Miner Limited acquires Charles H. Hodges & Son
Acquisition of four generation Maryland-based loading dock specialist supports Miner’s industry expertise and nationwide reach Miner Ltd., the dock and door division of OnPoint Group, has acquired Charles H. Hodges & Son, Maryland’s oldest and most reputable loading dock specialist. A single-source provider for the design, installation, and maintenance of commercial dock and door equipment, Charles H. Hodges & Son has been a partner to both commercial and industrial customers for more than four generations. The company serves businesses across Maryland, DC, and Northern Virginia. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to welcome the Hodges team to the Miner family as we expand our reach in a critical market. The team at Hodges serves a well-established customer base and their industry expertise directly aligns with our mission of improving safety and efficiency at the loading dock,” said Miner President, Dave Wright. A legendary name in the dock and door industry, Hodges installed the first dock leveler on the East Coast in Baltimore in 1954. Today the team is an established leader in this top 30 industrial property market and a top-performing distributor for a variety of key product suppliers. “For more than four generations we have focused on providing customers with the best professional sales, service, and installations possible for their loading dock needs. Whether it’s a Fortune 500 company or a family business, we are equipped to meet the full breadth of our customers’ needs—especially now as Miner expands our capabilities and national reach,” said Charles H. Hodges & Son’s President, Jamie Hodges.
Transform employees to emergency responders in three easy steps
Responding to disasters is one of the most important activities that employees can be asked to grapple with. From natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes to technological situations such as power outages, chemical spills, and transportation accidents, as well as security emergencies like acts of terrorism and mass shootings, a property should be prepared for any of these. The metric for success in a disaster response is not the detail of the plans or the usefulness of the equipment. It’s the level of employee empowerment that makes all the difference. Employees must go beyond being just bystanders who are told what to do. They must be transformed into emergency responders capable of activating themselves and leading in the instant a disaster strikes. Step 1 – Rewrite Your Disaster Plans Currently, most property disaster plans expressly hand off leadership responsibility of a disaster response to management. This would seem the most logical way of handling it. However, in practice, this leaves a property underprepared. Disasters can be sudden events that either leave managers injured or unavailable through traditional communication devices. When disaster plans require a manager to approve a certain immediate disaster activity like initiating a basic evacuation or crisis communication method or explicitly stating that managers must perform it, they immediately convert employees into useless bystanders. Disaster plans should be immediately rewritten so that employees are able to conduct any immediate response activity surrounding evacuation/shelter-in-place/lockdown without the need for a manager. All manager titles and proper names should be removed from disaster protocols so that any employee can perform any action without any kind of permission required. Step 2 – Reevaluate Your Disaster Equipment and Supplies, and Technology (EST) Disaster Equipment, Supplies, and Technology (EST) has long been considered a critical element in any property preparedness program. However, in most instances, EST has actually made properties less prepared. This is because either employees are not authorized to use them without permission of management, and/or they are inaccessible to employees. This goes way beyond the first aid kits or AED defibrillators. It also includes disaster equipment like search and rescue tools, emergency food and water, and critical use supplies like flashlights, rope, and PPE masks. Many properties also have specialized emergency communication mobile apps and expensive technology which they rely on. Ironically, this is what makes them not prepared because it shifts the dependency on equipment to do activities that, if they were not available, could not be performed by staff or management. To be effective, disaster EST must be specifically tailored to your employees. It should sync up perfectly with your disaster plan. For instance, if your plan doesn’t include search and rescue, then don’t put those supplies in your bags. Technology should also be used sparingly in a disaster. But when it is utilized by a property, employees should have complete access to it, know the passwords, and how to effectively perform the process of sending messages or otherwise activating it. Step 3 – Redesign Your Training and Drills Training and drills are the most important elements of a disaster program. They are more important than disaster plans and EST combined. This is because the way a workforce is trained and drilled will not only reinforce the behaviors necessary in a disaster, but also exposes the strengths and weaknesses of your program overall. The problem is that most training is actually too detailed. Going through an earthquake or wildfire procedures point by point is boring and unnecessary. No one is going to remember it, and it detracts from information that really necessary for employees to act during a disaster. Drills are equally as useless because most times employees are converted into bystanders while managers do everything, and simply bark instructions at staff. This is not conducive to real situations where employees can be incredibly valuable members of a disaster team. Redesign your training and drills so that line employees are the stars. Training should focus on leadership ability and the basic steps in a disaster response and where to find the information they will need for more in-depth procedures. In fact, this should be reinforced with drills where managers are made to stand on the side, and employees are instructed to perform an entire disaster drill without management participation. This will give an accurate way to assess their readiness. It will also reinforce individual initiative and responsibility so anyone can put together an impromptu emergency team. That is how you turn bystander employees into emergency team members that can work for you in any disaster. Conclusion Whether you run a large or small property, with 5 or 500 employees, it is critical that each team member be prepared not to respond to a disaster, but to actually organize a disaster team. It is more than just red binders, written plans, fancy equipment, and an expensive communication mobile app. It’s about empowering employees to act with authority and lead during a disaster. If you don’t, you will turn them into bystanders who not only are excluded as part of the solution – they become part of the problem. About the Author: Patrick Hardy is the founder and CEO of Hytropy Disaster Management™, the largest full-service small business disaster management company in the US. A Certified Emergency Manager® and a Master Business Continuity Professional®, in 2012 he was selected as the National Private Sector Representative to FEMA. His book, Design Any Disaster, will be published in March 2023 by Benbella Books. To talk about your next event, please go to: www.americasdisasterplanner.com
UL-Listed Omnidirectional LED Post Top Lamps provide up to 85% energy savings over Halogen & HID
LEDtronics® Inc. has announced its newest series of UL-listed LED Post Top Lamps that put out an impressive amount of uniform, omnidirectional and brighter light for their compact size, with much more energy efficiency and longer life compared to the old technology and larger post-top bulbs. Because they are thermally managed, these LED bulbs are UL approved for enclosed applications (-40°F to 113°F) and are perfect for easy, direct drop-in installation into existing E26 Edison medium and E39 mogul screw-based lighting fixtures. This series of omnidirectional post-top lamps are ideal for use in varied applications such as street lighting, outdoor parking area lighting, driveway and walkway lighting, security lighting, parks and playgrounds, railroad station platforms, garden and bay lighting, pendant and globe lighting, among many others. This LED19B series of LED post-top lamps come in a white polycarbonate body, offering long-lasting durability. They range in power outputs from 10 to 18 (E26 units) and 27 to 120 watts (E39 units), directly replacing old-technology incandescent, halogen, and metal halide acorn lamps that would correspondingly consume 18 up to 250 watts. Reducing additional energy consumption by bypassing the ballast allows the bulbs to operate in a wide voltage input range of 120 to 277 VAC. They come with a wide operating temperature range of -40°F to ~+113°F (-40°C to ~+45°C). The acorn bulbs direct an even, 360° omnidirectional beam of 5000K pure-white illumination, offering lumens ranging from 1,740 (10 watts) to 18,612 (120 watts). That translates into luminance efficacy of 130 to 166 lumens per watt. They also boast outstanding color fidelity, with a CRI greater than 80 that enhances color nuances. In addition, these lamps maintain 70 percent or greater lumen maintenance at more than 50,000 hours—a lifespan far, far longer than the equivalent halogen or HID bulb! Because LEDs have no filament, their solid-state design renders them impervious to shock, vibration, frequent switching, and environmental extremes. These ROHS-compliant, UL-listed LED bulbs contain no harmful mercury or other toxic elements. Unlike traditional halogen, metal halide, or high-pressure sodium bulbs, LEDs do not emit large amounts of heat and little to no ultraviolet or infrared light. Since LED lights are much more energy efficient than old-technology lamps, these bulbs are perfect for operating with an alternative or renewable energy resource such as solar or wind power in cold or warm environments. This new and versatile LED19B series of UL/cUL listed, omnidirectional LED post-top bulbs come with a 5-year LEDtronics warranty, and are available through LEDtronics distributors. Quantity discounts are available, as well as customized options such as “Made in USA” ARRA compliance, other color temperatures and voltages, and other colors.
Episode 312: U-Turn Transport
Today’s guest is Aaron Smith, founder of U-Turn Transport and host of the Escape the Odds podcast. Aaron is on a mission to change the lives of men and women who were once formally incarcerated by providing them with a path to build a career in logistics. Aaron shares his own story of incarceration and how he was able to turn his life around with the second chance he was given. You won’t want to miss Aaron’s inspiring story and learn how he is helping solve the logistics industry’s labor challenges while helping people escape the odds. Key Takeaways Aaron and his partner put together a box truck training program based on their knowledge in the industry. The program can reach the masses quickly and has a low barrier to entry since there are no CDL requirements for box trucks. Aaron shares that box truck transport is really popular because they provide these different outlets to get loads and opportunities to create some income. The training gives men and women, formerly incarcerated or not, the opportunity to be their own boss by teaching them how to acquire a truck, how to get loads, how to work with brokers and dispatchers, obtain their MC number, DOT number, and preparing them to be successful. Aaron combined two of his passions: prison reform work and entrepreneurship, and spawned his podcast titled escaping the odds. Now with over 70 episodes, and a Just Society Award winner, Aaron leveraged his podcast to build his network in the entrepreneur community. On his podcast, Aaron interviews the formerly incarcerated, who are now business leaders or successful entrepreneurs. The show is a source of inspiration and a great resource for business tips from people who have changed the narrative and become successful business owners. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 312: U Turn Transport
Apex Companies
AttaBox -Robroy Enclosures
Fight the Goliaths of Fog and UV Rays with Slingshot Safety Glasses
Brass Knuckle® Slingshot™ (BKFLEX-4050AFP) doubles up on vision protection Here’s one Slingshot that’s good for the eyes. New Brass Knuckle® Slingshot™ (BKFLEX-4050AFP) loads up on eye-protecting features and puts them in a package that manages to be sporty and stylish – and affordable and functional. Slingshot brings together world-leading anti-fog and the highest UV protection, adds all-day-wear comfort features, and never breaks the bank. Fog and UV rays are ever-present bullies to workers in extreme plant conditions and out in the elements. Much like David and Goliath, this Slingshot fights back against these bullies and levels the playing field. These safety glasses — with lean, green frames — are part of Brass Knuckle’s new anti-fog collection, which features groundbreaking BK-Anti-Fog+ technology. Fused directly to the lens, rather than simply sprayed on like others, it delivers better and longer-lasting fog-free protection. BK-Anti-Fog+ also beats the toughest anti-fog standard in the world, EN 166/168. By a lot. It’s not even close. It also adds ANSI Z87.1/U6 ultraviolet protection, the highest standard in the world, to eliminate 99.99% of damaging UV rays. Fight back against fog, extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity, and the sun’s punishing rays with Slingshot. Wearers enjoy extra-chunky molded nosepieces for added comfort, earpieces that fit snugly at the ears without putting the squeeze on temples, and a lighter weight that helps prevent nose divots and keeps glasses in place.
Cementex highlights feature series of Arc Flash PPE Task Wear
Cementex, the safety tool specialist, highlights the Cementex Feature Series of Arc Flash Protective Clothing PPE, designed for those seeking the next level of comfort, safety, durability, and protection. With a focus on safety and usability, the Cementex Feature Series is made with USA labor and materials to ensure the highest quality arc flash protection. The Feature Series clothing is made with Indura® Ultra Soft® FR treated cotton and meets current ASTM F1506 and F1959/1959M-99 standards. FR Velcro® front closures provide a secure closure, easy access, and rapid removal in the event of arc flash exposure. FR Velcro® calf/ankle closures allow for easy access and fit adjustment during donning and removal, and adjustment while wearing boots. Clothing options include coats, parkas, bib/pants, coveralls, and leggings, available in sizes S-5X with a standard inseam of 32″. Coveralls include elastic backs for ease of movement, and all coats and coveralls have Nomex® knit wrist cuffs. Bib/pants have easily adjustable “quick disconnect” shoulder straps to ensure user safety. Kits are available in a duffle bag, backpack, or hard-sided storage canister, and include hard hats, safety glasses, and ear canal inserts. In addition to the Feature Series of Arc Flash Protective Clothing PPE, Cementex also offers the Contractor Series for high quality, classic protection of personnel around energized equipment and the UltraLite Series, with innovative design and materials for the lightest, most comfortable Arc Flash PPE Task Wear available.
Survey uncovers key findings on falls from height
Working at height is inherently hazardous, exposing workers to significant risks that range from falls from roofs, scaffolding, and ladders to slips through floor and roof openings. And the lack of use of personal protective equipment – and its misuse at times – greatly increases those risks. A survey conducted last year by CPWR – The Center for Construction Research and Training, supported by the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), gathered insights from safety and health professionals that will help advance fall protection in all industries worldwide. The ANSI/ASSP Z359 Fall Protection and Fall Restraint Committee will use the key findings from the Fall Experience Survey – which explored the root causes of falls from height – to enhance voluntary national consensus standards that guide safety at construction sites and many other workplaces. “While data has been available on the types and rates of fatal and non-fatal falls, we need more information on the causes of those falls,” said Thomas Kramer, P.E., CSP, chair of the Z359 committee. “These new insights expand our knowledge so we can strengthen standards and ultimately prevent injuries and save lives.” Falls are the leading cause of death among construction workers. Despite the efforts of safety and health professionals to increase the use of fall protection, 368 construction workers and 805 workers across all industries died from falls in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fall protection in construction has remained the most frequently cited OSHA violation each year since 2011. Six key findings surfaced from the 671 responses to the Fall Experience Survey: Respondents believe a lack of planning is a key underlying cause of falls. Insufficient or ineffective planning was the most selected primary cause for falls (27.4 percent). Lack of planning is associated with a lower likelihood of using fall protection. The odds of using fall protection were 71 percent lower for individuals whose employer failed to plan. Nearly half of respondents (48.8 percent) said no fall protection was being used at the time of a fall. Employee beliefs about their company’s fall protection policy are strongly associated with their use of fall protection. Respondents who thought fall protection was required were eight times more likely to use it. Rescue training may help reduce fall-related deaths. The odds of a fall being fatal were 76 percent lower for workers who had self-rescue training. Workers employed by subcontractors face a higher risk of fatal falls. Those who work for a subcontractor were 2.7 times more likely to die from a fall compared to those who work for a general contractor. The 20-page preliminary report published this month by CPWR provides an overview of the main survey findings, and additional reports with further analyses are planned. “It’s important to remember that all falls are preventable, and that drives us to collect better information that can foster operational solutions,” said Jessica Bunting, MPH, director of CPWR’s Research to Practice (r2p). “Our new data is directly from people who are knowledgeable about workplace environments where falls are common.” ASSP is the secretariat of the Z359 committee that develops voluntary national consensus standards to address fall protection equipment and systems for climbing, work positioning, fall arrest, rescue, evacuation, and other fall hazards. The standards also focus on worker training and steps organizations can take to identify and abate hazards to help their employees avoid injuries and fatalities when working at height. The standards are a key component of an employer’s managed fall protection program.
American Staffing Association elevated to Ambassador in OSHA Safety Program
The American Staffing Association was promoted to ambassador status in recognition of its longstanding alliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration during a signing ceremony today. Ambassador status reflects OSHA’s recognition that an alliance participant has built, and will continue to maintain, a productive cooperative relationship with the agency. As an ambassador to OSHA’s Alliance program, ASA will continue to work with OSHA to: Help staffing firms, host employers, and temporary workers recognize and prevent workplace hazards Speak, exhibit, or attend OSHA or ASA conferences, local meetings, webinars, or other events Share information among OSHA personnel, staffing industry safety and health professionals, and ASA member companies regarding temporary worker safety best practices “The health and safety of temporary workers is a top priority for our member companies in the staffing and recruiting industry,” said Richard Wahlquist, president and chief executive officer at ASA. “We are proud to take the next step in our continued partnership with OSHA as we work to ensure temporary workers can do their jobs safely.” ASA signed a formal alliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in 2014 to promote awareness of health and safety measures in the workplace, including the Temporary Worker Initiative, Safe and Sound Campaign, and Safety Matters web page. The ASA Safely Back to Work campaign also provides employers with resources and guidance regarding Covid-19 prevention in the workplace.
ASSP encourages involvement in Safe + Sound Week
Everyone can play a role in minimizing workplace risks that lead to injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) encourages involvement in Safe + Sound Week, an annual workplace safety campaign spearheaded by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The nationwide event takes place Aug. 15-21. More than 1,300 businesses have already registered online to join the event, which recognizes the successes of workplace safety and health programs and provides information on how to keep America’s workers safe. “It’s easy to take for granted that our family members will return home safe and healthy at the end of the workday,” said ASSP President Christine Sullivan, CSP, ARM. “That is far from a guarantee, and employers must recognize the value of safety and health management systems to protect workers across all industries.” According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 5,000 workers are killed each year on the job (a rate of 14 per day) and more than 3.6 million suffer a serious job-related injury or illness. ASSP’s 36,000 members help organizations around the world implement safety and health programs to proactively identify and manage workplace hazards before they lead to problems. The results are increased sustainability, higher employee satisfaction, and an improved bottom line for businesses. “The Safe + Sound campaign draws attention to the responsibility we all have to make our workplaces safer, and we’re proud to be a partner in that effort,” Sullivan said. Join ASSP’s social media outreach on Twitter and Facebook to share resources and bring value to the OSHA campaign by using #SafeAndSoundAtWork.
KEEN Utility Pittsburgh Energy
With the release of the Pittsburgh Energy, KEEN Utility incorporates the proven work-hiker performance of the original Pittsburgh for a more nimble, easier-wearing work experience. In addition to its lighter weight, this medium-duty boot offers additional cushioning and flexibility with comfort enhancements including a KEEN.ReGEN midsole that returns 50% more energy than standard EVA foam, a KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane, and a TPU shank for midfoot support. At the same time, Pittsburgh energy does not sacrifice when it comes to safety features including asymmetrical carbon-fiber toes that are 15% lighter than steel, an oil- and slip-resistant outsole, and an EH rating to serve as a secondary source of protection from live circuits. The new Pittsburgh Energy will be available in two colorways for men.
EP 305: GMR Safety at MODEX 2022
Joining me from the booth at MODEX 2022 is Jay Jette, president, and CEO of GMR Safety. With a passion for safety, GMR Safety has been protecting people’s lives in warehouses since 1996. We discuss how great it is to be at MODEX, the products and solutions offered by GMR, and what attendees are looking for in terms of dock safety. Jay shares his vision for the future of GMR and how they are looking to expand its product offerings and global reach. We also discuss the importance of safety in the workplace and how GMR Safety is making a difference. Key Takeaways Jay tells us all about the Powerchock. The chock and restraining plate combination of the Powerchock blocks the wheel, this provides a powerful restraining force to hold the vehicle in place. It is simple to install and easy-to-use tool that can prevent dangerous situations while unloading a trailer. The Powerchock provides flexibility for many different vehicle types and can be retrofitted for any building style. Jay explains how establishing customer relationships is critical to success and has earned GMR Safety the number one wheel restraint system on the market. We discuss the solution that recently won GMR Safety an innovation award and how GMR Safety continues to innovate to accommodate emerging technology such as autonomous delivery trucks.
SolarShield™ – New HMI covers from AttaBox® Enclosures provide the ultimate screen protection
AttaBox® Enclosures –- the world’s most specified polycarbonate and non-metallic electrical and industrial enclosures — introduces AttaBox SolarShield™ HMI Covers, providing the ultimate HMI screen protection in the harshest of environments. New, patent-pending AttaBox SolarShield HMI Covers offer the most innovative, durable, non-metallic HMI Covers for use with all enclosure material types. They are ideal for protecting HMI Screens from UV and harsh environmental conditions and are the industry’s only non-metallic HMI covers with side shields. AttaBox SolarShield HMI Covers are ideal for demanding applications in non-hazardous industrial and commercial markets including industries such as oil and gas, equipment manufacturing, industrial machines, water/wastewater, marine, and food and beverage. Extremely tough and durable, AttaBox SolarShield HMI Covers can be used in both outdoor and indoor applications. They provide superior protection of the Human Machine Interface (HMI) screens from the sun, dust, water (rain, sleet, snow), sand, flames, oils, chemicals, grease, dirt, foreign objects, and other environmental conditions that cause corrosion and damage. AttaBox SolarShield HMI Covers fit standard 10” x 8” and smaller HMI screens and maintain a NEMA 4X rating of enclosure and screen when paired with a NEMA 4X HMI device. These universal covers can be used with either non-metallic or metallic enclosures. Among the many performance benefits of AttaBox SolarShield HMI Covers: • Simple and functional: they are easy to use. A hinged design includes supporting inner doors for hands-free use and better visibility of the HMI screen in the sun. • Superior Protection: Maintains NEMA 4 and 4X rating when paired with a NEMA 4 or 4X HMI device. AttaBox SolarShield HMI Covers protect HMI screens and electrical equipment from corrosion and damage due to UV, oils, dirt, and sand and greatly reduce equipment replacement costs. • Strength: Impact-resistant but light-weight opaque polycarbonate cover and base construction with UV inhibitors provide long dependable life in harsh conditions. • Reliable sealing featuring a robotically-applied foam-in-place seamless polyurethane gasket. AttaBox SolarShield HMI Covers come with stainless steel hardware kit included and are padlock-able for increased security. Installation is simple and easy with the use of common tools. AttaBox SolarShield HMI Covers maintain UL’s best rating: an “f1” per UL 746C (resin has passed tests for UV exposure and water immersion). They also conform to the following standards: cURus Listed, UL50e, UL508A, Type 1, 3R, 4, 4X, 12. They provide an Operating Temperature Rating of -40°F to +248°F (-40°C to +120°C) and are Outdoor UV Exposure (UL 746C) (f1) Rated. AttaBox Enclosures offers the most extensive selection of polycarbonate and non-metallic enclosures available for meeting the needs of diverse industries, interior and exterior applications, appealing aesthetics, and physical property performance standards including NEMA 4X integrity.
Abel Womack Integrated Handling Solutions
Concentric LLC, an OnPoint Group Company acquires Industrial Power Products
Concentric, LLC, the national provider in DC power management and maintenance for the material handling and critical power industries, announced the acquisition of Industrial Power Products, the largest motive power distributor in the Mid-South. This acquisition will expand Concentric’s service footprint across West Tennessee, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Industrial Power Products has seven branch locations, each featuring service technicians that are factory-trained in battery, charger, and battery handling equipment repair. The company’s digitally-enabled power services complement Concentric’s digital PM platform, ConcentricCARE. For almost thirty years, Industrial Power Products has been led by Owners and Operators Scott and Michelle Monteath who will remain in their roles after the acquisition. Under their leadership, the company has become well-known for its digitally-enabled forklift power services for manufacturers and distributors. “I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Scott and Michelle for years and this partnership is both personally and professionally exciting. The culture at Industrial Power Products is remarkable and they are renowned for their tech-forward service focus. We look forward to incorporating their DNA into our culture as we pursue our vision to provide a zero service interruption experience to customers,” said Concentric Chief Operating Officer, John Winter. “We could not be more thrilled to join forces with Concentric, furthering our joint mission to bring safety, consistency, and cost savings to manufacturers and distributors across the country. We will now have the capability to utilize our service expertise to impact a national customer base,” said Industrial Power Products’ Owner, Scott Monteath.
KEEN Utility introduces foundational American Built work built with the Independence Series
The new Independence series from KEEN Utility introduces a work boot built with quality materials, American ingenuity, and get-it-done grit. With an abrasion-resistant, supple leather upper, the Independence series brings the performance, safety, and comfort features KEEN Utility is known for. Product highlights of this medium-duty boot include a KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane for dependable dryness, Luftcell midsole infused with nearly 100,000 air bubbles per cubic centimeter for all-day support, and asymmetrical carbon fiber toes are 15% lighter than steel. The Independence series is also EH rated and features KEEN.Toughsole, with an oil- and slip-resistant outsole that is lighter weight and more durable than rubber. The Independence is part of the American Built collection, assembled in the Pacific Northwest using carefully-sourced materials from around the world. Designed to perform and built for how you work, the Indepence series will be available in several colorways, safety toe, collar height, and insulation options.
Empire Screen highlights wide range of warning, danger, and safety decals
Warning, Danger, and Safety Decals Promote a Safe Working Environment Across Verticals Empire Screen Printing, a manufacturer of screen-printed products, highlights its warning, danger, and safety decals that keep people safe by warning them of potential hazards. The application of these products is in line with Empire’s own commitment to the safety of its employees, with its proven safety record as an organization. These warning, danger, and safety decals are compliant with a range of standards, including ANSI, UL, CUL, RoHS, Prop 65, and REACH. This allows organizations to promote a safe working environment across a range of industry verticals, from OEM and sporting goods to medical device and electronics manufacturers. They come in multiple languages, allowing them to be employed by organizations across the world. The decals are offered in custom shapes and sizes. They are created from a variety of materials, including vinyl, polycarbonate, and polyesters, as well as rigid materials, such as aluminum, and Sintra. Sintra, a lightweight PVC board that is waterproof and unaffected by heat and weather conditions, is particularly ideal for outdoor and indoor signage. The decals are printed via screen, flexo, or digital output. Easy to peel and apply, with a wide range of materials and printing methods, organizations can choose the option that best fits the specific application they have in mind. These can be indoor and outdoor applications including everything from equipment warning decals, product safety labels, hazardous warning decals, and signage. Some customers also dome their decals to provide extra protection and scratch resistance. Empire itself has a commitment to safety across its organization, with its safety committee established in 2005. The organization provides CPR and First Aid Training, and has a record number of days with no loss time accidents, specifically, 1,437. Empire’s recent safety awards include the 2020 EHS Safety Standout Awards and M3 Insurance Nominee Letter for the Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year. This experience gives Empire a deep appreciation for the value of warning, danger, and safety decals, which play a crucial role in keeping people safe.
Safety 2022 attendance ranks third all-time
The signature event of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) returned to Chicago in a big way in June as the occupational safety and health event attracted over 1,000 more attendees than the last time the global conference was held at McCormick Place. ASSP’s Safety 2022 Professional Development Conference and Exposition was a hybrid experience for the second time and welcomed 5,564 registered attendees in person and online from June 27-29. In 2011, the Society’s 50th annual event in Chicago drew 4,535 safety and health professionals. It is one of America’s largest conferences for the advancement of workplace safety and health. “Workplace safety professionals want to stay current on best practices, industry trends, and the latest product innovations,” said ASSP President Christine Sullivan, CSP, ARM. “Regardless of your level of expertise, there are always new safety management techniques and strategies to adapt to our changing world of work.” This year’s in-person turnout was 4,122, and an additional 1,442 attendees joined online. The event’s success – the third highest ASSP attendance behind events in New Orleans (2019) and San Antonio (2018) – reflected a commitment to help advance occupational safety and health worldwide during a challenging time. Boosting Safety 2022’s popularity was a dynamic exposition with 445 vendor booths that covered 82,000 square feet. The extensive product showcase was a key element of the in-person experience. “Our expo is so illuminating and informative that we get some safety and health professionals coming only for that,” Sullivan said. Safety 2022 welcomed 2,782 first-time attendees, making up about half of the total attendance. Approximately one-third of attendees were non-members, who received a free year of ASSP membership. These results signal future growth for ASSP and the workplace safety and health profession. “We’re proud to be a leader in providing professional development for the occupational safety and health community,” Sullivan said. “Our event shares case studies and new safety approaches along with vast networking opportunities that can help practitioners solve challenges, implement innovations, and advance their careers.” In a post-event survey of Safety 2022 attendees, 9 out of 10 respondents said they would recommend the conference to a colleague while nearly 80 percent said they already plan to attend next year’s event. The conference surpassed its $25,000 fundraising goal as participants donated $27,193 to the ASSP Foundation, including a $10,000 match from Liberty Mutual. The ASSP Foundation promotes occupational safety and health as a career choice and works to build a sustainable talent pipeline in the profession that will help make all industries safer worldwide. ASSP’s Safety 2023 is set for June 5-7 in San Antonio and is expected to again include both in-person and online elements. The Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center is on the famous San Antonio River Walk, which includes 15 miles of restaurants, shops, and museums. San Antonio is an international culinary destination and last hosted ASSP’s conference in 2018 when the Society launched its new name and brand. Groups planning to attend Safety 2023 can save on the entire conference. A record 119 groups received discounts on this year’s event. To learn about group offers, contact ASSP’s Nancy O’Toole at notoole@assp.org.
ASA, NIOSH announce new Safety Resource for temporary workers
The new guide builds upon the 2013 Temporary Worker Initiative The American Staffing Association, in partnership with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and a coalition of safety organizations, has announced the publication of a new resource document outlining ways host employers can keep temporary workers safe on the job. Entitled Protecting Temporary Workers: Best Practices for Host Employers, the resource guide includes best practices for evaluating and addressing workplace safety and health in contracts; training for temporary workers and supervisors; and recommended practices for injury and illness reporting, responses, and recordkeeping. “Nothing is more important than the safety and health of temporary employees in their workplaces,” said Richard Wahlquist, ASA president and chief executive officer. “This resource guide provides host employers with the information they need to create and maintain a healthy and safe working environment for temporary employees.” In addition to ASA and NIOSH, the co-authors of the guide include the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Services Sector Council, the American Society of Safety Professionals, and the Safety and Health Assessment and Research for Prevention program out of the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. The resource guide marks the latest effort by ASA to protect the health and safety of temporary and contract workers. Beginning in 2014, ASA has taken part in a formal alliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to promote awareness of health and safety measures in the workplace, including the Temporary Worker Initiative and Safety Matters webpage. ASA’s Safely Back to Work campaign also provides employers with resources and guidance regarding Covid-19 prevention in the workplace.