A Perfect Score

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Published: May 01, 2018

A regulatory administrator has provided the following positive feedback with respect to documents we prepared for a confidential client:

"Ready to fall off your chair? I have no comments. These reports were well-written, clear and address all the questions I would have had".

We are always striving to make our clients’ experience and our products better than they have been before…it’s part of our corporate philosophy! Comments like these validate the efforts put forward by our team!

Hydraulics - T. Anderson

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Published: April 05, 2018

Have you considered hydraulics?

Today during our April Health and Safety Meeting, we dissected the topic of hydraulic hoists and elevators that we may come across as a part of Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs). During Phase I ESAs our goal is to find current or historical potential environmental risks to a property, which is like making a map for more intrusive assessment methods. The clearer the information for that map, the better.

This is where the hydraulic hoists and elevators come in, both old (removed) ones and new. Hydraulic hoists can be above- or in-ground and the location of the hydraulic fluid tank (which contains oil) can vary, which affects the risk level. Similar to a buried fuel tank, buried hydraulic reservoirs and hydraulic pistons have the potential to leak. Similarly, hydraulic elevators come in multiple forms where the depth of potential impact varies with the depth that the elevator piston can reach. As you might guess, it can take some sleuthing to find all the facts! During our site inspections we look for evidence of old hoists in the form of cutout and re-poured concrete, and we ask a lot of weird questions - but we promise there is a reason we’re asking them.

Silica - R. Taylor

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Published: March 06, 2018

At the March Health and Safety meeting, we discussed the topic of silica in the workplace.  Silica is one of the most common elements on earth, but is considered a Group 1 carcinogen in humans.  Continued long-term exposure can be dangerous to one’s health, and can lead to the development of silicosis.  Some examples of professions that are susceptible to exposure include construction, mining, sandblasting, masonry, and demolition.  The use of less-hazardous substances, proper personal protective equipment, workplace maintenance, and mitigative measures can limit exposure to silica.

You Wouldn't Believe What Just Happened - M. Hansen

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Published: February 07, 2018

Nichols Environmental is pleased to announce that it has now incorporated the STONEX S10 into its equipment arsenal. This is the most advanced integrated GNSS receiver that has ever appeared on the geomatic scene. This S10 equipment is a new generation of smart and open GPS that makes available a complete set of commands for the customization of any software application, and the ability to install these customized applications directly on the receiver.

The environmental, civil and geotechnical projects that we undertake require the most accurate and efficient surveying and monitoring equipment, and this is exactly what Stonex offers. As a result, the addition of this service has only increased our productivity and resources to meet our clients’ needs.  No matter what your projects require, Nichols Environmental provides the world's most advanced surveying technology with efficient onsite, in-field services. Contact us today to learn more.

A Healthy Workplace - B. Rakewich

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Published: February 05, 2018

This morning during our monthly HSE meeting we held an open session with all staff in attendance to identify, understand, and manage stress in the workplace. The outcome of the session was the identification of 20+ sources of workplace stress, ranging from long hours to the daily commute to the economy. However, even more coping mechanisms were brought forward which included taking micro-breaks, removing distractions, unplugging from devices, going outside, daily exercise, and seeking professional help. The session proved to be effective in starting the conversation for some - and maintaining the conversation for others – and continues our path forward with the overall goal of maintaining a healthy workplace.

B. Rakewich

Mental Health - T. Anderson

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Published: January 31, 2018

Let’s Talk – by Senior Project Manager Tawnya Anderson

Mental health is awkward and difficult to talk about. It is that elephant in the room. It is feeling alone. It is tears, frustration and anger. It is feeling like your own worst enemy.  Mental health is many different things to different people - but one thing for certain is that it can affect anyone. It does not discriminate.  Even so, it does not have to be stigmatized.

My personal experience is that mental health is also talking, listening, and holding space to be kind to yourself and others. It is about sharing your concerns, fears, and struggles and in doing so, learning that you are not as alone as you thought.  Mental health is learning about you and how to take care of you.  It is about learning to listen without judgements; toward yourself and toward others.

Mental health is so many different things and as a friend put it to me, if you had something wrong with your toe you would go and see a doctor.  So why would it be any different for mental health when it involves a far more complex organ?

Help lift the stigma #BellLetsTalk