December & January WORK ANNIVERSARIES
CURRENT OPEN POSITIONS
Below are the current open positions. If you or someone you know is interested, please send Human Resources an email and submit resumes via https://cdlelectric.com/careers/
Trades Services
• Journeyman Plumber - Humboldt, KS
• Master Plumber - Humboldt, KS
• HVAC Service Technician - Nevada, MO
• HVAC Install Technician - Pittsburg, KS
• HVAC Lead Installer - Nevada, MO
• HVAC Lead Installer - Humboldt, KS
• HVAC Install Apprentice - Nevada, MO
• HVAC Install Experienced Apprentice - Pittsburg, KS
• Journeyman Plumber- Pittsburg, KS
• Master Plumber - Pittsburg, KS
• Generator Technician - Pittsburg, KS
• Service Electrician - Pittsburg, KS
• Master Electrician - Humboldt, KS
• Electrical Apprentice Summer Internship - Pittsburg, KS
• Electrical Apprentice Summer Internship - Humboldt, KS
• Boring Forman - Pittsburg, KS
• Boring Locator/Laborer - Pittsburg, KS
• Boring Operator/Leadhand - Pittsburg, KS
Railroad Service Division
• Railroad Signal Maintainer - Wisconsin area
• Railroad Signal Peanut Gang/Relief Maintainers - Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Nebraska areas
• Railroad Signal Supervisor - Birmingham, AL
SAFETY ON THE ROAD
By: Curt Featherby
Cold Weather Safety – Winter Driving
Driving in winter weather requires specialized preparation and defensive techniques to manage reduced traction and visibility. According to 2025 safety guidelines from organizations like AAA and the NHTSA, the most critical rule is to slow down and increase your following distance to at least 8 to 10 seconds.
Essential Winter Driving Techniques
• Smooth Inputs: Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying gas gradually is the best way to regain traction and avoid skids.
• Braking: If you have an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), apply firm, steady pressure; do not pump the brakes.
• Handling Skids: If your car begins to slide, steer in the direction of the skid. Avoid slamming on the brakes, as this can lock your wheels and worsen the slide.
• Hills: Avoid stopping while going uphill if possible. Try to get some inertia on a flat roadway before taking on the hill, and do not “power up” by flooring the gas, which only causes wheels to spin.
• Cruise Control: Never use cruise control on slippery surfaces like ice or snow, as it can hinder your ability to react to a loss of traction.
Vehicle Preparation & Safety
• Tires: Check tire pressure frequently, as it drops with the temperature. Ensure tread depth is at least 2/32 of an inch, or consider installing winter-specific tires for better grip.
• Visibility: Clear all snow and ice from windows, mirrors, lights, and the roof. Flying snow from your car can be a hazard to others and is illegal in some areas.
• Fuel & Battery: Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent gas line freeze and provide extra weight for traction. Cold weather also significantly reduces battery power, so have yours tested.
• Bridges & Overpasses: These areas freeze first and can hide “black ice,” which is nearly invisible.
Emergency Preparedness
If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle. It provides shelter and makes you easier for rescuers to find.
• Stay Visible: Tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna or window.
• Carbon Monoxide Safety: Ensure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow before running the engine for heat. Only run the engine for about 10 minutes every hour to conserve fuel.
• Winter Emergency Kit: Keep a kit in your trunk containing a shovel, ice scraper, jumper cables, blankets, flashlight, water, non-perishable food, and sand or kitty litter for traction.
HEALTH & SAFETY REMINDERS
By: Curt Featherby
FALLS FROM LADDERS
Falls are one of the leading causes of death in industry and construction; and every year falls from ladders make up nearly a third of those deaths. These falls from ladders are preventable and lives can be saved by following the safe work practices we will describe in what follows.
When Should We Use a Ladder?
We should ask ourselves critical questions just before we reach for our old favorite, the ladder. We may want to reach a higher work area and so we must think about the best choice in available equipment to use. While a ladder or stepladder is commonly used, it just may not always be the very best option. So, ask yourself these questions before deciding on the perfect ladder for your job:
• Will you have to hold any heavy items in your hands while on the ladder?
• Is the elevated area high enough that it would require a longer ladder that may turn out to be unstable?
• Will you be working from this height for a long time?
• Do you have to stand on the ladder sideways to accomplish your work tasks?
If your answer is yes to even one of the above questions, then you should consider using something other than a ladder. If possible, use aerial lift equipment like a scissor lift. If you must use a ladder, use one that has a working platform with handrail barricades on the sides (e.g., a platform stepladder). Whenever you use a ladder or stepladder, take note of the safety practices mentioned in this talk.
Check, Maintain and Store Ladders Well
Before using a ladder, always inspect it thoroughly to ensure there are no visible defect or missing parts, and that it is in good working condition. Use the manufacturer’s instruction to inspect it for the right details. A label on the side rail should list the information. Maintain and store the ladder according to the manufacturer’s instruction.
Do not use a faulty ladder (e.g., bent side rail, missing a step, missing or broken spreader bars, broken locking device or mechanism).
LADDER SAFETY TIPS
• Use the right ladder for the job. For example, ensure the ladder is high enough for you to reach your work area without having to stand on the very top rung
• When using ladders to access another level, always secure and extend the ladder at least 3 feet above the landing point to provide a safe handhold to exit and enter the ladder in position
• The base of the ladder should be secured by properly placing the safety feet to provide a grip on the work surface
• Always wear proper footwear (e.g., nonslip)
• Always place the ladder on stable & level surfaces. Never place it on an uneven surface
• Always ensure that the ladder is fully extended, checking the extension bar between the side rails
• Always consider the area around the ladder. Provide a control access zone to this area by placing barriers (e.g., cones) to prevent passersby from walking under or near the ladder while in use. Ask your coworker to act as a lookout
• Always maintain three points of contact with your ladder
• Do not carry any tools or materials in your hands when climbing a ladder. Place items in a bucket to raise to your level or a tool belt to carry necessary tools with you
• Never lean away from the ladder to perform you work tasks. Always keep your body weight in the center of the side rails
• Do not use ladders near doorways. If you must use a ladder near a doorway, lock the door or have a coworker help to keep the door closed while you are on the ladder.
Finally, Weight Capacity – The Five Ladder Grade Categories
Another important consideration is to select the correct American National Standards Institute (ANSI) grade category for your ladder. Again, a label side rail lists the type of category. You could fall because your ladder is overloaded collapses. This rating considers the worker’s weight, clothing or protective equipment, weight of tools or supplies that are carried or stored on the ladder.
HR REMINDERS
UKG READY
Please keep your personal information up to date at all times in UKG Ready. To change or update your personal information- you will access UKG.
Select my info (tab)>my hr > hr actions> update personal information>update and submit.
Please ensure that HR has a current and valid copy of your driver’s license on file. If you haven’t submitted an updated copy recently or if your license has been renewed, kindly provide the most recent version at your earliest convenience.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!
