Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/842358
8 PalletCentral • May-June 2017 palletcentral.com INSIDE NWPCA N W P C A A N N O U N C E M E N T S A N D U P C O M I N G E V E N T S NWPCA "Year of Safety" T he NWPCA has dedicated 2017 as the "Year of Safety." As an organization that has demonstrated a commitment to safety over the years, and with new initiatives underway, it only seemed fitting to highlight our focus on this critical issue that greatly affects our industry. Earlier this year, we kicked-off our "Year of Safety" with an OSHA webinar on the new walking-working surfaces and fall protection requirements. Currently in development is a fire code compliance manual. Expected to be released later this summer, the manual was developed with fire code experts to ensure industry meets its commitment to broaden the application of best practices around fire prevention, fire mitigation, and fire safety of first responders and our members. A regional safety meeting will be held August 3 in Chicago, Illinois. Look for more details and register at PalletCentral.com. Also new to palletcentral.com is the "Year of Safety" tab on the homepage. This new section includes safety material and will grow to provide information relevant to the wooden packaging industry, as well as progress and updates on the outdoor pallet storage fire code. You'll be able to refer to previous published safety and OSHA-related news articles as well as links to governmental regulatory sites. So stay tuned — you'll be hearing more from us on safety. NWPCA August Safety Day Event O n Thursday, August 3, 2017, NWPCA will host a regional safety meeting at the Four Points Chicago O'Hare hotel. To coincide with the NWPCA "Year of Safety," the full day educational event will include guest safety experts Adele Abrams, OSHA safety consultant for NWPCA; William Koffel, fire safety consultant for NWPCA; and a representative from the Industrial Truck Association. In addition to presentations and roundtable discussions, there will be a safety expert panel discussion. We are currently compiling a list of questions, situations and case studies, and would like to hear from members. Please send questions, ideas or scenarios for the panel to Dr. Brad Gething at bgething@palletcentral.com for consideration. NWPCA Takes a "Walk in the Woods" with NAFP I n May, the North American Forest Partnership (NAFP) launched "Walk in the Woods," a communications program to engage the public in conversation about forests, the future of forests, and the social, economic and environmental benefits they create. The NWPCA is a proud partner of the NAFP which includes approximately 110 members who represent all segments of the forest sector and who are united by a shared ethic of forest stewardship. The program provides straight answers to the public's questions about our diverse roles as responsible, innovative stewards of North America's many different forests. To learn more about 'Walk in the Woods,' follow them on Facebook and Twitter, and become part of the conversation by sharing your story. NWPCA Fly-In A s this issue went to print, NWPCA staff was gearing up for the Congressional Fly-In June 19-21 in Washington, DC. The program includes meetings with congressional leaders, government agencies, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the Capitol Building. If you were unable to attend, follow along on social media using the hashtag #NWPCAflyin. Industry Survey O n May 22, a survey conducted by the Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design at Virginia Tech, in partnership with the NWPCA, was mailed to members to collect data about the use of wood and other pallet industry information. The survey will add to previous bodies of research to help identify historical trends that are occurring. Survey results will allow companies to compare themselves to the general pallet industry, including regionally, and to help benchmark organizations for strategic decision-making. Those who complete the survey will have immediate access to the aggregated results upon publication. Survey responses are confidential. Only trends in data, such as total wood usage, will be released. No data from specific companies will be reported. Direct any inquiries to Dr. Brad Gething at bgething@palletcentral.com.