SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019

IntroducingDiane Mike, CBTNAWIC President

64th Annual Conference Recap

IntroducingDiane Mike, CBTNAWIC President

64th Annual Conference Recap

NAWIC TODAY 1

FEATURES 4 Meet Your 2019-2020 NAWIC President

6 2019-2020 Board of Directors

7 64th Annual Conference Recap

14 2019 Award Winners

17 Annual Conference Resolutions

TODAY

COLUMNS

18 2019-2020 National Committees

19 National Committee Reports 21 NAWIC Statement on Suicide in the Construction Industry

22 Stress Survival Guide

23 Fun Facts: History of Reflective Safety Gear

25 Who is Diane Mike?

The Official Publication of the National Association of Women in Construction Core Purpose: To Enhance the Success of Women in the Construction Industry

BOARD OF DIRECTORSPresidentDiane I. Mike, CBTPresident-ElectAnne Pfleger, CITVice PresidentJill Hanson, CDT, CITSecretaryLauline A. MitchellTreasurerKaren Hager, CBT, CITImmediate Past PresidentDove Sifers-Putman, CBTMidwest Region DirectorJodi A. WiemerslageNorth Central Region DirectorRita BrownNortheast Region DirectorJennifer M. Sproul, LEED APPacific Northwest Region DirectorKelly Aust, LEED AP BD+CPacific Southwest Region DirectorMyrna Smith, CDT, CITSouth Atlantic Region DirectorWendy McQuigganSouth Central Region DirectorJennifer VanBreda, NICET IISoutheast Region DirectorCindy Spiropoulos, CIT, LEED GA

NAWIC STAFFExecutive Administrator Crissy Ingramcrissyi@nawic.orgMember Database & Website ManagerLauri McCulloughlaurim@nawic.org BookkeeperKharisma Riverakharismar@nawic.orgAdministrative Assistant & MembershipLori Wagnerloriw@nawic.orgCommunications ManagerAmber Swinfordambers@nawic.org

NAWIC OFFICE327 S. Adams Street, Fort Worth, TX 76104Toll-Free: (800) 552-3506Phone: (817) 877-5551Fax: (817) 877-0324Website: www.nawic.orgEmail: nawic@nawic.org

ONLINE PUBLISHING: Advanced Publishing

Volume 40/Number 6NAWIC Today (ISSN 1081-6569) is published January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, and November/December by the National Associ-ation of Women in Construction (NAWIC) for members of NAWIC. The views and opinions that appear in articles in NAWIC Today do not reflect the official policies of NAWIC unless specifically indicated.

HOW TO CONTACT USpublications@nawic.org

Annual Conference Photos and Board Photos Courtesy of Craig Huey Photography.

https://craighueyphotography.com/

2 NAWIC TODAY

NAWIC CALENDAR OF EVENTS / SPONSORS

September 11Founders Day

September 31End of NAWIC Fiscal Year

October 1Dues Renewal Deadline

October 4-5Pacific Southwest Fall ConferenceSoutheast Fall Conference

Oct 18-19North Central Fall ConferenceSouth Atlantic Fall Conference

NAWIC CALENDAR OF EVENTS

October 25-26Midwest Region Fall ConferencePacific Northwest Fall Conference

November 8-9South Central Fall ConferenceNortheast Fall Conference

November 28Thanksgiving

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NAWIC TODAY 3

SAVE THE DATE

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS!!

Are you, your chapter, or someone you know changing the industry and the world around you in unique and amazing ways? Do you have a story that needs to be told?

We’d love to hear from you!

Share your hot topics and new ideas here: Amber Swinford, NAWIC Communications Manager ambers@nawic.org

“When we tell our stories in a safe community, all those things that separate us go away.” -- Sarah Markley

4 NAWIC TODAY

Paving New Roads with Diane Mike, CBT

Diane Mike entered the construction industry quite by accident and completely out of necessity. As a single mother of a 6-month old son, Diane saw that her job as a bartender - with no insurance or opportunity for advancement - simply wouldn’t be enough to provide for herself and her child. Determined to improve their situation, she responded to an ad for an entry-level Accounts Payable Clerk with Marshall Erdman & Associates. Researching the company, she discov-ered that Marshall Erdman had worked for years under the architect Frank Lloyd Wright and, the more she learned about the company and its history, the more she wanted to be a part of it and its role in creating healing environments for communities by building hospitals and clinics across the country.

At ERDMAN, the company’s Director of Construction, John Vander-bloemen, became a mentor for Diane and encouraged her to join NAWIC. John knew that NAWIC would help Diane learn more about the construction industry, offer leadership opportunities to help her grow her career, and give her a push to help her step outside herself in order to blossom into her full potential.

Though Diane’s initial experience with NAWIC was far from positive – her first chapter meeting con-sisted of a vote to dissolve the Madison, WI chapter – it also resulted in an opportunity for her to become deeply involved in chapter leadership and the NAWIC community. Following the dissolution, Diane met with the two other members who had voted “no”– women in whom she saw a true passion for and belief in NAWIC and the value it provided to members – and, with time and persistence, they worked together to grow the chapter back to life.

Diane’s six previous years on the Board have continued to reinforce her early and long-held belief in NAWIC’s purpose and the fact that she is leading and working with women she respects and admires and whose opinions, perspectives and insights she values. She enters the position of Presi-dent reminded that no one reaches such a pinnacle without the help and support of others, and she is proud to say that the women who have stood with her, supported her, encouraged her, and helped her grow as a leader and member of the association are the reason she is where she is today. Diane firmly believes that this spirit of women helping women is what NAWIC is all about and is truly honored to represent the women of this association.

Looking to the future, Diane has chosen “Paving New Roads to Construction” as the theme for Women in Construction Week 2020, as well as for the entire year ahead. In her own words, she believes that we must “remove barricades and barriers, fill potholes, and pave smoother roads for women” in a male-dominated industry and build one another up to help each other achieve success in our careers. Further, the theme for the 2020 Annual Conference is “The Dawn of a New Era,” because Diane truly believes that is what we are entering, saying, “More women are being acknowledged for their success and influence in this industry. We can and we will change the future of this industry by becoming ingrained at every level of construction to provide a diverse voice.”

In order to pave new roads and continue the efforts of NAWIC to grow and expand, Diane knows we need to prepare and repair the sub-base. Here is what her vision of that looks like:

1. Create a solid marketing plan with the help of a professional marketing consulting agency. 2. Form a special committee to target areas for possible new chapters while using those same

processes and resources to help smaller chapters revitalize and grow.

MEET YOUR 2019-2020 NAWIC PRESIDENT

NAWIC TODAY 5

3. Take a hard look at partnerships: Building strong relationships with partners is necessary in order to provide mutual opportunities for growth and success.

4. Support and promote educational programs that introduce construction – and the value and viability of a career in the construction industry - to young people and their parents, guidance counselors, educators and schools. In this aim, Diane would like to urge you all to share your success story and be open to any opportunity to mentor a young woman because, “We never know who is watching or how we influence the lives of people we meet along this journey we call ‘life’.”

Over the course of this coming year as she works toward these goals, Diane wants you, the mem-bership, to know that she firmly believes that open communication is important to the success of our association, and she will make every effort to be available via phone and email. Though she does encourage members to follow the chain through chapter leadership and region directors as often as possible, she will have an open-door policy and says: “Don’t be surprised if I contact a member or leadership out of the blue just to say hello! I value the ideas members have to improve our association and encourage each and every member to bring those ideas to the board for consideration.”

6 NAWIC TODAY

“The 2019-2020 National Board of Directors are a diverse group of women who are giving of their time and talent to represent our association. Each of these women bring their unique expertise and experiences to the table, providing diverse perspectives to help build the future of our association and our industry.” – Diane Mike, CBT

Front, from left: Debbie Lesar, CIT; Anne Pfleger, CIT; Jill Hanson, CDT, CIT; Diane Mike, CBT; Dove Sifers-Putman, CBT; Karen Hager, CBT, CIT; Lauline Mitchell. Back, from left: Crissy Ingram; Cindy Spiropoulos, CIT, LEED GA; Jennifer VanBreda, NICET II; Jodi Wiemerslage; Jennifer Sproul, LEED AP; Wendy McQuiggan; Myrna Smith, CDT, CIT; Rita Brown; Kelly Aust, LEED AP BD+C.

2019-2020 NAWIC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NAWIC TODAY 7

NAWIC’s 64th Annual Conference was held in Atlanta, GA in August this year and, along with the usual educational opportunities and networking, we also let our hair down and had some amazing experiences in sisterhood and fun! In total, NAWIC hosted 463 industry professionals and offered 16 pop-up education sessions and over 20 seminars and workshops.

Wednesday, we began our four-day journey with educational pop-up sessions in The Construction Zone - the ballroom that acted as the hub for our attendees and hosted a vari-ety of activities, including exhibitors, sponsors and chapter table sales.

Our Chapter Leadership Train-ing, where new chapter leaders learned the ropes of leading a successful chapter, was also held Wednesday afternoon and was a great success!

8 NAWIC TODAY

Wednesday evening, we held our First Timers Orientation followed by the Opening Networking Reception in The Construction Zone.

The NAWIC Annual Meeting, during which we discussed NAWIC business and recognized committees and individuals with association awards, was held Thursday morning.

2019 ANNUAL CONFERENCE RECAP, CONT.

NAWIC TODAY 9

Thursday afternoon was filled with education sessions and our keynote luncheon with Major MJ Hegar, who taught us to do what others say is impossible.

Friday started off bright and early with pop-up education sessions, followed by our Women’s Initiative Panel General Session, which fea-tured Silvia Siqueira and Suzanna Rea of Hilti North America, Stacy Irons of United Rentals, Yeshim Jones of Turner Construction, Kaitlin Avra of Skanska and Cheryl Speers of Barton Malow.

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After morning education sessions, Friday afternoon featured our Installation and Recognition Lunch-eon, where the 2019-2020 national officers and directors were installed into their positions of duty.

2019 ANNUAL CONFERENCE RECAP, CONT.

NAWIC TODAY 11

The highlight of Friday evening was our Awards Gala, followed by the Power Party. During our Gala, we recognized our top NAWIC award winners and inaugural NAWIC Builds Excellence Awards (you can find the full details in the 2019 NAWIC Awards segment of this issue, beginning on page 14).

12 NAWIC TODAY

Our Power Party featured tons of glow in the dark fun to celebrate our “Be the Power” theme!

2019

2019 ANNUAL CONFERENCE RECAP, CONT.

NAWIC TODAY 13

Saturday, after a fun-filled, fast-paced and incredibly busy few days, we wrapped up our conference with a few final edu-cation sessions and the Closing Keynote Brunch featuring Judaline Cassidy.

A huge thank you to everyone who attended and to all those whose hard work and dedication helped make the 64th Annual Conference possible! Be sure to save the date (August 12-15, 2020) for next year’s 65th Annual Conference in Houston, TX!

14 NAWIC TODAY

2019 AWARD WINNERS

Committee AwardsProfessional Development and Education: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fort Worth, Chapter 1Safety Excellence, 1st Place: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WM Jordan, Richmond, VASafety Excellence, 2nd Place: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lechase, Rochester, NYSafety Excellence, 3rd Place: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Balfour Beatty, Phoenix, AZWebsite Contest, Small Chapter: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lima Ohio Area, Chapter 374Website Contest, Large Chapter: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . San Antonio, TX, Chapter 11Social Media, Small Chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salem, OR, Chapter 198Social Media, Large Chapter: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greater Orlando, Chapter 73Membership Recruitment, Small Chapter: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Southwest FL, Chapter 297Membership Recruitment, Large Chapter: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Los Angeles, Chapter 42Membership Retention, Small Chapter: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Waco, Chapter 14Membership Retention, Large Chapter: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greater Palm Beach, FL, Chapter 87Best Promotion and Marketing of WIC Week:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sioux Falls, SD, Chapter 237 Best Collaboration During WIC Week: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Palmetto, SC, Chapter 385Best Community Outreach During WIC Week:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Montgomery, Chapter 267Best Educational Event During WIC Week: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .San Diego, CA, Chapter 21

NAWIC RecruiterFounder’s Trophy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Megan GreenlandRecruiter Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Megan GreenlandRecruiter Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nichole Kopenhaver, CITRecruiter Jacket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Donnalyn Revis, CITRecruiter Necklace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Rita Brown

Executive Spotlight AwardsNAWIC Super Hero Award: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kari WirthBuilding the Future of NAWIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nichole Kopenhaver, CITBuilding the Future of NAWIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Susan Clary, CITLean In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michaelann AgoranosLean In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Christine Barnhill, CBT, CCA, CITLean In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lori Donnell, CBT, CITLean In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandra Carter, CIS, CITLean In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Karen EllisLean In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shirley FradetteLean In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kimberley GibbonsLean In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jennifer Lacy, CPSMLean In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Linda KoffordLean In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julie SalinasPositively Top Gun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jodi WiemerslageTenacious Compassion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Justina BornnConfidence & Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holly BrattonOur Guiding Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robin Fulton-Meyer, CBT, CITTrail Blazer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alicia Ervin

NAWIC AwardsMember of the Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shawna Alvarado, CBT, CITFuture Leader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Janet BatesLifetime Achievement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Julia Campbell

NEF AwardCarol A Kueker Construction Education Visionary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael E. Barkett

NAWIC Builds Excellence AwardsResidential: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C.F. Evans Construction – Meeting Street Lofts, Charleston, SCCommercial: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Christman Company – Cascade Saloon Redevelopment, Greensboro, NCCivil/Heavy Highway: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sundt Construction – San Pedro Creek Culture Park, San Antonio, TX

NAWIC TODAY 15

Lifetime Achievement AwardJulia Campbell

Fort Worth Chapter 1

Carol A Kueker Construction Education Visionary AwardMichael E. Barkett

Future Leader AwardJanet Bates

Palmetto Chapter of SC 385

Member of the YearShawna Alvarado, CBT, CIT

Santa Clara Chapter 99

16 NAWIC TODAY

These awards recognize outstanding projects in the areas of residential, commercial and civil heavy highway construction. We recognized three outstanding companies

during our Awards Gala.

Civil Heavy Highway Sundt Construction

San Pedro Creek Culture Park San Antonio, TX

Commercial The Christman Company Cascade Saloon Redevelopment Greensboro, NC

ResidentialCF Evans Construction

Meeting Street LoftsCharleston, SC

NAWIC TODAY 17

Resolutions for the 64th Annual Conferenceof the National Association of Women in Construction

Whereas, the members of the National Association of Women in Construction convened its 64th Annual Conference in Hotlanta, Georgia and the members traveled from far and wide to plug into the power generated by

President Dove Sifers -Putman and her team. And speaking of teams, how about the luck that the NAWIC members brought the Atlanta Braves by Parading around their Field?

and

Whereas, The NAWIC Staff and Convention Director used their power to efficiently facilitate the operation and smooth running of the Annual Conference.

and

Whereas the Atlanta Marriott Marquis did use an extraordinary amount of power keeping the meeting rooms ice cold.

and

Whereas, The Members of the National Association of Women in Construction who faithfully attended this Annual Conference did carry out the business of the Association and in turn, discovered their own Power

and

Whereas, President-Elect Diane Mike has continued her journey and became powerful enough to launch the Dawn of a New Era.

and

Whereas, the Past Presidents did retain enough Power (and memory) to have a panel discussion about what it takes to become a NAWIC Leader and managed to get the gavel passed down the line without too much mishap.

and

Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that we, the Members of the National Association of Women in Construction, do hereby express our sincere appreciation and gratitude for the manner in which this Annual Conference was conducted. After all, it is

not every year that we are treated to a lesson in straitjacket escape and are graced by two dancing queens. Let this Resolution be spread upon the minutes of the 64th Annual Conference of the

National Association of Women in Construction on this 24th day of August, 2019.

RESOLUTIONS

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Committee Chair Liaison: Jill Hanson, CDT, CIT, NAWIC Vice-President

Committee Chair Coordinator: Crissy Ingram, Executive Administrator

Membership Committee:Chair: Gin Aguinaga, Co-Chair: Andrea Ward

Strategic Planning Committee: Chair: Ruth Fritts, Co-Chair: Vickie Nickel, CIT

Professional Development and Education:Chair: Shirley Fradette, Co-Chair: Kizzy Ferrer, CIT

Emerging Professionals: Chair: Allison Hill, CPCU, CRIS, Co-Chair: Ashley Farmer

Marketing: Chair: Angela Troncoso, Co-Chair: Tara Labosky, AIA, CCA, LEED AP

OSHA Alliance:Chair: Karen Brioso, Co-Chair: Karen Mitchell, CBT, CIS, CIT

Safety Committee: Chair: Raven Hoffman, Co-Chair: Adair Stevenson, PG, ACI, ICC, SCDOT

WIC Week:Chair: Samantha Hedgepath, Co-Chair: Toni Osberry

Bylaws:Chair: Robin Fulton Meyer, CBT, CIT

2019-2020 NATIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRS

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NAWIC TODAY 19

NAWIC Emerging Professionals Committee

By Diana Hagan, NAWIC EP Chair

A heartfelt thank you to our regional chairs on the Emerging Professionals Committee for all your help with getting this new com-mittee started. Each of you did a wonderful job, and your time and talent are so greatly appreciated! Our year’s accomplishments include starting a website and social media page, holding our first mentoring webinar, and revising our mission and purpose state-ments. In the upcoming year, the committee will be looking forward to working on a handbook, surveying our chapters to find out who has established a mentoring program, working on highlighting EP success stories, and improving our social media footprint.

Emerging Professionals are in the early stage of their construction careers. We, as a committee, are here to help our chapters attract, retain, and bring value to the women who are new to NAWIC or the construction industry. We want to bridge the gap between seasoned members and new members by providing a mentoring program, articles, event ideas, and other resources. Our Emerging Professionals will benefit from learning and gaining guidance from existing NAWIC members. Likewise, the Emerging Professionals have a wealth of experiences, ideas and abilities which will benefit our organization as a whole. We want this group to be inclusive, as it will take all of us to support and engage our Emerging Professionals and help build the best possible future for NAWIC.

If you feel called to help with our committee, please talk with your regional director, as they appoint chairs to this committee. If you are interested in starting a mentoring program for your chapter, please go to the Emerging Professionals Committee page on the national website. There, you will find a link to the Mentoring Guidelines that can help you get started.

As I have been with the committee for two years, it is a little bittersweet to see my time end, but I can’t wait to see what incoming chair Allison and co-chair Ashley do!

“What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.” Anonymous

COMMITTEE REPORTS

20 NAWIC TODAY

Complacency – IT COULD COST A LIFE!!!

Submitted by Karen Ellis, Pacific Southwest Safety Chair 2018-2019 Balfour Beatty Construction, LLC

I’m sure most of you drive to work and home every day. For me that trip is approximately 24 miles each way - so about 45 minutes to an hour. That’s at least two hours a day on the road, and the question is: How do YOU deal with it daily? Do you really listen to your surroundings, or do you listen to your cell phone messages, make a “hands free” conference call, or turn up the volume on your radio listening to tunes? Do you hear the horn of a driver upset that no one is going as fast as they want them to or reacting to a careless driver cutting someone off in traffic? Are you listening for emergency vehicles making their way through rush hour traffic to an accident without causing another? Are you one of many who have become complacent?

Because these situations are part of each and every day, we have become complacent to our surroundings and the warning signs signaling danger – I often wonder if we even really hear or feel them anymore. Even more concerning, these circumstances are no different on our jobsites. With construction booming with active jobsites across the country, our workforce experiences complacency in behaviors and actions. The following is an example of compla-cency which resulted in an accident that could have been prevented. Blowing a whistle, horn, etc. is standard practice when swinging loads overhead. Unfor-tunately, many of our workforce have become desensitized and don’t pay attention to the warnings. This crane fortunately only had one ironworker with the tag line close by, and when the boom failed, it failed away from where he was standing. How many times have we seen members of our workforce under a live load, especially when holding the tag line? The team held a pre-lift meeting prior to the pick to discuss the safety concerns and verify details on the crane pick plan were covered; however, this still did not prevent an accident. It appears the load was too heavy, and the operator swung too fast and stopped too quickly, causing the side pull on the boom and its subsequent collapse. So, at your next safety stand-down, show your crew this picture and remind our workforce of the importance of not becoming complacent!!!

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COMMITTEE REPORTS, CONT.

NAWIC TODAY 21

NAWIC Statement on Suicide in the Construction Industry

Regardless of gender, NAWIC believes all workers engaged in construc-tion should be afforded employment that supports physical and mental well-being.

Construction is the number one industry for number of suicides and suicide attempts, with the number of suicides crossing all boundaries from trades workers to executives. As such, it is an industry imperative to shatter the mental health stigma and create caring cultures within our organizations.

In 2016, the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA) established the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention. CFMA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of providing and disseminating information and resources for suicide prevention and mental health promotion in construction. The ultimate goal is the creation of a zero-suicide industry.

NAWIC is one of dozens of trade associations and construction organizations involved in CFMA. Membership in this alliance provides us with the opportunity to help shape the construction industry through promotion of the safety and well-being of our workforce. We support the efforts of this association by participation in events and sharing information with our members and their companies through e-mail communications, website promotion, webinars, social media and other means.

Please see the resources below for more information on the alliance and suicide prevention. For more information on how individual companies can get involved, contact Detroit Chapter member Kathi Dobson, kdobson@alberici.com.

Resources:

http://preventconstructionsuicide.com/

www.cfma.org/suicideprevention

http://www.bethe1to.com/

https://theactionalliance.org/construction

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Stress Survival Guide

We frequently hear the term “stress” bandied about in our day-to-day, but what is it, and how does it affect us?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), stress is, quite simply, how your brain and body respond to demands. It affects everyone, and not all stress is bad – in fact it can be a great motivator – but too much stress or great amounts of stress for extended periods of time can be detrimental to your health.

Now, I know a lot of you are thinking: “Great! I’m stressed all the time! Doom!”. The good news is, I have gathered some great suggestions for coping with stress and taking care of yourself when you can’t avoid those high stress times in your life.

The SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions, run by the National Institute of Behavioral Health, states that 60-80% of visits to healthcare providers in the US are related to stress. Since the effects of stress can build up over time and cause bigger problems with your health and well-being, it’s important to get a handle on your stress levels and understand how your own stress affects you and how to keep it in line. Here are a few of our top tips:

1. Talk to you doctor: Get a baseline health screening to see what, if any, issues may have already arisen, and find out any suggestions your doctor may have for dealing with those.

2. Hydrate! This one is fairly simple and straightforward – studies have shown that dehydration leads to higher levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.

3. Make lists: Problems and projects can seem much more manageable if you break them into smaller pieces. Create a To-Do list and prioritize it, then check off tasks as you complete them, giving you a visual representation of your progress and accomplishments, as well as what you truly have left (so your brain can’t blow it out of proportion quite as easily). I highly recommend the “Brain Dump” exercise, which essentially consists of writing down everything running marathon laps in your head and organizing it all into categories to help make it more manageable and less overwhelming. There are multiple versions of this exercise, but here’s one to get you started: http://www.morningcoffeewithdee.com/brain-dump-exercise/

4. Find a physical activity that calms you – whether that’s something truly active like running or kickboxing, or whether it’s a calming physical activity like yoga or stretching, find something that works to help you re-center, and make time for it daily.

5. Find your people: Have a person or persons who are a safe place for you to vent your frustrations and stresses and whom you can rely on for support. We all need this, so we don’t feel so alone in our struggles.

6. Sleep! A NIMH study found the risk of developing depression was nearly 40 times higher for those with sleep problems, because sleep time is when our brain resets and repairs from the damage done by daily stressors and wear and tear.

7. Say no. So many times, we take on too many tasks and sign up for too many activities because modern society has taught us that more is more, and we have developed Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) - or just plain Fear of Looking Weak if we can’t or don’t take on enough. Let me assure you: You aren’t weak, and you and your family will be so much happier if you just say no to a few things a bit more often.

8. Make time for self-care daily. “Self-care” has become a trendy phrase lately, but quite simply, it means taking care of and treating yourself kindly on a regular basis. It may be hard to get started if you aren’t used to making time for yourself or treating yourself as a priority, and it may feel selfish, but remember: You can’t pour from an empty cup. Also remember that self-care looks a little different for everyone. Personally, self-care is jigsaw puzzles, a bubble bath with a glass of wine, or journaling. This time helps me reset and re-center. So, make a list of your “me” activities and set a goal to put aside time every day just for those things.

9. Know that sometimes, even all the tips above just aren’t enough – and that’s ok. There are many resources available to help people when stress just seems insurmountable. Take advantage of some of the resources given in this issue, or know that you can always call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (suicidepreventionlifeline.org) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to anyone. All calls are confidential.

I invite you to share your stress-relief tips and self-care success stories on social media with the tag #NAWICNoStress19. I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

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From work to leisure, safety gear plays an important role in our day to day modern lives – but how did it come to be?

In the 1930s, a man named Bob Switzer was injured while unloading crates at the Heinz Ketchup fac-tory in Berkley, California, damaging his eyesight and ruining his dreams of becoming a doctor. Bob’s brother, Joe, had been researching how fluorescent chemicals could enhance his magic shows and had entertained Bob in his dark hospital room by creating patterns in the air with the luminescent fluids. Determined that others shouldn’t have to share his fate, Bob – with the help of Joe – began work on developing prototypes of reflective materials. Their first creation was a reflective paint they dubbed “Day Glo” because of its ability to “glow” in daylight and, interestingly enough, it was tested not on any item of work attire or safety gear, but rather applied to Bob’s wife’s wedding dress, making it the first ever item of high-visibility (hi-vis) reflective clothing. Perhaps he did this out of a desire to always be able to see her coming? Safety first, Bob!

Though there was a rapid adoption of “Day-Glo” paint technology once the Switzer brothers per-fected the formula and began spreading the word of its existence – using it in stage shows and on movie posters - it didn’t truly gain widespread popularity until World War II, when people began to realize the full impact the technology could have on public safety. It was at this point that the U.S. military began using the paint in a multitude of ways – from applying it to panels for use in signaling airplanes, to strips used on soldiers’ uniforms to help avoid friendly fire. Airplane crews also began applying reflective strips to vests and pants, and the Navy used them on buoys to make them more visible to boats.

Today, there are organizations in place to govern the clearly defined standards with which hi-vis personal protective equipment (PPE) must comply and, while the technology has changed, hi-vis gear is still used in a wide variety of appli-cations in modern life. We see it still in military use, as well as for safety purposes in construction, sports (bike riding, motorcycles, skating, soccer, etc.), and even children’s clothing, backpacks and shoes.

This time of year, we can celebrate this supremely handy invention by putting it to use in Halloween costumes and for Halloween excursion safety! Here are just a few ideas we came up with – off the top of our reflective safety helmets:

History of Reflective Safety Gear

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1. There are multiple variations and possibilities for this first and obvious option – a construction

worker.

2. We love this simple and quickly thrown together idea: Apply reflective tape to a black sweat suit- instant stick figure or skeleton, depending on how detailed you want to be.

3. For the overachievers who want to be extraordinarily reflective this year, try a

homemade disco ball costume!

4. And, of course, reflective material and coating can be added to any costume simply to make yourselves and your little ones more visible and safer while out and about.

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WHO IS DIANE MIKE?

Age: 52

Joined NAWIC: October 2005

Employer: ERDMAN Company

Job Title: Construction Administrator

Education: Bachelor of Science Business Management

Birthplace: Westfield, WI

Family: Son, Austin; mom, Shirley; two brothers and four sisters

Pets: Two Cats – Java and Ripple

Hobbies/Pastimes: Reading, quilting, cross-stitch, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and my new passion – diamond painting!

Community Involvement: Habitat for Humanity, Local High School Career Days

Diane’s Fun Facts:

“I am truly a ‘farmer’s daughter’ as I was born at home on my parent’s farm, and my father delivered me. I grew up a tomboy, competing with boys – and that continues to this day, as I am always competing with my brothers. I love to cook and try new recipes – which are not always of the ‘healthy’ variety, but they taste great! I love pizza and anything hot and spicy. I also have a side business selling Country Scents candles and bath & body products.”

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