Lake Zurich, IL, May 11, 2009:  This project, an addition and renovation to the existing Bolingbrook Police Headquarters was recently awarded to Illinois Masonry Corp. by ZCORP Services. The 92,880 sq. ft. addition is masonry load bearing, and consists primarily of closure brick. Currently, the project is scheduled to start in May 2009.

Lake Zurich, IL, May 4, 2009:  The lung disease Silicosis can occur from dry-cutting masonry or stone that contains crystalline silica dust. To protect yourself, and workers around you, plan ahead to eliminate or control the dust by wet-cutting materials that contain these hazards. In addition, wear properly fitted respiratory protection, and be sure to thoroughly wash your hands and face before moving onto other activities.

Lake Zurich, IL March 23, 2009: Proper housekeeping is essential to maintaining a safe and efficient jobsite. Keep storage, staging and work areas along with all stairs and walkways on the jobsite free of obstructions and debris. Ensure that all tools and materials are neatly stored out of the way when not in use, and be sure never to throw waste, materials, or tools from a building or structure.

Keeping a tidy jobsite can further reduce hazards, and will improve the overall efficiency and attitude of the crew. If your jobsite is not in order, develop and coordinate a plan that will resolve this issue, and make certain that each crew member is aware of the plan, and on-board.

Do your part by remembering to clean-up throughout the day, and at the end of each shift. This will help to ensure that your jobsite is a safe environment in which you and your crew can work.

Lake Zurich, IL, March 16, 2009:  This new, three-story elementary and middle school, was recently awarded to Illinois Masonry Corp. by George Sollitt Construction Company. The school will be located in Chicago’s West Lawn community and will consist of a steel frame and masonry construction.

 The 105,000 square foot pre-K through 8^th grade school will include science, computer, music, and art classrooms, as well as dining facilities, a gymnasium with stage, and library.  The building is aiming to achieve LEED for Schools “Silver” level certification, and is scheduled to begin in Summer 2009.

Lake Zurich, IL March 02, 2009:  The rainy season is upon us. Be aware of muddy or wet areas around the jobsite that could lead to slips and falls. Control these areas using fill, gravel, boards or plywood. In the same instance, ensure that additional hazards do not occur.

Lake Zurich, IL, February 16, 2009:  This project, a new 106,000 square foot, three-story elementary and middle school, was recently awarded to Illinois Masonry Corp. through a joint venture by Leopardo & Reyes Group.

The school will be located on the Northwest side of Chicago, in the Avondale neighborhood and will consist of a steel frame and masonry construction. The pre-K through 8^th grade school will include science, computer, music and art classrooms, as well as dining facilities, a gymnasium with stage, and library. The building is aiming to achieve LEED for Schools “Silver” level certification, and is scheduled to begin in Summer 2009.

Lake Zurich, IL, February 08, 2009: Scaffolding Safety is repeatedly one of the 10 Most Frequently Cited OSHA Standards. When scaffolds are not erected or used properly, falls may occur that end in injury or fatality.

Please review the following scaffolding standards courtesy of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration:

Lake Zurich, IL, February 05, 2009: The 2009 SPEC MIX BRICKLAYER 500® was held on Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at the 2009 World of Concrete/World of Masonry tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nevada.

It is a timed, 60 minute competition comprised of the best bricklayers in the world. Twenty, two-man teams, made up of a mason and mason tender, competed for over $100,000 in cash and prizes by battling it out to see who could lay the most brick while maintaining the strictly defined quality standards of the competition.

Illinois Masonry Corp.’s Mike Boll competed in the competition and took 4th place, with a brick count of 770. Congratulations Mike! This is a great accomplishment.

In August, Mike was named the Regional First Place winner for the greater Chicago area with a brick count of 707 which brought him to the Nationals in Las Vegas.

Lake Zurich, IL, February 02, 2009:  Protect yourself from falls by ensuring that scaffolds and ladders are inspected before each shift. Always be aware of your surroundings and make sure that scaffolds and ladders are extended three feet above roofs or floors and tied off at the top.

Lake Zurich, IL, January 12, 2009: With the Winter season in high gear, and record low’s upon us, it’s important to protect yourself and know the signs of Hypothermia. Hypothermia is the rapid and abnormal chilling of the body in which the body’s core temperature drops below 95°F.

Wear warm, water and wind resistant clothing and dress in multiple layers in order to stay dry and warm. Bundle up as much as possible and avoid touching cold objects; they will rapidly pull eat away from the body.

Know what to look for. The following are warning signs of Hypothermia:

Adults:

Children:

Hypothermia can lead to serious health risks. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should be taken to the hospital immediately. If immediate medical attention is not available: