Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE- The department of industrial studies at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville recently received a scaffolding donation for the building construction management house by ThyssenKrupp Safway Inc. in Waukesha.

For the class, Construction Laboratory, students build an entire house under the instruction of Marc Shelstrom, associate professor of building construction management. Their grade is dependant on craftsmanship and if the house is finished on schedule. The students have two semesters to complete the project. This year's house is being built in Platteville for Chad Digman. Recipients of the house only pay for the material costs, not the labor.

ThyssenKrupp Safway Inc. donated additional components for the scaffolding that was previously donated by them. These components included ladders, base plates, platforms and attachment clips. Approximately three years ago, Don Moen, UWP alumnus and safety director for Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin, facilitated the donation of $35,000 of scaffolding. When Shelstrom saw a need for additional scaffolding components, Moen once again called ThyssenKrupp Safway Inc.

"We helped in the past and wanted to continue our efforts in safety and training," said Andrew Kulovic, branch manager of ThyssenKrupp Safway Inc.

With the new components, there is now enough scaffolding to go around three sides of the approximately 28 foot by 70 foot house. Without the scaffolding, students would have to use ladders, which is not as safe. The company also trained students in the proper way to set up and use scaffolding.

"We're able to work much safer. Safety is number one. We meet the Occupational Health and Safety Administration requirements for residential construction and we teach safety," said Shelstrom. "I am thankful for the donation. This helps us further emulate real world construction and it sets my mind at ease to have a safer workplace."

Anyone wanting more information about the donation may contact Shelstrom at (608) 342-1145 or shelstrm@uwplatt.edu.

Contact: Marc Shelstrom, associate professor, building construction management, (608) 342-1145, shelstrm@uwplatt.edu Written by: Krystle Kurdi, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, kurdik@uwplatt.edu