015 winner of National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. For more information please visit www.trilliumstaffing.com.

Trillium Ranked 26th Largest Industrial US Staffing Firm in 2018!

Carmen Hoover — Fri, 17 Aug 2018 20:20:24 +0000

Let’s keep the good news rolling! René Poch founder and CEO of Trillium Staffing, just announced that Trillium has been ranked by Staffing Industry Analysts as the 26th Largest Industrial US Staffing Firm for 2018!

“As in previous years, we owe our growth and success to the over 400 internal staff working across the country. Their dedication to attracting, identifying, and recruiting some of the best candidates in each line of work is what sets us apart from our competitors,” states René Poch, CEO.

Trillium follows a partnership approach by connecting high quality talent to compelling careers within diverse national markets. They achieve this through professionalism, honesty, and integrity as a recognized leader in the staffing and recruitment industry.

Trillium Recognized as 61st Largest Staffing Firm in the United States!

Carmen Hoover — Fri, 03 Aug 2018 13:55:31 +0000

René Poch founder and CEO of Trillium Staffing, recently announced that Trillium had been recognized as the 61st Largest Staffing Firm in the United States by Staffing Industry Analysts.

“Many years ago when we started the company we felt that there were a couple of things that we needed to do particularly well. The first was to give great customer service, that means finding the absolute best candidate for the jobs that we have available. Today, we use a partnership approach between our candidates and our clients to find the best possible career matches,” states René Poch, CEO.

Trillium Staffing was founded in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1984, by founder and CEO René Poch. Since that time, René Poch has steadily expanded the employment service to include seven companies with over 95 locations across the nation. Today, Trillium is proud to be recognized as a national leader in recruitment and staffing, providing service to thousands of clients and employees in various capacities across the country.

The organization’s commitment to excellence has been the driving force behind its growth and expansion. Trillium is proud to employ a full time risk management team to help clients identify areas of liability and provide an unsurpassed safety program for their employees.

With a recruitment team of approximately 400 individuals nationwide, Trillium excels at attracting, identifying, and recruiting some of the best candidates in each line of work. Trillium uses the latest technology and sourcing tools available to locate and identify talent for some of the industry’s hardest to fill positions. Trillium employees have access to careers with some of the nation’s leading employers along with competitive pay and benefit options.

“We have the same commitments to each and every one of our employees as we do our clients. We have high expectations and our requirements are stringent. Once you become an employee of Trillium, we’ll do everything in our power to help you succeed and meet your career goals. When our employees are successful, we’ve done our job,” stated René Poch, CEO.

Skilled Trade Jobs Are Out There and They’re Hiring!

Carmen Hoover — Tue, 05 Jun 2018 13:26:19 +0000

We all can remember sitting down with the high school counselor going over what jobs may be the best route for our future and thinking to ourselves “yea I know, 4 year college degree, I get it.” But don’t fret, there are other options. In today’s job market, the skilled trades opportunities are out there and to say they are hiring is an understatement!

In fact, according to a recent report released by NPR, there are as many as 30 million high paying skilled trades positions currently available and the kicker, a lot of them DON’T require a college degree! Even with these staggering statistics, thehustle.co reports that high school graduates are still opting to go the 4 year college route, which over the next 5 years could result in 68% more opportunities in infrastructure being available.

So what type of positions are we talking about here? Well, according to the US Department of Education, the 30 million available jobs average an annual salary of $55k, and that is without a bachelor’s degree. The key point to remember here is that although a bachelor’s degree may ultimately provide a higher salary than a high school diploma alone, the same can not necessarily be said for someone going to a trades school. Another huge point in the skilled trades favor is simple. On average, the typical trade school graduate is able to pay off their school debt 1-3 years earlier and start off with higher salaries in comparison to those who receive a 4 year liberal arts degree. Who wouldn’t love that?

We aren’t saying that the skilled trades is right for everyone or that you should forget your dream of becoming a Doctor or Biologist. However, if you are someone who may be on the fence about what you want to do for a career, just take a look at your local trades school and see what they are offering. You might be surprised at what your options could be!

Heat Stress and How to Protect Yourself!

Carmen Hoover — Tue, 29 May 2018 12:39:39 +0000

If the past week has proven anything it is that high temperatures and blistering heat can seemingly come out of nowhere. The important thing is to know how to recognize the signs of heat illness and how to prevent it from happening all together.

The Trillium Construction Safety Committee came up with a guide on how to recognize the different forms of heat illnesses and how to treat and even prevent them from occurring. Although these types of instances are typically more prevalent in individuals who work outside, everyone should be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat illness as they can effect a variety of individuals in many varying occupations and circumstances.

Heat stress is commonly associated with warm weather. It’s true that warm weather increases the number of heat-stress injuries and illnesses. Warm weather isn’t the only cause of heat stress. Heat stress can occur any time the surrounding temperature is elevated. Even if the weather is cool, you may work in warm areas, indoors or out. Be alert for conditions which could cause heat stress and take precautions to prevent it. Six main factors are involved in causing heat stress including temperature, humidity, movement of air, radiant temperature of the surroundings, clothing, and physical activity.

Common-sense precautions, such as dressing properly for the job, include wearing lightweight clothing which allows moisture to evaporate quickly; wearing reflective clothing or cooling suits for jobs which require them; and using extra caution if you are required to wear clothing on the job which limits evaporation–you could succumb to heat stress much more quickly.

The major heat stress injuries and illnesses are described here:

Heat Rash is caused by a hot, humid environment and plugged sweat glands. It is a bumpy red rash which itches severely. It is not life-threatening but is very annoying. Dry clothes that help sweat evaporate will reduce the chance of heat rash. Washing regularly and keeping the skin clean and dry will help prevent heat rash.
Heat Cramps are painful muscle cramps caused by a loss of body salt through excessive sweating. To help prevent heat cramps, drink plenty of non-alcoholic, caffeine-free fluids while working in a hot environment. Check with your doctor about the use of salt tablets. They may be recommended in some cases. Anyone suffering from heat cramps should be watched carefully for signs of more serious heat stress. If the cramps persist or other symptoms develop, seek medical attention immediately.
Heat Syncope (pronounced “sin-co-pay”) is sudden fainting caused by a reduced blood flow to the head. The victim’s skin will be cool and moist and their pulse will be weak. Immediate medical attention is needed in the event of syncope.
Heat Exhaustion results from inadequate salt and water intake and is a sign the body’s cooling system is not working properly. You will sweat heavily, your skin will be cool and moist, your pulse weak, and you will seem tired, confused, clumsy, irritable or upset, they may breathe rapidly–even pant–and their vision may be blurred. You may strongly argue that you are okay even with these obvious symptoms. If you suspect heat exhaustion, don’t talk yourself out of seeking immediate medical attention. The heat exhaustion will affect your ability to exercise good judgment. Until medical help arrives, try to cool the yourself and take sips of cool water until medical help arrives. Immediate medical attention is required. Heat exhaustion can quickly lead to heat stroke.
Heat Stroke is the deadliest of all heat stress conditions. It occurs when the body’s cooling mechanism has shut down after extreme loss of salt and fluids. The body temperature will rise, your skin will be hot, red, and dry, pulse fast, and you may have headache or dizziness. You will probably be weak, confused, and upset. Later stages of heat stroke cause a loss of consciousness and may lead to convulsions. In the event of heat stroke, seek immediate medical attention. Until help arrives, try to cool yourself and take sips of cool water.

Constant hydration is the key to avoiding heat illness. Make sure whether you are on the job or off the job to drink plenty of water day and night. A person should drink at minimum 8 ounces of water per hour. DO NOT wait until you are thirsty to drink water, it might be too late to avoid heat illness.

Being aware of Heat Illness, it’s warning signs and ways to prevent it can go a long way in keeping you and your co-workers safe this Summer season.

Warm Weather is Finally Here! What to Wear to Work?

Carmen Hoover — Mon, 14 May 2018 19:36:38 +0000

Days are getting longer and the weather is finally starting to feel like Spring in many parts of the country. For many of us, this means wearing sandals, shorts, sun dresses and what could be considered just all around more comfortable attire both at home and at work. However, there are important factors to keep in mind when getting back in the warm weather groove, especially when it comes to the workplace.

Typically, individual employers develop a workplace dress code specific to their working environment and industry. For instance, for many manufacturing positions, long pants and steel toe shoes are required year round due to the nature of work being performed. In other workplace environments, the dress code may be more casual, allowing employees to wear jeans and tennis shoes while on the job.

As an employer, it is important to update and remind employees of what the dress code is throughout the year, especially in areas where the climate changes from season to season. The more communication provided to employees, the less confusion there will be on both sides involved.

As an employee, always read and understand your employer’s specific dress code. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to the Human Resources department who can assist in clarifying anything that may be confusing or unclear. The more you know regarding what is and is not appropriate for your specific working environment, the less headaches later. While wearing flip flops, shorts and other warm weather gear is hard to resist this time of year, it is important to be knowledgeable about your employer’s dress code as it laid out in the employee handbook.

Commercial Construction Trends to Watch in 2018!

Carmen Hoover — Thu, 19 Apr 2018 15:16:48 +0000

After construction spending hit a record all-time high in November of 2017, what can the construction industry expect out of 2018? Here are the top 5 trends to watch out for in commercial construction in the coming months.

Continued Labor Shortages: Construction companies across the country have felt the sting of skilled labor shortages over the past few years. While researchers and economists have continued to see a slow uptick in the number of construction industry jobs added each year, we still fall short of the 336,000 jobs that were added in 2015 (210,000 were added in 2017 for comparison). With this said, a recent survey by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) shows that 75% of firms surveyed are planning to add to their workforce in 2018. While that seems promising, 78% of those companies also have been experiencing difficulties in locating talent and expect the issues to continue.
Offsite Construction: Just as the trend of modular and prefabrication as a construction method seemed to be diminishing, it has gained steam over the last couple of years and it is expected to continue to do so. For companies that use offsite construction, the benefits are making the transition easier to handle. Having the ability to build and construct buildings in a controlled environment enables companies to work year-round without weather being a factor and creates a safer working environment for their employees. Just one example of this trend is Marriott, the hotel giant, committed to having 13% of all hotels be built using offsite construction methods in 2018.
Technology: While the construction industry has been slow in adopting technological advances, it appears that the companies who have started to embrace technology are really seeing the benefits. From using robotic equipment on job sites, drones being used to perform land surveys, and even construction based software to help interpret and visualize projects, technology is beginning to make its presence known all over the construction industry landscape.
Sustainability: The trend of sustainability far out reaches just the construction industry. Everywhere you look these days, companies are looking to become more environmentally responsible and reduce their overall carbon footprint. This concept is no different in the construction industry. From introducing green components to a project’s scope and increasing policies regarding recycling construction waste, the sustainability trend doesn’t show any signs of slowing down.
Subdued Growth: While forecast models do not show any exponential growth in 2018, models indicate that spending and starts will remain strong throughout the year. ConstructConnect’s construction starts forecast for 2018 is a 4.8% increase to $773.1 billion. Commercial construction (offices, parking garages and transportation terminals) is expected to have a 12.4% increase in starts next year with conservative growth out through 2021. ConstructConnect’s forecast for total construction spending is expected to increase 5.6% to $1,301.3 billion in 2018. Total nonresidential construction is expected to grow 3.9% to $737.2 billion and total residential is forecast to increase 7.8% to $564.1 billion.

For more information regarding commercial construction trends and what to expect as we navigate 2018, please visit www.constructconnect.com.