Keith Greer, Recognized as a Rising Star of Safety, Class of 2013

Keith Greer, RMA’s Site Safety and Health Manager, has been named a “Rising Star of Safety” by the National Safety Council (NSC). The NSC Rising Stars of Safety program honors up-and-coming safety leaders in a variety of industries. Keith was selected as one of the program's 40 leading safety professionals out of 110 nominees.

"Keith has been an invaluable resource to RMA’s Health and Safety Program," said Sharon Groff, RMA’s Corporate Safety Officer. "He has developed and implemented creative initiatives to improve our safety program and instill safety as a core value at RMA.”

Rising Stars of Safety nominees must meet the following criteria set forth by the NSC.

• Younger than 40 years old
• 5+ years direct safety experience and some level of safety oversight
• Demonstrated safety leadership, with practical examples of:
• Leadership attributes that set the nominee apart from his or her peers
• Initiating and/or leading a successful safety initiative with measurable results
• Engaging peers and transforming the safety culture of the organization
• Valuing safety as a critical part of business operations

Congratulations, Keith!

Read more at the Safety + Health Magazine Website: http://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/9133-shining-brightly?page=2

 

Walsh RMA Joint Venture Finalizes Construction for the Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility Project

Brea, Calif. (Sept. 18) – RMA Land Construction, Inc. (RMA) under the Walsh RMA Joint Venture (Walsh-RMA), is celebrating the recent completion of the $37.8 million Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility (TEMF) project at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii. As with any successful project, objectives were achieved through a commitment to exceed the minimum requirements, and go beyond the call. Construction featured six (6) new facilities designed to meet USGBC LEED_® Silver Level, including a large 14-bay two-story 60,000 SF tactical equipment maintenance shop; Petroleum Oils and Lubricants (POL) storage; 1,512-stall tactical vehicle parking hardstand; a 100-stall POV parking lot; over one mile of storm drainage; and 3,600 LF of fencing and gates.

 “The Walsh-RMA team met or exceeded the quality standards indicated on the project plans…. Management at Walsh-RMA were easy to work with and responsive to the needs of the customer.”

(Source: Interim Contractor Performance Evaluation from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)

According to Steve Mohammad, RMA’s Executive Vice President, the coordination of multiple subcontractors and over 750 individuals performing work on the 21.5 acre site was a significant effort. Walsh-RMA, led by the veteran site management team, ensured collaboration at all levels and pressed forward to maintain momentum and construction progress. At times working up to 18 hours a day, six to seven days a week, Walsh-RMA provided the customer with beneficial occupancy on July 12, 2013.

When faced with unforeseen challenges, the team not only stepped up to the plate but exceeded the client’s requirements. During the site/civil phase of this high-profile project, unexploded ordnances (UXOs) were discovered. Originally understood to be a clear site, training landmines were found during clearing and grubbing which required a work stoppage period. Walsh-RMA employed the services of a qualified UXO specialist to perform disposal and clearance, and further assisted with personnel training for potential UXO recognition and response actions. 

Keith Greer, Site Safety and Health Officer/Environmental Health and Safety Manager (SSHO/EHS), attributed the success of this project primarily to the commitment at all levels of the Joint Venture and willingness of subcontractors to comply and train their personnel on safety. “Safety indoctrination was accomplished early on with buy-in from all subcontractors which facilitated a safe work environment,” Keith explained. “Our subcontractors appreciated that we held safety to such a high standard to ensure everyone returned home safely to their families.”

Walsh-RMA was presented with a Certificate of Accomplishment Safety Award by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Honolulu District, for the outstanding achievement of completing this project with zero lost-time incidents. Roy Mohammad, RMA’s President/CEO, stated, “Marking a significant milestone, this is the largest single project award in the 32-year history of RMA.” Roy went on to add, “The project team's consistent communication with our USACE client, end-user and subcontractors, along with the perseverance to progress through unanticipated issues, contributed to the project’s success.”

Congratulations to Anthony Choate, Project Manager; Eric Thomson, Superintendent; Ken Carrara, Quality Control (QC) Manager; Keith Greer, SSHO/EHS; Chad Johnson, Assistant Project Manager; Adam Thompson, Alternate QC Manager/QC Specialist; Chad Bennett, Electrical Superintendent/Alternate SSHO; and the Walsh-RMA team for the successful execution of the TEMF construction.

Founded in 1898, The Walsh Group, Ltd. is a family owned business in its fourth generation of leadership providing general contracting, construction management and design-build services. The Walsh Group is capable of performing all site survey, engineering and layout, demolition, site utility, yard piping, process equipment piping and installation, excavation, concrete work and carpentry work with its own forces. Visit www.walshgroup.com for more information.

RMA Land Construction, Inc. is a design-build general contractor with 32 years of proven experience on various projects for the Federal government and Department of Defense (DoD) clients. RMA provides design-build management for a multitude of projects in globally diverse locations, including new vertical construction and renovation of administrative buildings, military barracks, hospitals, fitness centers, maintenance facilities and special ops facilities; high and low voltage electrical distribution; heavy and civil/horizontal construction; and maintenance and support services. Visit www.rmaland.com for more information.

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Striving to be NAVFAC’s Model Construction Site – BEQs at Point Mugu, Naval Base Ventura County, CA

NAVFAC Southwest recently selected RMA’s Design-Build Renovate BEQs, B-21, B-22 & B-23 as the project site to visit at Point Mugu, Naval Base Ventura County, CA. The site was deemed to be impressively clean, orderly and in accordance with safety, quality and production standards.

Capt. Bruce Nevel (NAVFAC Operations Officer) and LTJG Alex Rovinksy (NAVFAC Construction Manager) walked the jobsite with Tiger Clifton (RMA Superintendent/SSHO) and Mac Sheikh (RMA CQC Manager). In addition to Tiger and Mac, the project management staff includes Calvin Hall (RMA Project Manager) and Gina Lopez-Fascia (RMA Project Coordinator).

The BEQ project calls for the modernization of the 62-year-old facilities to increase the buildings’ lifespan and improve the quality of life for unaccompanied enlisted personnel. The three barracks are each two-story and total over 41,000 SF.

With abatement of hazardous materials and work at heights posing intrinsic challenges, RMA developed and implemented detailed Asbestos and Lead Work Plans and a Site Specific Fall Protection Plan to mitigate potential hazards and ensure the safe performance of work.

Onsite for 163 days, the project has logged 42,273 man-hours and 3,540 equipment hours with zero lost time incidents. Drywall installation was recently completed with the next phase to include installation of flooring.

 

Congratulations to the onsite team for their continued achievements in safety and client service!



Capt. Bruce Nevel (center) with Tiger Clifton, Superintendent/SSHO (left)
and Mac Sheikh, CQC Manager (right).

Trenching for concrete-encased, electical ductbanks.

A site-specific Fall Protection Plan was developed to ensure safety during roofing work.

 

New interior stairwell concrete placement.

New metal stud framing in corridor of BEQ Building 21.

Fort Hood Access Control Point Project, Onsite for a Year with Zero Lost Time Safety Incidents

Safety Success is a Team Effort. As a result of the firm commitment from our subcontractors to uphold RMA’s health and safety standards, the Access Control Point (ACP) project at Fort Hood, TX, has achieved 365 days with zero lost time safety incidents.
 
RMA’s onsite team implementing the site-specific Health  & Safety Plan (HSP) at the ACP consists of James Steinke (SSHO), Bill Moss (Project Manager), Henry Beaston (Superintendent), Scott Steward (QC Manager), and Paul Henion (QC Specialist).
 
The jobsite is located within Fort Hood’s East Range. With the requirement for the range to remain operational at all times during construction, a traffic control plan was developed and implemented to safely divert traffic and ensure the continued operation of roadways. In addition, the HSP requires daily safety briefings and equipment safety checks, along with onsite training and regular safety audits, to ensure complete awareness of potential hazards, mitigation measures, and proper equipment operations.

A key partner in the project’s HSP is TTG Utilities (TTGU), a local contractor based in Gatesville, TX. TTGU was subcontracted to perform a significant portion of work on the ACP including Site Utilities, Earthwork, Concrete, and Paving services. With numerous safety hazards associated with these features of work, RMA has worked closely with the TTGU crew to ensure safety while meeting schedule milestones.

RMA recently hosted a safety event on June 28, 2013, and recognized the TTGU crew for their unwavering commitment to safety. The TTGU crew is currently comprised of Randy Key (Foreman/Motor Grader Operator), Daniel Kolthoff (Water Truck/Flat Wheel Roller Operator), and Chapin Haynes (Laborer/Operator). The three-person crew has been onsite every work day since March 2013, working without any incident, consistently completing all required documentation, such as the safety equipment checklist, and recording equipment hours on their daily reports.

Thank you to everyone on the ACP team for their contribution to a safe work environment!

Under Construction: GRAB-300 active vehicle barrier system (ASTM M50 crash certified)

TTGU Crew: Chapin Haynes, Randy Key, and Daniel Kolthoff 

Safety on the jobsite requires measures to mitigate exposure to existing road hazards.

Traffic Control: Two-lane road diversions to keep roads open under safe conditions.

Keith Greer, Site Safety & Health Officer, Nominated for National Safety Council’s Rising Stars of Safety, Class of 2013

RMA recently nominated Keith Greer, Site Safety & Health Officer, for the National Safety Council’s Rising Stars of Safety, Class of 2013. According to Sharon Groff, Corporate Safety Officer, Keith was selected for his embrace of the safety protocols and processes. It was through his determination to use opportunities to further his safety knowledge that he was assigned to the large, technically challenging project at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii.

As the Site Safety & Health Officer at the Walsh RMA Joint Venture Tactical Equipment Maintenance (TEMF) project, Keith encourages individuals to stay focused on safety and improve work practices. He has organized many safety recognition events throughout the duration of the project to highlight individuals and subcontractors who have been models for safe and productive work. The project team will be celebrating the latest achievement of 250,000 man-hours without a lost time accident this week with another safety gathering. 

Rising Stars of Safety nominees must meet the following criteria set forth by the NSC.

• Younger than 40 years old
• 5+ years direct safety experience and some level of safety oversight
• Demonstrated safety leadership, with practical examples of:
• Leadership attributes that set the nominee apart from his or her peers
• Initiating and/or leading a successful safety initiative with measurable results
• Engaging peers and transforming the safety culture of the organization
• Valuing safety as a critical part of business operations

We look forward to the middle of July when NSC announces the results. Here’s to Keith being recognized as one of the up-and-coming professionals making a difference in safety!

Visit NSC.org to learn more about safety.

We've Come a Long Way....A Project Update from TEMF, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

Brea, Calif. (May 22) - The Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility project at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii is currently at 686 days and over 250,000 man-hours without a lost-time safety incident. With over 750 individuals having performed work on site, a primary focus of the Walsh RMA Joint Venture team has been to ensure a safe, healthy and accident-free worksite for company and subcontractor personnel.

The team recently completed the striping of the parking lots and hydroseeding of lawn areas. The current features of work include final installation of roofing, siding, electrical and fire alarm systems, painting, and security cages.

Recent Project Photos



Photo of project signs taken early May 2013.

 

Look how far we've come!



Aerial shot of site showing progress late January 2013 (source: Google Maps)
 http://goo.gl/maps/mVolJ



Aerial shot of site pre-construction (source: Google Earth)



 



Child Development Center at Naval Station Ford Island Receives GCA 2013 Build Hawaii Award

Brea, Calif. (April 17) - The Child Development Center (CDC) at Naval Station Ford Island, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam (JBPHH), HI, was recognized with the General Contractors Association of Hawaii (GCA) 2013 Build Hawaii Honorable Mention Award in the “Federal Construction Less Than $30 Million” category for exemplifying the highest standards of construction.

Completed in 2012 by RMA-ECC, A Joint Venture, with AECOM as Lead Design Firm, the $16.8 Million project achieved USGBC LEED_®-NC Version 3 Gold Level Certification with renewable energy and sustainable strategies to save 20% in operational costs. At 37,404 square feet, the facility serves 304 children and is the first CDC built on Ford Island and the Navy’s third entirely new CDC at JBPHH.

 

Safety Celebration at TEMF, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii

Anaheim, Calif. (April 2) - Walsh RMA Joint Venture hosted a fourth safety party at the jobsite for the Construct Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility (TEMF), Schofield Barracks, HI on March 29, to celebrate the achievement of 200,000 man hours and over 50,000 equipment operation hours without a lost time safety accident.

 

Approximately 70 workers, including eight (8) subcontractor firms, were present to partake of the food and festivities. Our appreciation goes out to our vendors and subcontractors who donated prizes to reward everyone for their hard work and individual commitment to safety.

• HMA Testing
• Honolulu Disposal
• White Cap
• Demos Painting
• Alakai Mechanical

Additionally, special thanks to Keith Greer (Site Safety & Health Officer) and Rob McAlman (Office Manager) for coordinating the function and obtaining sponsorships. Close to $30,000 worth of prizes and food have been donated over the course of the four parties.

Currently, the project is approximately 85% complete with nearly 230,000 man hours and 60,000 equipment operation hours without a lost time accident.   

Major Safety Milestone at Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility (TEMF), Schofield Barracks, HI

Anaheim, Calif. (March 1) - The Walsh RMA Joint Venture (Walsh-RMA) has achieved a major safety milestone with 200,000 man hours and over 50,000 equipment operation hours logged with no OSHA recordable incidents or lost-time accidents on the Construct Tactical Equipment Maintenance Facility (TEMF) project at Schofield Barracks, HI.

To achieve these results, Walsh-RMA implemented a comprehensive health and safety program featuring awareness, training, monitoring, prevention, and personal accountability. A collaborative effort between Steve Aleo (Walsh Regional Safety Manager), Sharon Groff (RMA Corporate Safety Officer), and Tracy Lawson of Lawson & Associates, the program has an intensive focus on cultivating a safety mindset that influences individual behavior on the job site.

Ultimately, it is the dedication of everyone on the site that has made this accomplishment possible.  To the site managers, subcontractors, and 615 workers in the field thus far, we thank you for the time, energy and passion you have put into getting everyone home safe to their families each day. 

• Keith Greer (Site Safety & Health Officer)
• Chad Bennett (Alternate Site Safety & Health Officer)
• Anthony Choate (Project Manager)
• Eric Thomson (Superintendent)
• Ken Carrara (Quality Control Manager)
• Chad Johnson (Assistant Project Manager)
• Adam Thompson (Alternate QC Manager/QC Specialist)

We are also grateful to Les Asuka, Jeff Crochran, Joe Tribbey, and Rockwell Rodgers with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for their support of our safety initiatives.     

Congratulations to the Team!

Ribbon Cutting for Demolition and Consolidation of NAWC-WD at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, Ventura, CA

Anaheim, Calif. (Feb. 14) - RMA Land Construction, Inc. (RMA) held a Ribbon Cutting ceremony to commemorate the design-build replacement of the existing laboratory facilities at the Naval Warfare Center - Weapons Division (NAWC-WD) located within Naval Warfare Center, Point Mugu, Ventura, CA. RMA renovated three (3) buildings and provided demolition and disposal of 16 buildings with a total of 101,323 SF of excess building space. This effort consolidated the NAWC-WD from outdated Cold-War era facilities into upgraded code-compliant laboratory complexes.

 

In attendance at this event were LT CMDR Ward Doss, FEAD Director; RDML Paul Sohl, Commander NAWC-WD; Dr. Ronald Smiley, NAVAIR’s Director of EW/Combat Systems; Bill Crowley, Infrastructure Business Operations Manager; Miguel Hernandez, Construction Manager NAWC; Roy Mohammad, RMA President/CEO; Calvin Hall, Project Manager; Mac Sheikh, QC Manager; Tiger Clifton, Site Safety and Health Officer; and Gina Lopez, Project Coordinator.

 

With Guernsey as Lead Design Firm, RMA provided aesthetically pleasing and durable finishes appropriate to the building functionality and maximized the use of sustainable materials. Work features included: hazardous material abatement; demolition; excavation; underground utilities; grading; framing; plumbing; HVAC; electrical; fire protection; data and communications; laboratory fixtures; FF&E; and signage.


RMA Land Construction, Inc. is a design-build general contractor with over 32 years of proven experience on various projects for the Federal government and Department of Defense (DoD) clients. RMA provides design-build management for a multitude of projects in globally diverse locations, including new vertical construction and renovation of administrative buildings, military barracks, hospitals, fitness centers, maintenance facilities and special ops facilities; high and low voltage electrical distribution; heavy and civil/horizontal construction; and maintenance and support services. Visit www.rmaland.com for more information.

 

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