LEE COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Southern Base of the Research Triangle Region

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 25, 2004
 

INDUSTRIAL SAFETY COURSES
SET FOR APR. 13 IN SANFORD

SANFORD -- Four courses designed to enhance employee safety in the workplace 
will be offered Apr. 13 in Sanford -- thanks to the Mid-State Safety Council, 
an affiliate of the North Carolina Industrial Commission.

Sessions on hazard communication (HazCom), lockout and tagout procedures, 
electrical safety and forklift operation will be offered in both morning and 
afternoon sessions at the Sanford Public Works building at 605 N. Fifth 
Street.

All programs are free for members of the Mid-State Safety Council. Others are 
invited to join the council for $35 and then participate in safety courses 
without additional registration fees.

Hans Niedworok of Sanford, who serves on the Mid-State Safety Council board of 
directors and is helping organize April's regional safety school, said the 
program is an exceptional opportunity for local industries. It allows 
companies to take advantage of top-quality safety instruction without having 
to send employees far from the plant.

"Our courses move around a 14-county region that extends from Lee County to 
the Virginia border," he said. "Having the safety school here provides the 
most convenient option possible for local industry -- half-day seminars 
without even having to leave town."

Sessions will be led by Mel Harmon, an instructor from the state industrial 
commission. Sessions from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. each include:

 * Hazard Communication (HazCom), a review of requirements for any
   industry to comply with Occupational Safety and Health
   Administration requirements -- including regulations, waste
   disposal and protective measures.

 * Lockout and Tagout, a course on proper procedures to place
   locks and tags on industrial equipment to prevent employee
   injuries during repair and maintenance.

 * Electrical Safety, a review of OSHA requirements to prevent
   electrical accidents with power sources, wiring and machinery
   in the workplace.

 * Forklift Operation, a course for supervisors and machine
   operators covering the safe operation of a forklift
   in the warehouse and other industrial settings.

Participants may register by contacting Mac Blanks, treasurer of the regional 
council, at 336-503-0489 (phone), 336-503-0588 (fax) or macblanks@person.net.

Concessions will be available on site.

The Mid-State Safety Council is sponsored by the North Carolina Industrial 
Commission, a division of the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The 
council promotes safety in a variety of settings, with an emphasis on 
industrial safety in its region that includes Lee, Harnett and Chatham 
counties.

The Lee County Economic Development Corp. is a nonprofit organization 
established to attract industry, enhance job opportunities and promote sound 
planning across Lee County. Funding is provided by the county, as well as the 
City of Sanford and Town of Broadway, the county's two municipalities.

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Media Contacts:

Hans Niedworok
Board of Directors
Mid-State Safety Council
502-552-3149 (phone)
919-775-7385 (fax)
niedworokh@wave-net.net

Bob Heuts, Director
Jane Haber, Administrative Assistant
Lee County Economic Development Corp.
919-774-8439 (phone)
919-775-5410 (fax)
info@lcedc.com (e-mail)

Media Web:    http://www.lcedc.com/media/
This release: http://www.lcedc.com/media/releases/nr032504.txt