The OSHA and ADSC Alliance, focuses on providing the association's members and others in the foundation drilling industry, including small businesses and non-English or limited English speaking employees, with information, guidance, and access to training resources to help them protect employees' health and safety. The Alliance focuses on safety and health issues including, fall protection, silica, pinch-point and equipment operation hazards. The agreement's goals include:
Training and education:
* Work with OSHA to provide expertise to develop training and education programs for small businesses and non-English or limited English speaking employees regarding fall protection, silica, pinch-point and equipment operation hazards and to provide expertise in communicating such information to employers and employees in the industry.
Outreach and communication:
* Work with OSHA to provide expertise in developing information on the recognition and prevention of workplace hazards, and to provide expertise in developing ways of communicating such information (e.g. print and electronic media, electronic assistance tools and OSHA'S and ADSC's Web sites) to employers and employees in the industry.
* Share information among OSHA personnel and industry safety and health professionals regarding ADSC's best practices or effective approaches and publicize results through outreach by ADSC and through OSHA – or ADSC's developed materials, training programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures (or any other applicable forum).
Promoting the national dialogue on workplace safety and health:
* Convene or participate in forums, round table discussions, or stakeholder meetings on foundation drilling issues such as fall protection, silica, pinch-point and equipment operation hazards, to help forge innovative solutions in the workplace.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Civil Engineering and Construction
Civil engineering is a concept that deals with the design, construction and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment. The act of civil construction and engineering includes bridges, roads, canals, airports, dams and buildings. These are merely just a few examples of what civil construction and engineering is about.
Civil engineering is one of the oldest engineering disciplines after military engineering. It has been an aspect of life since the beginning of human existence. Until modern times there was no clear distinction between civil engineering and architecture.
One of the main aspects of civil construction and engineering is structural engineering. With structural engineering a structure needs to be able to successfully support itself as well as being able to resist loads. It is the job of a structural engineer to ensure that the design and construction of aspects such as bridges, roads and airports etc are safe and successful for their function. Some of the design considerations that need to be kept in mind are the strength, stiffness and stability of the civil construction. All of these need to commit to safety checks so that the structure can hold itself. Other considerations that need to be kept in mind when it comes to the civil construction and engineering includes the cost, constructability, safety, aesthetics and sustainability of the proposed structure.
In the society that we live in today it is safe to say that society wouldn't work without civil construction and engineering. This is because the infrastructures that we use in our daily lives, the infrastructures that support our daily lives wouldn't be in existence if it wasn't for civil construction and engineering. We use aspects such as roads and harbours, railways and airports, hospitals, sports stadiums and schools, access to drinking water and shelter from the weather in our daily lives without a second thought to the construction and engineering that is behind them. We rely more than ever on building contractor teams and inventive people who design and build as well as maintain the sophisticated environment that surrounds our everyday life.
The job of a civil construction team/engineer is more than merely the building side of these infrastructures. They have many activities that they must do every day, including drafting, decision making, computer interaction, communication, documentation, creative thinking, organising, information collecting, estimating and analysing. It is the job of a construction engineer to draft and design structures and show others how to build them. A construction engineer has to analyse information and make the right decision to solve the problems.
If you are a business owner or the owner of property who wishes to expend and build civil structures such as a road to provide easier access or an extension is needed at an airport, it is essential that you enlist the help of a building contractor team who are highly skilled and experienced in undertaking all aspects of civil building and construction. The building contractor team should have structural engineers who are able to undertake the planning and safety aspects of the design to ensure that the finished product is up to standards.
Earning A Master Civil Engineering Degree
Civil engineers are the literally the backbone of any city or town development, they design and supervise the construction of infrastructure such as buildings, roads, tunnels, bridges, airports, dams, and water supply & sewage systems. The career itself is very challenging and rewarding. If you are interested to advance your career in this field, a master degree in Civil Engineering is an important qualification for your career move. With the available of online education, today you can earn a Master Civil Engineering degree online from your selected comfort places and at your convenient time.
If you already enter the civil engineering field with a bachelor degree, you definitely want to move your career to a higher achievement. In order to increase your competitive edge within the discipline, while building the related working experience along your career path, you need to have a higher education background in the related field. A master degree in the field brings not only your own professional development, but also a sense of accomplishment to the current and future employers that you are resolute in meeting the requirement of the career opportunities that are opened to you.
Earning the master degree in Civil Engineering while continue building your career experience by maintaining your current job is not an easy task but it is possible through online civil engineering degree program. An online degree program offers a great deal of convenience and flexibility where you can plan your study time that fit into your busy working schedule. At any time if you are required to travel for job assignment on any civil engineering project at outstation or oversea, you study won't be affected as you can still login to the online classes from where you are to get the learning materials, download and submit assignment & etc. What you need to ensure you stay focus on your master degree study is be self-motivated, plan your study, follow the learning schedule that you have planed for yourself and make your progress toward the completion of the program to earn your credential of the field.
Many accredited universities are offering online master degree in Civil Engineering which specifically designed for the working Civil Engineering professional. Most of these programs are planning according to the recommendation of the ASCE (the American Society of Civil Engineers). There are various specializations in online master Civil Engineering that you can choose to major in, such as Construction Engineering, Structural Engineering or you can choose to major in technological side of the field. Depend on your career goal, you should easily find one that contains the courses which best fit your interest. Once you have identified a degree program that meet your requirement, the enrollment into the program is easy with the available of internet as most universities allow you to enroll online by submitting the online admission form.
To sum up, by earning a master degree in Civil Engineering online, you give yourself the opportunity to development the advanced knowledge and expand the scope of the field. The master degree can be your golden key to grab any career advancement opportunity that you may meet along your career path.
If you already enter the civil engineering field with a bachelor degree, you definitely want to move your career to a higher achievement. In order to increase your competitive edge within the discipline, while building the related working experience along your career path, you need to have a higher education background in the related field. A master degree in the field brings not only your own professional development, but also a sense of accomplishment to the current and future employers that you are resolute in meeting the requirement of the career opportunities that are opened to you.
Earning the master degree in Civil Engineering while continue building your career experience by maintaining your current job is not an easy task but it is possible through online civil engineering degree program. An online degree program offers a great deal of convenience and flexibility where you can plan your study time that fit into your busy working schedule. At any time if you are required to travel for job assignment on any civil engineering project at outstation or oversea, you study won't be affected as you can still login to the online classes from where you are to get the learning materials, download and submit assignment & etc. What you need to ensure you stay focus on your master degree study is be self-motivated, plan your study, follow the learning schedule that you have planed for yourself and make your progress toward the completion of the program to earn your credential of the field.
Many accredited universities are offering online master degree in Civil Engineering which specifically designed for the working Civil Engineering professional. Most of these programs are planning according to the recommendation of the ASCE (the American Society of Civil Engineers). There are various specializations in online master Civil Engineering that you can choose to major in, such as Construction Engineering, Structural Engineering or you can choose to major in technological side of the field. Depend on your career goal, you should easily find one that contains the courses which best fit your interest. Once you have identified a degree program that meet your requirement, the enrollment into the program is easy with the available of internet as most universities allow you to enroll online by submitting the online admission form.
To sum up, by earning a master degree in Civil Engineering online, you give yourself the opportunity to development the advanced knowledge and expand the scope of the field. The master degree can be your golden key to grab any career advancement opportunity that you may meet along your career path.
Friday, May 8, 2009
How To Be A Civil Engineer?
When it comes to civil engineering jobs, the first thing you need to do is consider the field you want to enter. There are many different sub-disciplines, however, the main aspect of getting any solid civil engineering jobs is that you have the appropriate experience and education.
Typically, a college degree is necessary even to enter the field at an entry level position. A bachelor’s degree in mathematics, science, or engineering is almost always required. You will then need to gather the necessary work experience to become a licensed civil engineer. Four years is the minimum work experience requirement for licensing, as well as the requirement of taking an exam. The best way to get this experience is to work as an apprentice of a licensed and experienced civil engineer.
You then have to understand just what it takes to be a civil engineer. You need to make sure that you meet the standards of an engineer. For example, you we need to possess the ability to be detailed and organized at all times. You must have analytical skills, be curious, as well as creative. You have to be able to lead people, manage people and projects at the same time, as well as have the ability to work with a team of people.
On average, your starting pay will depend on the level of degree you hold in engineering. For example, if you hold a bachelor’s specifically in the field of civil engineering, you might be looking at a starting wage of $43,000 yearly. However, if you hold a masters or PH.D., the amount would likely go up to $48,000 and $59,000 yearly respectively.
One very important aspect of civil engineering is your ability to take responsibility. Being an engineer requires attention to even the smallest detail, the ability to follow plans, create plans, and stick to plans to the “T”, and understand that you are providing the public with a specific service. Their safety, their welfare, and their environment is in your hands. If you were to make even the smallest of mistakes, it could be detrimental, not only to your career, but other people lives and community.
Civil Engineering In India
The profession of civil engineering includes the designing, construction and maintenance of the buildings, roads, bridges, railways and other structures. The professionals who have studied civil engineering India are mainly responsible for planning and designing of concrete structures and then executing the project at an estimated scale. The students who aspire to study civil engineering are required to have sharp analytical and reasoning mind. They should also know the effective ways of communication with all his or her team members for successful execution of the project. A civil engineer is also expected to be skilled in surveying the construction site by keeping in mind various environmental issues.
Several new branches of civil engineering India has come up like structural engineering, finite element analysis, artificial intelligence and neural networks.
The students of civil engineering are actually taught to tackle all aspects of planning, designing and construction of projects. Students learn the fundamentals of structures, foundations, environmental managements, hydraulics, project management, irrigation engineering and cost transportation engineering.
The general course duration is 4 years for B.E or B.Tech students. The diploma courses are usually for 2 to 3 years. The selection of the students is done on the basis of their merit. The students who are eligible for civil engineering course must have science in their 10+2 level with the combination of physics, chemistry and mathematics as their main subjects. The institutes offering courses conduct various entrance examinations through which the eligible candidates are short listed. The Indian Institute of Technology enlists students who have appeared the JEE or the Join Entrance Examination.
Selection of the candidates for general course like the MSc or M.Tech are offered by a number of universities of India who select candidates through 'All India Combined Entrance exam' conducted by the JNU, New Delhi. By cracking through GATE one can get the opportunity to study the subject in the IITs as 2 years or 4 semester M.Tech course.
The following are some of the institutes where civil engineering courses are offered and taught.
• AANM & WRSR Polytechnic, located in Krishna Dist.
• Adhiparasakthi Engineering College, located in Kanchipuram
• Agra Institute Of Engineering & Technology, located in Agra
• All India Shri Shivaji Memorial Societys College of Engineering, located in Pune
• Amal Jyothi Engineering College, located in Kottayam
• Amrutvahini College of Engineering, located in Ahmednagar
• Anjuman Engineering College, located in Bangalore
• Bangalore Institute of Technology, located in Bangalore
• College Of Engineering, located in Bhubaneshwar
• Dr J J Magdum College Of Engineering, located in Kolhapur
There are several other institutes in India where one can study civil engineering. You are advised to be aware of the all the educational institutes offering civil engineering before you select your ideal one.
What Is Civil Engineering?
What Is Civil Engineering All About?
Civil engineering deals with a variety of construction and maintenance tasks, like building and maintaining roads, bridges, tunnels, buildings, airports, dams, water works, sewage systems and ports. A civil engineer not only requires a high standard of engineering knowledge, but also supervisory and administrative skills. The work involves planning, constructing and maintaining.
The planning and designing part demands site investigation, resource feasibility study and on-the-spot decision making. An engineer has to be quick to make a decision because emergencies do come up and need to be dealt with then and there. Other important duties of an engineer involve taking care of work within the local government guidelines and getting permission for plans, creating a cost estimate and construction schedules and post-completion maintenance of the project.
There are many specialized branches of civil engineering such as dealing with structures, water resources, environment, construction, transportation and geo- technical engineering. For most projects, civil engineers work in teams or sometimes even in coordination with other engineers.
Civil engineering is ideal for those who love to create and the job is monetarily rewarding and involves a lot of responsibility. An engineer is directly responsible for public safety and welfare. Safety should be the first priority of any engineer. If they are involved in constructing residences, they have to follow the safety precautions involved too. In the case of a highway, they are expected to follow traffic safety rules.
Engineers have to look out for potential hazards, including environmental impacts and estimated life expectancy of the project. Natural disasters make it important for engineers to be extra cautious about environmental pressures.
Building Your Career In Civil Engineering:
To begin a career in civil engineering, you need to complete a formal school education, including core courses in English, Algebra, Geometry, Advanced Math, Physics and a foundation in History and Social Studies. In college, a student needs to earn a Bachelor's degree. Pursuing a Master's degree is necessary. According to a recent survey, more than 35% students who have acquired a Bachelor's degree go on to enroll for a Master's, even as they continue to work. Many students prefer to work and earn at the same time because that can earn them a tuition reimbursement.
Acquiring a Master's degree or a PhD helps a student to specialize in the field. The road to complete a civil engineering course is endless and that is why many professionals choose to keep on learning the latest trends in the construction business via special programs developed by universities and professional societies like the American Society of Civil Engineers. The annual earning of a civil engineer is anywhere between $43,000 to $90,000, depending on specialization and experience.
How Can You Be A Professional Civil Enginner?
One of the best ways to learn to be a civil engineer is to enroll in a vocational school or community college to begin your training. You can gain fundamental education and skills in about two years to get an associate degree in engineering. This credential would qualify you to transfer to a college or university to complete the requisite bachelor degree.
In today's highly technical world, learning to be a professional engineer can take three to four years of formal studies. According to U.S. Department of Labor statistics, a bachelor's degree is required for almost all entry-level engineering jobs. Those who will ultimately specialize in one specific area of the field will be required to attain training that is both focused and comprehensive. Areas of concentration can include structural, geotechnical, environmental, and transportation and aeronautical engineering.
Training is usually comprised of basic electrical, computerized, mechanical, and general engineering courses. Many trade-specific courses will include concentrated areas of study; but are also supplemented with basic mathematics, physical and life science studies. These trade school engineering courses are designed to prepare students for entry-level occupations in production work and practical design technology. And, while not all trade schools offer bachelor degree programs, two years of concentrated studies can lead to an associate degree in engineering technology.
In brief, some vocational training can be an important part of the initial phase of your education. Those who need a flexible learning schedule might want to investigate the option of learning civil engineering online. Either way, the idea is to learn the basics of the field and get enough education under your belt to qualify for completion of Bachelor and/or Master Degrees.
Good Luck!
Copyright 2008 - All rights reserved by Media Positive Communications, Inc.
Online Civil Engineering Schools
Online Civil Engineering Schools provide courses of study in academics for acquiring associate, bachelor, and master degrees. Civil Engineering School programs focus strongly on sciences, and engineers use acquired scientific knowledge to solve practical and technological problems in the process of design and development. Civil engineering can involve some or all factors of design, construction, research, and education.
Civil Engineering Schools are responsible for teaching civil engineering students the responsibilities they must take on for the design and supervision of construction of buildings, roads, buildings, tunnels, dams, bridges, and water supply and sewage systems. In the processes of designing and executing a project, the civil engineer must take into consideration state and federal government regulations and potential environmental hazards that a particular construction may encounter, such as stresses of earthquakes, flooding, or strong winds.
Online Civil Engineering Schools are designed for working adults, and degrees can be completed in less than two years. The Associate Degree of Science in Civil Engineering can be attained without previous experience in engineering. All that is required is a high school diploma or GED. Students in Online Civil Engineering School programs will be expected to master the subjects needed for entry-level positions in civil engineering fields. Courses will include math, physics, chemistry, surveying, structural design, highway design and construction, and much more. Books, lessons, learning aids and equipment for hands-on experience will be included in Online Civil Engineering School studies.
Programs for Master Degrees in Civil Engineering Schools provide students with the technical skills needed for advanced engineering design and management. Master degrees are offered in specialized areas of civil engineering that include structural engineering, transportation, geotechnical, and environmental resources engineering. Some online master degrees in civil engineering may require a short period of residency study.
Civil Engineer Schools train for taking on supervisory roles at construction sites, and for assumption of administrative positions as city engineers. Civil Engineering Schools also train for responsibilities of maintaining quality, estimating time and cost, and completion of projects.
If you are interested in learning more about Online Civil Engineering Schools and other types of schools.
Being A Woman Civil Engineer
In this article, there are five building secrets for woman civil engineers. If you want, let's start..
Women Civil engineering managers stand out from the crowd. Respect is so hard to gain, but so easily lost. We all want respect, especially in our professional career, let alone women civil engineering managers in a male dominated industry. These five respect building tips for women can give them the edge.
1. Analyse your own strengths and weaknesses. When you are 'put on public display' as a manager, your every action will be scrutinised and judged. If you do not know what your strengths are, then you need to find them quickly. Women in particular can be labeled as 'floating around' or 'floundering' while they find a man to come in and do the job, which, whilst completely untrue, it is very real throughout the feelings of your staff. Recognise your problems, and head them off before they grow out of hand. For example, if you are good with directing and influencing people but poor on the follow-up and monitoring, then the ongoing results will show a problem. Work on the areas that you are not confident in, or that you may have poor results in. Realise there is nothing wrong with having weaknesses, your strongest point should be the ability to admit this fact, in other words, get additional help (from your staff) on those weak points. If you don't work on strengthening or managing your weaker skills, then ultimately they will be used against you when times get tough. Like all environments, 'get a few runs on the board' and prove yourself will certainly go a long way to secure your position.
2. Recognise the skills and strengths and weaknesses of your staff. Extracting this information might be difficult, but constant talks and getting to know your staff will reveal their traits very quickly. If you want a great cross section and honest opinions about people, then ask their colleagues what they think. You are not after the 'gossip', but rather the descriptive quality observations about the staff. By finding your staff strength and weaknesses, you can shape the whole team to perform better. As a woman you will have a different point of view of staff from your male counterparts. This should be used in the best way possible, that is, you may see something that others don't see. Respect is gained when you fit the team together that works well, or rectify or change a team with improved productivity.
3. Knowing when to be 'one of the boys' and when to stop the party. This is probably one the hardest things to master. Everyone likes to be 'accepted' both on a professional and personal level. In the civil engineering field the 'boys' and conversation can get a little rough and 'risque', especially towards women. Trying to fit in will often lead to trouble, and disrespect in the future. You gain most respect from being yourself, and having a laugh with everyone in a relaxed atmosphere until they perhaps start belittling each other or you. It is then time to excuse yourself and announce that you must get back to work as you have something urgent that you need to do. It is never good to partake of office gossip unless you are there to quench the fuel and disqualify the rumours. Sticking with this guideline early in the piece establishes you are a respectful person both for yourself and others. Cross this line early and you may have a hard time regaining credibility and respect.
4. Moderating dress sense. Regardless of your impression of the general office, the office will have a general impression on you based on your dress sense. You need to be recognised for your engineering and management abilities, not your designers clothes and fashion dress sense. This is always a difficult topic, as you will be judged no matter which way you look at it. Dress to skimpy or revealing and you will be judged with a less palatable reputation, however too conservative and you will be considered to strict and an absolute academic and a bore with no heart. It must be a fine balance, especially when surrounded by over zealous excitable professionals in the civil industry. Now I am not suggesting that the civil engineering world is all brawn and full of testosterone, but you have to be careful in a male dominated industry based on a construction background. Your dress standard is a tricky issue that needs careful attention.
5. Stating your authority should be related back to the overall management board. In difficult or precarious conversation it may be beneficial to restate the backing of the overall management board with this decision. The reason for this 'superficial statement' is that you are seen to be supported by the overall board, which may seem unnecessary at the time, it reaffirms in your staff's mind that the board is happy with your decision, especially as a women in the predominantly male industry. This helps avoid or reduce the descriptive adjectives that may be flung your way upon your meeting departures. Without offense, it is simply a respect building exercise as some men feel threatened or intimidated by females in positions of power. Respect is a two way street, show respect to your team and office staff, and they will invariably reciprocate that level of respect, especially if you are 'endorsed and backed' by the management board.
Your role as a civil engineering manager can be very rewarding and noticed when you have a team that respects you and works with you. In fact, you will probably stand out as a force to be reckoned with as a female in the male dominated industry. People will be happy to deal with a woman engineer that both listens, and delivers the engineering results on time to budget in a professional manner.
Women Civil engineering managers stand out from the crowd. Respect is so hard to gain, but so easily lost. We all want respect, especially in our professional career, let alone women civil engineering managers in a male dominated industry. These five respect building tips for women can give them the edge.
1. Analyse your own strengths and weaknesses. When you are 'put on public display' as a manager, your every action will be scrutinised and judged. If you do not know what your strengths are, then you need to find them quickly. Women in particular can be labeled as 'floating around' or 'floundering' while they find a man to come in and do the job, which, whilst completely untrue, it is very real throughout the feelings of your staff. Recognise your problems, and head them off before they grow out of hand. For example, if you are good with directing and influencing people but poor on the follow-up and monitoring, then the ongoing results will show a problem. Work on the areas that you are not confident in, or that you may have poor results in. Realise there is nothing wrong with having weaknesses, your strongest point should be the ability to admit this fact, in other words, get additional help (from your staff) on those weak points. If you don't work on strengthening or managing your weaker skills, then ultimately they will be used against you when times get tough. Like all environments, 'get a few runs on the board' and prove yourself will certainly go a long way to secure your position.
2. Recognise the skills and strengths and weaknesses of your staff. Extracting this information might be difficult, but constant talks and getting to know your staff will reveal their traits very quickly. If you want a great cross section and honest opinions about people, then ask their colleagues what they think. You are not after the 'gossip', but rather the descriptive quality observations about the staff. By finding your staff strength and weaknesses, you can shape the whole team to perform better. As a woman you will have a different point of view of staff from your male counterparts. This should be used in the best way possible, that is, you may see something that others don't see. Respect is gained when you fit the team together that works well, or rectify or change a team with improved productivity.
3. Knowing when to be 'one of the boys' and when to stop the party. This is probably one the hardest things to master. Everyone likes to be 'accepted' both on a professional and personal level. In the civil engineering field the 'boys' and conversation can get a little rough and 'risque', especially towards women. Trying to fit in will often lead to trouble, and disrespect in the future. You gain most respect from being yourself, and having a laugh with everyone in a relaxed atmosphere until they perhaps start belittling each other or you. It is then time to excuse yourself and announce that you must get back to work as you have something urgent that you need to do. It is never good to partake of office gossip unless you are there to quench the fuel and disqualify the rumours. Sticking with this guideline early in the piece establishes you are a respectful person both for yourself and others. Cross this line early and you may have a hard time regaining credibility and respect.
4. Moderating dress sense. Regardless of your impression of the general office, the office will have a general impression on you based on your dress sense. You need to be recognised for your engineering and management abilities, not your designers clothes and fashion dress sense. This is always a difficult topic, as you will be judged no matter which way you look at it. Dress to skimpy or revealing and you will be judged with a less palatable reputation, however too conservative and you will be considered to strict and an absolute academic and a bore with no heart. It must be a fine balance, especially when surrounded by over zealous excitable professionals in the civil industry. Now I am not suggesting that the civil engineering world is all brawn and full of testosterone, but you have to be careful in a male dominated industry based on a construction background. Your dress standard is a tricky issue that needs careful attention.
5. Stating your authority should be related back to the overall management board. In difficult or precarious conversation it may be beneficial to restate the backing of the overall management board with this decision. The reason for this 'superficial statement' is that you are seen to be supported by the overall board, which may seem unnecessary at the time, it reaffirms in your staff's mind that the board is happy with your decision, especially as a women in the predominantly male industry. This helps avoid or reduce the descriptive adjectives that may be flung your way upon your meeting departures. Without offense, it is simply a respect building exercise as some men feel threatened or intimidated by females in positions of power. Respect is a two way street, show respect to your team and office staff, and they will invariably reciprocate that level of respect, especially if you are 'endorsed and backed' by the management board.
Your role as a civil engineering manager can be very rewarding and noticed when you have a team that respects you and works with you. In fact, you will probably stand out as a force to be reckoned with as a female in the male dominated industry. People will be happy to deal with a woman engineer that both listens, and delivers the engineering results on time to budget in a professional manner.
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