Written by Matt Taylor, CHST, SMS

Prefabrication provides many benefits to a project, with one of the major, yet sometimes overlooked benefits, being project safety. With prefabrication, there is a dramatic reduction in

• Fall hazard exposure
• Wall panel fall hazard exposure
• Structural steel fall hazard exposure
• Roof decking fall hazard exposure

Prefabrication being done in a...

Since 1968, we’ve been led by a mission to construct with integrity, safety, and excellence in mind. Our team is not only dedicated to living out that mission within OCP’s practices but externally as well, taking our forward-thinking initiatives outside of our organization and sharing them within the construction organizations we serve. Many people within our team serve on organizations dedicated to supporting the construction industry such...

Over 250 OCP team members and their families celebrated summer with a picnic at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium/Zoombezi Bay Waterpark on Sat., July 27th. The event was an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy the sunshine while meeting each other's families.

At the zoo, employees explored permanent exhibits including the Heart of Africa, Asia Quest, Congo Expedition, Australia and the Islands, and North...

OCP Contractors is the Contractor of Choice because of the hard work and dedication of each one of you. Three years ago, when we made the strategic decision as a company to hire a Human Resources Manager, we had the vision to have a more engaged workforce.

Since the end of 2016, our Human Resources Manager Shreya Trivedi has implemented multiple initiatives in line with that vision. Initiatives such as Employee of Choice or this...

Written by Matt Taylor, CHST, SMS

Beat the Fatigue from Summer Heat with These Tips

Heat-related illnesses can be deadly, follow these tips to stay cool on the job.

With temperatures in our area rising rapidly it is critical to revisit the importance of recognizing heat-related injuries and understanding how to prevent them. It takes between 4-14 days for the human body to get acclimated to...

It’s not every day that we receive the proper recognition for the outstanding service and quality that our field provides to our customers on each and every project. However, it isn’t difficult to see when walking projects and looking at the work being put in place that we live up to our motto of being The Contractor of Choice on a daily basis. Recently, we have received the following feedback:

...

Northeast Ohio's magazine on reality, construction and architecture, Properties Magazine has featured OCP Contractors' award-winning project, the Samson Pavillion Health Education Campus as their cover story.

OCP proudly provided custom millwork, wall panels, desks, casework, solid surface countertops and railings for the 477,000 state-of-the-art facility.

Congratulations to the entire team that collaborated on this...

Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity's Project Playhouse Blitz Build is a program designed to teach young children the pride and joy of homeownership.

Volunteers work for 5-6 hours to build a playhouse customized for a family based on their hobbies and interests. Young children and their families are then presented with the playhouse at the conclusion of the Blitz Build.

When the OCP Toledo team learned of this family's love of...

Thank you to everyone who joined us at this year's American Heart Association Heart Walk in Toledo.

By participating in the Heart Walk, you’re joining a million Heart Walk Heroes from across the nation raising funds for lifesaving science. Science that can teach us all how to live longer and be healthier.

We look forward to walking together again next year to continue the challenge to help fight heart disease and stroke.

We asked, and you responded!

One of our core beliefs at OCP is that our High-Quality Engaged Employees are critical to our success

As a part of our 2019 strategic plan, we sent a survey to all employees to find out what we can improve.

We were amazed at the response!

40% of our employees answered the survey with both high praise and constructive criticism. We are in the process of...

Written by Matt Taylor, CHST, SMS

OCP implemented a pre-task analysis program in January 2019 on a mobile application called Industry Safe and on paper called the Ready Sheet. Each employee is expected to take time every morning looking over their immediate work area and utilize either the written form or the mobile app to ensure their area is safe and ready to work in. If a job site needs additional ready sheets, please...

It’s hard to believe we’re already into the 2nd quarter of the year! By now, it’s no secret that through our Corporate Strategic Planning efforts, we’ve decided to DOUBLE DOWN on our Lean initiatives! To kick things off, all 3 OCP locations and The Choice Group, have engaged in the book entitled, “2 Second Lean” by Paul Akers.

I’m excited to see and hear the buzz that’s surrounding...

The OCP Columbus office celebrated Women In Construction week with the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Columbus Chapter at their annual luncheon.

The guest speaker for the luncheon was Kayleen McCabe from the DIY television series “Rescue Renovation." Kayleen spoke on the importance of highlighting the hard work that women are contributing to the...

The OCP Toledo office celebrated women in construction, with the aims to highlight women as a visible component of the construction industry and to empower them personally and professionally.

In observation of Women in Construction Week, we invited the women from the field and office for an afternoon of fun and learning. OCP hosted a lunch and learn session with a representative from Toledo/Lucas County Care Net who spoke about general...

In celebration of Women in Construction Week, the OCP team visited with the hard-working women of the OCP skilled labor team to learn more about their work in the field and to educate others on the job site about the power of women in the construction workforce.

The mission of Women in Construction (WIC) Week is to further the success of women within the industry and emphasize the growing role of women within the industry. WIC Week...

Females comprise 47 percent of the country's workforce; however, that rate is just 9 percent in the construction industry and just under 3 percent in production roles, according to the National Association of Women in Construction. As the industry faces a skilled workforce shortage, it is imperative to actively address the lack of female talent within the construction industry.

OCP values diversity in the workforce and is consistently...

Written by Matt Taylor, CHST, SMS

I have visited all three cities within the past month and have begun to see issues with guardrails and fall protection plans throughout the state. The issues encountered include maintenance of guardrail systems, planned use of retractable lifelines/swing fall and fall protection plans involving warning lines.

Fall protection violations remain in the top two citations issued by OSHA and...

Happy New Year, Team OCP! I hope you each enjoyed spending time with friends and loved ones over the holidays. And thank you all for making us a part of your holidays by partaking in your local office’s party (Toledo, we’re excited for next month!).

In 2018 we were fortunate to celebrate 50 years as the Contractor of Choice, largely in part to you. After hearing your feedback throughout the year, the management team met in early January...

We had a blast celebrating the holidays with our Columbus field team. In the spirit of the holidays, the OCP team gathered great gifts in participation with the local fire department's Toys for Tots drive and enjoyed dinner, raffles and games. Thank you all for helping to make our 50th year a success. We look forward to a safe and successful 2019 with each of you!

Thank you for celebrating with us Columbus! If you have photos from the...

We had a blast celebrating the holidays with our Columbus field team. In the spirit of the holidays, the OCP team gathered great gifts in participation with the local fire department's Toys for Tots drive and enjoyed dinner, raffles and games. Thank you all for helping to make our 50th year a success. We look forward to a safe and successful 2019 with each of you!

We’re looking forward to finishing the year strong as we head into safe...

Toledo's leading business publication, Columbus Business First, has featured OCP Contractors in their latest published edition. In celebration of OCP's 50 years of success, the article looks to the employees, technology, and clients that have propelled the firm towards success for 50 years. Additionally, the article highlights the history of OCP, and details the efforts that have made OCP the Contractor of Choice in Northeast...

Congratulations on 43 years of hard work and success in the construction industry, Darrell! For 21 years Darrell has contributed expertise, leadership, guidance and friendship to the OCP Contractors’ team. Darrell’s willingness to assist co-workers and peers is highlighted throughout his illustrious career.

As OCP's Project Architect and Senior Estimator, Darrell has been a part of skyline defining work in each of OCP's key markets....

“Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” – Vince Lombardi

For the last 50 years, OCP has relied on teamwork to become the Contractor of Choice. Just as with any team, OCP’s strength comes from the dedication that each of you shows daily. From the 1st Stage Apprentice to the CEO, each and every one of us has an important role that is crucial to our...

We’re always looking for new ways to improve construction techniques to make our processes safer and more efficient. Through the use of technology, we’re able to serve our clients better and optimize workflow in the field and office.

As you’ve all experienced on the job site and in the office, we’re on the cutting edge of technology in the construction industry through our use of programs and tools like Plexxis, AutoCAD, Revit,...

Columbus' leading publication, Columbus Business First, has featured OCP Contractors in their latest published edition. In celebration of OCP's 50 years of success, the article looks to the employees, technology, and clients that have propelled the firm towards success for 50 years. Additionally, the article highlights the history of OCP, and details the efforts that have made OCP the Contractor of Choice in Northeast Ohio.

Thank you to...

Innovation is the process of delivering new methods, new ideas, and new products. As a core practice at OCP Contractors, innovation helps us to lead the way in our industry. As we constantly introduce new ideas and technologies we strive to provide our client’s with the highest quality service and maintain our reputation as the #ContractorofChoice. Below I have listed just a few of the most noteworthy innovations that set us apart in the...

Written by Matt Taylor, CHST, SMS

September is declared as Home Eye Safety Awareness Month in an effort to remind everyone of the potential hazards within the home that could damage sight. While this declared awareness month focuses on home safety, it also acts as a reminder for us to appropriately guard our eyes in the field.

In the field you will begin to see magnetic wands at cut stations. The idea behind the wand is...

Here at OCP Contractors we implement processes and set goals to continually provide our clients with successful projects and our employees with an enriching, safe work environment. Each process, policy and goal are formed with one objective in mind, to continue to be the Contractor of Choice for employees and clients alike.

By strategically aligning ourselves within the construction community with affiliations that share in our mission...

As the Contractor of Choice, OCP is continually advancing processes to deliver quality construction to clients and occupants. Through proven innovation OCP strives to elevate the construction industry to new standards. In our continued efforts to elevate the industry OCP has become an affiliate of SWACCA. We are proud to be affiliated with an association dedicated...

In 1968, Barney Paskiet began Ohio Ceiling and Partition Company as a small lath and plastering company in Toledo, Ohio. Barney was a lather by trade, with a thorough understanding of the construction process. His hands-on, “get-it-done” personality, natural business instinct, and genuine love for the work are to thank for the thriving business we all recognize today as OCP Contractors.

Initially, Barney’s passion for people and...

Article written by Katie Schuerger of CEA.

Jeff Loyall, Executive Vice President of the Donley – Turner Team, was recently visited by two women from United Cerebral Palsy (UCP). They came over to thank the construction workers for taking time to talk to one of their children that was outside the other day. They mentioned that was all he talked about the rest of that day!

After hearing this, the team thought...

Article written by Victoria Idoni of WTOL.

A Toledo tradesman was a guest at the White House Thursday, where President Trump signed an executive order focused on workforce development.

The United Brotherhood of Carpenters presented to the president a plan to hire 50,000 carpenters nationwide over the next five years.

This workforce development initiative is meant to build the economy with skilled American...

Article written by Mark Rosenberg of the Toledo Blade.

In June, 2017, Ricky Estis graduated from Whitmer High School and within weeks he was on a crew building apartments in downtown Toledo’s Fiberglas Tower.

On Thursday, just over a year later, the 20-year-old Toledo resident was sitting in the White House, listening to President Donald Trump unveil an executive order on workforce development.

Mr. Estis is just...

One of the many reasons OCP has been successful for the past 50 years is that we are continually training, to further develop all of our employees and processes. It is our strong belief that our employees are our greatest asset, and that by consistently providing on the job training we are able to place each of you in a better position to thrive.

We provide strict safety training for all employees, ensuring that everyone makes it home...

Written by Matt Taylor, CHST, SMS

While training is at the core of OCP Contractors, I often find myself wondering if that training resonates. Recently while speaking to an OSHA On-Site representative I learned that our rigorous training does in fact resonate with the great men and women we employ in the field.

OSHA On-Site is the consultation component of OSHA, whose main goal is to assist employers in maintaining...

According to Webster’s Dictionary, quality has several meanings. It can refer to a degree of excellence or grade; a distinguishing attribute or characteristic; or an acquired skill or accomplishment.

At OCP, we pride ourselves on the constant pursuit of quality in all of these areas. We focus on the excellent quality of work put into each project that exceeds our customers’ expectations and provides a personal satisfaction to each...

According to Webster’s Dictionary, quality has several meanings. It can refer to a degree of excellence or grade; a distinguishing attribute or characteristic; or an acquired skill or accomplishment.

At OCP, we pride ourselves on the constant pursuit of quality in all of these areas. We focus on the excellent quality of work put into each project that exceeds our customers’ expectations and provides a personal satisfaction to each...

Please join us in congratulating Brian Stone on his recent promotion to General Manager of the OCP Columbus office. Brian has over 15 years of experience in the commercial construction industry, and has been an integral component of growth in the Columbus market. Brian will continue to drive efforts that have positioned OCP as the #ContractorofChoice in Northeast Ohio.

Brian attended Roberts Wesleyan College, a private institution in...

OCP has many things to be passionate about; our high-performance culture, our safety-driven methods, our people, our means, methods, and procedures, innovation, and the buildings we build. One of my most passionate effects of OCP is the variety, size, and sheer complexity of our robust portfolio of projects. From bridge control houses to 1.5 million-square-foot convention centers and malls.

You can drive through any of our downtown and...

In honor of our 50th Anniversary, each OCP office is dedicating 50 hours of service to give back to the communities we've been a part of for 50 years.

This week OCP Columbus dedicated time and materials to local elementary school, Valley View. A fresh coat of paint in the hallways and a US Map to bring learning to the playground.

Written by Matt Taylor, CHST, SMS

Last year, OCP began offering Board of Certified Safety Professionals training to become a Safety Trained Supervisor in Construction (STSC) to all Foreman, Superintendents, and Project Managers in order to ensure safety is thoroughly understood and enforced by all. Currently, OCP consists of 36 individuals who have obtained this prestigious title. As OCP continues to prioritize safety in all...

We'll walk in memory of Erica Hernandez, niece of Jenni & Kevin Harris, who passed in 2017 - her heart unable to handle the strain of her pregnancy. Heart disease and defects affect people of all ages. Bringing awareness allows for greater efforts to make improvements in areas of research.

• When: May 12, 2018, 8:00am
• Sign-Up Options:
• ...

Now in the middle of the second quarter of our 50th year, I wonder where the first three months of 2018 went. As we move forward in our fast-paced industry, there are exciting things happening in our Toledo office! We are starting to see the results of the emphasis placed on efficient Project Management; with thanks to the efforts of Craig Paskiet, Dan Bartolet, Chris Gunderman, and our part time student intern, Haley Theus.

We have...

Carl W. Fausze, an OCP Foreman since 2010, has been in the Carpenters Union for 14 years. He is known for his wisdom and creativity in keeping his projects cost effective, working on mid to large sized projects. A man of few words, he gets the job done without complaint. Carl keeps a professional attitude and is highly respected by our GC clients.

Paul Wingate, an OCP Plasterer of 31 years and...

Diversity is a part of OCP’s culture, and continually drives the company forward. This month as we celebrated Women In Construction Week we were reminded of the many people that come together to make projects successful. I want to personally take the time to thank the women of OCP whose hard work is one of the reasons we have become the Contractor of Choice throughout Northeast Ohio.

Diversity in gender, race, and age means that OCP can...

Written by Matt Taylor, CHST, SMS

OCP Contractors has always put safety at the forefront, whether it’s on or off the job sites. In line with our safety values, OCP has set up an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Megellan Healthcare.

The EAP is a service offering workers and their family members professional guidance during difficult times such as, loss of a loved one, family relationships, emotional wellness,...

Of the many facets OCP attributes its success to, this month we focus on the diversity that has driven the culture and success of the firm. Diversity in gender, race, and age means that OCP can utilize the ideas of many to cultivate a bigger variety of voices in the working environment, and most importantly, a culture of equality.

Organizations employing a diverse workforce supply a greater variety of solutions to problems in the...

Of the over 10 million workers that make up the United States’ construction industry, only 9.1% of the workforce consists of women. Whether working in trades, administration, general contracting, subcontracting, or other professional services, these women are vital to the construction process.

The mission of Women in Construction (WIC) Week is to further the success of women within the industry and emphasize the growing role of women...

Cleveland's leading publication in the construction space, Properties Magazine, has featured OCP Contractors in their latest edition. In celebration of OCP's 50 years of success, the article looks to the employees, technology, and clients that have propelled the firm towards success. Additionally, the article highlights the history of OCP, and details the efforts that have made OCP the Contractor of Choice in Northeast Ohio.

Thank you...

As we celebrate 50 years of success, we reflect on the goals we have been able to accomplish as a part of this significant milestone. Of the many things we contribute our success to, this month we focus on teamwork.

As the interior Contractor of Choice, OCP understands that for a project to be genuinely successful teamwork is essential. Teamwork in our skilled workforce, teamwork in the office, and teamwork with our many partners that...

Anthony Corrado, a 310 laborer with OCP since 2012, was quickly promoted to laborer foreman due to his exceptional work ethic and leadership qualities. Anthony has been laborer foreman on several high profile projects such as the Aloft Hotel, CSU The Edge and Centric Apartments.

Matt Rutledge started with OCP in 2006 as an apprentice, working up to foreman. Matt is currently the exterior foreman on the...

An exciting new year is upon us in 2018, OCP is celebrating 50 years in business! This is a major milestone in our history. Thank you to all of our employees for making OCP a success.

In February of 1968, Barnard (Barney) Paskiet founded Ohio Ceiling and Partition Company in an old farm house on Central Ave in Toledo, Ohio. Over a short period of time Barney secured enough work to steadily grow and hire new employees. In 1976, OCP...

Logan Spohn, a 4th year apprentice, has been with OCP since 2015. As a foreman on the Beatty Building, a $5M+ project, he continually accepts responsibility assisting in layout and framing. His knowledge and management style are cornerstones to his professional development.

Jeff Boysel started with OCP in 2011 as a Carpenter Journeyman, quickly advancing to foreman. He is proactive and leads by example,...

The new year is starting quickly. Many contractors have their strategic plans in place for work in progress and sales goals set for 2018. There is optimism in most markets. If we can achieve the margins we want, it should be good year—unless we have “that job,” the one we wish we didn’t have.

It’s usually at this time of year that we are energized to meet plan expectations. The challenge is being able to consistently hold the line on...

The past three years in Columbus have been very exciting. We have had tremendous success as a business unit and have learned a lot along the way. This success would not have been possible without the team members that we have. I remember the first the project to get kick off after I started down here; it was the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Faculty Office for Corna Kokosing. Collectively, we applied a lot of pressure to ourselves to ensure...

It’s time to start fresh; a new year is upon us. There is a different feeling in the air. Opportunities abound as I, your association’s president, can attest after attending a number of AWCI-related events and gatherings since my term began in the summer.

My sense is that it seems the glass was a little fuller in many regions this past year. With the uptick in the economy, backlogs are healthier, members tell me. Granted, they also say...

Ron Spikes, a 12 year OCP drywall finisher & foreman, has run crews on many large, high profile jobs including Eaton World HQ, Hilton Hotel, Tri-point Hospital, Southwest General Hospital. Ron's excellent work quality and his development of skills within his crews has further built OCP’s leading reputation. As Ron plans his late 2018 retirement, we look back on his accomplishments and know his dedication and work ethic...

One of the main goals of OCP is that every employee makes it home to their families safely every day; the holidays are no exception. We realize that being safe in today’s environment is a cumbersome task and often time consuming, but a goal worth striving to achieve in all facets. We are fortunate to have a team of safety professionals that take this goal to heart, and assist in guiding us through the ever-changing landscape of job site...

Here at OCP Contractors, our membership in AWCI is defined as "contractor at-large." That is because Ohio does not have a local chapter, as many regions do, nor does the state have a chapter executive.

From my experience on the AWCI board of directors and executive committee, member companies that join AWCI through a local chapter receive additional beneftis. Some chapters provide education and resources for members, and they, through...

Zach Kraut started his career with OCP in 2005 as a First Year Apprentice, working his way up to foreman. He is proactive, organized, and a good communicator. Zach looks for more productive ways to complete a task. His professionalism has earned him a reputation with GC's of quality and timeliness.

Dan Guerra, a painter foreman, has been with OCP since 2011. His work quality and vast knowledge of...

With the holidays upon us and 2017 quickly drawing to a close, it’s a great time to look back at this remarkable year. Together we have reached new heights with our innovative practices and complex projects. I’m immensely proud of the work that our field and office teams are doing to make OCP a force for progress within the construction industry in our region, both through our lean practices, as well as our dedication to safety and...

AWCI held its Industry Executives’ Conference & Committee Meetings in Tucson, Ariz., last month, and there were a number of seminars, committee meetings and discussions that significantly impact AWCI members and the entire industry. One of those is the recent launch of the rule regarding respirable crystalline silica from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

This standard is an enforcement policy for our industry, but...

Josh Henning exudes a positive attitude and strong work ethic that manifest in any task he performs. Josh's ability to perform work safely, while maintaining productivity is exemplary.

Chris Gunderman leads in his ability to educate those around him, while managing various roles and maintaining strong client relationships. His dedication and work ethic are guiding attributes in his...

Seeing OCP Contractors grow as a company throughout my time here has been exciting. OCP is a company that refuses to sit idle while the industry changes all around it. OCP forces itself to stay on the cutting edge. These continued efforts have certainly had an impact on field operations. The men and women that we employ in the field have not always had it easy when these changes come through. We always find a way to work through the issues...

I am writing this on September 11, the anniversary of that catastrophic day in our nation’s history 16 years ago. Many people just refer to the event simply as 9/11. Many died, and our first responders ran to aid the injured—even at the risk of their own lives. I am humbled by the memories of what occurred on that day. Our nation and our lives changed dramatically.

This is also a time the citizens of our country are pulling together...

Chris Hawk, a painter with OCP for over 6 years, was very instrumental in completing the ProMedica Steam Plant in Toledo, a difficult project start to finish. He maintained the aggressive schedule with a small crew of four for 95% of the project. Chris's strengths are his patience & dedication to his work.

Nick Rogier, a carpenter with OCP for over 2 years, has been working at the Tower on the...

Innovation has always been a part of OCP’s culture, and continually drives the company forward. In 2010, OCP officially began our Lean Construction initiative, and today we continue to take Lean to the next level by implementing Operational Excellence managers, daily production tracking, 6-week look ahead schedules, wasted elimination, and increased productivity. Our next phase of advancement in Lean is training our managers in Six Sigma...

Dan Bradford, a Cleveland Carpenter, for over 11 years of dependability and solid work ethic. His contagious enthusiasm brings energy to the crew and his personal commitment to quality is obvious in his work.

Danielle Carpenter, on her first project acting as Cleveland Project Manager, and Patrick Walling, Cleveland Estimator, for sucessfully completing, start to finish, their first...

In the past, we published a newsletter, today, we renew our commitment to openly communicate with our employees. For me, it is especially important to reach out to the men and women on the jobsites, where the real action and purpose of our company takes place. It is my opinion that we employ the best of the best. Our company is known for having the ability to understand and execute complex projects quickly, efficiently, and timely; that is a...