PPB July 2018

Eng i nee r i ng And Cons t ruc t i on Measured Success Every year a homebuilding association holds a trade show where attendees can see the newest trends, materials and technology in construction and homebuilding, as well as attend several seminars. One of the seminar speakers, who works for a well-known company in the homebuilding world, gave each seminar attendee a custom-logoed tape measure from Beacon Promotions. The speaker chose this item because of the unique magnetic, dual-end hook which keeps the tape in place while measurements are being taken. The two- sided tape features inches and centimeters, and it comes with a wrist strap and belt clip. A rubberized finish makes it less likely to slip out of hands, and the unique gift made sure the company name wouldn’t slip from attendees’ minds. Source: Beacon Promotions Commemorating Safe Projects With Coins Large-scale construction projects are inherently dangerous, even with proper safety measures in place. Minneapolis, Minnesota- based Mortenson Construction found a way to incent team members to practice safe behavior on projects by awarding personalized Safety Coins. Cody Davidowski, safety manager for Mortenson, was intrigued with the idea of military challenge coins, coins imprinted with a battalion or squadron logo and presented to individuals who distinguish themselves in service. So he came up with the idea of custom safety coins to recognize employees who show exceptional attention to safety measures. Davidowski had 250 coins minted by Cincinnati, Ohio’s Osborne Coinage Company as an initial run, at a cost comparable to a t-shirt or hat. Since then, the company has given out roughly 120 coins. A Morton division that specializes in the design and construction of big energy projects within North America has started recognizing employees who go above and beyond in their efforts at job-site safety with the custom coins. The coins feature the division’s two initial projects—their first self-performed substation in Nevada in 2012, and their first transmission monopole structure in Oklahoma in 2013. “We put the projects on the coins along with the Mortenson Zero Injuries emblem to signify the purpose of the coin, and the Mortenson company values on the back,” Davidowski says “We also had them engraved with each individual’s name to personalize them.” The coins provide a point of pride and conversation for workers who contributed to upholding the safety of the entire project, and they are “kind of like an honor,” says Davidowski. “You have to earn it.” The coins were initially presented at an annual Safety Week barbecue, and recognition in front of family and peers with a meaningful memento has proven to be a powerful motivator, Davidowski says. “The coins have gone over extremely well. While tokens of appreciation often come in the form of t-shirts, hats, or other small items, coins are more of a tangible honor; they say more than an everyday t-shirt can, and often hold a higher esteem in the eyes of employees,” he adds. Source: Osborne Coinage Real-World Solutions Case Studies FromThe Industry 40 | JULY 2018 | GROW