Working hard to Protect, Promote & Educate our Profession

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  • 04/02/2021 7:53 PM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)


    Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on our roads. While drivers texting behind the wheel tops what seems like an endless list of distractions, other risky actions include talking — whether it be on the phone or to others in the car, setting your navigation, adjusting what you're listening to, drinking coffee, applying makeup, and more. By driving distracted, you're robbing yourself of seconds that you may need to avoid a close call or deadly crash.

    In 2019, distracted driving killed 3,142 people – a 10% increase from 2018. Young drivers seem more prone to using their phones while driving. According to NHTSA research from 2017, drivers 16 to 24 years old have been observed using handheld electronic devices while driving at higher rates than older drivers have since 2007. But make no mistake: It isn't just young people who are driving distracted, since drivers in other age groups don't lag far behind. 

    Drive Responsibly

    April, which is national Distracted Driving Awareness Month, is a good time to regroup and take responsibility for the choices we make when we're on the road. Follow these safety tips for a safe ride every time: 

    • Need to send a text? Pull over and park your car in a safe location. Only then is it safe to send or read a text.
    • Designate your passenger as your "designated texter." Allow them access to your phone to respond to calls or messages.
    • Do not scroll through apps, including social media, while driving. Cell phone use can be habit-forming. Struggling to not text and drive? Put the cell phone in the trunk, glove box, or back seat of the vehicle until you arrive at your destination.

    READ MORE


  • 03/05/2021 2:03 PM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    MIACCA's Initiative on the Statewide Permit Result in CCC's Request Form Proposals- See MIACCA's Submission

    At the January 27th Construction Code Commission (CCC) meeting, MIACCA's request for a statewide permit was on the agenda.  They are now seeking  input for building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permit applications.  MCL 125.1510(1) requires these applications to be on a form prescribed by the commission.  The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) highly encourages the CCC to prescribe these forms, and the CCC acknowledges assistance from the Bureau of Construction Codes and input from interested stakeholders such as yourselves is necessary in accomplishing this task.

    For your reference, this was the MIACCA proposed form, that we will be submitting.

     All submissions will be presented to the CCC at their next regularly scheduled meeting on April 14, 2021 at 10:00 AM.


  • 03/03/2021 8:59 AM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    MARCH IS WORKPLACE EYE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH

    Over 2,000 eye injuries occur each day on job sites across the U.S. and one in ten of those injuries required missed days of work to recover. Of the total amount of work-related eye injuries that occur, 10 to 20 percent will cause temporary or permanent vision loss. While many think that eye injuries only occur in construction, trade or manufacturing jobs, nearly 40% of work-related eye injuries happen in healthcare facilities, offices, laboratories and other similar work environments. Safety experts and eye care providers agree that the right eye protection could have lessened the severity of these injuries or even prevented 90% of them.

    Flying objects, particles, tools, chemicals and harmful radiation are the cause of most eye injuries. In many cases, implementing safe workplace practices and using appropriate protective eyewear could prevent injuries entirely. March is Workplace Eye Safety Awareness Month, which offers a great opportunity to remind everyone about a few tips to help protect eyes from potential injury.

    • There are a few things you can do to help prevent an eye injury in the workplace:
    • Eliminate hazards before starting work by using machine guards, work screens or other engineering controls.
    • Always wear the appropriate safety eyewear, even if you are just passing through a potentially hazardous area.
    • If you're working in an area with lots of particles or dust, be sure to wear safety goggles with side shields to protect against foreign objects from entering your eyes.
    • Always wear safety goggles or face shields when working with chemicals to protect against splashing.
    • When working around hazardous radiation like welding, fiber optics and lasers, be sure to use specially designed safety goggles and helmets that are made especially for such tasks.
    • Keep safety eye wear in good condition and replace when necessary.

    Remember that something as simple as putting on a pair of safety glasses can help prevent serious eye injuries in the workplace. These injuries are not only painful, but they can cause many lost days of work and sometimes lead to permanent vision loss. Although March is designated as Workplace Eye Safety Awareness Month, it is important to remember to wear your safety glasses year round.

    If you do experience an eye injury, contact your eye doctor as soon as possible.


  • 02/22/2021 11:23 AM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)


    MIACCA's Initiative on the Statewide Permit Result in CCC's Request Form Proposals

    At the January 27th Construction Code Commission (CCC) meeting, MIACCA's request for a statewide permit was on the agenda item.   They are now seeking  input for building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permit applications.  MCL 125.1510(1) requires these applications to be on a form prescribed by the commission.  The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) highly encourages the CCC to prescribe these forms, and the CCC acknowledges assistance from the Bureau of Construction Codes and input from interested stakeholders such as yourselves is necessary in accomplishing this task.

    .For your reference, this was the MIACCA proposed form.  If you have any suggestions, please send them to us at mjdsmith@miacca.org by February 24, 2021.  If you decide to send a proposed form on your own, please note that proposals for these permit applications must be received by the Administrative Services Division by 5:00 p.m. March 5, 2021.

     All submissions will be presented to the CCC at their next regularly scheduled meeting on April 14, 2021 at 10:00 AM.


  • 02/10/2021 1:59 PM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)


    MIACCA is sharing this Boiler Inspector job posting with our members:

    The Bureau of Construction Codes is in the process of filling a Boiler Inspector 10/11 position in the Boiler Division located at the Delta County.  Applicants for the position must apply online by going to the website listed below, go to job posting 6401-20-BCC-655 Boiler Inspect, click on job title Boiler Inspector 10/E11, and then click on the "Apply" link, and follow the directions provided. (Position description and job specifications are listed on the posting.)

    https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/michigan

    On-Line applications must be received by 5:00pm, 02/16/2021.

    If you have any questions or need additional information regarding this vacancy, please contact:

    Hillary Millen

    Departmental Analyst

    LARA/BCC/Administrative Services

    PO Box 30254

    Lansing, Michigan 48909

    Phone: (517) 582-5594


  • 02/09/2021 10:01 PM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    MIACCA is Michigan's expert resource for professional, licensed contractors servicing residential homes and commercial businesses.   Contact one of our member near you today to help you bring a safer dining experience to your customers.

    MI COVID-19 Safer Dining Program

    On January 22, the Governor announced the state would gradually open restaurants across Michigan as safely as possible. Part of this effort is a voluntary program called “MI COVID-19 Safer Dining” where restaurants can work with a licensed HVAC inspector who will recommend changes to air ventilation to improve circulation and reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread. Restaurants will also abide by safety protocols, including mask wearing, social distancing, and regular disinfection and cleaning.

    PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

    • Restaurants must have a licensed HVAC contractor inspect their ventilation systems and make recommended changes, if necessary to improve circulation and further mitigate the risk of COVID-19 spread. Complete these two steps to participate in COVID-19 Safer Dining. 

    • STEP 1: Download the restaurant HVAC checklist for your licensed to contractor to complete during your inspection. 

    For Further Information CLICK HERE

    To find a licensed, professional contractor CLICK HERE

  • 01/30/2021 12:36 PM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    MI COVID-19 Safer Dining Program

    On January 22, the Governor announced the state would gradually open restaurants across Michigan as safely as possible. Part of this effort is a voluntary program called “MI COVID-19 Safer Dining” where restaurants can work with a licensed HVAC inspector who will recommend changes to air ventilation to improve circulation and reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread. Restaurants will also abide by safety protocols, including mask wearing, social distancing, and regular disinfection and cleaning.

    PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS

    • Restaurants must have a licensed HVAC contractor inspect their ventilation systems and make recommended changes, if necessary to improve circulation and further mitigate the risk of COVID-19 spread. Complete these two steps to participate in COVID-19 Safer Dining. 

    • STEP 1: Download the restaurant HVAC checklist for your licensed to contractor to complete during your inspection. 

    For Further Information CLICK HERE

    MIACCA applauds the State in requiring our HVACR contractors services and expertise to help provide safer indoor eating environments during this pandemic.   MIACCA encourages you to take care of your current customers and reach out to new ones to see how you can be of assistance with these new requirements.


  • 01/19/2021 11:46 AM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    Smart home technology is changing how residential trade companies navigate demand spikes and off-seasons. Surprisingly, even in 2021, only the most-forward thinking contractor adds this revenue stream to their business.

    On January 21st, (1 p.m. CDT/2 p.m. EST) Dan Goodman of Building36 joins Service Nation 101 to share how you can improve customer service, generate new leads, and increase the lifetime value of existing customers by offering smart home services!



    This webinar discusses:

    • Current growth and trends in the smart home market and where residential contractors can meet these demands
    • Best practices for incorporating smart home subscription fees into a maintenance plan
    • How residential contractors can deliver this technology to create a predictable revenue stream while improving the performance and value of their business

    Dan Goodman is co-founder and CEO of Building36 with nearly 20 years of engineering and technology experience. Dan founded Building36 to create smart home solutions that make homes safer, more comfortable, and energy-efficient by designing them with both the homeowner and service provider in mind. Before Building36, Dan was an applications engineer at Texas Instruments, founded a company that created the first Wi-Fi thermostat, and was head of sales for a startup company that helped pioneer Zigbee Wireless Technology. Dan graduated from MIT with a degree in electrical engineer and computer science.

    Join Service Nation 101 with Building36 to learn how to increase revenue and customer experience through smart home technology.


    Don't forget: If you can't attend the webinar, register below and we'll send the recording right to you!
    Register Now!


  • 01/05/2021 11:49 AM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    MIACCA's Efforts on Bill SB-827 Passes House of Ways and Means Committee but did not get Voted on at the End of the Year

    SB 827 was passed by Senate roll call on September 30th with 38 yeas and 0 nays  It was passed through the House of Ways and Means Committee and was on it's way to full House vote.  Due to lack of in person meetings, and too many agenda items to vote on,  the bill did not make it on the special session agenda and did not move into law.  We are confident that the bill will move quickly in this New Year, as it had made it so far in 2020.  

    This bill is important to the HVAC industry as it will continue the long standing safety practice of having employers attest to an applicant's mechanical work experience; and provide for a reasonable work experience credit for those who go to school to learn a skilled trade and successfully completes a recognized HVAC trade school, community college, or university program.  

    MIACCA will continue to keep you posted on the bills progress.


  • 01/01/2021 11:50 AM | M.J. D'Smith (Administrator)

    January is National Radon Awareness Month

    Remind your customers to test their homes.

    Radon is an odorless, colorless gas that can seep into a home from underground. If radon accumulates, it may lead to lung cancer – in fact, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. According to Gina McCarthy, EPA assistant administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation, radon can be found in every state in the country, and elevated radon levels occur in as many as one in 15 homes.

    "Testing for radon is an easy and important step in protecting the health of your family," McCarthy stressed.

    EPA offered information on how residents can protect themselves from radon:

    Test. EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homes, both with and without basements, be tested for radon. Affordable do-it-yourself radon test kits are available at home improvement and hardware stores and online. A qualified radon tester also can be hired.

    Fix. EPA recommends taking action to fix radon levels above 4 Picocuries per Liter (pCi/L). Addressing high radon levels often costs the same as other minor home repairs.

    Save a Life. Testing and fixing elevated levels of radon in the home can help prevent lung cancer while creating a healthier home and community.

    Read Full Article Here



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