FEBRUARY 3, 2021
Gearing Up
2021
Non-manufacturers that want to support MAM members and Missouri manufacturing can connect through event sponsorship and/or one of the MAM Network Partnership programs.
We offer a variety of partnership opportunity levels for both businesses and institutions of education.
Interested in becoming a Partner? Email us to learn about our various partnership options.
Contact us at Info@mamstrong.org
Exclusive Benefits to MAM Members from our Partners
A Partner is a defined as a business who does not qualify as a manufacturer but provides services or products that will benefit our manufacturing Members.
Each Partner company is thoroughly vetted and researched to ensure we are collaborating with a recognized expert in their field and trusted resource.
A key factor is they must align with Missouri Association of Manufacturer’s mission: To Promote, Preserve and Advance manufacturing in Missouri.
Non-manufacturers that want to support MAM members and Missouri manufacturing can connect through event sponsorship and/or one of the MAM Network Partnership programs.
We offer a variety of partnership opportunity levels for both businesses and institutions of education.
Interested in becoming a Partner? Email us to learn about our various partnership options.
Contact us at Info@mamstrong.org
Exclusive Benefits to MAM Members from our Partners
A Partner is a defined as a business who does not qualify as a manufacturer but provides services or products that will benefit our manufacturing Members.
Each Partner company is thoroughly vetted and researched to ensure we are collaborating with a recognized expert in their field and trusted resource.
A key factor is they must align with Missouri Association of Manufacturer’s mission: To Promote, Preserve and Advance manufacturing in Missouri.
We make lighting products that create ambiance, save energy and install easily, but we deliver much more than that.
Williams makes A Visible Difference.
Patriot Medical Devices brings jobs to Cape Girardeau
Oct. 22, 2020
Patriot Medical Devices brings jobs to Cape Girardeau
Oct. 22, 2020
The Voice of Missouri Manufacturers.
To stay informed on the latest Missouri manufacturing news, events, resources and more, join our email list.
SAFETY &
ENVIRONMENTAL
In 2023, OSHA sponsored the ‘Beat the Heat’ communications contest to raise awareness of the dangers and hazards of heat exposure in both indoor and outdoor workplaces. This year, OSHA is sponsoring the ‘Beat the Heat’ photo contest. This photo contest challenges stakeholders to capture an image of how to work safely in the heat and share it with OSHA.
The goal of the photo contest is to highlight and showcase the effective strategies that stakeholders are using to protect workers from the heat. OSHA wants stakeholders to see heat safety in action and be encouraged to adopt similar practices. There are many types of images that would be appropriate for this contest.
To learn more, visit the OSHA Beat the Heat contest webpage.
Types of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Grants for Businesses and How to Apply for Them
Micki Vandeloo, Lakeview Consulting
With a national focus on clean energy and zero emission initiatives, it is not surprising that the number of sources of grants for renewable energy and energy efficiency grants has dramatically increased at the state and federal level. However, there are also some long-standing programs to help fund manufacturing renewable energy and energy efficiency investments. Here are some examples of the variety of grants to support these projects by funding source and be sure to subscribe to the Manufacturing Grants Database to see all grant opportunities at the state and federal level! Utility Company Incentive Programs Many states provide funding to large utilities to incentivize energy efficiency projects undertaken by manufacturers. Many manufacturers don’t know this funding is available and don’t take advantage of it. Examples: Ameren Illinois and Missouri Business Energy Savings Programs – Industrial customers can access incentives for LED lighting, HVAC, compressed air, motor controls, refrigeration and more. Duke Energy’s Smart Saver Rebates and Incentives (North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and Florida) – This utility incentivizes lighting upgrades, HVAC projects, industrial equipment purchases and provides custom incentive funding for larger projects that combine a variety of energy efficiency investments. State Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy Programs While some state agencies, such as those in California, have had long-standing programs to help manufacturers purchase and install energy efficiency/renewable energy, many more states have now gotten on this bandwagon to meet aggressive emission reduction policies. Examples: Kentucky New Ventures Fund – The Kentucky New Energy Venture Fund (KNEV) supports the development and commercialization of alternative fuel and renewable energy products, processes, and services in Kentucky. Arkansas Level 2 EVSE Rebate Program – The Level 2 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Reimbursement Rebate Program provides rebates for the installation of Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations and is open to government, private, and non-profit entities across the state on a “first-come, first-serve” basis. Hawaii Diesel Replacement Rebate (DRR) – The Diesel Replacement Rebate (DRR) program provides rebates for the replacement of medium- and heavy-duty diesel vehicles with new, battery-electric equivalents. Federal Energy Efficiency/Renewable Energy Programs As has been heavily publicized, the federal government has invested billions of dollars into reducing carbon emissions and installing energy efficient and renewable energy equipment, particularly for industrial facilities, which are some of the biggest sources of carbon emissions. USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) – The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Grants were increased from $250,000 to $500,000 for renewable energy systems this year. To find out if your facility qualifies for USDA funding, go to the USDA Eligibility Map and follow the prompts to go to the REAP program funding under Business Programs. Industrial Decarbonization and Emissions Reduction Demonstration-to-Deployment Funding Opportunity Announcement DE-FOA-0002936 – This program funds industrial decarbonization approaches to promote widespread technology adoption and incentivize low and net-zero carbon manufacturing. Concept papers are due 4/21/23. Now that you know about the sources of funding, how do you best access these grants? Here are some tips for those interested in applying for funding. Read the funding documents/websites carefully. Make sure you are eligible to apply for funding and that your project qualifies. Make sure to read any Requests for Proposal or Funding Opportunity Announcement documents carefully. If you are interested in USDA funding, first make sure your plant is in a qualified area. Provide enough “runway” to apply for and receive notification of funding prior to purchase of equipment or vehicles. If you plan to purchase any renewable energy or energy efficient equipment or vehicles, make sure you apply for the funding well in advance of the purchase to allow time for the funder to make its decision on award. With the exception of rebate programs, you will not be able to get funding to support equipment you have already purchased. Utilize the resources available to help you with applications. Many utility companies have Business Advisors that help manufacturers navigate the application process. You can contact them directly through the utility website. In addition, local USDA offices and government funding agencies have knowledgeable staff that can help you figure out if funding is right for your project.
Etched or engraved compliance and safety plates are crucial markers of compliance to regulatory standards and safety protocols in a wide variety of industries. Safety plates can communicate essential information about how to effectively and safely operate dangerous or complex equipment; by customizing their plates with specific details such as serial numbers, safety warnings, calibration dates, and more, manufacturers can better protect their employees, contractors, and customers. At Etched, we have decades of experience creating custom compliance and safety plates for industries around the world. In this buyer’s guide, we’ve assembled all the information you may need to know before ordering. What are common applications of compliance and safety plates? Compliance and safety plates are especially heavily used in the hearth and home industry, where they may serve as lighting instruction plates, log placement tags, and more. Specifically, you may need custom compliance and safety plates to facilitate the installation of: Fireplace inserts: Compliance plates can provide information about installation requirements, fuel type compatibility, and maintenance schedules, ensuring safe and efficient operation while minimizing the risk of fire hazards. Wood stoves: Safety plates communicate clearance distances from combustible materials, proper installation procedures, and emissions compliance. Gas appliances: Custom plates are especially important on gas fireplaces or gas logs to indicate adherence to regulatory standards for gas safety, including proper venting, gas line connections, and carbon monoxide emissions limits. Electrical panels: Safety plates can specify load capacities, voltage ratings, and proper wiring practices, reducing the risk of electrical fires or shocks in residential settings. Why are compliance and safety plates important? For complex or dangerous equipment, custom plates are essential to communicate operating and installation instructions. There are many regulations governing the warnings that must be communicated to installers and/or the end user of a product, so durable and legible compliance and safety plates can help manufacturers protect themselves from liability. What regulations govern the use of compliance and safety plates? Etched or engraved compliance and safety plates can help ensure compliance with ANSI safety guidelines and OSHA regulations. For the hearth and home industry specifically, custom plates can communicate a product’s CSA, ETL, and UL certifications. Material options for compliance and safety plates At Etched, we specialize in manufacturing compliance and safety plates using a diverse range of materials, each tailored to specific industry and environmental needs. Stainless steel Renowned for their resilience, stainless steel compliance plates excel in environments prone to corrosion and wear. Whether installed in coastal areas or exposed to frequent movement, stainless steel ensures durability and sustained readability. We offer stainless steel in thicknesses ranging from 0.018” to 0.125”, with options for both 316 and 304 grades. Additionally, we offer two finish options: the sleek #4 finish for a glossy appearance or the matte #2B finish. Aluminum Ideal for industries where weight is critical, such as aerospace and transportation, aluminum compliance plates offer durability with reduced mass. Though not as corrosion-resistant as stainless steel, aluminum plates remain robust for indoor applications or environments with moderate conditions. Our aluminum plates are available in thicknesses from 0.012” to 0.125”, with other thicknesses offered upon request. Anodized aluminum Anodized aluminum compliance plates undergo a protective coating process, bolstering their resistance against abrasion and corrosion. Combining the lightweight properties of aluminum with enhanced durability, these plates suit both indoor and outdoor applications. Clients can select from a spectrum of color options to align with branding or specific application needs, including clear, black, blue, green, red, or yellow. Plastic Optimized for indoor use where extreme conditions aren’t a concern, plastic compliance plates offer high contrast and legibility. While less rugged than metal alternatives, they compensate with flexibility in design and color options, ensuring visibility and adherence to safety protocols. Process options for compliance and safety plates Screen printing Offering a cost-effective solution for indoor applications, screen printing creates sharp and distinct images on compliance and safety plates. While this method is not as durable as engraving or etching, it is often suitable for compliance and safety plates, which are usually installed indoors or in sheltered environments. Chemical etching Our chemical etching process meticulously engraves precise and enduring markings onto stainless steel, aluminum, or anodized aluminum plates. Known for its exceptional resistance to abrasion, this method ensures sustained legibility throughout the lifespan of the plate. Metalphoto processing Metalphoto processing encapsulates UV-stable images within anodized aluminum, offering unparalleled durability and resistance to chemicals, abrasion, and environmental factors. This method is highly sought after in industries requiring long-lasting, clear markings on their compliance and safety plates. Laser engraving Our state-of-the-art fiber and CO2 lasers create durable markings on a diverse array of materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, anodized aluminum, and plastic. While fiber lasers guarantee depth and durability, CO2 lasers excel in creating true black marks, providing versatility in meeting compliance and safety plate requirements. Rotary engraving Renowned for its precision and repeatability, rotary engraving is an optimal choice for high-volume orders of compliance and safety plates. Using an engraving bit, we meticulously cut grooves averaging between 0.003 to 0.007 inches into the material, which can then be filled with paint for enhanced contrast and legibility. What is the most common material and process type for compliance and safety plates? Since most compliance and safety plates are installed indoors and don’t have to withstand harsh industrial environments, many customers find that screen printing on a thin aluminum substrate is the best and most cost-effective option for their plates. How to select a compliance and safety plate supplier To ensure you’re partnering with a compliance and safety plate manufacturer that will meet your needs, consider the following factors: Do they have maximum or minimum order quantities you’ll have to abide by? What is their lead time for compliance and safety plates? If you have an urgent need, will they be able to accommodate you? Are their substrate materials high-quality and long-lasting? Is the ordering and reordering process simple and seamless? Are their plates manufactured in the United States or abroad? How many years of experience do they have with your preferred process type?
2023 Missouri Workers' Compensation Injury Statistics
The Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) reported 92 fatalities for 2023:
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16 were in the Manufacturing industry, the most by any industry, followed by 15 in the Transportation & Warehousing industry
16 Fatalities in the Manufacturing industry in 2023
Approximately 90,000 workplace injuries were reported to DWC for 2023:
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Manufacturing had the second most injury incidents
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Most Injuries occurred to 20-29 year olds.
FREE - Pollution Prevention Project/Assessments
for Missouri Manufacturers
We will be scheduling several additional Information Sessions in the future for those who missed past opportunities.
Have questions?
Contact Doug Neidigh (417) 836-8729
Helpful Articles
Updated OSHA Technical Manual: Noise Chapter
OSHA has published an updated OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) Noise Chapter. Changes include:
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Revised information on evaluating noise exposures during extended work shifts.
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New, brief sections with awareness-level information on workplace hazard analyses, training, and hearing conservation programs.
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Updated information on noise equipment in use by the agency.
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Updated information on how/where to obtain noise inspection data.
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Updated guidance on performing optional age-adjustment for audiograms.
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Appendixes revised to clarify technical information and reflect current capabilities and procedures.
On-Site Safety & Health Consultation Program
A confidential, no-charge service to assist small employers throughout the state of Missouri in reducing injuries and illnesses without penalty.
Fire Prevention Plan
This plan helps reduce the likelihood of a fire through basic fire prevention techniques. This sample Fire Prevention Plan is provided by the Missouri On-Site Safety and Health Consultation Program.
Hazard Communication Plan
This sample Hazard Communication Program provides a template and can be modified to reflect individual policies and procedures.
Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan
This sample Bloodborne Pathogens program is in order to comply with OSHA’s standard, 29 CFR 1910.1030. This written program must be site specific.
Emergency Action Plan
To comply with OSHA’s standard for Emergency Action Plans, 29 CFR 1910.38, this written program must be site specific and can be modified to reflect individual policies and procedures.
Missouri State Energy Planning (MoSEP) Process Initiatives
This document summarizes the initiative ideas gathered by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (department) during the Round 1 and Round 2 meetings of MoSEP Process Cycle 1. It provides an overview of the reasoning used by the department for identifying initiatives that can be addressed during Cycle 1.
Upcoming Training Courses
First Aid/CPR/AED Training
October 17, 2024
Having someone at your worksite that can deliver First Aid quickly and effectively can be life-saving. Mid-America Safety & Environmental, LLC trainers are experts in occupational first aid and cpr training. Our program follows the guidelines set forth by the National Safety Council and the American Red Cross and is updated frequently to continue to meet their guidelines.
Not all First Aid-CPR programs meet the comprehensive requirements of the OSHA First Aid Standard 1910.151, Mid-America Safety & Environmental does and beyond. We have years of experience training in several types of industry’s and can customize our program to meet most needs.
Confined Space -
Entry
October 25, 2024
This confined space training course presents an overview of the OSHA Confined Spaces regulations as they relate to competent entrants and attendants. It covers basic concepts and a general overview of the regulations, including proper methods and rules that authorized entrants and attendants must follow before, during, and after confined space entry.
OSHA's Top 10 most frequently
cited workplace safety standards for 2023
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Fall Protection - General Requirements (1926.501): 7,271 violations
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Hazard Communication (1910.1200): 3,213 violations
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Ladders (1926.1053): 2,978 violations
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Scaffolding (1926.451): 2,859 violations
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Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178): 2,561 violations
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Lockout/Tagout (1910.147): 2,554 violations
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Respiratory Protection (1910.134): 2,481 violations
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Fall Protection—Training Requirements (1926.503): 2,112 violations
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Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment—Eye and Face Protection (1926.102): 2,074 violations
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Machine Guarding (1910.212): 1,644 violations