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As I lambasted company safety records last week, some of you may have been feeling a bit smug. Not to worry, it is your turn this week.
Back in the late 1970s, I owned a little general engineering firm in Missouri. We found a line of work that was interesting. We drew plot plans for railroad accidents to be used in court cases. This was the engineering part. This led to investigating worker's compensation claims for the Illinois Central Gulf Shops in Paducah, Kentucky (which closed in 1986).
We had a trained investigator who had a degree in criminal justice and had been an investigator for the US Marines at their base in Rota, Spain. He was good.
The lawyers for ICG would give him a case and he would go out looking for the person who was claiming a disability. He would engage that person in a conversation, note what the person was doing. One claimant, who was claiming a hearing loss, happened to be working in a shop that repaired chain saws. Our investigator talked to the claimant in a low voice, chain saws buzzing all around. They had no problem having a discussion. Our investigator came back to the office, wrote up his interrogatory, gave it to the lawyers and the hearing loss claim disappeared.
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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.
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There were many cases like this. Back injuries, especially, can be faked.
The message is clear and it is this: while companies may do the bare minimum to get by in their safety efforts (and as I pointed out last week, their track records show that many times even the bare minimum standards fail to be met), dishonest employees can pile on to the costs, too.
While I bemoan the safety net (pun intended) provided by employers is barely adequate, dishonest employees make it difficult to press for more. Most likely fellow employees are the best source of information as to who is really injured and who is not. However, they are understandably reluctant to raise their hands and point out the system cheaters.
Most companies do a good job today of vetting those who have been injured. Immediate drug tests are just one example of the steps taken to keep the system honest. I urge you, if you are injured, to submit cheerfully and willingly to whatever testing your company asks of you.
Safety efforts need to be effective, to be generous for the injured, and to hold cheaters accountable.
Be safe and we will talk next week.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
* 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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