'Bling-Bling' Definitely a Printing No-No --Cagle

SINCE WE do not cover international printing events, the following item did not appear on our news pages this month. But we seem to have hit another patch of fatal, machinery-related incidents. 

The most recent accident happened in Australia, where an 18-year-old man was dragged head-first into a box printing machine in mid-February. It took 45 minutes to extricate the worker, who died later that day at a hospital.

A spokesperson with that country’s workplace safety governing body confirmed that the victim’s clothing was caught in the rotating parts of the equipment, which dragged him into it.

While one would never quantify a level of loss, it breaks your heart to know the victim was little more than a boy, with his whole life in front of him. And though the thought of a safety review can be a real pain in the butt, you should schedule them periodically throughout the year, just to make sure everyone’s on the right page. 

During recent plant tours, I’ve noticed younger people wearing jewelry to work. Some wear necklaces and other dangling accessories, despite their close proximity to machines with rotating parts. Talk about tempting fate...it shouldn’t be allowed, period.

In fact, employees shouldn’t be bringing anything more expensive than a Quizno’s sub to work. Liability resulting from a horrific accident is one thing (while quite a long shot), but when employees come to work sporting bling, it’s an open invitation to loss or theft.

You have enough to worry about without opening the liability can of worms. Tell managers to send home anyone wearing jewelry beyond wedding rings. Long hair should be pinned up, or in a net. The long-term peace of mind will be worth the temporary grumbling.

BUT RETIRE TO WHERE?: The Tampa Bay Business Journal is reporting that Lakeland, FL, Mayor Buddy Fletcher will not seek re-election when his term runs out at the end of 2009. Fletcher, who is also president of Fletcher Printing, has served as the mayor of the 89,000-resident town since 1993.

Fletcher reportedly chose to announce his decision early in order to allow prospective candidates a chance to run without facing an incumbent mayor. In a release, Mayor Fletcher pointed to accomplishments such as stimulating economic growth, upgrading neighborhoods, beautification projects and park initiatives to enhance Lakeland’s appearance, according to the Journal.

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