T. Boone Pickens: Ahead of the Curve or Filled with Hot Air?

T. Boone Pickens is a billionaire oil man (with a name like T Boone he just has to be), a rabid Oklahoma State Cowboys fan, and just maybe an energy visionary. The 80-year-old dude isn’t content to leisurely enjoy his golden years. Nope, he’s trying to spur a movement to reduce America’s need for foreign oil, largely through wind power. That’s right, massive windmills dotting the landscape of a “wind corridor” from North Dakota to Texas.

The plan could conceivably reduce gas prices (wouldn’t that be nice), and provide clean energy. But safety distributors could see even more of a benefit. Building scores of proposed wind turbines requires what? (Cue the Jeopardy theme.) That’s right, safety equipment. The most obvious being fall protection harnesses (these monster windmills can be as massive as 410-feet tall). Keep an eye on T. Boone, the old wildcatter might be on to something.

Let T. Boone explain his plan to you in person at www.pickensplan.com.

The Department of Homeland Security, Lots of Tax Dollars, and You

On July 25, the Department of Homeland Security announced roughly $1.8 billion in grant money for state, urban and tribal governments designed to improve the nation’s readiness, response and recovery capabilities in the case of any emergency. This doesn’t necessarily mean the creation of hundreds of new and improved toxic FEMA trailers. The DHS states that the funding “includes planning, organization, equipment, and training and exercise activities”. What’s the key word in that sentence? Equipment. This means you Safety Industry. Municipalities have the grant money needed to purchase respirators, chemical suits and other first response equipment. Make sure you’re the one that is ready to sell.

Workplace Toxins: Apparently a Partisan Issue

The Department of Labor has been moving with surprising speed to move a rule through that would make it more difficult to limit chemical exposure to workers.  And Democrats, unions and advocates for workplace safety aren’t real thrilled about it. Isn’t it a good thing that those of us in the safety industry take chemical exposure seriously, and take measures to ensure that workers are safe from harmful toxins? Don’t take my word for it, read the article from the professional journalists at the Washington Post.

Keep an Eye on Young Workers

Summer student employees apparently take bigger risks on the job. According to an article by OccupationalHazards.com student workers are twice as likely as adults to be injured on the job.

It’s Not Easy Being Green, but It’s Still Cool

An article on ISHN.com cites a survey from The Ashkin Group illustrating that a potential economic downturn (aka: lack of green) isn’t likely hampering efforts to “green” the professional cleaning industry. Good to know.