Week of 2 April 2018: Safety is a joke

Nip Impressions reported 117 stories last year covering fires, fatalities and mayhem in our pulp and paper mills in the United States (mostly) but also around the world. You can see the chronicle of this sad state of affairs in the Risks: Fires, Fatalities and Catastrophes in 2017 column on PaperMoney. This year has started off at about the same pace--as of 20 March 2018, we have recorded more than 25 stories on this topic.

Yes, it is Safety Month here at Paperitalo Publications and time to emphasize this topic once again. We emphasize it every week at the end of this column, but this month we have the opportunity to dive a little deeper.

I'll predict this situation will get worse before it gets better. There are three reasons for this.

First, boards of directors often pay only lip service to safety issues. They see safety issues in dollars and cents (which they should), but not in human terms (which they must, if they want to make a difference). Now, safety reminders are words on a page, numbers in a spreadsheet. We congratulate facilities that set safety records with cheap flashlights, ball caps and jackets --$15 each when bought in bulk--we hide behind the lawyers when it comes to the serious stuff.

Often complicit in these matters are the investment analysts. When I have talked to them about such matters. They, too, immediately distill them to dollars and cents, too. The eight-year-old that grows up without a dad or mom; the family that was doing well financially and who finds itself in penury two years after an accident because the life insurance ran out or disability insurance did not keep up with the needs--when these people are having real struggles, the corporations and the analysts have already relegated them to the history books. Off the books, no longer a liability; everyone, but the surviving family members, moves on.

Jim Thompson is back again...with a new book on a taboo subject: the personalities in the pulp & paper industry. Jim has written in the past on many subjects based on his four plus decades in the worldwide pulp and paper industry. This new book is packed full of information valuable to the senior member of the industry as well as the recent entrant. A must for every pulp and paper library.

Second, we are welcoming literally thousands of new employees to our industry. The retiree gap is here and from the lowest hourly position to top salaried positions, new people are coming into our mills. They don't have the experience to know where the dangers are. Yes, you'll give them safety training, but there is nothing like getting a little burn, a little laceration to help a person appreciate how dangerous working in a mill can be (not that I wish to promote self-flagellation!). Yes, we who are experienced all have dings and scrapes that remind us of safety. My left thumb lost 1/8 of an inch (slightly over 3mm) of its length to a table saw a few years ago. I am conscious of this stupid accident every minute of every day.

The third reason is also laid at the feet of the young people in the industry. Youth are filled with ideas of immortality. They think they can't get hurt--that is what happens to someone else. This attitude is as dangerous as any other issue we have in the safety arena. If you are in charged of safety training, you should spend time on safety attitude.

So, safety is a financial issue, but it is an emotional, family, and--dare I say--spiritual, issue, too. We must do better. In the United States OSHA (the Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is nearly fifty years old.

* We are looking for a Production Shift Team Leader to maintain high standards, plus ensure safety policies and regulations for a company located close to Chicago's Midway Airport. If you are experienced team leader who has a four-year degree in an engineering/technical field (paper science degree preferred, and experience in recycled linerboard or corrugating medium paper mills is a plus), we are looking for someone like you! If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* A family owned and operated corrugated packaging solutions company in Illinois is looking for an experienced Maintenance Technician to maintain production and quality by ensuring operation of machinery and mechanical equipment. Relocation and other perks are available to the right candidate who is committed to working third shift. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* Are you an experienced Maintenance Mechanic and would like to work for a family owned and operated corrugated packaging solutions company that invests in the best equipment and technology? If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* A leading company in the corrugated solutions packaging business is looking for a experienced Electrician. The right candidate will possess the following skills: electrical; hydraulic; automatic drives (basic component machines 122 to 440 bolts). If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* An expanding company is looking for a Corporate Industrial Electro-Mechanical Engineer near Allentown, PA. Relocation is available. Do you have a storied list of unique electrical and mechanical engineering skills you're ready to take to the next level? Do you envision yourself in a corporate-level leadership role that your experience finally merits? And do you relish any opportunity to troubleshoot and solve real-time problems, all while designing and installing new services and systems that will not only ensure safety, but also turn a potentially hazardous work environment into a continuously thriving one? If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* An expanding company is looking for hands-on Electro Mechanical Maintenance Techs in Conyers, Georgia. Preference will be given to candidates with higher education and additional certificates or training. You must be able to work any shift. Pay is negotiable with excellent perks and benefits. Relocation assistance is available to the right candidate. If you are interested or would like more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

* We are a large automation company that has a line of consistency transmitters, sample valves and sheet break detectors that are marketed through a rep. network. We are seeking someone with a strong background in consistency control to facilitate start-ups, provide troubleshooting and technical advice. The individual should have experience in all major types of consistency measurement technologies (blade, rotary, microwave and optical). Knowledge of sheet break detection technology is desirable as well. Willingness to travel to paper production facilities across the US is a must. Travel & Living Expenses to be reimbursed along with an agreed upon daily per diem rate. For more information, please contact Jim Thompson at: jthompson@taii.com Ph. 678-206-6010 Cell: 404-822-3412.

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