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The Panda Post, Volume 7
So, has much happened since the last Panda Post? Let’s see. A new President was sworn in, job layoffs grew exponentially, 2009 started, and the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl. So, yeah, a little bit went on over the past few weeks. |
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Stimulate This
The most popular catchphrase of early 2009 is “Stimulus Package”. The phrase—which sounds a little like the title of a low-budget adult film—has been spoken, written about, and debated since Inauguration Day. The details are still being hashed out by those on Capitol Hill, but the Wall Street Journal has an amazing estimated state-by-state breakdown of where dollars might be headed (unfortunately not a dime is earmarked to help upkeep of the Panda Post). Keep an eye on those states getting big dollars for Transportation and Infrastructure (ex: California, Texas), some of those billions will be spent on safety equipment. |
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President Obama, Don’t Forget About the American Industrial Hygiene Association
What better way to get the attention of the new U.S. President than to do what the AIHA did—write an open letter to President Obama (the Goodyear blimp was apparently busy, and you can’t fly a small airplane with a message banner attached to it near the White House because of the no-fly zone)? The AIHA simply asked President Obama not to forget industrial hygienists when creating jobs with the Stimulus Package (there’s that catchphrase again). |
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How Not to Run an OSHA Training Session
Apparently OSHA 10 training is a lot easier in the Bronx. Don’t get me wrong, I like beer breaks like the next guy, but not when they interfere with learning about procedures that can save my life. Save the laid-back training for “Bocce Ball 101” or “Advanced Backyard Grilling Procedures”. |
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Ergonomics, the Government, and You
An article from Safety News Alert states that Michigan may soon join California and require ergonomic awareness training for workers (hey Michiganders, start stocking up on antivibration gloves). The article also explains that President Obama is in favor of restoring a federal ergonomic standard. Judging from the comments posted in response there’s a division between those who fear Ergonomic Big Brother and the shackles of wrists supports, and those carpal-tunnel free folks who say they have seen ergonomics programs work. |
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Plenty of People Dig the World of Concrete
Word is that the 2009 World of Concrete had a rock solid, ahem, attendance of over 75,000 attendees. Held in Las Vegas (home to plenty of concrete slabs called “Casinos”) this tradeshow is the next big thing for safety folks–both suppliers and distributors. Lab Safety, Orr Safety, Hagemeyer and the like were all there. Who else attends the World of Concrete? Anyone that uses, makes, molds, pumps, fills, slabs, rebars, drills into concrete, etc. That's lots of folks, a “Who's Who” of Safety Suppliers. When was the last time you were at a show with nearly 80,000 attendees? And they say their attendance is down this year. Plan on attending next year from February 2-5. |
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Expect more from this tireless cartoon reporter (sleep is difficult considering I wasn’t drawn with eyelids) in the weeks to come. We at The Panda Post are here to keep you (semi) informed. |
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