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Posted: Thursday, July 23rd, 2009
Category: OSHA and Safety

These days, so many people and companies are concerned with their impact on the environment, because the damage done in the past decade is finally catching up with us. So many companies are doing so much to offer green products and processes that it’s really catching on quickly. Now, a new company has entered the ranks: already earth-friendly Starbucks has decided to work with their businesses and create ways to make them more environmentally friendly. They plan to change everything that they can in order to have the best impact possible. The new store designs are slated to be more able to blend-in with their surroundings, and be built using local materials and workers to get the job done.

Not only that, but the focus is going to be on coffee, and they’re going to do everything that they can to get rid of ‘unnecessary distractions’, according to an article in the Miami Herald. Like many other businesses out there, Starbucks realizes the environmental impacts of consumerism and wants to do their part to make a little less of an impact on the world. They’re pursuing a variety of environmental goals, and plans to only have recyclable or reusable cups and options for recycling waste in all of their stores by 2015.

Sooner goals include being LEED certified with all new stores by 2010, to use renewable energy for 50% of their supply, and make the stores 25% more energy efficient. All this fixing and improving is certainly making some noise for this company known so well for their expensive coffees and luxurious and contemporary shops found on street corners around the world. All company operated stores will have these things implemented into them. Since the company is corporate owned, most of the stores are company-operated in the U.S., which means big eco-friendly gestures courtesy of Starbucks.

Blending isn’t just going to refer to their drinks anymore. Starbucks is determined to do a better job of blending in with communities that they put businesses into and blending in with the environment so that they don’t use as many resources as they have been, or could be in the future. This is big news for one of the most popular coffee chains in the world, but is just another win for the environment in the big race to be eco-friendly around the world. For now, small improvements are better than nothing, which is what most people and companies start with, and the environment doesn’t mind. Anything is better than nothing.

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Posted: Thursday, July 23rd, 2009
Category: OSHA and Safety

Everyone is looking to go green and do their part to help the environment. However, there is much more to be found than just changing your own personal life for those who are truly committed to the success of the environment. For starters, imagine being able to have a career of helping the environment in a variety of different ways, and knowing that you have done something good at the end of the day. Does this sound like a good idea to you? Then environmental sciences careers are waiting for you! There are many different types of environmental careers to choose from, and each one is yours for the taking.

Environmental sciences careers come in three major areas: environmental health, water and waste management, and environmental business. Choosing the exact area that you want to work in will be a decision that you have to make on your own, but you can make it knowing that no matter what you choose, you’ll be making a difference. If you or someone you know is passionate about helping the world to become a better place, this career might just be what you’ve been looking for. The U.S. EPA is in charge of making sure that the environment is clean, protected, and safe for people to utilize and reside in, and as an employee with any company you will have some affiliation with this department.

There are a variety of places that you can start. You can get training and education for a specific position, you can find programs that offer apprenticeship and hands on experience, and you can even find entry-level jobs that will let you start right out of high school. There is so much to choose from that you can definitely find your fit without a problem.

There are many different courses that you’ll need to take depending on the environmental sciences job that you choose. You can work in the U.S. or Canada with a variety of agencies that have information about the educational requirements and compensation, including projection of future jobs and salaries for the industry. Some people will make less in this field because they have less training, but if you become a professional level worker in the industry, you can earn upwards of $20 per hour or more for doing what you love: taking care of your planet. What’s better than having a job that you love and being compensated well for it, after all?

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Posted: Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009
Category: OSHA and Safety

The OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Act) was signed into law in 1970, and requires all employers and employees to follow a strict set of rules which brings safety and wellbeing to the forefront of the workplace. If a business is being investigated by OSHA, there are definitely some preparations that need to take place. The act allows OSHA to conduct inspections whenever they need to in order to ensure that employers are following rules and complying with various standards that have been set forth. Since there are 111 million workplaces covered by the act and counting, there is no way to inspect them all. Therefore, there is a system in place to determine which facilities need inspected first.

If you’re going to be subject to an OSHA inspection, you will generally have less than 24 hours to plan for that inspection. Therefore, you need to make sure that you take the time to do everything necessary to keep your workplace in full compliance at all times. Many things can be done last minute, but regulatory training and information cannot be done overnight. Maintain all of your records, including all forms, and ensure that hazard communication programs are posted in a place where they can be seen by everyone, as ordered by OSHA requirements. You also need to monitor the changing laws so that you can keep your employees properly trained, informed, and educated about OSHA requirements and guidelines.

You need to have a health and safety coordinator, and offer incentives and disciplinary actions for employees in order to ensure that the guidelines are properly followed. You should also know the statistics in your particular industry or company, including injuries and deaths, as well as illnesses that are caused in the workplace or as a result of working conditions.

By taking the time to be prepared, you can greatly reduce your chances of being cited for violations by OSHA when they show up to inspect your business or industry. Make sure that you are fully prepared and that all employees are aware of the procedures and plans that they should be following so that nothing goes wrong during the visit, either. You are required to let an OSHA compliance officer into your workplace at any time that they choose to arrive within reasonable limits and under reasonable conditions, as mandated by the law. Fortunately, if you’re following compliance including updates and new innovations, you should have nothing to fear when it comes time for your inspection.

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Posted: Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009
Category: OSHA and Safety

When a company receives an OSHA citation after an accident or a death, it’s not exactly welcome news. It’s nice to be made aware of the cause of the situation, but it certainly isn’t great to hear that the accident could have been prevented if OSHA guidelines were followed. Recently, a business in Nebraska was fined $7,000 for an accident that killed a 24-year-old employee back in March of this year. The store, a Menards chain located in Scottsbluff, had violated safety standards to a fatal point and the problems have been remedied since the incident occurred.

What kind of world do we live in where someone has to die before unsafe conditions are taken care of and fixed to create a safe environment for all? Of course, the stack of garden bundles that fell on the employee was not actually an intended safety violation, but more a matter of gravity and unplanned accidents. No criminal penalties are being sought, but the stack was leaning as seen by OSHA compliance representative that visited the site to investigate. They assessed the maximum penalty, and simply left it at that.

Having unsafe working conditions can be dangerous, but when something like an aisle stack is to blame for the death of a worker, it’s hard to wonder where you are safe and where you aren’t. This news comes from the Chicago Tribune, and is just one of many unsettling stories of compliance violations and workplace deaths that you can find by simply typing ‘OSHA’ into the Google news search engine. OSHA compliance is critical for a company to remain in proper order, but is more critical to the safety and protection of the employees that work within a company.

Even though the problems at this particular situation have been taken care of, how long will it take for the victim’s family to get over the fact that he could have avoided the accident if things were done properly, or checked upon before becoming an issue? What will they think of the store, and the OSHA compliance guidelines that could have saved their loved one’s life? It’s a hard situation to be in, because sometimes accidents just happen. However, with proper OSHA training and compliance and a little common sense, most of them can be avoided. This is just one example that proves that if you’re ever in an unsafe situation, you need to make sure that you do something about it no matter how insignificant it seems.

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Posted: Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009
Category: Insurance Training

It can be an ongoing challenge to find qualified positions and places to work when it comes to today’s economy. Even when you are the most qualified person in the industry, it might prove to be quite a challenge to figure out what you need to do and be able to do it in an effective manner. Take the time to check out all of the different options that you have, and then make the most of them by figuring out which ones best suit your needs. Here are some more tips for finding insurance jobs in today’s economy:

-Network, network, network. Knowing other agents and agencies is critical. When you know people, you’re far more likely to find the jobs that you want than if you didn’t know anyone at all. You can often find jobs better this way because you don’t have to wait until you see them advertised, if they’re advertised at all.

-Don’t settle for just the classifieds. Send your resume out to companies that don’t have ads in the paper. In times like these, many companies will attempt to cut costs by not advertising openings as much and you can find a lot of jobs that you wouldn’t otherwise if you just start sending out resumes.

-Don’t sell yourself short. If you think you can’t get a job, you probably won’t. Even if you need more training or certification, find a company that can work with you to get the things that you need. This is the best way to make the most of your insurance career. Often, companies are more willing to help in this area than you might realize.

-Use local resources to help. Job fairs and seminars offered by your public library, local community colleges, and more are great places to find your next job. Make sure that you utilize these resources because that’s what they’re there for.

Keep these tips in mind and you should have an easier time finding insurance jobs, despite the current economy. Since insurance is required by law in most states, you can always guarantee that there will be work out there. Finding it is just a matter of figuring out your options and making the most of them. Don’t worry about finding the perfect job, because sometimes the jobs that you find will turn out to be more perfect than you originally thought.

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Posted: Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009
Category: Insurance Training

Joining the ranks of 14 other states, Texas is now going to offer a new program to insured drivers that don’t mind a watchful eye keeping tabs on their driving, making insurance more affordable in one of the most expensive states for insurance. The new program, offered by Progressive, works by placing a wireless device into the vehicle that’s about the size of a pack of cigarettes. This device monitors driving habits and activities over a six-month period, and then rates are adjusted as needed. The device measures the time of day that the car is driven, how far it is driven, and the starting and stopping capabilities of the driver.

Progressive offers this program to all of its customers in limited states around the country, and it has proven to be very effective. For drivers who can’t do more than say that they are good drivers, it’s a way for them to get credit where credit is due. It makes much more sense to charge people insurance rates based on their driving skills and abilities rather than their credit rating and age. Most drivers that join this plan will save an average of 10% to 15% on their insurance premiums, as estimated by Progressive.

Bad drivers should steer clear of this program, because it can raise rates just as well as it can lower them. It’s a good option for some drivers, but some just won’t find it beneficial to their needs. Anyone considering this option for their insurance needs to make honest efforts to drive carefully and safely to ensure that they are able to maximize the discounts and not be slammed with an increase because they drive poorly. The program started in 2008 in Alabama, and has done quite well for itself since then, now being made available in 15 states across the nation.

The company checks for things like driving after midnight, which can be dangerous, and even hard braking or stopping suddenly, because this means that you’re not as careful or attentive when you’re driving. There is a $5 fee each month to have the device, but you can save up to ten times that if you’re truly a good driver. There is still a policy rate set according to old methods of calculation, but this is eliminated and discounted after the device is installed. There is even an online monitoring program to help people see where they need improvements. As far as insurance goes, this is a great innovation for good drivers who want to prove they deserve better rates, and can be helpful in a state like Texas where insurance rates are top-dollar in most cases.
ining the ranks of 14 other states, Texas is now going to offer a new program to insured drivers that don’t mind a watchful eye keeping tabs on their driving, making insurance more affordable in one of the most expensive states for insurance. The new program, offered by Progressive, works by placing a wireless device into the vehicle that’s about the size of a pack of cigarettes. This device monitors driving habits and activities over a six-month period, and then rates are adjusted as needed. The device measures the time of day that the car is driven, how far it is driven, and the starting and stopping capabilities of the driver.

Progressive offers this program to all of its customers in limited states around the country, and it has proven to be very effective. For drivers who can’t do more than say that they are good drivers, it’s a way for them to get credit where credit is due. It makes much more sense to charge people insurance rates based on their driving skills and abilities rather than their credit rating and age. Most drivers that join this plan will save an average of 10% to 15% on their insurance premiums, as estimated by Progressive.

Bad drivers should steer clear of this program, because it can raise rates just as well as it can lower them. It’s a good option for some drivers, but some just won’t find it beneficial to their needs. Anyone considering this option for their insurance needs to make honest efforts to drive carefully and safely to ensure that they are able to maximize the discounts and not be slammed with an increase because they drive poorly. The program started in 2008 in Alabama, and has done quite well for itself since then, now being made available in 15 states across the nation.

The company checks for things like driving after midnight, which can be dangerous, and even hard braking or stopping suddenly, because this means that you’re not as careful or attentive when you’re driving. There is a $5 fee each month to have the device, but you can save up to ten times that if you’re truly a good driver. There is still a policy rate set according to old methods of calculation, but this is eliminated and discounted after the device is installed. There is even an online monitoring program to help people see where they need improvements. As far as insurance goes, this is a great innovation for good drivers who want to prove they deserve better rates, and can be helpful in a state like Texas where insurance rates are top-dollar in most cases.

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Posted: Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009
Category: Alcohol & Food Safety

Food service managers are the ones that handle the daily operations of a food service provider or restaurant, making sure that everyone is doing their job to provide the best service to all customers, at all times. They also have to ensure that customers are satisfied, take care of ordering supplies and food, and also making sure that the place is maintained and taken care of to the standards required by the local health department in each different area. Managers will generally be in charge of hiring and firing as well, which sometimes makes the positions less than desirable to some. If you think this is the job for you, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Food service management requires you to be in charge. If you’re the type of person that has to be everyone’s best friend, management probably isn’t the right position for you. You need to accept that you won’t always be liked and that you may be responsible for disciplining and firing people when needed. If you can’t handle that responsibility, you might be better off in a different position.

You will likely work more than 60 hours per week, depending on the job that you find. These demanding hours will also be unpredictable, and you have to be flexible so that you can work through anything and be available whenever you are needed.

You can find a variety of food service management jobs, including everything from cafeterias and dining rooms in hospitals, hotels and similar locations to specific restaurant jobs at family restaurants and even five-star locations. The choice of where you want to work is yours. The bigger the job, the more responsibilities you will have, though, so keep that in mind.

Some companies require food service managers to get training and degrees from higher education programs. You’ll need to see what is required in your place of work, or figure out whether you need training to even find a job. If you do have an education, you can earn higher pay and faster promotions because you don’t have to be trained as much.

These are just a few things that you should know about a food service management career. If this is the path that you choose, you can definitely ensure that you’ll find a variety of different places that you can work. If you’re not sure of what you want, this is at least something that you can consider in your career decisions.

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Posted: Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009
Category: Alcohol & Food Safety

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the USDA has announced recently that it will be a co-host to a conference that is being hosted in early 2010. The purpose is education, and the topic is ‘Advancements in Food Safety Education: Trends, Tools, and Technologies.’ This is part of an ongoing attempt to protect people from food-borne illness as much as possible. The seminar will provide a forum for the USDA to be able to share the latest news and information on food safety, as well as offering ideas for general improvements in safety and food service industries.

Having a big seminar like this is definitely going to make a big impact on the food service industry in many different ways. The USDA is partnering with NSF International to host this event, and they will offer information and ideas for everyone interested in food safety with a special emphasis on health professionals and healthcare providers. Educators, professionals within the industry, trade associations, and consumer groups will also benefit from this seminar, which is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to learn the latest tips and tricks about food safety.

Food safety is a very important public health issue that affects the whole population, and the President feels that it needs to be addressed as such. Their goal is to make bigger and better strides to keep people safe and healthy. The point of the seminar is to encourage this by informing professionals and the general public about the tools and food safety technology that is available today, which can allow consumers to be empowered with all of the knowledge that they could possibly need. The seminar that is being put on by the USDA and NSF International will discuss communication trends, tools, and technology that helps to improve consumer contact and their overall behavior and awareness as it relates to food safety.

There are a variety of forums and topics planned for this event, and everyone is welcome because learning about food safety is serious business that many people take for granted. You can find more information about the event at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Atlanta2010. There, you can find a full lineup of presentations and seminars, as well as a complete list of sponsors and information on how you can sign up yourself or sign your employees up to attend the program. If you’ve ever wanted to visit a large public forum on food safety, there has never been a better time than now.

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Posted: Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009
Category: Industrial Skills

When you work in the industrial field, you’ve got a great variety of things to take care of in your job. You likely work long hours doing hard work, and are compensated well. Depending on the particular department or niche that you work in, your salary will vary compared to others in different markets. If you’re looking to increase your odds of getting hired or getting promoted, you need to take all the training courses that you can and keep your CE credits up to date. One of the best ways to do this is through online courses, which have many advantages.

1. Online courses allow for industrial skills training on YOUR time. You can take the courses when you’re able and don’t have to meet someone else’s schedule. You’ll be able to learn everything that you need to know with little effort because you can do it at your own pace and on your own time.

2. Industrial skills courses online are more affordable than traditional classroom courses. You can get better deals on training and establish a rapport with the programs that you choose so that you can return for continuing education and be treated well on a personal level by a company who values your education as much as you do.

3. Industrial online training is varied. You can find just about any course you could ever want or need online, including specialty courses and things that you can’t find anywhere else. With the variety of courses and programs, and you’ll be able to do whatever you want with your training.

Industrial skills courses that you find online offer everything that you’d find in a traditional classroom, but without the hassle of going to the classes or fitting them in your schedule. Plus, they’re more affordable and easier to find. There is no limit to the benefits that you can get from online industrial skills courses, and when you want to get better job choices or improve your position within your current job, they’re a great asset to have on your side.

Training and education is always the predecessor to promotions and climbing the career ladder. The internet has now made that easier than ever through online courses that you can find to improve your skills, both for your career and for your own peace of mind and wellbeing. Take the time to check out online training and CE courses for the industrial field today.

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Posted: Wednesday, July 22nd, 2009
Category: Industrial Skills

The U.S. is experiencing a recession like never before. We might not be rationing food like they did during the great depression, but we’re certainly not making millions like many other countries are. There is already so much job loss going on, and with foreign countries improving their industrial skills there is no doubt that more job loss will soon follow because of the affordability and accessibility of outsourcing industrial jobs. It’s nice to think that companies would want to save their own workers but they really need to focus on saving their business, which means cutting costs, which eventually leads to outsourcing.

What is the country going to do in order to bounce back from this terrible recession if all the jobs are being sent overseas? With countries like India offering short-term training with 100% employment guarantees, the U.S. can’t compete right now. Companies are trying to stay strong and employees are trying to keep their jobs, but it’s hard when the competition is so steep. There is certainly nothing wrong with outsourcing jobs, but some of them have to stay here so that people have places to work. Otherwise, we’ll have a country that goes down the drain for good because there are no jobs, which means there is no spending, which means that everyone is broke, out of work, and creating more chaos for the economy.

This might be a bit drastic, but it is seriously a consideration that people need to think about when it comes to finding jobs and figuring out how to get the economy back on its feet. While Americans are sitting around waiting for things to get better, other countries are making things happen and putting themselves in a position to get the jobs that once were given to Americans because they can do the same high quality work for pennies on the dollar because of the going exchange rate.

When it comes to outsourcing, there is nothing wrong with getting help where you need it. However, if industrial skills are being acquired by other countries with the intent of guaranteeing 100% employment, that work has to come from somewhere. If the country doesn’t pick itself back up soon, many companies will be giving away their livelihood to someone who can handle it, rather than waiting for their own country to help them out. It’s a tough world to live in, but there really isn’t much that anyone can do.

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