In today's business landscape, prioritizing safety in the workplace is paramount. Too often, we witness unfortunate incidents stemming from negligence, whether it's mishandling chemicals or unsafe ladder use. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 5,283 workplace fatalities in 2023, a 3.7% decrease from the previous year. Non-fatal work-related injuries and illnesses also dropped by 8.4% to 2.6 million cases. Despite some progress, we cannot rest on our laurels. One way to boost safety awareness is through National Safety Month. Workplace Safety Has Evolved Over the past five decades, workplace safety has significantly evolved since the enactment of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) in 1970. However, advancements in technology have required businesses to adapt and improve their safety practices. In 1996, the National Safety Council (NSC) launched National Safety Month to raise awareness and reduce preventable work-related illnesses, injuries, and fatalities. Held in June, the event aligns with a seasonal rise in heat-related incidents (e.g., heat stress) and construction-related roadway hazards. National Safety Month's Focus Areas Each National Safety Month, the National Safety Council highlights key safety topics to promote awareness and prevention. For 2025, the weekly themes include: Week 1: Continuous Improvement Week 2: Employee Engagement Week 3: Roadway Safety Week 4: Wellbeing By addressing these themes, organizations can proactively tackle common safety concerns to create a safer work environment. Empire Group’s Commitment to Safety At Empire Group, safety stands as our top priority. We've implemented numerous processes and systems to ensure a methodical, controlled, and comprehensive approach to every project across our affiliated companies. This includes personal protective equipment for each team member, equipment training, and rigorous safety protocols designed to minimize risk and ensure compliance with industry standards. Through our affiliate Elk Environmental Services, you’ll find over 40 health and safety training courses led by experienced OSHA-authorized outreach trainers. They can customize trainings to meet your company’s specific needs, such as scheduling a training for second shift or conducting a training at a venue of your choice. Also, Elk’s safety team conducts safety audits and job hazard analyses to proactively identify and address potential issues before they become incidents. Workplace safety is a shared responsibility that demands continuous effort and accountability. National Safety Month serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety in all facets of work. By actively engaging with the designated themes and investing in comprehensive training, organizations can cultivate a culture that protects employees and fosters productivity.

Industrial and manufacturing operations rely on clean, functional storage tanks to run safely, efficiently, and in compliance with environmental regulations. Elk Environmental Services, one of our affiliates, understands the high stakes involved—and they are ready to help facilities across the Mid-Atlantic region manage those risks before they become costly problems. From preventing equipment damage to ensuring regulatory compliance, here’s why proactive tank cleaning is essential for your facility’s long-term success. Keep Your Facility Running: Reduce Downtime with Routine Tank Cleaning Over time, storage tanks naturally accumulate sludge, sediment, and debris—especially in high-demand industrial environments. Left unchecked, this buildup: Restricts flow rates Reduces storage capacity Increases wear on pumps and processing systems Causes unplanned shutdowns and equipment failures Routine tank cleaning services from Elk Environmental helps keep your tanks operating at peak performance. Elk’s trained crews ensure that tanks are free from blockages and buildup, enabling more accurate inspections and helping you spot potential issues before they escalate. By minimizing the risk of emergency repairs, they help clients avoid production delays and lost revenue. Regulatory Compliance Starts with Clean Tanks Storage tanks often contain regulated materials such as chemicals, fuels, or wastewater. Even trace residues left in a tank can result in: Hazardous chemical reactions Fires or spills Environmental contamination Penalties from the EPA, OSHA, and state agencies like the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) Elk Environmental helps you stay compliant with storage tank cleaning services that meet or exceed federal and state standards. Their confined space entry (CSE) trained crews follow OSHA 29 CFR 1910.120 guidelines and offer CSE rescue support for clients and contractors alike. Extend the Life of Your Storage Tanks Tanks are a major capital investment, and regular cleaning is essential to preserving their lifespan. The materials stored inside—especially corrosive substances—can lead to: Interior wall corrosion Pitting and structural degradation Premature tank failure By removing harmful residues on a routine basis, Elk Environmental helps industrial clients extend the functional life of their tanks and reduce long-term costs. Clean tanks also help improve energy efficiency, since pumps can move liquids with less resistance—saving money on utilities and system maintenance. Elk Environmental’s Full-Service Tank Cleaning Solutions What sets Elk apart is their comprehensive, turnkey approach. From initial assessment to disposal and documentation, they manage every step of the storage tank maintenance process: Vacuum truck services Sludge removal and disposal Tank closure and decommissioning Soil remediation (if needed) Regulatory reporting and documentation Whether you’re maintaining an active tank or planning a permanent closure, Elk ensures full compliance and peace of mind. As a PADEP -certified AMR and UMR contractor, they are listed in the Pennsylvania Registry of Storage Tank Certified Companies. In today’s competitive industrial landscape, proactive tank maintenance isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Don’t wait for a leak, shutdown, or inspection failure to realize the importance of proactive tank cleaning. Contact Elk Environmental Services to learn more about their storage tank management services. Ask about their brand-new Powervac 5300 Wet & Dry vactor!

Every May, National Electrical Safety Month serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preventing electrical hazards in the workplace. Sponsored by the Electrical Safety Foundation International ( ESFI ), this annual campaign focuses on educating employers and workers about the steps they can take to avoid electrical-related injuries, fatalities, and property damage. Why Electrical Safety Matters More Than Ever Electrical hazards are a serious threat across industries. Each year, the United States sees approximately 4,000 workplace electrical accidents , resulting in more than $1 million in financial losses for employers. These incidents are not only costly—they're often preventable. Understanding the dangers of electricity and implementing safety protocols is critical to reducing risks on the job. Whether you're in construction, manufacturing, healthcare, or an office setting, electrical safety should be a top priority. Spotlight for 2025: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety This year’s National Electrical Safety Month theme focuses on the safe use and handling of lithium-ion batteries—a technology now widely used in: Power tools Mobile and wearable devices Medical equipment Electric vehicles While convenient and powerful, lithium-ion batteries can ignite or explode if damaged, overcharged, or improperly disposed of. Proper storage, usage, and recycling practices are essential to avoid workplace fires and injuries. Instead of putting them in the your household trash can, you should take them to a household hazardous waste collection event or a recycling center. Three Simple Ways to Prevent Electrical Injuries at Work Keeping your team safe starts with awareness—and the right precautions. Here are three key safety practices every workplace should follow: Use Grounded Outlets and Surge Protectors Avoid overloading outlets and ensure all electrical equipment is plugged into grounded power sources. Inspect and Handle Power Cords with Care Never press, twist, or stretch cords. Damaged cords are a leading cause of electrical fires and injuries. De-Energize Equipment During Maintenance Always follow lockout/tagout procedures to ensure equipment is safe to handle before maintenance or repair work begins. Compliance Training That Saves Lives Elk Environmental Services , part of the Empire Group, is your trusted partner in creating a safe, compliant work environment. Elk’s experienced OSHA-authorized outreach trainers provide comprehensive training programs, including: Electrical Safety Training NFPA 70E Compliance Programs Let us help your company meet safety standards and reduce risk across the board. Contact Ed Clemas or Jamie Caron today at elktraining@esreading.com to explore Elk’s safety training options and keep your workforce protected and in full compliance.

We’ve had the pleasure of supporting several exciting Empire Group affiliate projects recently, each one a testament to our commitment to helping clients achieve their goals. From milestone celebrations to innovative learning space transformations, these initiatives showcase the diverse and meaningful impact of our work. Here’s a look at some of the standout moments we've been proud to be a part of.

Spring is here—and with it comes the hum of construction equipment, the scent of fresh soil, and the flurry of activity that signals the start of construction season. But before you break ground, there's one essential step that could save lives, protect infrastructure, and prevent costly damage: safe digging. Each April, the Common Ground Alliance designates National Safe Digging Month, a nationwide campaign launched in 2007 to raise awareness about the importance of underground utility safety. As temperatures rise and outdoor projects ramp up, now is the perfect time to spotlight the invisible network beneath our feet. Why Safe Digging Matters More Than Ever Did you know that the U.S. is home to over 20 million miles of underground utilities? That’s enough to circle the Earth more than 800 times. Hidden below our feet are power lines, pipelines, telecommunications cables, water mains, and sewer systems—all essential to daily life and public safety. However, their invisibility is precisely what makes them so vulnerable. Each year, more than 400,000 utility strikes occur in the U.S., posing serious risks to public safety, causing service outages, and racking up billions in repair and legal costs. One Call Can Save Lives: Call 8-1-1 Before You Dig Whether you're a homeowner planting a tree or a utility contractor preparing to install primary wire for streetlamps, calling 8-1-1 before you dig is not just smart—it's the law in many states. This free service connects you to local utility companies who will mark the location of buried lines so you can dig safely and confidently. By taking a few simple steps—planning your dig, calling 8-1-1, and waiting for utilities to be marked—you’re helping protect your team, your project timeline, and your community. Don’t Cut Corners, Cut Risk National Safe Digging Month serves as a timely reminder that knowledge is power and prevention is key. As you gear up for spring construction projects, make safety your foundation. Take the time to understand what lies beneath, follow safe digging practices, and always call before you dig. We can help you stay safe! Elk Environmental Services , one of our affiliates, offers a variety of safety training courses. Their OSHA-authorized outreach trainers can help you and your team stay safe and avoid utility damage with our OSHA 10- and 30-hour construction trainings and trenching and excavation training. Contact Jamie Caron today at jamiec@elkenv.com for more information.

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 celebrating an anniversary to transforming learning spaces, there have been a variety of projects and events. Let’s take a look at a few of them.

When it comes to construction, maintenance, or even household tasks, ladders are an essential tool. However, improper use of a ladder can result in serious injuries, fatalities, and property damage. Ladders come in various shapes and sizes, making it tempting to use the same ladder for multiple purposes. But without proper education and safety awareness, accidents can happen. That’s why National Ladder Safety Month, observed every March, plays a crucial role in reducing ladder-related accidents. What is National Ladder Safety Month? National Ladder Safety Month is a campaign organized by the American Ladder Institute (ALI), aimed at raising awareness about the importance of ladder safety. The initiative strives to reduce the number of ladder-related injuries and fatalities through education, resources, and safety guidelines. Whether at home, work, or on construction sites, this month educates individuals on following proper ladder safety practices to prevent accidents. This year, ALI will focus on training and awareness; inspection and maintenance; stabilizations, set-up and accessories; and safe climbing and positioning. Why Ladder Safety Matters Did you know that over 680,000 people worldwide die each year from falls? In the United States alone, more than 160,000 individuals end up in emergency rooms due to ladder-related injuries annually. These statistics are staggering, and the majority of ladder accidents occur due to human error or negligence. From construction workers to DIY enthusiasts, ladder safety should be a top priority for everyone. Common Causes of Ladder Accidents Ladder accidents are often preventable with the right safety precautions. Here are some of the most common causes of ladder-related injuries: Incorrect Ladder Choice : Using the wrong ladder for the task at hand is one of the most common mistakes. Whether it’s the wrong height, type, or weight capacity, choosing the right ladder is crucial to safety. Poor Ladder Setup : A ladder that isn’t placed on stable, level ground or set at the proper angle can easily become unstable and cause a fall. Overreaching : Stretching too far while on a ladder can destabilize it, increasing the risk of a fall. Always ensure your body remains within the ladder's frame to maintain stability. Ignoring Weight Limits : Exceeding the ladder’s weight capacity can cause it to collapse. Always check the weight rating and ensure that it is sufficient for both you and any tools you may be carrying. Neglecting Safety Precautions : Failing to use additional safety gear, such as stabilizers or harnesses, may seem like a time-saver but can significantly increase the risk of injury. The Importance of Ladder Safety Training To prevent accidents and ensure compliance with safety regulations, ladder safety training is essential. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), ladder safety is governed by Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.23 . This regulation sets the standards for ladder use in various environments, including workplaces, construction sites, and other industrial settings. Having proper training is vital not only to comply with OSHA regulations but also to protect workers from avoidable accidents. Empire Group’s safety team, through its affiliate Elk Environmental Services , offers ladder safety training programs designed to meet these standards. Their courses cover topics such as: Ladder Safety Awareness for Construction Stairways and Ladders for Construction Ladder Safety for General Industry These programs are led by experienced OSHA Outreach Trainers Ed Clemas and Jamie Caron , ensuring that you receive the latest safety practices and guidelines. Elk Environmental Services offers over 40 safety training programs (in-person and online), many of which provide certifications and, in some cases, Continuing Education Units (CEUs). Ladder safety is crucial for preventing accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Whether you're working in construction, maintenance, or even around the house, understanding the proper use of ladders and taking part in National Ladder Safety Month can help prevent unnecessary harm. Make sure you’re choosing the right ladder, setting it up correctly, and following essential safety precautions.

With the start of a new year, businesses reflect on the success they had in the last 12 months. They also take the time to appreciate their customers. At Empire Group, we truly appreciate our customers, and the variety of projects awarded to our affiliates. Below are some project highlights from last year.