Bloodborne pathogens (germs) are disease causing microorganisms present in human blood and certain other body fluids.  Bloodborne diseases are transmitted when pathogens from infectious body fluids enter the bloodstream through breaks in the skin and mucous membranes. Bloodborne pathogens constitute a hazard because of the effects they can have on employees exposed to these fluids.  Workers exposed to bloodborne pathogens are at risk for serious or life-threatening illnesses.

Due to the severity of bloodborne pathogens, the best way to prevent any blood transmission in the workplace is to follow these safety tips:

• Always wear your personal protective equipment (PPE) in exposure situations.  To protect yourself, it is essential to have a barrier between you and the potentially infectious material.
• Remove PPE that is torn or punctured, or has lost its ability to function as a barrier to bloodborne pathogens.
• Replace PPE that is torn or punctured.
• Remove PPE before leaving the work area.
• Make sure you are up-to-date on all shots
• If you are exposed to bloodborne pathogens, wash the exposed area gently as soon as possible, and remove any clothing that may have been infected.
• If blood touched an opening in your skin (cut, eyes, nose, mouth, etc.), clean the infected area and see a doctor if you think there is a possibility you may have been infected.

For more information about the safety tips and measures we take to protect our fabulous Experi-Metal Inc. employees, please contact us today.

According to Trucking Show, “The Mid-America Trucking Show is more than a tradeshow. It is the annual forum for the heavy-duty trucking industry, providing face-to-face interaction between industry representatives and trucking professionals. Attendees are driven to MATS because they can efficiently research the latest products and services to provide their business with a competitive edge. Exhibitors participate in MATS to effectively introduce new offerings, increase brand awareness, promote products and connect with suppliers, customers, and prospects.”

Experi-Metal is an industry leader in commercial vehicle sheet metal, components and CIW assembly.  We support product development for a number of OEM’s with our expertise in forming and body construction.

EMI makes it a goal to attend industry events throughout the year to continue to grow our skills and knowledge about current trends. We not only meet, but exceed our customer requirements. To learn more about Experi-Metal Inc. and the products we support, please contact us.

Dr. Bence discussed the three primary types of stress as physical, emotional and chemical. Additionally, he shared that to achieve wellness we must identify incoming stress, past stress and reduce and/or eliminate stress. Dr. Bence stressed that the key to adapt to stress is through exercise, rest, nutrition, meditation and yoga and strong and happy relationships.

The guided lunch explained that going to the chiropractor is not just for bad backs. In fact, chiropractors can identify and help patients with multiple issues. Dr. Bence stated that chiropractors can help patients with the following nerve types:

• Cervical, which includes our head, eyes, ears, brain, pituitary gland, neck, thyroid, face, teeth, shoulders, etc.
• Lumbar, which includes out large intestine, small intestine, lower back, sciatic nerve, colon, prostate, bladder, hips, etc.
• Thoracic, which includes our heart, arms, esophagus, lungs, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, kidneys, etc.

At the end of the presentation, Dr. Bence offered EMI employees and their family/friends a wellness testing session at Bence Chiropractic. The testing session includes a wellness evaluation and thermoscan of the spine to check the nervous system for hidden health problems.  This is just another great example of the benefits that Experi-Metal Inc. provides for its employees.  To learn more about Experi-Metal, please visit us at www.experi-metal.com.

But, what is the difference between a strain and sprain? A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, which can be caused due to overstretching a muscle or tendon, and can be the result of a partial or complete tear. On the other hand, a sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament of one or more ligaments. The severity of the injury will depend on the extent of the injury itself, and the number of ligaments involved.

To help avoid excess strain and sprain, proper stretching is required. When stretching, it’s important to know your limitations and to not overstretch any part of the body. If you start to feel tension, don’t push yourself to try and stretch further since this will put you at a higher risk of tearing a muscle. Additionally, if an object it too heavy to lift by yourself and can be broken down into smaller parts, break it down or  ask for help.  Always lift from the knees and never from your back.

All EMI employees are encouraged to work safely and stay healthy. We take pride in our work and look out for the safety of all of our employees. To learn more about Experi-Metal Inc. and our employees, please contact us.

We are pleased to announce that over 30 of our employees signed up, and 24 were able to donate. Since each blood donor can save three lives, Experi-metal was able to help out 72 individuals.

Did you know that more than 38,000 blood donations are needed each day? Have you considered donating? To find out more about eligibility requirements, click here.  If you are eligible, please consider donating your blood to help others.  To find a blood drive near you, visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation.

Weight Watchers is a weight loss program that is based on a points system.  Depending on the member’s height, weight, and age, he/she will be given a point target to hit each day.  EMI was appointed a Weight Watchers representative, and she visits our facility every Monday afternoon to weigh in and counsel each member.  Following the weigh in, she holds a meeting where members can ask questions, share recipes, success stories, etc.

Our team is off to an amazing start! After just two weigh-ins, the 15 members have lost a TOTAL of 117 pounds! We are excited for our team members participating in this program and encourage them every day to stay strong.  EMI believes that improved health and wellness is a goal we can all make strides toward during 2012.

While utilizing any sort of machinery, it’s important to wear the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) in the workplace. At EMI, we stress the importance of wearing the right protection throughout the workplace, including the proper spats, arm covers and face shields in the foundry, weld masks and related weld apparel in our welding areas and proper eye wear including safety glasses with side shields throughout all manufacturing areas.  This policy applies to all employees, contractors and visitors.

PPE helps reduce eye related injuries due to dust, flying wood and metal particles, and chemicals. Without proper eye protection, individuals may be subject to symptoms of an eye injury.  According to the CDC, “Each day about 2000 U.S. workers have a job-related eye injury that requires medical treatment. About one third of the injuries are treated in hospital emergency departments and more than 100 of these injuries result in one or more days of lost work.”  Since we each only have 2 eyes, we need to keep them protected at all times!

EMI’s first and primary CORE VALUE is SAFETY FIRST.  All EMI employees wear the proper PPE and we have experienced very few eye injuries to date. We take pride in our work and look out for the safety of our employees and visitors. To learn more about Experi-Metal Inc. and our employees, please contact us.

Electrocution is seen as a workplace hazard and is the cause of many work related injuries each year, some resulting in death.According to International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI), 13,150 workers were severely injured and 1,213 accidents were fatal due to electrical incidents between 2003 and 2007. EMI takes the extra step to ensure that all of our employees have the proper training and take the proper safety precautions when working with heavy equipment. Additionally, we use top quality tools and equipment that is regularly maintained with stringent preventive maintenance programs.

When working with any form of electrical equipment, here are a few tips to avoid starting an electrical fire:

• Assume all equipment is live
• Avoid touching loose, hanging wires overhead
• Keep liquids away from equipment while working
• Be sure to wear proper safety gloves and eyewear when operating machinery
• Check to make sure all equipment is off when not in use to ensure the safety of other coworkers
• Assure all equipment is properly maintained and repaired
• Avoid wearing highly flammable clothes when working with fire or electricity
• Always be aware of your surroundings
• Use caution when working with or near electricity

At EMI, we take pride in our work and look out for the safety of our employees. To learn more about Experi-Metal and our employees, please contact us.

For more than 34 years, Gleaners Community Food Bank has been “nourishing communities by feeding hungry people.”  Every dollar provides three meals to local soup kitchens, families, shelters and pantries in Southeastern Michigan.

Santa made a special stop to EMI where he did a phenomenal job in helping collect donations to send to Gleaner’s Food Bank!

Together, the employees of EMI donated a total of $2,314.24. EMI matched this donation for a total of $4,628.48.

Additionally, EMI teamed up with Walmart and donated $4,628.48 for a combined total donation of $9,256.96.  This provides an outstanding 27,771 meals for those in need!

Experi-Metal Inc. would like to thank the staff who helped in making the season brighter for others in need during this holiday season!  Your generosity is greatly appreciated.

For more information on how to help fight hunger in our community, please visit http://www.gcfb.org/.

Instead of snow, weather conditions consisted of rain all day, but we did not let this hold us back from having a great time.

Santa Claus made a special appearance and gave each child a stuffed alligator with our EMI logo and “Smile Alligator” on his t-shirt as a special gift!  The children also were able to sit on Santa’s lap as they took a photo and presented their Christmas wish lists.

In honor of another successful year at EMI, Valiena Allison, CEO, gave thanks and shared the blessing amongst family and friends.

Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal consisting of fresh bread, garden salad, “Tina’s Famous Breaded Chicken Breasts,” Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes and gravy, bowtie pasta alfredo, green beans almandine and a dessert tray.

After dinner, the kids laughed and danced to music provided by the DJ. It was a great way to kick off the holiday season!