Empire Group Blogs

May is National Electrical Safety Month, a time to focus on educating both employers and workers about reducing electrical-related injuries, fatalities, and property damage. Established by the Electrical Safety Foundation , this observance aims to raise awareness and promote safety measures that can save lives and prevent costly accidents. Importance of Electrical Safety Each year, there are approximately 4,000 work-related electrical accidents in the United States, resulting in significant financial losses for employers, exceeding $1 million. It's essential to understand the risks associated with electricity and take proactive steps to mitigate them. Focus on Lithium-Ion Battery Safety This year, National Electrical Safety Month emphasizes lithium-ion battery safety . Lithium-ion batteries are commonly used to power portable devices, hospital equipment, vehicles, and power tools. However, if mishandled or improperly recycled, they can pose serious fire hazards. Proper usage and disposal practices are vital to prevent accidents and protect the environment. Did You Know… Seventy percent of workplace electrical fatalities occur in non-electrical occupations. The top two most frequent causes of electrical injuries are contact with power lines and lack of ground-fault protection. A current as low as 16 mA can cause a person to involuntarily remove their hand from an electrical source. Preventing Electrical Workplace Injuries Workers face various risks, including burns, lacerations, and electrocutions, often stemming from old or improperly maintained equipment and failure to follow safety protocols. Implementing the following measures can significantly reduce these risks: Use grounded outlets and surge protectors. Avoid pressing or stretching power cords, which can lead to damage and potential hazards. De-energize equipment and utilize lockout/tagout procedures when performing maintenance or repairs. Partnering for Safety Compliance Elk Environmental Services, an Empire Group affiliate, is dedicated to helping companies maintain compliance and enhance workplace safety through comprehensive training programs , including electrical safety training and NFPA 70E. Contact Ed Clemas or Jamie Caron to discover the training programs that will keep you and your team safe and compliant. By prioritizing electrical safety and implementing proactive measures, we can prevent accidents, protect lives, and safeguard property.

Did you know the idea for Earth Day was created by Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1969? After witnessing the oil spill in Santa Barbara (CA), Nelson became passionate about promoting awareness of air and water pollution. He proposed a teach-in (seminar) at colleges and universities that caught the media's attention. The date April 22nd was chosen since it was a weekday and it fell between spring break and final exams. The idea transformed into the first Earth Day celebration in 1970. Dennis Hayes, an activist at the time, was recruited to be Earth Day's national coordinator for the event. The name "Earth Day" was coined by copywriter Julian Koenig due to its simplicity. Thus, people took to the streets to protest pollution. New York Mayor John Lindsay blocked off part of 5th Avenue to speak at a rally in Union Square. Also that year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created and the Clean Air Act was passed. However, it wasn't until 1990 when Earth Day went global with the help of Dennis Hayes. Today, 192 countries celebrate Earth Day with 1 billion people engaged. People can take part in numerous activities, such as cleanups, rallies and plantings, to do their part. This year's theme is "Planet vs. Plastics." The goal is to persuade businesses, citizens and governments around the world to dramatically reduce their plastic usage. Earthday.org is committed to reducing the use of plastics by demanding a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040. Environmental Companies Do Their Part Environmental services companies also do their part such as Elk Environmental Services (an Empire group company), including: Managing industrial and residual waste to appropriate facilities for treatment, recycling, incineration, and disposal. Remediation and offsite disposal of waste associated with brownfield, superfund, and contaminated properties. As an environmental services company, Elk has served the Mid-Atlantic region for over 30 years. Below are Elk's services that correlate with Earth Day efforts. Waste Management Services Energy Services Health & Safety Training Field Services Storage Tank Management Vacuum Truck Services Lab Packing 24-Hour Emergency Response Contact Elk today to learn what they can do for you next project!

K eeping operations running smoothly! Elk Environmental Services, one of our affiliates, is dedicated to ensuring your company's peak performance with a variety of industrial services. Recently, they tackled a multifaceted project at a roofing manufacturer in Maryland. Below are the highlights from the project.

Despite the dreary weather outside, the spirit of Easter shone brightly within the walls of Empire Group's corporate office on March 23rd. Excitement filled the air as the children and grandchildren of employees eagerly gathered for the annual egg hunt, a cherished tradition within the company. While waiting for the entertainer, the kids decorated foam Easter wreath kits in Empire Group's training room. They had ample space to craft their Easter masterpieces, as the tables generously provided space to accommodate their creativity. The highlight of the event was the return of The Amazing Mr. Q from the Mlanjeni Magical Theater , renowned for his captivating performances rooted in East African artistry. With a blend of puppetry, music, and interactive storytelling, Mr. Q had the kids laughing and dancing throughout his magical showcase. The children eagerly participated as volunteer assistants, adding to the joyous atmosphere. As the show drew to a close, the excitement was building as Mr. Q primed the eager participants for the egg hunt. The children were split into three groups and given specific tasks to find hidden eggs throughout the office. Their quest began with great energy and baskets awaiting discovery. Meanwhile, the Easter bunny made a delightful appearance, spreading joy with candy and hugs. After collecting the eggs, the kids enjoyed juice and cookies. They also enjoyed fruit snacks, goldfish, Ritz crackers, and cupcakes. The kids opened their eggs as Chris Goerner (Empire Group) handed out Rita's gift cards. Even though it was a soggy Saturday, the event ended on a heartwarming note, a testament to the enduring spirit of Easter and the sense of community fostered within the company. Have a Happy Easter from everyone at the Empire Group!

Whether you are in construction or maintenance, improper use of a ladder can lead to injuries, death and even property damage. Ladders come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and it’s tempting to use one ladder for several purposes. However, with proper education, awareness, and safety practices, many of these accidents can be avoided. That's where National Ladder Safety Month comes into play. What is National Ladder Safety Month? Observed every March, National Ladder Safety Month aims to raise awareness about the importance of ladder safety and reduce the number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities. Organized by the American Ladder Institute, this initiative provides resources, tips, and guidelines to promote safe ladder usage in various settings, including workplaces, homes, and construction sites. Common Causes of Ladder Accidents According to the World Health Organization, over 680,000 individuals die from falls globally each year. In the U.S., there are over 160,000 trips to the emergency room to treat injuries sustained from falling off a ladder annually. To avoid injuries or OSHA fines, following ladder safety rules is a must. Many ladder accidents occur due to human error or negligence. Some common causes include: Incorrect ladder choice: Using the wrong type or size of ladder for a task increases the risk of accidents. Poor ladder setup: Failing to properly set up the ladder on stable ground or at the correct angle can lead to falls. Overreaching: Stretching too far while on a ladder destabilizes it and increases the likelihood of falling. Ignoring weight limits: Exceeding a ladder's weight capacity can cause it to collapse. Ignoring safety precautions: Neglecting to use safety gear, such as harnesses or stabilizers, puts individuals at greater risk of injury. Do You Have Ladder Safety Training? Ensuring safety and compliance necessitates ladder safety training. OSHA’s Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.23 , breaks down the application of rules and general requirements for ladder use, covering fixed, portable, and mobile ladder stands and platforms. For comprehensive ladder safety training, turn to Empire Group’s safety team . Elk Environmental Services, an Empire Group affiliate, offers various courses including Ladder Safety Awareness for Construction, Stairways and Ladders for Construction, and Ladder Safety for General Industry. Led by experienced OSHA Outreach Trainers Ed Clemas and Jamie Caron, these programs encompass the latest practices to ensure thorough training. With Elk, you can choose from 40 different training programs, each designed to provide certifications and, in some cases, continuing education units (CEUs). Schedule your ladder safety training with Elk today for peace of mind and compliance assurance.

As we say goodbye to winter, we reflect on some of the exciting Empire Group affiliate projects. We enjoyed helping our customers achieve their goals. From snow plowing to installing an electric line, there have been a variety of projects. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

Happy American Heart Month! We celebrate heart health awareness month in February. This month is even more special since it's the American Heart Association's (AHA) centennial anniversary! Founded in 1924 by six pioneering cardiologists, the AHA's mission has been to combat heart disease through groundbreaking scientific research and to provide top-notch treatment and prevention strategies. These dedicated physicians convened in Chicago to shine a light on the fight against heart disease and to pursue a cure. They held their first scientific meeting the following year, except during World War II, and it's been an annual event since then. This gathering has evolved into the preeminent cardiovascular conference in the United States, attracting world-renowned cardiologists from across the globe. During 1948, the AHA underwent a significant transformation from a professional, scientific society into a national volunteer health organization, and it awarded its first research grant to a Nobel Prize laureate, Dr. Albert Szent-Gyorgyi . The AHA has gone on to fund 14 Nobel Prize winners and grown in size to 35 million volunteers and supporters. The importance of heart health significantly increased when Buffalo Bills Safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on January 2, 2023, after being hit in the chest by Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins. The sudden hit by Higgin's helmet put Hamlin into cardiac arrest ( commotio cordis ). The quick action taken by the medical team and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) saved Hamlin's life. Since the incident, Hamlin has teamed up with the AHA with his Chasing M's Foundation to promote CPR and AED education and training. The program is called a Nation of Lifesavers . If you're unsure about the CPR procedure or how to use an AED, Elk Environmental Services , one of our affiliates, can help! Elk offers comprehensive First Aid/CPR training monthly. Learn the essential CPR basics, including chest compressions and adult CPR, to earn your CPR certification. Schedule your training today by reaching out to Ed Clemas or Jamie Caron and master the life-saving skills of CPR resuscitation.

It's the start of a new year and Elk Environmental Services , one of our affiliates, is ready to handle their customers' environmental needs. We are grateful for their exciting projects and events in the last few months. Let's take a look at few of them.

At the start of the new year, it's a good idea to review your safety plans. One of them should be your emergency preparedness and response plan. OSHA has designated January as Emergency Preparedness Month. Whether the response is to a weather or workplace event, it is vital workers are prepared to protect themselves and to minimize damages.