Carlee Kremer

Ladders are a commonly used tool in the workplace, but they can also be a source of serious accidents and injuries if used improperly. Therefore, it is crucial to follow proper ladder safety practices to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment. Here are some tips to help you stay safe when working with ladders:

1. Choose the right ladder: Choosing the right ladder for the job is essential for ladder safety. Ensure that the ladder is the appropriate height and weight capacity for the task at hand. A ladder that is too short or too weak for the job can result in serious accidents.

2. Inspect the ladder before use: Before using a ladder, it is essential to inspect it for any defects or damages that may cause it to fail. Check for cracks, dents, loose or missing rungs, and other signs of wear and tear. If the ladder is damaged, do not use it and report it to a supervisor.

3. Set up the ladder properly: Setting up the ladder properly is critical for ladder safety. Ensure that the ladder is on a stable surface and that the legs are level. If the ladder is on a slippery surface, use a slip-resistant material to prevent it from sliding. Do not lean the ladder against a wall or other unstable surface.

4. Climb the ladder safely: When climbing the ladder, maintain three points of contact at all times. This means that you should have two feet and one hand or one foot and two hands on the ladder at all times. Do not carry heavy items up the ladder and avoid overreaching or leaning too far to one side.

5. Use the ladder for its intended purpose: Do not use the ladder for any purpose other than what it is intended for. For example, do not use a step ladder as an extension ladder or a ladder as a bridge between two surfaces. This can result in serious accidents.

6. Avoid electrical hazards: When using a ladder near electrical hazards, ensure that it is made of non-conductive material, such as fiberglass. Do not touch electrical wires or equipment while on the ladder.

7. Store the ladder properly: When not in use, store the ladder properly. Do not leave it leaning against a wall or other surface where it can be knocked over. Secure it in a designated storage area to prevent accidents.

In conclusion, ladder safety is essential for workplace safety. By choosing the right ladder, inspecting it before use, setting it up properly, climbing it safely, using it for its intended purpose, avoiding electrical hazards, and storing it properly, you can ensure a safe working environment for everyone. Remember to always prioritize safety over convenience or speed when working with ladders.

Safety Always!

MSD is committed to giving back to the community through various initiatives and partnerships, and one of our most notable collaborations is with The Victory Project (TVP). We are proud to be a part of their mission to empower young men in Dayton, Ohio, by providing them with the tools they need to succeed and break free from the cycle of poverty.

The Victory Project is a privately funded 501(c)3 after-school program that focuses on mentoring disengaged young men in grades 8-12. Their mission is to empower youth to discover the life God intended by mastering self-awareness, self-sufficiency, and selfless service while tearing down the pillars of poverty, all without government funding.

TVP is open year-round, six days a week, and builds relationships with the young men they serve, earning the right to be heard. Their program provides a wide range of services, including sharing dinner together throughout the week to feed them physically, tutoring and working at their micro-enterprise to feed them intellectually, and Bible studies to feed them spiritually.

Currently, TVP can serve up to 50 youth at a time in their facility located at 409 Troy Street in Dayton, Ohio. However, they are planning to open a second boys’ campus and their first girl’s campus in 2023 to provide even more young people with the opportunities and support they need to succeed.

The Victory Project’s motto is “It’s less about what we do and more about what we undo,” and their approach is to create an environment so valuable that the student modifies their behavior to maintain membership. This approach is what sets TVP apart from other organizations that force compliance on their members.

MSD is proud to support TVP as one of our Give to Grow Community Involvement Initiatives. We have signed up for a couple of dates to provide members of the victory project dinner after school and work activities. Our team is excited to be a part of this initiative and to make a difference in the lives of these young men.

In conclusion, The Victory Project is an organization that focuses on education, entrepreneurship, and enlightenment in the greater Dayton Area, and MSD is honored to be a part of their mission. We believe that by working together, we can create a better future for the youth in our community and break down the pillars of poverty that hold them back.

About

MSD, Inc, a proud member of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), is thrilled to share our recent accomplishments at the 2023 ABC Excellence in Construction awards. This prestigious awards ceremony recognizes and honors exceptional work in the construction industry, and we are proud to have been recognized for two of our projects, the Signet Hangar and the Butler Tech project.

Our Signet Hangar project was awarded the Eagle Award, which is the highest level of recognition at the awards ceremony. This state-of-the-art facility provides top-tier aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services, and this award is a testament to MSD’s unwavering commitment to excellence in construction projects.

Additionally, the Butler Tech project, which won a Merit award, is another testament to MSD’s dedication to high-quality construction work. We are proud to have been recognized for our efforts on this project and grateful for the opportunity to have worked with our dedicated team members on this project.

At the awards ceremony, we were also thrilled to see Justin Ingram receive the Craft Professional of the Year award for Signet Hanger. This recognition is a testament to his passion for construction work and his unwavering commitment to excellence. We are proud to have Justin as a member of our team, and we congratulate him on this outstanding achievement.

Similarly, Keith Fortin was awarded the Craft Professional of the Year for his work on the Butler Tech project, highlighting MSD’s commitment to working with the best professionals in the construction industry.

At MSD, Inc, we are proud to be associated with ABC and the merit shop philosophy that emphasizes awarding construction projects based on merit. We are a family-oriented company that focuses on providing high-quality work and developing a skilled workforce, and we are proud to have been recognized for our efforts.

In conclusion, it is a great day to be an ABC member, and we are honored to have been recognized at the 2023 ABC Excellence in Construction awards. We look forward to continuing our partnership with ABC to deliver more exceptional construction projects in the future. We are grateful to our employees, our partners, and our clients for their continued support, and we will continue to work tirelessly to maintain the high standards that have earned us this recognition.

At MSD Inc., we take pride in providing exceptional service to our clients, and our six-year working relationship with Sondra Massengale is a testament to our commitment. Sondra had a great experience working with our team, who were tasked with a new construction installation for two of her buildings and provided PM’s afterward. Despite some challenges that arose, including an issue with the manufacturer of one of the HVACs at Shull Rd, we were able to resolve the problem to Sondra’s satisfaction.

We are thrilled to hear that Sondra was more than satisfied with the quality of work that our team provided. In particular, she mentioned our team members Mike Marchiny and Michael Workman as standing out during the project. Communication is key in any project, and we are proud to have a team that is not only nice but also informative and knowledgeable.

At MSD Inc., we strive to go above and beyond our clients’ expectations. We were pleased to hear that Sondra had positive things to say about Mike Marchiny, who stepped up to help take over their other two buildings on a spur of the moment and helped expedite a huge boiler project. The importance of boilers cannot be overstated in many buildings, and we are always ready to help our clients maintain and replace them when needed.

Boilers are an essential part of many buildings, and we know just how important they are to our clients’ operations. That is why we take great care in ensuring that our team is knowledgeable, experienced, and always ready to help our clients maintain and replace them when needed. We were thrilled to hear that our work on a large boiler project gave Sandra the support she needed and that our willingness to work with her was appreciated.

Sandra’s experience working with our team is an example of the smooth and successful working relationships we strive to have with all of our clients. Communication, expertise, and professionalism are essential to our company’s success, and we are committed to providing exceptional service to all of our clients.

If your company is in need of similar services, we are confident in our ability to deliver high-quality results. Our team takes pride in going above and beyond to ensure that our clients’ needs are met, and we are always willing to work with you to find solutions to any challenges that may arise.

In conclusion, our team at MSD Inc. takes great pride in providing exceptional service to our clients. We are committed to continuing to provide high-quality service to all of our clients, including those in need of boiler maintenance and replacement. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your company.

Today school safety is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. With the increased number of school shootings and other violent incidents, it is essential to have robust security measures and systems in place to protect our children, teachers, and administrative staff. Recently, the State of Ohio provided School Safety Grants to eligible schools to help them enhance their security systems. MSD Technologies, a leading security solutions provider, helps schools utilize these grants to implement advanced security measures to protect their schools and grounds.

The School Safety Grants cover a range of security improvements, including video surveillance system and door access control system upgrades. These upgrades help schools detect, abate, and respond to situations more rapidly, increasing the safety of students and staff. These upgrades can include Artificial Intelligence (AI) analytics for security cameras, security camera additions, additional door access controls, door ajar notification, lock-down systems, and First Responder access.

Video surveillance systems with AI analytics can detect and classify people, vehicles, faces, license plates and more in real-time.  Intrusion detection, loitering detection, zone entry and exit, and other functions are options that help identify potential threats while reducing false alarms. Newer video management systems (VMS) help operators analyze the video footage to find events faster and more easily.

Access control systems that limit entry to authorized personnel only are critical to school safety. Door Ajar notifications alert school personnel when doors are left open for a certain amount of time. This helps prevent doors from being propped open, potentially allowing unauthorized entry.

Emergency lock-down systems immediately secure interior doors on the system at the push of a button.  Entry and exit of classrooms and other areas is limited to those with credentials. During a lock-down event, First Responder Access allows building access by police, fire, and other emergency personnel. This allows them to respond rapidly while maintaining facility entry and exit control.

School safety is of the utmost importance. It’s imperative that robust security systems and measures are in place to safeguard students, teachers, and staff. The State of Ohio offers School Safety Grants to eligible schools to help enhance their security systems. MSD Technologies can help schools determine the best way to utilize the grants to increase security and protection. With their expertise and commitment to service excellence, they are the perfect partner for districts looking to enhance their security systems and the safety of their students and staff.

MSD Technologies helps clients make informed decisions through relationship-based consulting with a mission to deliver 100% client satisfaction. They recently acquired B&G Technologies, a security and fire alarm solutions provider serving Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus, Ohio. They have over 20 years of expertise in helping schools with security and safety needs including security cameras, video management, fire alarms and access control.

Reach out to Joe Thacker to see how our team can help keep your facility safe.

JOE THACKER
Energy Services Engineer
937-203-6601
jthacker@msdinc.net

As a business owner, you know how important it is to keep your facility running smoothly. One of the most critical aspects of maintaining a functioning facility is ensuring that your drainage system is clean and free of debris. That’s where MSD Inc comes in. Our team is dedicated to providing top-notch service and quality work to keep your facility’s drainage system working properly.

At MSD Inc, we believe in “right-size service.” We understand that drain problems can vary greatly from business to business, depending on the type of demands placed on them. That’s why we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all solution for drain system issues. Instead, we offer a range of drain cleaning technologies, including high-pressure water jetting, digital drain imaging and 3D location, and the highest horsepower cable machines in the industry.

Our high-pressure water jetting technology is a green solution that uses only water, eliminating the need for additional chemicals. It’s powerful enough to clear even the toughest blockages in the largest of drains, and it can also scrub any drain piping clean of buildup. In many cases, we’re able to restore your drain to “like new” conditions. We also offer mini high-pressure water jetting for smaller drain applications.

Our digital drain imaging and 3D location technology uses digital color CCD imaging and a 6-channel tracker to eliminate the guesswork in identifying your problem. This allows us to provide you with a visual representation of the issue, so you can see the drain blockage for yourself.

We also use the highest horsepower cable machines in the industry, which allows us to power through even the toughest jobs, saving you time and money. We believe in “right-size service,” which means you’ll never pay for more than what you need.

When drain issues stop your business, time is of the essence. That’s why we have a quick and professional response team ready to handle any situation. We’ll get you back up and running in a timely fashion, so you can focus on maintaining your bottom line and schedules. And for those who are concerned about “up-time,” we offer custom-tailored, scheduled maintenance programs to give you peace of mind and prevent problems from shutting down your business.

MSD Inc is a trusted name in the commercial and industrial drain cleaning industry. Our team is dedicated to providing our clients with accurate and cost-efficient solutions, utilizing the latest drain technologies. Whether you need emergency service or scheduled maintenance, you can count on the MSD team to keep your facility’s drainage system working properly.

When “up-time” is your main concern, having a custom-tailored, scheduled maintenance program in place gives you the peace of mind in assuring your drainage system is operating efficiently. And because estimates are always free, allow one of our experts to show you the cost savings of MSD vs. the competition.

Don’t let drain issues stop your business. Contact MSD Inc today to schedule your drain cleaning service and keep your facility running smoothly.

As a commercial and industrial facility provider, maintaining your HVAC system is crucial to ensuring the comfort of your building’s occupants and the efficiency of your operations. A well-maintained HVAC system can also help to extend the lifespan of your equipment and reduce the potential of unexpected breakdowns or repairs. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the importance of commercial HVAC periodic maintenance and provide a commercial HVAC maintenance tasking to help you keep your system in top condition.

Commercial HVAC periodic maintenance involves regular inspections, cleaning, and adjustments to your HVAC system to ensure that it is functioning properly and efficiently. This type of maintenance can help to identify any issues before they become a problem and help prevent costly repairs or replacements down the road. A periodic maintenance program can also help to extend the lifespan of your equipment and improve indoor air quality, creating a more comfortable and productive environment for your building’s occupants.

To help you get started with commercial HVAC periodic maintenance, we’ve put together a list of tasks that should be performed regularly:

1. Replace air filters: Dirty or clogged air filters can restrict airflow, reduce efficiency, and impact indoor air quality. Replace filters every 1-3 months or as conditions require.

2. Check and clean coils: Dirty coils can reduce efficiency and cause your system to work harder than necessary. Check and clean coils as needed to remove dirt, debris, and buildup.

3. Inspect and lubricate motors and bearings: Over time, motors and bearings can become worn or damaged. Inspect and lubricate them regularly to reduce friction and prevent premature failure.

4. Check systems pressures: Low refrigerant levels can reduce efficiency and cause your system to work harder than necessary. Refrigerant leaks can cause major damage to your components.

5. Test controls and safety devices: Improper programming on your thermostats and controls can cause your system to operate inefficiently. Properly functioning safety controls can protect your equipment from costly major failures.

6. Conduct regular inspections: A comprehensive maintenance schedule allows the technician to set baseline operations and observe trends that identify minor issues before they grow to much larger problems.

In conclusion, maintaining your commercial HVAC system through periodic maintenance is crucial to ensuring the comfort and efficiency of your building’s occupants and the longevity of your equipment. By following a comprehensive commercial HVAC maintenance checklist, you can stay on top of your system’s performance and prevent costly repairs and replacements in the future. At MSD, we offer customizable commercial HVAC periodic maintenance plans tailored to your unique needs and budget. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you keep your system in top condition. Don’t forget to mention this blog post for a chance to win a prize!

Small businesses are always looking for ways to save money, and one area where they can make a big impact is by reducing their energy consumption. In commercial and industrial buildings, energy usage can account for a significant portion of operating costs, but there are many ways to reduce energy usage and save money. In this blog post, we’ll explore some small business energy savings tips, how to save energy in commercial buildings, and the importance of HVAC maintenance for commercial buildings. Additionally, we’ll discuss how MSD can help small businesses reduce their energy usage and save money.

Small Business Energy Savings Tips
There are many small changes that small businesses can make to save energy and reduce their energy bills. Some of these tips include:
1. Use energy-efficient lighting: LED lights use significantly less energy than traditional lighting and have a longer lifespan.
2. Turn off electronics when not in use: Turn off computers, printers, and other electronics when they’re not in use to reduce energy consumption.
3. Adjust thermostat settings: Adjusting the thermostat settings to reflect the occupancy of the building can significantly reduce energy consumption.
4. Unplug chargers when not in use: Chargers continue to use energy even when they’re not actively charging a device, so be sure to unplug them when not in use.

How to Save Energy in Commercial Buildings
In addition to small changes, there are also many larger-scale energy-saving measures that small businesses can take to reduce energy consumption in commercial buildings. Some of these measures include:
1. Upgrade HVAC systems: Upgrading to energy-efficient HVAC systems can significantly reduce energy usage and save money on energy bills.
2. Install insulation: Properly insulating the building can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat or cool the building.
3. Install energy-efficient windows: Installing energy-efficient windows can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat or cool the building.
4. Install a Building Automation System (BAS): A BAS minimizes the amount of energy required to operate HVAC, lighting and other facility systems while maintaining comfort and safety.

HVAC Maintenance for Commercial Buildings
Proper HVAC maintenance is an essential aspect of reducing energy consumption in commercial buildings. Regular maintenance can ensure that HVAC systems are operating efficiently and can identify any potential issues before they become major problems. MSD offers comprehensive HVAC maintenance services for commercial buildings that can help identify areas for improvement and ensure that HVAC systems are operating at peak efficiency.

MSD Has a Plan That Might be Suited for You
At MSD, we understand the importance of energy savings for small businesses. That’s why we offer a range of energy-saving solutions that can be customized to suit the unique needs of your business. Our team of experts can assess your building’s energy usage and identify areas for improvement, such as upgrading HVAC systems or installing energy-efficient windows. Contact us to learn more about how we can help your small business save energy and reduce operating costs.

In conclusion, small business energy savings is an important topic for any business looking to reduce operating costs. By making small changes and investing in larger-scale energy-saving measures, small businesses can significantly reduce their energy consumption and save money on energy bills. Proper HVAC maintenance is also essential for reducing energy consumption in commercial buildings. At MSD, we offer a range of energy-saving solutions that can be customized to suit the unique needs of your small business. Contact us today to learn more.

Being on a maintenance plan for your home or business has many benefits. First, it can save you money in the long run. Regular maintenance can prevent small problems from turning into costly repairs. For example, if you have a plumbing issue that is caught early on and fixed, it will likely cost less than if you wait until the problem becomes severe and causes extensive damage.

Second, regular maintenance can help extend the life of your assets. For example, if you have your HVAC system serviced regularly, it will run more efficiently and last longer. This can save you money on energy costs and prevent the need to replace your system prematurely.

Third, maintenance can improve the safety of your home or business. For example, if you have your electrical system checked regularly, it can help prevent fires. Similarly, if you have your gas appliances serviced, it can help prevent carbon monoxide leaks.

Fourth, regular maintenance can improve the overall function and comfort of your home or business. For example, if you have your plumbing and HVAC systems serviced regularly, you will likely experience fewer issues with hot water and heating or cooling. This can make your home or business more comfortable and enjoyable to be in.

Fifth, maintenance can increase the value of your home or business. If you have a well-maintained property, it will likely be more appealing to potential buyers or renters. This can increase the value of your home or business and make it more attractive to the market.

Overall, being on a maintenance plan is beneficial because it can save you money, extend the life of your assets, improve safety, increase comfort, and increase the value of your property. It is a smart investment that can pay off in the long run.

If you’d like to learn more about MSD and our maintenance plans, feel free to give us a call at (614) 357-9181 or email us at inquire@msdinc.net!

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released estimates indicating that 31,785 people died in traffic crashes between January and September 2022. In 2020, four leading behavioral causes of collisions resulting in fatalities were driving under the influence (11,654), speeding (11,258), not using a seatbelt (10,893), and distracted driving (3,142).

While MSD has workplace policies that addresses all four leading behavioral causes of collisions, we believe safety doesn’t stop at the end of the workday and want to share the following tips for “wreck-less” driving.

Speeding triples the odds of crashing and results in one-third of motor vehicle fatalities. You can avoid the need for speed by planning your route ahead of time, leaving early and allowing plenty of time to arrive on-time, adjusting speed for road and weather conditions, and obeying traffic laws.

Do not drive if you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Be sure to check prescriptions for warnings about operating a motor vehicle. If you must drive somewhere, opt for a designated driver or Uber instead.

It’s estimated that by wearing a seatbelt 14,000 lives are saved per year and the risk of injury and death is reduced by approximately 50%. Use a seatbelt at all times and require passengers to do so.

Nearly 1 in 10 fatal accidents are caused by distracted driving. Do not use electronic devices while driving. Avoid getting lost in thought or caught up in a conversation with a passenger. Keep your focus on the road.

Sending or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds, that’s long enough to travel the entire length of a football field while driving at 55 mph. Stop and take a moment to think about what can happen in that amount of time.

The risk for behavioral caused collisions can be reduced by recognizing our own contributing behaviors and making adjustments to eliminate them.

Safety Always!

Vicki Dix
Safety Coordinator

Sources: NHTSA & NSC