OCTOBER 2022
MONTHLY
NEWSLETTER
TABLE OF CONTENTS RECRUITMENT
PAGE 3 SAFETY UPDATE
PAGE 6 BIRTHDAYS PAGE 10
PSU CAR WRAP
GOLD AWARD
PAGE 4
PAGE 5
FLU SEASON FACTS
CUSTOM THREADS
PAGE 8
PAGE 9
EMPLOYEE SHOUTOUT & ANNIVERSARIES PAGE 11
HALLOWEEN PAGE 12
ANNOUNCEMENTS
November 28: Christmas Parade
Keep an eye out for an email outlining specifics if you would like to walk in the parade!
Awards
CDL was awarded the Gold Level award for their efforts to make working and breastfeeding easier for employees (page 4)
We’d Love to Get
YOUR FEEDBACK
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Submit feedback and stories for consideration to
N ewsletter @ cdl - electric . com or M arketing @ cdl - electric . com
RECRUITMENT HR has been to 5 career fairs since August, and have at least 3 more scheduled. They have talked with schools like WSU Tech, Heartland Welding Institute, Missouri Welding Institute, Pitt State, and Fort Scott Community College’s CTec in Pittsburg to try and find ways to help each other by helping their students. From these visits CDL has been invited to multiple career fairs in the near and distant future. For some schools, HR is in the process of setting up internships/work-study programs to help train the upcoming tradespeople and potentially keep a few good ones too! Over the past few months, our total open jobs started at around 50 and have dropped to lower than 30 open positions left due to these efforts. Although we all still need more hands, I think we are at a great point to continue moving forward and focus our energy into building relationships with the schools and organizations around the area!
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Contact: Brenda Bandy Phone: (785) 477-4666 Email: bbandy@ksbreastfeeding.org CDL Group of Companies awarded for efforts to make working and breastfeeding easier for employees Pittsburg, KS, October 26, 2022 – The CDL Group of Companies has received the Gold Level “Breastfeeding Employees Support Award” from the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition and its Business Case for Breastfeeding program. The award is based on proven and established standards to benefit employers and employees. It recognizes businesses that provide support services to their breastfeeding employees, to include education as well as the time and space for employees to nurse and/or pump breastmilk at their workplace. The award, the top ranking of three sponsored by the Coalition, was presented by Brenda Bandy, Executive Director of the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition. According to Bandy, the CDL Group of Companies received the award for achieving a high level of support to their employees as outlined in the Coalition’s criteria. She said they provide a “gold level” pumping room, allow flexible time to pump, and have a written policy of breastfeeding support. Pointing out that many breastfeeding mothers abandon breastfeeding when they return to work because they lack the support and appropriate facilities at their place of employment, Bandy said, “We want to help change that unfortunate situation”. She cited research showing that adequate support for breastfeeding employees benefits businesses through savings in health care expenses, reduced turnover rates, lower absenteeism, and increased employee loyalty. Employers that have established support services for breastfeeding employees have reported a $3 for $1 return on investment plus realizing a more productive working environment. “Many Kansas employers recognize the benefits of supporting their breastfeeding employees. We want to shine the spotlight on as many employers as we can for doing their part to make returning to work while breastfeeding easier in hopes that will encourage more businesses to follow suit,” says Stephanne Rupnicki, Chair of the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition Board of Directors. Businesses that provide support services for their breastfeeding employees can be considered for a “Breastfeeding Employees Support Award” at the bronze, silver and gold levels. Applications are available at http://www.kansasbusinesscase.com/for_employers/employer_awards . The Business Case for Breastfeeding is a program to assist employers in developing or enhancing support services for their breastfeeding employees. The Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition is a non-profit 501(c) 3 with the mission of working collaboratively to promote and protect breastfeeding in order to improve the health of Kansas families. If you’d like more information about this topic, or would like to schedule an interview with Brenda Bandy, call (785) 477-4666 or email bbandy@ksbreastfeeding.org .
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PSU CAR WRAP With the help of the automotive program at PSU, Renato Pinto in CDL’s sign division was able to show off his car wrapping skills to PSU students during their career fair. Students were able to come in, watch and ask questions while this was happening. Since Renato graduated from Pitt, he was able to talk about his expirence going through the program and putting his skills to work. He explained to students that Pitt gives students hireable skills that companies like CDL are looking for. He also talked about the easiest and most challenging parts of wrapping while laying vinyl on the vehicle. CDL’s sign division director Chad Johnston, graduated from PSU also. Chad also shared his experience going through the program, along with explaining everything the CDL sign division does other than wrapping cars.
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Fire Extinguishers … Let’s Clear Out The Smoke! The different types of fire extinguishers are uniquely specialized to fight different types of fires. It’s important to know which type of fire extinguisher to use in different situations, as well as the hazards associated with using each type. For example, silver fire extinguishers are also known as wet chemical fire extinguishers and are for use on grease fires, meaning you will usually find them in a kitchen. Whichever type of extinguisher you use, remember to be sure to follow the safety rules and stay safe! This safety talk explores everything you need to know about the variety of extinguishers available. • Between 2011 and 2015, U.S. fire departments attended an average of 37,910 fires at industrial or manufacturing properties each year. They estimated that annual losses from these fires comprised 16 civilian deaths, 273 civilian injuries, and $1.2 billion worth of property damage. • The types of fire can be classified into five categories, which are A-B-C-D-K. • The silver fire extinguisher has been designed to tackle Class K fires. It uses a wet chemical agent that will help make sure commercial kitchen fires go out and do not reignite.
Fire defense is self-defense. Why is it important to know the different types of fire extinguishers? Fire extinguishers installed in buildings will not increase fire safety if the occupants aren’t properly trained to use them. It is important that employees receive the appropriate training in fire extinguishers for their specific building and which fires require which extinguisher. A training program that is effective should go beyond the basics of operating a fire extinguisher. It should help trainees feel more confident in identifying fire sources within buildings and make informed decisions about how to handle fire situations. Trainees must be aware that different fire types require different extinguishers. The wrong extinguisher could cause the fire to grow rather than extinguish it. The OSHA regulations relating to the types of fire extinguishers are: 1926.150 – Fire protection 1910.157 – Portable fire extinguishers
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Hazards of using the wrong types of fire extinguisher:
•Ineffective results- There are many types of fires. Each fire class has a different fire extinguisher. The wrong kind of fire extinguisher for a particular type of fire can lead to frustration and ineffectiveness. Water fire extinguishers work well for wood and paper-fueled flames. However, they are not suitable for oil-fueled fires. Because oil and water are not compatible, the extinguisher won’t work and will not suppress the flames. You need silver fire extinguishers for this task. •The situation is worse- You could end up further igniting the fire rather than suppressing it. You will see the fire grow larger and more dangerous and spread to other areas. •Property damage- Consider spaces that contain high-value electronic and electrical equipment, such as computer rooms or server centers. Because of the possibility of short-circuiting, fire extinguishers can cause serious damage to these components. In addition, using dry powder and wet chemical fire extinguishers in this setting will leave residue on both the electronic and electrical components. The residue can cause corrosion and lead to costly damage. •Risk to life- You and others are at risk if you attempt to extinguish an electric fire using a water-based fire extinguisher. Water is highly conductive and can lead to electrocution. Foam extinguishers can also be dangerous because of their chemical composition. This is especially true for small spaces that don’t have enough ventilation.
Different types of fires
Class A: Ordinary solid fuels like paper, wood, cloth, and some plastics. Class B: Flammable liquids like alcohol, ether, and oil. These liquids can be extinguished best by smothering. Class C: Wiring, electrical equipment and appliances that are protected from electric shock injury by using a nonconductive extinguishing material. Use water sparingly. Class D: Some flammable metallic substances like sodium and potassium.
Fire Extinguishers
Types A, ABC, BC, or K are the most common types of fire extinguishers. This is to ensure that you do not cause injury to yourself or property damage. An incorrect type of extinguisher can cause an explosion, electrical shock, or spread fire. Although portable extinguishers can be used to put out small fires, they are not able to do the same for large fires. To contain the flames, close all doors.
Types Of Fire Extinguishers
Type A – Only use pressurized water for Class A fires. Use only on Class A or B fires. It can cause fire spread and electrical shock. Type ABC – Dry chemical that is effective on all types of fires Type BC – Carbon dioxide for chemical or electric fires Type K: Use in kitchens with grease fires. These are silver fire extinguishers. Follow the PASS acronym to use a fire extinguisher: Pull – Pull the extinguisher’s pin. Aim – Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire. Squeeze – Squeeze the trigger to release the product. Sweep – Sweep the nozzle sideways slowly. Injuries and illnesses related to fire • Thermal burns from direct contact with a heated surface • Electrical burns from wiring or machinery • Explosion injuries from combustible materials reacting to fire • Smoke inhalation causing lung damage
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7 FACTS ABOUT THE FLU 1
Flu season is between October and May The flu is contagious before symptoms start
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It takes up to two weeks for the flu vaccine to work Flu symptoms can start abruptly
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The flu is contagious before symptoms start
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A new flu vaccine is suggested for every year
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You can still get the flu after a vaccination
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On Thursday October 20th, 29 people were given a free flu shot by the community health center of SEK at the CDL cooperate office. If you still are wanting to get your flu shot, you can book an appointment on-line with the community health center at https://chcsek.org/flu-vaccination-form/
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NOW ANNOUNCING
CUSTOM THREADS APPAREL PROGRAM We are very excited to announce the CDL Electric Apparel Program is back! CDL Electric has partnered with Custom Threads to bring you high quality apparel for both our field and office workers. Starting January 2023 each new employee will receive a New Hire Packet, which includes 3 standard screen printed short sleeved t-shirts. If the new hire is local, they will receive their New Hire Packet at Orientation. If the new hire is remote, the program administrator will ship their New Hire Packet when their other assets are shipped. Starting in January 2023, any employee here 6 months or longer, is eligible to purchase our basic short sleeved screen-printed tee’s at 50% off. These tee’s must be purchased through the program administrator via payroll deduction. There will be a form available thru UKG to facilitate this order, and this form will launch with the program in January 2023. In January following your year anniversary each employee will receive a $100 e-gift card to spend in our company branded Custom Threads shop. Each year following, you will receive a $100 e-gift card the first week of January. Regardless of anniversary date, your dollars will be awarded the first week of January, there will be no exceptions. Each e-gift card will expire December 31st of the year it was issued. Left over dollars not spent in that year will be forfeited. Starting now, everyone can place an order from the Custom Threads store using their own money! https://corporate.customthreads.shop/pages/cdl-group
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BIRTHDAYS 1 Chad Johnston 2 Alek Bauder 3 Rex Terry, Parker Wydick 4 Kegan Leftwich 5 Brandon Hare 7 Kristi Lavery, Richard Westberry 9 John Garcia, William Masoner 10 Roy Gray, Juan Pena, Joseph Slatter 12 Teryl Barnow, Christopher Brinkman, Shawn Smith 13 David Jones, Jerry Rushing, Todd Shrewsbury 15 Joshua Young 16 Jonathan Hercules, Jacob Powell 18 Brock Ellis 19 Michael McLeod, Leon Powers, Lee Schneider 20 David Major 21 Jannine Kraus, Larry Seward, Steve Smith 22 Douglas Salyers 25 Nathan Martinez 26 Sandra Ellis 28 Jessica Sager 30 Christopher Foster, Haley Holt 31 Christopher Boeckman, Joel Paholke, Parker Winder
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EMPLOYEE SHOUTOUT
Jessica Sager
Director of Communications
Jessica Sager is from Humboldt, Ks. Jessica has been at CDL for a little over 8 years now. She hasn’t found anything to be too difficult at CDL, but her favorite part about working here is definitely working with each community and the people over the years. Outside of work, she likes to fish, hike, gardening and spending time with my family & friends. Her dream vacation would be to travel to Cabo. Julia Roberts is her hands down favorite actress and she would love to meet her. She has lived in several different states before the age of 10. Her advise for everyone is that “life is short, live it!!”
ANNIVERSARIES 1 Year: Sidney Eads, Kegan Leftwich, Dakota Chell, Keith Johnson, Cody Mein, Christopher Dowd, David Erickson, Braden Bowman, Christopher Cooper 2 Years: Timothy Johnson, Brad Antle, Nolan Rife, Aaron Gore, Gary Williams 3 Years: Julie Hamblin, William McCorkle, Ryan Sims 4 Years: Jason Zwahlen, Brenton Pippin, Janie Terry 5 Years: Lloyd Brandy, Renato Pinto, Jason Sohosky, Regionald Biggs 6 Years: Jimmy Bryson 9 Years: Jacquelyne Pierce 10 Years: Dale Bean, David Major, Kirk Conroy 12 Years: John Alartosky 18 Years: Michael Ramsey 26 Years: Arthur Bledsoe, Gus Boyles
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H A P P Y H A L LO W E E N
F RO M C D L & S O M E M I N I C D L E M P LO Y E E S
ON HALLOWEEN DAY, THE CDL KIDS CAME INTO THE OFFICE TO SHOW OFF THEIR CUTE AND SPOOKY HALLOWEEN COSTUMES...AND OF COURSE GET SOME CANDY.
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