According to OSHA in a recent new release, falls are the leading cause of worker fatalities in the construction industry. With that in mind, the agency is now making available a collection of what it calls “compliance assistance resources,” designed to help employers address falls in the workplace. Click here to learn more!

January means it’s time for a look at what to expect in the upcoming year. Jeff Gavin dives right in with the 2019 Construction Outlook in the latest issue of Electrical Contractors Magazine. Click here to read the full article.

The W. Creighton Schwan Scholarship is available to receive applications now. Established in 2007 by NorCal NECA’s Codes & Standards Committee in memory of W. Creighton Schwan who dedicated his life to the electrical industry. Please click here for more details on the scholarship and instructions on how to apply.

NECA is here to serve you, but we could use your help too. As we are off and running in this new year, consider being part of one of these dynamic committees. We are currently seeking representatives from each of our Chapter divisions.

The Codes & Standards Committee and East Bay Uniform Code Committee (EBUCC) are intended to advance the cause of electrical safety and help improve the quality of electrical construction. Both committees are dedicated to providing a monthly forum where contractors, IBEW members and electrical inspectors are exposed to current code practices, education, news and events. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month (excluding June – August and December), starting with the Codes & Standards Committee at 5:00 PM and followed by the EBUCC at 6:00 PM.

Our Member Services Committee is comprised of individuals committed to discuss and plan various member events and activities, as well as providing relevant education and training. Currently, the committee meets quarterly, on a Thursday, at noon.

If you are interested in joining one of these committees, please contact Juanita Mitchell at the Chapter office.

The Northern California Chapter, NECA Member Services Committee is proud to announce its 12th Annual Project Excellence Awards competition. This program was developed to recognize excellence in electrical/technology installations and the NECA contractors responsible for their outstanding achievements. Project completed between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018, in Alameda, Calaveras, Mariposa, Merced, Napa, San Joaquin, Solano, Stanislaus and Tuolumne Counties are eligible for entry. Projects outside of the Chapter’s jurisdiction may be considered depending on circumstances, location and complexity.

If you would like to enter a project in the 2019 competition for projects completed in 2018, please click here and you will be directed to the Entry Form. Entries must be submitted to the Chapter office by 3:00 PM on Friday, March 20, 2019. Awards will be presented at the Chapter’s Fall General Member meeting in September 2019.

The 2019 ASC Regions 6 & 7 Student Competition is on February 7 – 11, 2019, in Sparks, Nevada. In the past, we have had several contractors attend this event, which captures young college construction management students seeking a career in the construction industry. The competition showcases the students’ ability to create a bid and solutions to a construction problem all in a 24-hour period, followed by their presentations to a panel of experts. Please view this YouTube video, which provides details and highlights from the 2018 competition.

NorCal NECA has been participating for the last several years, and has plans to do so again this year. Contractors in the market to hire the talent these future employees bring to the table are encouraged to join us. Contact Scot VanBuskirk at the Chapter office for more information.

As of January 1, 2019, California’s minimum wage will increase to $12.00/hour for businesses with 26 or or more employees and will increase every year until the minimum wage is $15.00/hour in 2022. For businesses with 25 or fewer employees, the minimum wage will increase to $11.00/hour. It will also increase every year until the minimum wage is $15.00/hour for all employers in 2023.

Once the minimum wage reaches $15.00/hour for all businesses, wages can be increased up to 3.5% each year to account for inflation, as measured by the National Consumer Price Index.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Directorate of Training and Education (DTE) has asked organizations to alert trainers of recent changes regarding:

• Important Change to the Instructor 90-Day Grace Period for instructor reauthorization (OSHA 500 and 502 card expiration).
• The course completion and card distribution rules, including the OSHA 10- and 30-hour and ET&D 10- and 20-hour cards (Supervisory Leadership Skills Outreach Training cards).

Click here to learn more about the changes. View OSHA’s 500 series course information by clicking here.

NECA Now is a three-day Executive Leadership conference focused on professional and personal growth. This program will be held at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa from April 2 – 4, 2019. The schedule includes topics on business development, operations, financing and personal development. There will also be time to establish new relationships and learn from your peers through three interactive breaks. These breaks will offer multiple informative, small-group sessions from subject matter expert for a variety of topics.

A golf tournament on April 1st is available for play at Wildfire Golf Club. Catch the District 9 Council meeting on Thursday, April 4th, and take advantage of this unique opportunity to further your education and train for success! The early registration deadline is February 20, 2019, so complete and return the attached registration form before rates increase.

Did you know that two of every five home decoration fires are started by candles? Or that nearly half of decoration fires happen because decorations are placed too close to a heat source?

NECA knows that winter holidays are a time for families and friends to get together, but also means a greater risk for fire. Following a few simple tips from the National Fire Protection Association will ensure a happy and fire-safe holiday season.

Holiday Decorating: 1) be careful with holiday decorations. Choose decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant; 2) keep lit candles away from decorations and other things that can burn; 3) some lights are only for indoor or outdoor use, but not both; 4) replace any string of lights with work or broken cords or loose bulb connections. Read manufacturer’s instruction for number of lights strands to connect; 5) use clips, not nails, to hang lights so the cords do not get damaged; and 6) keep decorations away from windows and doors.

Holiday Entertaining: 1) test your smoke alarms and CO detectors and tell guests about your home fire escape plan; 2) keep children and pets away from lit candles; 3) keep matches and lighters up high in a locked cabinet; 4) stay in the kitchen when cooking on the stovetop; 5) ask smokers to smoke outside. Remind smokers to keep their smoking materials with them so young children do not touch them; and 6) provide large, deep ashtrays for smoker. Wet cigarette butts with water before discarding.

Finally, it’s always important to remember to blow out lit candles when you leave the room or go to bed and turn off all light strings and decorations before leaving home or going to bed.