News

June is Trench Safety Month

Working in a trench is one of the most hazardous jobs in construction. Hundreds of people die and thousands are seriously injured each year due to cave-ins. Soil weighs between 90 and 140 pounds per cubic foot. Therefore, one cubic yard (3 ft. by 3 ft. by 3 ft.) can weigh as much as a small pickup truck. If a person is buried, there is little chance of survival. There are many things that can affect soil stability, such as the type of soil, water, and vibration. Soils saturated with water and previously disturbed soils are very dangerous to work in or around. But, don’t be fooled, even hard soil and rock that appears stable can cave in. Before entering a trench, the competent person at the jobsite must inspect the trench and the protection system to ensure that the trench is safe to enter. Always be sure that the trench walls are sloped, shored, or shielded with a trench box and that the trench is safe before you enter. There are recorded incidents of people buried and killed in trenches 3 to 4-ft. deep, so even shallow trenches must be inspected by a competent person before entering.

Source:  https://www.nuca.com/tssd

An example of open cut sloping at the Stockport Wastewater Treatment Plant project (April of 2014), where Righter was the General Contractor.

June is PTSD Awareness Month

June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness month. Unfortunately, many of us will experience trauma in our lifetime. A traumatic event can be anything from assault, abuse, loss, illness or childhood neglect. Depending on the experience and the person, some may manage their symptoms or recover more easily. Long-lasting symptoms such as nightmares, trouble sleeping, anxiety, fear, depression or feeling emotionally numb may be indicators of PTSD. Take time to educate yourself and others about available treatment options. It’s never too soon – or too late – to get help.

Zollinger Road Tank Altitude Valve

Righter mobilized to the Zollinger Road Tank Altitude Valve project earlier in the month.  The owner on this project is The City of Upper Arlington.  The project is being led by Marvin Kemmerer (Field Supervisor) in the field and Chris Thompson (Project Manager) in the office.  Vince Gaus and Brandon Lowery are members of Righter’s field crew working at this location.  The project consists of the replacement of existing valves, pipe and fittings, structural concrete slab replacement and related site work.  Righter anticipates finishing the project in August of 2020. The picture shows the vault top slab removal.  Righter’s subcontractor, Donley Concrete Cutting, is performing the concrete sawcutting.

Remembering Those Who Sacrificed for America

Memorial Day, as Decoration Day gradually came to be known, originally honored only the lives lost while fighting in the Civil War. During World War I, the United States found itself embroiled in another major conflict, and the holiday evolved to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars, including World War II, The Vietnam War, The Korean War and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Cities and towns across the United States host Memorial Day parades each year, often incorporating military personnel and members of veterans’ organizations. Americans also observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries and memorials. Some people wear a red poppy in remembrance of those fallen in war—a tradition that began with a World War I poem. On a less somber note, many people take weekend trips or throw parties and barbecues on the holiday, perhaps because Memorial Day weekend—the long weekend comprising the Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day and Memorial Day itself—unofficially marks the beginning of summer.

(Source:  https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history)

This year may be different in that we may be celebrating at home instead of traveling or we may have smaller celebrations but hopefully we will still pause for a moment to remember the reason for the holiday.

Hayden Run Aerial Sewer Project Is Complete!

Work is complete at the Hayden Run Aerial Sewer project located on Riverside Drive in Columbus, Ohio.  The City of Columbus’ Department of Public Utilities awarded Righter the $600,000 project in late 2019 and crews mobilized in January.  Nick Miller was the Project Manager and Tom Ison was the Field Supervisor.  The crew was made up of Shawn Ison, Josh Priest and James Talbert.  CONGRATULATIONS ON ANOTHER JOB WELL DONE!

May is Mental Health Month

“How are you feeling today?” This simple question opens up the conversation about mental health and the support we all need from time to time. During uncertain times – and even during the best of times – life can weigh heavily on each of us. If we talk openly about our mental health, we slowly start to break down the stigma that keeps people from getting the help they need.

During Mental Health Month, make the commitment to #checkin on your family, your friends and yourself.

Exciting News!

While we’ve certainly seen our share of changes in the last few months, some things have remained the same.  It is also true here at The Righter Company.  Michael D. Killilea, II, who had most recently been one of Righter’s Vice Presidents, is now President.  Mike joined The Righter Company in 2002 and is a Project Manager and Estimator for the Civil Division.  Mike is an Alumni of The Ohio State University and received his Master’s in Business Administration from Capital University in 2001.  Mike is a Certified Professional Engineer and a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC).  Mike and his family reside in the Pataskala area.  Congratulations, Mike!

Celebrating Jacobi Schmalenberger!

Last summer, Jacobi Schmalenberger came on board as an intern to assist with estimating and project managing.  Being no stranger to the construction industry, Jacobi used his prior experience as a Laborer and Operator to dive right in.

Jacobi’s hard work and dedication to achieving his Bachelor of Science in Construction Systems Management at The Ohio State University is the reason we join Jacobi in celebrating!

WAY TO GO, JACOBI, ON A JOB WELL DONE!

It Runs In The Family

The Founders of The Righter Company were father and son, Donald and David Righter.  Over the years there have been numerous father and son teams whom have worked together at The Big R.  Currently, we have five — John and Dusty Fuller, Ben and Butch Sullivan, James Talbert and James Talbert, Jr., Jerry and Dwayne McVey, and Tom and Shawn Ison.  We have also had brothers, sisters and cousins work together.  Current employees Rob and Jim Richmond are brothers along with Mark and Pete Litter.  Jordan and Butch Sullivan are cousins.  In recent years, two daughters of our President, Brad Nadolson, have also called Righter “home.” As  you  can  see,  it  truly  does  Run  In  The  Family!

Pictured are John Fuller and son, Dusty.