VAA Asphalt News

Growing up on a farm in the Shenandoah Valley, I was blessed with the beauty of the area. I learned the value of a hard day’s and, sometimes, night’s work. During the day, work normally meant making hay in the summer, feeding hay in the winter, and working cattle any time during the year. At night, work meant something was wrong and could not wait until daylight. Whether during the day or at night, the work of a farmer was always dangerous. Too often, a year would not pass without learning about someone being injured or killed in a farming accident.

 

For the asphalt and highway construction industry, accidents resulting in injuries and deaths are all too common, as well. Some accidents are preventable, but many are not the fault of the worker. In 2017, numerous accidents occurred in Virginia’s mobile and permanent work zones. Based on VDOT statistics presented on their website, almost 2,670 accidents took place in work zones. Of those accidents, 1,329 people were injured, and 12 people were killed. While the numbers for 2018 have not been finalized, the work zone was still a dangerous place for the traveling public and construction workers. A major factor contributing to a large number of accidents was distracted driving. While seemingly easy to correct, distracted driving accidents occur every day.

 

 

 

 

 

*2019 VECAT Classes Have Started!*
VECAT MCS Certification classes have started! If you are interested in getting certified or re-certified for Field I and II, Plant I and II, Slurry Surfacing, Surface Treatment or Mix Design, please go to the VECAT page on the VAA website for class information and schedules, registration information and other FAQ’s. Several classes have already filled for the 2019 year, so don’t wait to sign up! Don’t want to sit in a  classroom to complete these courses? All classes (except Mix Design) are available online, or your employer can register to conduct an offsite training session where classes can be completed from the comfort of your office. Contact us with any questions you have, and we look forward to seeing everyone in class!