IKEA rethinks US store expansion

IKEA has dropped plans to open new stores in North Carolina, Arizona and Nashville as the Sweden-based furniture retailer shifts more of its resources to expanding e-commerce. Read the USA Today story here

Newmark Group to acquire RKF Retail Holdings

Newmark Group aims to expand its retail services platform with the acquisition of RKF Retail Holdings. RKF specializes in retail leasing, consulting and investment services to both U.S. and international tenants and property owners. Read the CoStar Group story here

Sears to shutter 72 more stores in 2018

Sears will close another 72 stores this year, representing about 8% of its remaining 899 locations. The retailer, which booked first-quarter same-store sales declines of 13.4% and 9.5% at Sears and Kmart respectively, has shuttered about 530 stores in the past 12 months. Read the USA Today story here

Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta nearing completion

The retractable roof on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta is nearing completion, though a few problems had to be managed with the camera shutter-like roof. Construction will focus on completing the roof’s automation mechanics. Read the Curbed/Atlanta story here

Duro-Last, Inc. Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Duro-Last®, Inc. Celebrates 40th Anniversary Duro-Last, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of custom-fabricated single-ply roofing systems, celebrated their 40th Anniversary with an Open House on May 16th at their Saginaw, Michigan Headquarters. Over 100 guests attended the event – including local contractors, community members and organizations, and vendor partners – and had the opportunity to tour the Duro-Last, EXCEPTIONAL® Metals and Plastatech® Engineering manufacturing facilities.

Guests were invited to explore Duro-Last’s unique history through interactive timelines and hands-on product demonstrations. Duro-Last leaders and Board members, including Mrs. Burt, widow to Duro-Last founder John R. Burt, were also on hand during the Open House to greet guests and answer questions. Additionally, representatives from each of the John R. Burt family of companies showcased information about their products and operations.

“John R. Burt established a culture of innovation and excellence when he manufactured the first Duro-Last roof in 1978,” said Duro-Last CEO Tom Saeli. “What started as a small manufacturer of PVC pool liners has grown into a leader in the commercial roofing industry. All of us at Duro-Last are proud of the accomplishments we have achieved with our network of dedicated contractor partners across the country, and are excited to share this important milestone with them.”

“While our business and product offerings continue to grow, we remain committed to the entrepreneurial spirit and drive that we began this journey with,” added Jack Burt, Duro-Last Chairman of the Board and son of John R. Burt. “It’s been an honor to carry on my father’s legacy and continue our tradition of a family-owned operation.”
Duro-Last is honoring the theme of “40 Years at the Top” all year long with special activities for employees and contractors. For more information about the history of Duro-Last, Inc. and the John R. Burt family of companies, visit www.duro-last.com.
About Duro-Last®, Inc.

Known as the “World’s Best Roof®”, Duro-Last®, Inc. is the world’s largest manufacturer of custom-fabricated, thermoplastic single-ply roofing systems. Factory controlled custom-fabrication can eliminate up to 85% of field seams, resulting in lower on-site labor costs and easier installation. Duro-Last’s roofing systems are sustainable and durable. Over two billion square feet of Duro-Last membrane has been installed throughout North America. Duro-Last is headquartered in Saginaw, Michigan with additional manufacturing facilities in Grants Pass, Oregon; Jackson, Mississippi; Sigourney, Iowa; Carrollton, Texas; and Ludlow, Massachusetts. For more information on Duro-Last, call 800-248-0280 or visit www.duro-last.com.

FoodFirst Global to revamp Brio, Bravo Cucina chains

Spice Private Equity, the new parent of Bravo Cucina Italiana and Brio Tuscan Grill, has created a new company dubbed FoodFirst Global Restaurants to revamp the restaurant chains and develop new concepts. Former Olive Garden executive Brad Blum has been named to head FoodFirst. Read The Columbus Dispatch story here

3 ways the construction industry can increase technology use

Some industries invest 3.5% to 4.5% in technology, but construction firms only invest about 1%. Collaboration, a reduced dependence on paper and prefabrication can help increase the use of technology in the sector. Read the BOSS Magazine online story here

Report: Numerous forces are reshaping retail centers

A Coresight Research report states that numerous forces are working to shift American malls, including aging millennials, nontraditional channel growth, online apparel sales and department store consolidation. The report notes that the retail footprint will drop by one-fifth by 2023, with apparel sales remaining flat. Read the Retail Dive story here

Hoxton in line for $1B investment to support growth plan

Ennismore, owner of Hoxton hotels and Gleneagles resort, will reportedly receive $1 billion from the founder’s father-in-law to pursue growth plans. Hoxton plans to grow in the United States and Europe through buying and converting hotels. Read the Bloomberg story here

LATICRETE Expands Canadian Reach

LATICRETE, a leading manufacturer of globally-proven construction solutions for the building industry, is expanding its footprint in Canada with a dedicated in-country business operation, including a new office in the town of Tecumseh in the Windsor-Essex region of Ontario. The new business effort strengthens the company’s Canadian presence and provides a base to immediately grow the sales force in the region.

“Canada consistently ranks in the world’s top 10 largest construction markets, making it a prime area for growth,” said Stephen Butkovich, who will lead the business effort as the Director of LATICRETE Canada. “Over the years, we have seen carryover between the U.S. and Canada with many skilled workers attending American trade shows. This new presence is a prime opportunity to combine the knowledge of those workers and be able to better assist our Canadian customers with easier access to our team and our products.”

Prior to his new role, Stephen Butkovich served as a Regional Sales Manager overseeing business channels of LATICRETE in the Mid-Atlantic and Canada-East regions.

“We are excited to welcome LATICRETE to Tecumseh,” said Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara. “I have always said Tecumseh is a great location with excellent proximity to North American markets. We are pleased LATICRETE has chosen our town to open their business and look forward to supporting their future growth in the region.”

The WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation assisted LATICRETE with scouting locations, matching benefits and provided the necessary macroeconomic data to determine the proper location for the business effort.

“It’s been our pleasure working with LATICRETE, and this announcement today certainly enhances our collective efforts in diversifying our economy,” said Stephen MacKenzie, CEO, WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation.

About LATICRETE
LATICRETE is a leading manufacturer of globally proven construction solutions for the building industry. LATICRETE offers a broad range of products and systems covering tile & stone installation and care, masonry installation and care, resinous and decorative floor finishes, concrete construction chemicals, and concrete restoration and care including the LATICRETE® SUPERCAP® System. For 60 years, LATICRETE has been committed to research and development of innovative installation products, building a reputation for superior quality, performance and customer service. LATICRETE methods, materials, and technology have been field and laboratory proven by Architects, Engineers, Contractors and Owners. Offering an array of low VOC and sustainable products, LATICRETE products contribute to LEED certification, exceed commercial/residential VOC building requirements, and are backed by the most comprehensive warranties in the industry.

For more information, visit laticrete.com.

Viking’s Pedestal Mount Solutions VE-GNP Series

Viking’s weather resistant VE-GNP Series of gooseneck pedestals offer a tough and reliable solution for outdoor stanchion mounting applications.

“The VE-GNP Series pedestals are sturdy, strong, and built to last – so they fit right in with the rest of Viking’s products.” – Mike Busby, Marketing Manager, Viking Electronics, Inc.

Viking’s VE-GNP Series of pedestals are made from vandal resistant 11-gauge steel with a weather resistant black powder coating or 15-gauge stainless steel with a weather resistant 304 brushed finish. Some models feature pre-machined holes for mounting to a cement pad while other models are designed to be mounted directly in the ground. All Viking pedestals are constructed for universal car height, and a double gooseneck version is available for applications involving tall vehicles.

The VE-GNP Series is designed to work with Viking’s VE-Series of surface mount boxes, providing a complete mounting solution for most applications.

For more information on the VE-GNP Series, visit: www.vikingelectronics.com/product_docs/DOD/424.pdf

Viking Electronics designs and manufactures over 500 security and communication products; such as Emergency Phones, Entry Systems, Paging Interfaces, Amplifiers, Mass Notification Systems, Hot Line Phones, Auto Dialers, Enclosures, and more. In addition to our extensive analog line, we also offer a large selection of IP based solutions. Viking’s VoIP products are SIP compliant, with features such as built-in relays and automatic noise canceling. We are continually developing new ideas using the latest technology to expand our product lines. As always, Viking products are designed, manufactured, and supported in the USA and backed by a two year limited warranty. For more information, please visit: www.vikingelectronics.com.

Havwoods International Henley collection

Havwoods International, the innovative UK-based hardwood flooring supplier, provides newfound life to forgotten, discarded with the Henley collection.

Earlier this year, Havwoods International expanded the Henley collection with the addition of Coalburn, which presents a rustic, yet elegant, gray hue. These engineered planks, milled to twenty-first century production tolerances, offer an easy installation process and can be used for floors, walls, ceilings, doors, furniture, and even lighting!

More info at www.havwoods.com.

Calculated Industries New Feature on Calculator Apps

Keeping pace with customer needs, Calculated Industries (CI) has released its latest enhanced feature for a number of its calculator Apps. The new Advanced Tape feature is now available on five of the company’s Apps including the award-winning Construction Master Pro (CMP).

The Advanced Tape function provides a number of features that make the Apps more useful. It enables you to display, review, save and email inputs, descriptions and calculated values for many of the functions on the Apps. It records your inputs and outputs for saving as a file to archive or to send as an attached PDF in an email. It is available for the Construction Master Pro, Construction Master 5, Pipe Trades Pro, Qualifier Plus IIIx and the Measure Master Pro.

“Advanced Tape helps you work smarter by keeping track of measurements, cut lists, and other figures while you are at a jobsite, in the shop or just out of the office,” said Steve Kennedy, President of Calculated Industries. “Plus, being able to email files to estimators, sub-contractors and others makes construction and manufacturing work more efficient.”

When the Advanced Tape feature is available for a function in the App, a tape icon appears in the display, tap to open the Advanced Tape. It is just as easy to access Advanced Tape archives by opening the Tape function at any time. Using the Advanced Tape feature on a mobile device enables users to do advanced calculations, save the detailed results to a file, and then email the file to the office, a client and others to keep a job moving forward.

One example of how this works is in the calculation of a stair case on the CMP. Simply input the floor-to-floor rise and any horizontal constraints of where the stairs are needed and let the CMP figure out the rest. The App provides you with the output of the riser height, how many risers you have, tread width, number of treads, stairwell opening, the stringer length and stair angle of incline.

Calculated Industries’ Apps are available through the App Store, Google Play and the Windows Phone Store. Existing users of CI’s Apps can update their app to receive this new feature for free. Available for iOS and Android operating systems.

Calculated Industries is one of the country’s leading manufacturers of specialty calculators, apps, digital measuring tools, and precision hand tools for industry and personal use. CI has developed tools for tasks ranging from construction, architecture, real estate and lending to cooking and quilting. CI products are designed and tech-supported in Carson City, Nevada.

More info at www.calculated.com.

Arecont Vision LLC Signs Asset Purchase Agreement

Arecont Vision®, the industry leader in IP-based megapixel camera and video surveillance solutions, announced  that it has executed an asset purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with an affiliate of Turnspire Capital Partners, LLC (“Turnspire”) under which Turnspire will acquire substantially all of the Company’s assets. As previously announced, the Company has initiated proceedings under chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the District of Delaware (“Court”) to facilitate the Purchase Agreement and substantially reduce its debt.

Key Elements of the Purchase Agreement:
• Employees will be retained.
• Customer programs and services will continue.
• Vendors and Suppliers with valid, prepetition trade claims will be paid in full.
• Arecont Vision will be debt-free.
• Investments will be made into the development of new, industry-leading products.
• Company will have new owners and a new Board of Directors.

“Through this partnership, Arecont Vision is poised for growth. Reducing our debt and putting resources back into the business will ensure greater innovation, larger strategic partnerships, and a stronger company for all of our constituents,” said Raul Calderon, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager, Arecont Vision. “Since we began the chapter 11, operations have been running very smoothly. We are appreciative of the support of our employees, customers and vendors, and look forward to closing the sale and emerging in July a stronger, more competitive company.”

The Company has also filed a bid procedures and sale motion with the Court. The Turnspire bid will be subject to an auction at which it will be subject to higher and better offers, and requires Court approval. Arecont Vision has requested a bid deadline of June 29, 2018, 4:00 p.m., prevailing Eastern Time; an auction date of July 5, 2018; and a Sale Hearing on or about July 6, 2018.

Court filings as well as other information related to the restructuring are available at www.omnimgt.com/arecont or by calling the restructuring information hotline, 844-378-2736 (toll free in North America) or +1-818-906-8300 (International).

The Company is advised by the law firm of Pachulski, Stang, Ziehl & Jones LLP, Armory Strategic Partners as the Company’s chief restructuring officer and financial advisor, and Imperial Capital as the Company’s investment banker.

ABOUT ARECONT VISION
Arecont Vision is the leading US-based manufacturer of high-performance IP cameras and video surveillance solutions. The company offers two-megapixel camera families – the Mega® IP series includes Made in USA, cyber-secure MicroBullet®, MicroDome®, MegaBall®, MegaDome®, MegaVideo®, MegaView®, and SurroundVideo® models – plus the world-class Contera® IP series dome and bullets. Both camera families offer single- and multi-sensor choices that are integrated with the ConteraVMS® (video management system), ConteraWS® (web services), and the ConteraCMR® (cloud-managed video recorder) series for traditional or cloud-based video surveillance solutions. Arecont Vision supports integration with leading 3rd party products through the MegaLab and via ONVIF compliance.

ABOUT TURNSPIRE CAPITAL PARTNERS
Turnspire Capital Partners invests in high-quality businesses that have reached strategic, financial or operational inflection points and stand to benefit from our hands-on, operationally focused approach. Turnspire’s investment philosophy is predicated on creating value through operational improvements rather than through financial leverage. Turnspire strives to make each of its companies best-in-class in their respective industry niche, and then to grow the businesses through organic initiatives or strategic acquisitions. For additional information, please visit www.turnspirecap.com.

Guerdon New VP of Business Development

Guerdon Modular buildings, the leading manufacturer of large-scale, commercial modular construction projects in the Western US and Canada, has promoted Michael Merle from hospitality division director to vice president of business development. This announcement follows the retirement of Dan Horne who held the business development position for 17 years.

“Michael’s promotion is part of a succession plan that has been Guerdon’s strategy for quite some time,” said Jerry Goodwin, Guerdon CEO. “He is well equipped to manage Guerdon’s growing business development efforts and we are all looking forward to where Michael will take us.”

Merle will lead Guerdon’s business development team in all aspects of new business. As hospitality division director, he grew Guerdon’s hospitality segment from limited offerings to more than 80% of the company’s current pipeline.

About Guerdon Modular Buildings
Guerdon is the leading manufacturer of large-scale, complex modular construction projects and modular multi-family housing developments in the Western United States and Canada. Guerdon’s innovative modular construction technology reduces build time and construction impacts while delivering significant improvements in quality, energy efficiency, noise reduction and cost-effectiveness when compared to on-site building methods. Guerdon’s construction experience, engineering, design expertise and manufacturing capacity is unrivaled in the industry. For more information, visit www.guerdon.com.

Upgrades to FLIR Premiere Handheld HD Cameras

 

FLIR Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: FLIR) announced the release of the FLIR T1010 – a new addition to the T1K series of HD thermal imaging cameras. This latest model includes software upgrades that will make all T1K series cameras more responsive and intuitive to use. When combined with the features that define the T1K as FLIR’s flagship handheld camera – HD resolution, precision HDIR lenses, proprietary image processing solutions, and thoughtful, ergonomic design – the T1010 and T1020 can help users find problem areas faster, gather detailed, accurate temperature information, and streamline their workday.

The T1010 is a lower-cost entry point to the expert lineup of T1K cameras. It offers the same 1024 x 768 (786,432 pixels) HD detector as the T1020, which can be boosted to 3.1 Megapixels thanks to FLIR’s unique UltraMax® image enhancement. Like all T1K cameras, the T1010 uses high-fidelity OSX Precision HDIR optics, which FLIR designed specifically to work with HD detectors for greater image clarity and measurement accuracy. The T1010 offers the same compact, reinforced design with a 120° rotating optical block, so users can scan targets at any angle while maintaining a comfortable position.

As FLIR releases the T1010, it is also upgrading the firmware for the entire T1K family. This latest version offers an updated graphical user interface (GUI) that’s as agile and responsive as a smartphone. New features include 1-Touch Level/Span, for improving image contrast, and customizable work folders to help streamline reporting. The latest firmware is integrated with all new T1010 and T1020 cameras, and also can be downloaded for free from FLIR customer support (http://flir.custhelp.com).

“The new GUI is a significant upgrade to what was already an industry-leading camera,” said Rickard Lindvall, General Manager of Instruments at FLIR. “By giving the T1K the feeling and responsiveness of a smart phone or tablet, we’re making it more accessible to new users. And it allows us to add on-screen tools that users really wanted, like 1-Touch Level/Span – which helps users fix the contrast on the target just by touching the screen.”
The T1010 is now available for purchase from select channel partners and directly from FLIR for $34,950. To learn more about all the T1K cameras, visit www.flir.com/t1k.

About FLIR Systems
FLIR Systems, Inc. is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of sensor systems that enhance perception and awareness. FLIR’s advanced systems and components are used for a wide variety of thermal imaging, situational awareness, and security applications, including airborne and ground-based surveillance, condition monitoring, navigation, recreation, research and development, manufacturing process control, search and rescue, drug interdiction, transportation safety, border and maritime patrol, environmental monitoring, and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) threat detection. For more information, visit FLIR’s web site at www.FLIR.com.

SuperMoney Launches Financing for Small Business Growth

SuperMoney, a leading financial service comparison site, has announced the launch of an innovative new No-Fee Financing Platform that offers affordable point of sale financing opportunities for small businesses nationwide.

Built on top of SuperMoney’s consumer loan offer engine technology – which has exceeded more than half a billion dollars in loan requests since launching one year ago – the company’s new No-Fee Financing Platform is making point of sale financing available for merchants and service providers across all industries including home improvement, healthcare and specialty retail.

Small businesses can get set up to offer financing in a matter of minutes with this sleek new platform and SuperMoney is partnering with banks, credit unions, and direct lenders to provide competing financing offers for the consumer.

“We are empowering businesses with a full-featured point of sale financing solution that has been unattainable for millions of small businesses nationwide,” said Miron Lulic, founder and CEO of SuperMoney. “Until now, the point of sale financing options available to small businesses have been archaic and painfully expensive.”

Because small businesses represent more than 99% of US companies, millions of businesses have been suffering from expensive and inefficient financing solutions for their customers – with rates typically up to 10%.

“We’re expanding opportunities for merchants to boost sales at no cost to them,” said Lulic. “It’s also allowing consumers the opportunity to receive competing financing offers with more transparency when making purchases. This is a game-changer for economic growth.”

For more information, visit https://www.supermoney.com/point-of-sale-financing/.

About SuperMoney
SuperMoney is a financial resource that helps consumers achieve their financial goals. The company’s tools allow people to compare financial products and services so they can make better financial decisions.

Michael Green Architecture Joins Katerra

Katerra, a technology company redefining the construction industry, and Michael Green Architecture Inc. (MGA), a globally recognized leader in mass timber architecture, announced a partnership today that underscores a profound evolution in the design and construction industries.

The two companies share the same vision for the future in which quality and efficiency align with reducing costs and affordability, from initial design, through the life of the building. This new partnership will bring together technology, manufacturing, and design excellence to offer more sustainable, cost effective, and elegant architecture options to North American and global markets.

In becoming a Katerra Company, MGA’s leadership and team will remain fundamentally unchanged and continue to provide their clients with thoughtful and sustainable solutions of all scales and typologies. With the support of Katerra’s technology expertise and production capability, MGA’s impact will grow through an increased project scope that will offer clientele a broader range of cost and construction options.

“Katerra is thrilled to welcome MGA,” said Michael Marks, chairman and co-founder of Katerra. “Michael Green and his team have built a reputation for engaging design and leadership in the use of mass timber. This goes a long way to support our mission to utilize cutting-edge technology and systems to revolutionize the construction industry.”

“MGA is excited to become a part of the Katerra ecosystem,” said Michael Green, CEO and President of MGA. “MGA and Katerra both aim to provide elegant, sustainable, high-performance, affordable buildings. Katerra’s goal to accomplish this on a large scale aligns with MGA’s long-term ambition. MGA is determined to create a meaningful and lasting legacy for our clients, the planet, and the social well-being of the people living on it.”

About Katerra
Katerra is a vertically-integrated technology company optimizing every aspect of building development, design, and construction. With leadership drawn from the most groundbreaking technology, design, manufacturing, and construction companies, Katerra transforms how buildings and spaces come to life. Founded in 2015, Katerra has a growing number of domestic and international offices, factories, and building projects.

About MGA
MGA is an award-winning, mid-sized architecture firm known worldwide for creating engaging, sustainable and innovative projects. Based in Vancouver, Canada, MGA was founded by Michael Green, a leading expert in tall wood building innovation and carbon-neutral urban building approaches. He has produced groundbreaking publications and delivered the 2013 TED talk, Why We Should Build Wooden Skyscrapers. MGA has received numerous honors including three Governor General’s Medals in Architecture, the highest distinction given to architectural projects in Canada.

Media Contacts
Robin Clewley
Katerra, VP, Marketing & Communications
Robin.Clewley@katerra.com
.
Susan Gagnon
Director of Communications and Strategic Operations
Michael Green Architecture Inc, A Katerra Company
Susan@mg-architecture.ca

Danny Seo & Wilsonart Collaborate on “Slice of Ice”

For more than 60 years, Wilsonart has continually pushed the design envelope to recreate the authentic look of wood, metal and stone into sustainable laminate surfaces. And now, an unexpected part of nature is inspiring their latest collection. The “Slice of Ice by Danny Seo” line, which brings a very modern, high end look to laminate, is influenced by the striations that have developed in glacial ice over thousands of years. Working closely with designer, TV host and magazine Editor-in-Chief Danny Seo, the collection of nine designs was developed over the last two years and features “cracked ice” patterns in light icy blues, dark blues, and shades of gray, white and black.

“I find inspiration everywhere in nature, and it seems the beautiful cool tones, colors and patterns you find in glaciers are the last untapped design resources,” says Danny, the host of the Emmy-winning “Naturally, Danny Seo” on NBC and Editor-in-Chief of the magazine of the same name. “The perfect artist is Mother Nature and the stunning patterns are familiar, yet fresh and modern. They work as a gorgeous cool countertop, or to create a stunning effect when used vertically on walls.”

“Collaborating with Danny to develop this collection has not only been exciting but also a privilege for Wilsonart,” said Tammy Weadock, Marketing Communications Manager at Wilsonart. “The ‘Slice of Ice by Danny Seo’ designs are contemporary, surprising and an important addition to our Virtual Design Library.”

Sapphire Ice | Fine Velvet Texture | Y0624-38 – a large-scale stone design with white and blue veining. This dramatic deep blue design has levels of transparency, creating visual interest.

Onyx Ice | Fine Velvet Texture | Y0625-38 – a dramatic black stone design with large white and grey veining. This large-scale design has a beautiful transparency effect.

Diamond Ice | Soft Silk Finish | Y0626K-21 – a warm white large-scale stone design with large grey veining. This beautiful pattern has visual transparency for a bold look.

White Iceberg | Fine Velvet Texture | Y0627-38 – a large-scale white stone design with black and grey veining. This design was created from actual photos of glaciers.

Blue Iceberg | Fine Velvet Texture | Y0628-38 – a large-scale pale blue stone design with black veining. This design and its coloration was created from actual photos of glaciers.

Polar Hex | Fine Velvet Texture | Y0629-38 – an abstracted stone design made up of hexagons. This medium-scale design is in blacks, greys and white.

Frozen Hex | Fine Velvet Texture | Y0631-38 – a medium-scale abstracted stone design made up of hexagons in blues, greys, white and black.

Arctic Voyage | Soft Silk Finish | Y0633K-21 – a large-scale stone design in warm white and greys. The design was inspired by ice packs found in the Arctic sea.

Arctic Expedition | Soft Silk Finish | Y0634K-21 – a medium grey and charcoal stone design. This stunning large-scale design was inspired by Arctic ice flows.

The “Slice of Ice by Danny Seo” collection is now available online as part of the Wilsonart® Virtual Design Library, an evolving curation of boutique laminates available to ship 21 days from factory.

About Wilsonart
Wilsonart, a world leading engineered surfaces company, is driven by a mission to create surfaces people love, with service you can count on, delivered by people who care. The company manufactures and distributes High Pressure Laminate, Quartz, Solid Surface, Coordinated TFL and Edgebanding and other engineered surface options for use in the office, education, healthcare, residential, hospitality and retail markets. Operating under the Wilsonart®, Resopal®, Polyrey®, Arborite®, Laminart®, Bushboard, Shore, Mermaid, Ralph Wilson®, KML® and Durcon® brands, the company continuously redefines decorative surfaces through improved performance and aesthetics. For more information, visit www.wilsonart.com.

About Danny Seo
Through his namesake magazine “Naturally, Danny Seo” and Emmy Award-winning TV show of the same name, lifestyle expert Danny Seo has shared his creative ideas for over 20 years to become the country’s leading authority on modern, healthy, eco-friendly living. In addition to the magazine and weekly TV show on NBC, the Danny Seo portfolio also includes a full line of Danny Seo home, kitchen and decorative products sold in over 4,000 stores; a nationally syndicated column called “Do Just One Thing,” and over 10 bestselling books including his latest: “Naturally, Delicious: 100 Recipes for Healthy Eats that Make You Happy.” Follow Danny on Twitter and Instagram @dannyseomag.

US Health & Safety: Cost of Compliance vs. A Violation

Despite the growing awareness of the importance of health and safety compliance, many businesses still struggle to safeguard themselves against penalties. Fines for safety and health offences increased by 80% since the new HSE sentencing guidelines came into force in 2016, reaching a total of £69.9 million compared to £38.8 million the previous year.
The US is also building more robust health and safety legislation to decrease the number of workplace accidents, by implementing stricter regulations and higher fees.
How have these attempts shaped the overall health and safety situation in the last years?

Penalties on The Rise in the US
Although the official government agency, OSHA, develops new regulations and enforcement strategies, states can opt to have their own programme. Thus, actual regulations can differ, provided they are at least equivalent to federal requirements.
In total, 25 states have started their own programmes, with some, like California and Michigan, having much stricter federal requirements.

Despite regulations differing from state to state, official data from the United States Department of Labour shows that large penalties for OSHA breaches are on the rise. 2017 recording 866 cases where the offender was charged $40,000 or more for critical violations. The volume of issued penalties in 2018 is projected to be over 600.

The Causes of Fatal Injuries at Work
Most frequently cited OSHA violations in 2017 were due to lack of fall protection in the construction industry. This was followed by the hazard communication standard and then general requirements in scaffolding.

When it comes to fatal injuries, a total of 5,190 fatal accidents were recorded in 2016 – a 7 percent increase from 2015. Numbers have been increasing consecutively for the last three years, with violence and other injuries by persons or animals seeing the largest rise in workplace fatalities of 23%. Mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction decreased the most (26%).

The most extreme case in 2017 saw the Atlantic Drain Service in Boston pay $1.5 million after two workers died in a trench. Apparently, employees never received safety training and didn’t have access to ladders to exit the trench.

The Cost of Health And Safety Violations
To counter the increase in workplace accidents, OSHA raised penalties.
Now under new regulations, one violation will cost up to $129,336 if wilful neglect is found or the incident is repeated. If the company fails to abate, each day beyond the abatement date can cost another $12,934, depending on the magnitude of the breach.

The famous case of BP Texas City Refinery can help illustrate the reality of such extreme instances. In 2005, the company was fined $21m after an explosion that killed 15 and injured 170 employees revealed more than 200 safety violations. Expecting the company to have learned its lesson, the findings of a follow-up inspection in 2009 are even more unbelievable. OSHA discovered that not only had the previous citations not been fixed, BP had also convicted another 439 violations, resulting in a total of more than 700 violations – and a record-breaking $87 million fee!

Whilst this may be an extreme case, the averages speak volumes. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the average cost of a fatal injury in the US to be about $990,000, including the victim’s hospital costs, worker’s compensation, general medical expenses, civil liability or litigation costs and property loss.

With the additional expenses associated with workplace disruptions, loss of productivity, worker replacement, training, and attorney fees, liability companies may be looking at an overall actual cost of between $1.4m and $3m on average per death.

Average US Health and Safety Violation Double the Cost of Compliance
Small to medium sized firms typically spend about $53,000 on health and safety compliance a year. A violation, which could simply be not having a fire extinguisher, can end up costing the business on average around $129,336. That makes compliance costs on average less than half cost of compliance. A larger case, with more violations, more victims, and perhaps a fatality, could easily cost the employer multiple times that annual compliance cost.

Looking at the high cost and fatal consequences of insufficient safety management in comparison to the returns of a healthy working environment, one would expect companies to value health and safety highly when implementing their business strategy. However, according to a survey from Employers, 25% of micro-business employees and 17% of small business employees have never received workplace safety training.

Towards a Safer Future
With health and safety regulations becoming stricter, violations are now more expensive and breaches less economic than ever before. Putting aside the ethical reasons for establishing a safe work environment, economically, this strategy doesn’t make sense.
Both the UK and US government initiatives are trying to make compliance a priority for the private sector by issuing higher penalties and carrying out more inspections. It is time for business owners to catch up with these efforts and build a sustainable safety plan.

Arinite clients appreciate we provide practical, no-nonsense advice about what you need to do to establish and maintain a safe and healthy working environment.
If you need to call upon our expert assistance, or just for an informal chat, please call our office on 0207 947 9581, or drop Brendan Tuite an email b.tuite@arinite.com.