'Bling-Bling' Definitely a Printing No-No --Cagle
Bits and Pieces SINCE WE do not cover international printing events, the following item did not appear on our news pages this month. But we seem to have hit another patch of fatal, machinery-related incidents.
The most recent accident happened in Australia, where an 18-year-old man was dragged head-first into a box printing machine in mid-February. It took 45 minutes to extricate the worker, who died later that day at a hospital.
A spokesperson with that country’s workplace safety governing body confirmed that the victim’s clothing was caught in the rotating parts of the equipment, which dragged him into it.
While one would never quantify a level of loss, it breaks your heart to know the victim was little more than a boy, with his whole life in front of him. And though the thought of a safety review can be a real pain in the butt, you should schedule them periodically throughout the year, just to make sure everyone’s on the right page.
During recent plant tours, I’ve noticed younger people wearing jewelry to work. Some wear necklaces and other dangling accessories, despite their close proximity to machines with rotating parts. Talk about tempting fate...it shouldn’t be allowed, period.
In fact, employees shouldn’t be bringing anything more expensive than a Quizno’s sub to work. Liability resulting from a horrific accident is one thing (while quite a long shot), but when employees come to work sporting bling, it’s an open invitation to loss or theft.
You have enough to worry about without opening the liability can of worms. Tell managers to send home anyone wearing jewelry beyond wedding rings. Long hair should be pinned up, or in a net. The long-term peace of mind will be worth the temporary grumbling.
BUT RETIRE TO WHERE?: The Tampa Bay Business Journal is reporting that Lakeland, FL, Mayor Buddy Fletcher will not seek re-election when his term runs out at the end of 2009. Fletcher, who is also president of Fletcher Printing, has served as the mayor of the 89,000-resident town since 1993.
Fletcher reportedly chose to announce his decision early in order to allow prospective candidates a chance to run without facing an incumbent mayor. In a release, Mayor Fletcher pointed to accomplishments such as stimulating economic growth, upgrading neighborhoods, beautification projects and park initiatives to enhance Lakeland’s appearance, according to the Journal.
BUY MY PIC, PLEASE: The U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) has printed the official photos of President Obama and Vice President Biden. These pictures will be hung in more than 7,000 federal installations managed by the General Service Administration (GSA). In all, GPO will produce more than 130,000 photographs, which are also being made available to the public to own.
For more information or to order these photos, visit bookstore.gpo.gov/collections/inaugural-2009.jsp. Depending upon your viewpoint, they’ll either make for a lovely gift or a super new dartboard cover.
Incidentally, this is the first time the White House has taken the president’s picture digitally. Obama’s photo is printed on paper containing recycled content and -fiber from a managed forest.
TAKE MY COAT, PLEASE: OK, so the holiday season is long past and everyone is back to obsessing over the economy on a full-time basis. But, we’re still cleaning out the “warm-n-fuzzies” files from last Thanksgiving and Christmas.
A quick salute goes out to Modern International Graphics (MIGI) of Eastlake, OH, for its annual Thanksgiving donation drive. Each year, the company selects a different charity to benefit with its fundraising efforts. The 2008 recipient of MIGI’s generosity was Coats 4 Kids, which received more than $1,000 that was used to purchase new coats at $15 apiece.
MIGI mailed out a personalized promotion to its customers, business associates and friends, which encouraged recipients to log onto a personalized URL created by MIGI. For every visitor to these URLs, MIGI made a $5 donation to Coats 4 Kids. In all, the organization was able to buy new coats for 76 needy children. Nice job.
MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR: Here in Philadelphia, the city is giddy with the anticipation of its beloved Phillies repeating as World Series champions. For me, it’s the Cincinnati Reds, while columnist Harris DeWese is a Braves fan. No matter your allegiance, sit back and enjoy the start of the 2009 baseball season. As far as distractions go, few are better. PI
—Erik Cagle
