Preventing Silica Dust On Your Project

July 8, 2019 onsitedev Construction Comments Off

Everyone knows there are a lot of different safety hazards on a construction project. There are the obvious dangers with large machinery, sharp tools, and hazardous materials. But, have you ever stopped to consider the dust generated from the work? It’s true, silica dust can be a hazard. Don’t worry, though, we have the information you need to make sure you’re not just OSHA compliant but keeping your crew healthy.

What is silica dust and silicosis?

Silica is one of the most common minerals and occurs in many building materials including, but not limited to, sand, granite, masonry, and concrete. Dust is created by blasting, cutting, chipping, drilling, or grinding materials that contain silica. Silica dust is a very fine dust with particles invisible to the human eye. These dust particles are at least 100 times smaller than a grain of typical sand.

When ingested or inhaled, silica dust can lead to a variety of lung diseases including lung cancer. One of the most common lung diseases caused by silica dust is silicosis. Silicosis is the scarring of lung tissue over time due to exposure to silica dust. Silicosis harms the ability to breathe and causes cough, weight loss, tiredness, and chest pains.

There are three types of silicosis; acute, chronic, and accelerated silicosis. Acute silicosis usually occurs within a few weeks of exposure to silica dust. Chronic silicosis appears 10 to 30 years after exposure, and accelerated silicosis will occur within 10 years of high-level exposure to silica dust with symptoms occurring quickly.

There is no one specific treatment for silicosis. Cough medicine, bronchodilators, and oxygen can help treat symptoms of silicosis. Antibiotics are prescribed for respiratory infections caused by silicosis, but do not treat silicosis itself.

The best treatment for silicosis is preventative care and avoiding exposure to silica dust.

OSHA Regulations for Silica Dust

With the obvious health hazards posed by silica dust, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has passed a series of regulations to deal with silica dust. OSHA provides two different methods for dealing with silica dust on their website.

The first way to be OSHA compliant is by following a table in the official regulations on OSHA’s site. This table lists common equipment or tasks and then solutions for the task. Most of the solutions listed in the table come down to making sure the tool being used has a water delivery system to limit dust or include a dust collection system.

The second method OSHA provides to be compliant is by using a formula they provide to determine the amount of silica dust present and using the correct dust controls for the dust amounts. Dust control methods recommended by OSHA include respirators for workers and a time limit to dust exposure.

OSHA also requires a written exposure plan, adequate housekeeping practices, medical exams, worker training, and records of worker exposure to silica dust.

Dust Control Solutions

There are a lot of ways to deal with silica dust on your job site. Many of the saws and grinding tools used today have a moisture-based dust suppression system or a vacuum-based collection system. While these systems are good, they will never eliminate 100% of the dust.

A fantastic addition to the built-in dust solutions are portable air filters. Portable air filters have the advantage of giving you an air cleaning solution that moves with your project. They are especially effective for contractors doing remodeling or restoration work.

On Site has several varieties of portable air filters, based on the needs of your project. The majority of our portable air filters feature HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filters. HEPA filters are able remove 99.9% of small particles from the air. This makes these units a very effective companion to any built-in systems a tool may already have.

Even if you are working with a tool without a dust solution, HEPA air filters like the PH 1400 can dramatically improve the air quality of your project. Not only will these units filter out dangerous silica dust, but they also will help remove odors and fumes.

On Site Has Your Air Filtration Needs

When it comes to air quality, you can’t afford to cut corners. Besides the OSHA compliance needs, workers getting sick from silica dust can lead to work delays and project slow downs. Air quality impacts your bottom line.

Call On Site today at 800.210.8407 to talk to one of our air filtration experts. Our team will help you make sure you are OSHA compliant and keep your team working. You can see our entire line of portable air filters and request a custom quote now.

Don’t let silica dust hurt your business. You may not be able to see the dust particles, but you’ll be able to see the negative impact on your business if you don’t deal with it.

We Are St. Louis

June 6, 2019 onsitedev On Site News Comments Off

We are St. Louis

In 2019, On Site Companies celebrates its 15^th year in St. Louis. Fifteen years go by extremely fast! As a member of the St. Louis community for the past fifteen years, we’ve seen good times and bad and been with you for it all. Today, St. Louis is the oldest branch in our 30-year-old company, just behind the original head office in St. Paul, MN.

A Brief History of Time

On Site came to St. Louis in 2004 when an opportunity arose with a client to provide temporary climate control services. Russ Holm, son of found Dave Holm and current Vice President of On Site Companies, moved to St. Louis to help set up the office. Russ would spend the next several years in St. Louis helping the branch get off the ground before eventually moving back home, getting married, and eventually leading On Site companies with his sister, Molly.

In 2014, On Site Companies expanded its St. Louis services to include not just temporary heat and cooling but temporary sanitation as well. On Site brought the same reliable and professional service On Site was known for in Minnesota to the St. Louis community.

Today, there are ten team members on On Site: St. Louis. All team members are local St. Louis residents who know the community because they are part of the community.

The Home Town Team

Despite the roots in Minnesota, The St. Louis branch is 100% staffed by a team of local St. Louis residents. (And, even though Russ is back in Minnesota, his visits to St. Louis are like coming to a second home after all his time living there.) Branch manager Ralph Morehouse grew up in South St. Louis, before heading out to be part of the 82^nd Airborne in the Army. After his service, Ralph returned to St. Louis and has lived and worked there since.

To see more about the St. Louis team, check out our YouTube channel to see our new Team Spotlights!

St. Louis’s Best Kept Secret

Fifteen years and On Site is just getting started! We can’t wait to show you why we’re St. Louis’s best kept secret. When it comes to temporary sanitation for your special event, construction project, or large event, we have the units you need. We’re also ready to help you with cooling and dehumidification during the summer months and heating during the winter months to keep your projects going.

Call us today at 636-519-0507 to talk to our team of local experts!

Putting the “Safe” Back Into Safety

May 24, 2019 onsitedev Fleet Management Comments Off

In a world of cavalier attitudes and improved physical immunity to harm, the word safety often falls by the wayside. On Site Companies, while not re-inventing the wheel, has certainly put that tried and tested wheel back into play.

On Site Companies has a Safety Committee to take the wheel and guide the company’s staff to a less injury-prone and thus a more productive life, for them personally and the company generally. The Safety Committee has brought concerns to the forefront, whether small or large. This dedicated team of individuals from many positions and experience levels has set agendas, recognized and dealt with concerns, and taken actions to move the company towards creating a better environment for all to work in. From simply talking about problems and potential solutions to taking proactive action to avoid potential future issues, the committee is making strides to make the workplace safe for all staff, no matter their position or location.

Common Sense Solutions

Environmental awareness is the most useful safety skill staff can learn. If it’s slippery, slow down. If it’s too heavy, ask for help. If it’s too high, don’t stand on a chair; get a proper ladder. These little changes have a great impact on whether the company is saddled with injuries and unable to service customers. The same changes could be the difference between a lifetime injury or going home each evening to loved ones. The thought of even one staff member becoming injured drives the Safety Committee to do their best each month. Our ultimate goal is to solve problems and make a workplace everyone feels good in.

At each monthly meeting, there is a safety topic for everyone to discuss. This keeps the team thinking about the consequences and benefits of being safe at work. If a concern is observed, the staff now has an outlet in which to air the issue and have it resolved. Our safety efforts have run the gamut from big to small: we’ve updated first aid kits and added a traffic sign to remind staff to slow down in the parking lot, and larger projects such as eye wash stations and AEDs are also in the works.

The wisdom of “if you see something, say something” applies to safety. The Safety Committee cannot see all problems and so relies on the staff to “say something.” Vigilance, concern for each other, and a desire to make things better are the hallmarks of each employee at On Site Companies. With everyone’s assistance, the Safety Committee is making great strides in achieving results that will set On Site ahead of everyone else in the industry.

Industry Leader in Safety

The PSAI (Portable Sanitation Association International) noted the importance of safety in the workplace with a six-page article in its newsletter in March, 2019. On Site, already aware of the benefits of a safe workplace, was months ahead of the newsletter in taking action. The Safety Committee was a culmination of a year of getting safety to the forefront of everyone’s mind. Once there, the next logical step was to introduce a group that could and would take action to make improvements. By using reports, statistics, observations, and common sense, On Site has reduced workers’ compensation claims dramatically. OSHA reporting, Department of Labor reports, Workers’ Compensation reports, and good old-fashioned elbow grease are all used to keep every employee safe at On Site.

Safety at On Site

Safety in the workplace does not come easy and requires constant vigilance. One dedicated committee is not enough. Maintaining workplace safety takes everyone to watch and report on potential risks. Even if the risk is slight, it only takes one injury for all the staff to be affected.

On Site Companies updated their Safety Manual, implemented a new AWAIR Program, receives annual training on blood-borne pathogens, and has certified forklift operators and trainers. There are many other safety benefits for all staff. The Safety Committee has adopted a Health and Safety Committee workbook which spells out the roles of each committee member and how each meeting will be run.

The On Site Companies Safety Committee even has its own Mission Statement;

The mission of the On Site Companies Health and Safety Committee is to develop and promote a healthy and safe environment for all staff in all branches and visitors to any of our facilities through the involvement of all individuals with regards to education, communication and safe work practices.

A safe company means happier workers and better service for all our customers. Contact On Site today to work with a company that values safety and the benefits it can bring to your project or event.

Our Values Are What Make Us Valuable

May 6, 2019 onsitedev Community Outreach Comments Off

While a lot of companies might do the same thing, they’re not actually all the same. For many, the difference might be in the techniques they employ or the equipment they use. At On Site Companies, we propose that one of the most important differentiators is the values of the company. It is a company’s values that tell you who you’re doing business with, and oftentimes those values will also speak to how well that business gets done.

On Site Companies espouses five values that guide and inform all we do: Employees, Customers, Integrity, Financial Stability, and Dedication. These values reflect who we are, who we want to be, and what we want our company to be.

Employees

We are more than just a team; we are a family. We watch out for each other, care for each other, and go above and beyond for each other because we believe in each other, and we trust each other.

On Site began as a family business owned by Dave and Karen Holm thirty years ago. The family aspect of the business was integral to the success of the company. Even now, years later, family is still crucial as the next generation of Holms run On Site. Though the company has grown beyond family members in the literal sense (over 100 employees!), “family” is still how we feel. A source of pride for On Site is that siblings will bring each other into the company when new positions open up. Molly Leonard, daughter of Dave and Karen, who is now Vice President of On Site Companies, once described the On Site employees by saying, “My family now has 400 members. It’s not just the employees, but their families too.”

Customers

Customers are the most important stakeholders in our business and the lifeblood to our families and our coworkers’ families. We must exceed their expectations with every encounter. Only by satisfying our customers’ needs first do we have the opportunity to satisfy the needs of our employees. By doing so as a team, we turn customers into advocates for our company that can further enrich our lives.

There is a difference between working for our customers and working with our customers. Working for our customers means we just give them what they ask, not helping them make sure it’s the best thing for their project or event. On Site Companies works with our customers, asking them questions to make sure the sanitation or climate control they are renting is not too little for their needs, but also not too much. Our team members are experts not just in sanitation or climate control, but also in the industries they serve. From large construction or remodeling to weddings or massive public festivals, our team of salespeople, drivers, and technicians understands what each of those projects requires. We want our customers to have good experiences, not just with the services or equipment we provide, but also with their entire project—and we work tirelessly to do all we can to make that happen.

Integrity

It’s important to always act with integrity in your relationships, to be compassionate, friendly, loyal, and to make sure you do the right thing. The hardest thing to do is build trust, but if trust exists, you can accomplish so much more.

Integrity truly is a key part of all our values. Without integrity, employees wouldn’t be treated well, we wouldn’t take good care of our customers, we certainly wouldn’t have any dedication, and financial stability would be impossible.

Financial Stability

We are all stewards for our fellow coworkers, and we need to take that responsibility very seriously. On Site is committed to creating long-term value. We must earn profits every day through voluntary exchange with our customers. We must all recognize that profits are essential to creating capital for growth, prosperity, opportunity, job satisfaction, and job security.

It’s important for On Site, as a service-based company, to be reliable and trustworthy for our customers. A financially stable company is a company you can trust to the services you need when you need them. If a company doesn’t value financial stability, you may find them cutting corners to balance their budgets or simply not having the equipment and staff to support your needs.

Dedication

Having dedication brings professionalism, determination, perseverance, and a sense of urgency to every project. Dedication will allow you to believe in what we are doing and where we are going. It tells us that we must face and conquer challenges, never say “no” or “that’ll never work” because if we had, none of us would be here today.

The On Site Value Difference

If you want to do business with a company with real values, call On Site today. It’s not just what we do, but how and why we do it that makes the difference.

Do April Showers Lead to May Mold?

April 18, 2019 onsitedev Air Conditioning, Blog Comments Off

The warm weather is finally here! Green grass and leafy trees are on the horizon. The world is in full bloom on the outside, but has the melting snow and rain caused something to bloom on the inside, too? It’s time to check for mold.

Even if there hasn’t been flooding, all the sudden precipitation and moisture can easily migrate from the outdoors to the indoors. It will make its way into your basement or your upper floors, coming in from the roof. In only 24-48 hours, that moisture can start growing mold or mildew. Mold is a fungal growth that develops on wet materials. That mold can spread not only where you see it, on walls, ceilings, or floors, but also through microscopic spores in the air. Those spores can also cause health issues when inhaled.

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Should You Hire a DJ or Live Band for Your Wedding?

April 9, 2019 onsitedev Blog, Planning Tools, Special Events, Weddings Comments Off

There are so many details—both major and minor—to consider when it comes to planning a wedding. Choosing the right music definitely lands closer to the “major” side of things, as it sets the tone for your wedding reception! Deciding whether to hire a DJ or book a live band could end up making or breaking the mood or vibe of the evening. Before you rush to make a decision, there are some factors you should consider—such as budget, your personal taste, space allowances, and the demographics of your guests. With these things in mind, you’ll be able to make a more informed decision and keep your guests dancing all night long!

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Handling Water Runoff with Containment Pans

April 8, 2019 onsitedev Construction, Sanitation Comments Off

Winter snow melt. The rainy season. Any way you slice it, it’s the wet time of year, which can have a huge impact on your construction site. You need to be able to deal with that water in an environmentally safe and legal way. One of the biggest issues is making sure the storm water runoff is not contaminated by the waste water generated by your portable restrooms.

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5 Things You’ll Need For Your Western Style Wedding

April 4, 2019 onsitedev Planning Tools, Special Events, Weddings Comments Off

When it comes to wedding themes, every couple has a unique style, taste, and vision for the perfect wedding. Still, trends in wedding design do tend to emerge, and a rustic, western style wedding is creeping up on the list of most popular wedding themes. There’s good reason for this new trend: a western wedding is charming, relatively easy to coordinate, and the end result feels effortless and intimate. As an added bonus, you can create most of the decorations yourself to make them feel more vintage, thus saving money for some of the more expensive items!

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Porta Potties for Road Construction

April 2, 2019 onsitedev Construction, Sanitation Comments Off

As a professional working in the construction business, you know that having the proper facilities is crucial to supporting your employees’ hygiene and keeping them happy. This can be especially true when it comes to road construction sites, where you likely don’t have access to running water and flushing toilets. When you’re working on a road project, the last thing you want is to try to figure out where you’re going to use the restroom or to have to walk a mile only to have to wait in a long line. Knowing how many porta potties to provide at a road construction site is critical to the success of your project. If you don’t have enough, you run the risk of creating not only unsanitary situations, but an unhappy workplace.

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How to Keep Porta Potties Clean During Multi-Day Events

March 28, 2019 onsitedev Planning Tools, Sanitation, Special Events Comments Off

Putting on a special event can be a stressful task, especially when you have to keep things running smoothly multiple days in a row. Proper amenities, like trash cans and portable toilets, are a must—but just providing them isn’t enough. You also have to make sure they are kept clean and sanitary for guests. After all, you don’t want people heading to the toilet only to feel uncomfortable and wish they’d just waited until they got home. But how exactly can you ensure that your restrooms and amenities stay up to the standards of cleanliness for your event? That’s where we come in, armed with some tips and information that will help keep your restrooms sanitary throughout your event.

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Preventing Silica Dust On Your Project

What is silica dust and silicosis?

OSHA Regulations for Silica Dust

Dust Control Solutions

On Site Has Your Air Filtration Needs

We Are St. Louis

We are St. Louis

A Brief History of Time

The Home Town Team

St. Louis’s Best Kept Secret

Putting the “Safe” Back Into Safety

Common Sense Solutions

Industry Leader in Safety

Safety at On Site

Our Values Are What Make Us Valuable

Employees

Customers

Integrity

Financial Stability

Dedication

The On Site Value Difference

Do April Showers Lead to May Mold?

(more…)

Should You Hire a DJ or Live Band for Your Wedding?

(more…)

Handling Water Runoff with Containment Pans

(more…)

5 Things You’ll Need For Your Western Style Wedding

(more…)

Porta Potties for Road Construction

(more…)

How to Keep Porta Potties Clean During Multi-Day Events

(more…)

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