Employee Tips

NCCER Certifications for SLS Employees -Updated Information

Crane Operator Certifications for SLS Employees It has come to our attention that some employees harbor ambitious aspirations by seeking certification on cranes that exceed their short-term advancement capabilities. While we appreciate their enthusiasm, we believe their time would be better utilized by focusing on gaining proficiency at their current level and working towards the next step in their career ladder, rather than pursuing certifications for cranes that typically require years of experience to operate proficiently. To address this discrepancy in self-awareness, we are implementing a "Certification Application" process that must be completed before Smiley Lifting will cover the fees involved in NCCER Crane, Rigging, or Signal Person Employee Testing. For eligibility to have Smiley Lifting Solutions cover the cost of training materials, crane utilization, and testing, employees [...]

2024-03-08T18:17:12+00:00March 6, 2024|Employee Tips|Comments Off on NCCER Certifications for SLS Employees -Updated Information

Crane Operator Certifications for SLS Employees

Crane Operator Certifications for SLS Employees We have gotten some questions from employees that would like to get their NCCER Crane Operator Certification or Rigging Certification. We are offering a self-study/tutor program for motivated individuals. Step 1: Check out NCCER Book Kit from Chris Trejo Two week check out period First come first serve Study on the employee’s own time If you have questions while going through the books, get with Chris for tutoring on specific subjects or practice tests. Schedule test date at time of book checkout Step 2: Test SLS picks up testing fees for first try practical and written. Retesting / Additional Training: If the employee fails any part, the employee is responsible for the retest fees. ($100 - written retest and $35 - practical [...]

2024-01-03T19:23:19+00:00January 2, 2024|Employee Tips|Comments Off on Crane Operator Certifications for SLS Employees

Upload Videos or Pictures

Upload Videos or Pictures I've had a few employees that are having a hard time getting pictures or videos to me from their phones. If you have a cool job-site picture or video, you may now upload the files directly to me using the upload box below. I have also added this link to the bottom of the page so that you may access it any time. Please let me know if you are having any problems. -Jennifer

2022-08-03T21:16:28+00:00August 3, 2022|Company, Employee Tips|Comments Off on Upload Videos or Pictures

Safety Tips for Thunderstorms and Lightning

Outdoor Worker Safety Tips for Thunderstorms and Lightning Working cranes near lighting storms are a hazard to the operator and the crew. If you hear thunder or see lightening, pay close attention to its distance from your work site. A lightening bolt can travel as far as 50 miles. It is recommended that crane booms are lowered, and work pause if lighting is within 20 miles of your work site. If you download the app “Lightening Alarm”, the app will notify you of lightening in your area. Lightning strikes can cause serious injuries or death when workers are outdoors during thunderstorms. While lightning is often overlooked as an occupational hazard, awareness about lightning hazards is critical to ensure workers’ safety. Lightning is a dangerous natural force. According to [...]

2022-07-19T18:44:19+00:00July 14, 2022|Employee Tips, Safety|Comments Off on Safety Tips for Thunderstorms and Lightning

Field Uniform Ordering Happening Soon

Field Uniform Ordering Happening Soon To ensure that our in-field employees are job-site compliant, Smiley has developed a Uniform Plan for employees that work in the field. This plan includes a Smiley paid $300 “uniform refresh” cycle every six months. This cycle will continue each January and July to ensure that our job-site facing employees look sharp, meet job-site safety requirements, and proudly represent Smiley Lifting Solutions. Ordering details will be announced in the near future. Since we are approaching our in-field uniform ordering time frame, we are working to offer additional options. This session, we are considering offering a third brand of pants in addition to our Carhartt and Duluth Trading Company bands. We have gotten good feedback from the 5.11 Tactical brand pants, but would [...]

2022-07-01T17:52:25+00:00June 28, 2022|Employee Tips, Safety, Smiley Crane|Comments Off on Field Uniform Ordering Happening Soon

NO Smoking in Company Vehicles

No Smoking in Company Vehicles REMINDER- It is NEVER, under any circumstance, acceptable to smoke in a company vehicle. If you smoke, exit the vehicle, close all doors & windows, and smoke outside. Please properly dispose of any cigarette butts and do not leave them in the company vehicle. We have had numerous complaints of our vehicles stinking like smoke and making people not feel good. This is extremely inconsiderate and unprofessional to your Smiley teammates. Remember that the company vehicle belongs to the Smiley, not you.

2022-06-20T20:37:20+00:00June 20, 2022|Employee Tips, Safety|1 Comment

OSHA Inspections

What to Expect During OSHA Inspections OSHA Inspections A big part of OSHA’s enforcement effort involves inspecting workplaces. OSHA does not need to give advance notice of an inspection, so an inspector could knock on your door at any time. Officially, an inspection consists of three main phases: the opening conference, a facility walkaround, and a closing conference. In reality, the inspection begins before the opening conference, and before you even know that an OSHA inspector is looking at your facility. The inspector may park nearby and observe, and may even take photos of visible areas. In some cases, particularly at construction sites, violations may be documented before the inspector announces his or her arrival. The Inspection Process The inspector will show credentials and, during an [...]

2022-06-21T23:08:11+00:00June 19, 2022|Employee Tips, Safety|Comments Off on OSHA Inspections

Safety Topic of the Week: Calculating Actual Sling Load

Calculating Actual Sling Load Something we often overlook is the actual load on the rigging you’re using. Below is a easy formula to better help you use the correct size rigging. Try this out on your next rigging job. If you need additional information, just call. Bob Haskins (480) 651-3977 View All Posts

2022-06-01T19:33:51+00:00June 1, 2022|Employee Tips, Safety|Comments Off on Safety Topic of the Week: Calculating Actual Sling Load

Crane Operator & Rigging Gear – Replacing Web Slings

When to Remove and Replace Web Slings and Round Slings It's not as fun as talking about the famous web slinger, Spider-man, but knowing when your rigging gear needs to be replaced is vitally important to our crane operators. Please familiarize yourself with the checklist below. If you are unsure about the safety of your web slings or round slings, please reach out to Bob Haskins in the Smiley Safety Department at 480-651-3977. Specific Removal Criteria for Flat Web Slings & Round Slings The web sling shall be removed from service if any of the following are visible: • Missing or illegible identification • Acid or caustic burns • Melting or charring of any part of the sling • Holes, tears, cuts, snags or embedded [...]

2022-05-17T23:21:41+00:00May 17, 2022|Employee Tips, Heavy Lifting|Comments Off on Crane Operator & Rigging Gear – Replacing Web Slings

Heat Safety

Heat Safety It's getting HOT! Remember to take care of yourself. Below you will find a few tips to help stay cool. Drink Plenty of Fluids Drink water often and BEFORE you are thirsty. Drink water every 15 minutes, but don't forget about Electrolytes. Sports drinks or other electrolyte drinks may help to replenish minerals that can be depleted when working in the heat. Wear Appropriate Clothing Wear your Smiley Uniform- Our uniforms were purposely chosen due to the light weight and breathability of the fabric. Pack a cool cloth or towel to wet and place on your neck. This can help you keep your body temperature down. Wear Sunscreen & Sunglasses Protect your eyes from UV rays by wearing sunglasses. Protect your skin from the sun. A sun [...]

2022-04-20T21:02:09+00:00April 21, 2022|Employee Tips, Safety|Comments Off on Heat Safety
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