Articles written by Vicki Bell

Vicki Bell

Web Content Manager

FMA Communications Inc.

833 Featherstone Road
Rockford, IL 61107
phone: 678-366-0902

www.thefabricator.com
Contact via email

Results: 82

	What’s the word, hummingbird? Think social media is just for big companies or individuals with nothing else to do? Think again. Social media has evolved into an important part of a comprehensive marketing strategy, even for job shops. Publish date: January 21, 2011
	Are conditions improving for metal fabricators? The Great Recession officially ended in June 2009, but many metal fabricators were still in the thick of it as that year ended. Did conditions improve for this sector in 2010? How’s business now for fabricators compared to a year ago? Publish date: January 10, 2011
	Top OSHA violations increase; stricter enforcement program launched OSHA has announced that the top 10 violations for 2009 increased almost 30 percent over the same time period in 2008. It also has implemented more aggressive targeted enforcement and higher penalties. Publish date: September 13, 2010
	Meet Metcam - a leaner, greener, meaner fabricator Operating seven days a week fabricating and shipping products domestically and worldwide, Alpharetta, Ga.-based Metcam Inc. has found a formula for success that has this company thriving when others are struggling to survive. Publish date: July 23, 2010
	Welders on welding Based on feedback from "Welding Wire" subscribers, you have to wonder if CareerCast.com interviewed any welders when compiling its 2010 list of the best and worst jobs. Welding was the No. 5 worst job on the list, and welders question its ranking. Publish date: February 23, 2010
	Rapid Creek Cutters—The second time around At a time when companies are thinning the worker ranks, many people may be thinking about going into business for themselves. Pat Burrington, the owner of Rapid Creek Cutters, has worked for others and for himself. He recommends the latter. Publish date: February 24, 2009
	'It's the economy, stupid' The annual "Fabricating Update" survey of metal fabricators about their main business concerns revealed that the economy, which edged out steel prices as the industry's leading concern in 2008, now outranks all other concerns by a huge margin. This latest survey also polled readers of "Stamping... Publish date: January 13, 2009
	Nobody's favorite word—Layoffs Mass layoffs are occurring with greater and greater frequency. With proper planning, some may have been avoidable. Some troubled companies may be able to find alternatives to layoffs, and all can take steps to minimize layoff pain for both the displaced workers and those who remain on the job. Publish date: November 25, 2008
	Mining her talent Imagine growing up thinking you really have no artistic ability and then taking a class that rekindles childhood interests and blows that belief sky high. Such was the case for jewelry-maker Sherry Moser, whose unique and beautiful creations pay homage to her upbringing and her deep love of her... Publish date: October 14, 2008
	The road to Jamestown: A white-collar dropout fabricates his legacy project Few people are lucky enough to turn their hobbies and passions into a satisfying and lucrative career. Even fewer have the opportunity to create a lasting legacy of historical proportions. One individual working under a canopy at historic Jamestown is doing both. Bravo, Bob Williams. Publish date: July 15, 2008
	What fabricators need to know about REACH The registration, evaluation, and authorization of chemicals (REACH) legislation enacted by the European Union is a complicated chemical management program that could affect manufacturers worldwide, including metal fabricators. This article sheds light on the legislation and provides... Publish date: June 30, 2008
	A matter of life or death Journalist Tim Russert's death from a heart attack caused many of us to think about what might transpire should a cardiac arrest or other life-threatening event happen to us at work. Responsible, sensible companies have first-aid programs designed to minimize damage and increase the... Publish date: June 30, 2008
	Good leadership comes from inside How important is good leadership? Extremely important. Poor leadership can cause a massive talent drain and cripple a company. When it comes to leadership, emotional intelligence can make the difference between a good leader and one who needs work to become an asset rather than a liability. Publish date: May 27, 2008
	What not to leave at work The metal fabricating industry is among the employment sectors with the highest rates of amputations from on-the-job accidents. Many are caused by improperly safeguarded machinery, hand tools, forklifts, and other equipment. Preventing workplace amputations requires adhering to strict safety... Publish date: May 13, 2008
	Economy edges out other concerns The fourth annual Fabricating Update subscriber survey revealed that anxiety about the U.S. economy outranks other metal manufacturing industry concerns, including steel prices, the No. 1 concern the previous three years. Beating steel prices by a nose was the skilled-labor shortage. Find out... Publish date: February 26, 2008
	Go! Brennan Who can inspire a young person to pursue a welding career better than a peer who welds? How about a peer who also is a stock car driver? Racer and welder Brennan Palmiter has teamed up with the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association (FMA) Foundation and Practical Welding Today ® magazine to... Publish date: February 26, 2008
	Not your average job shop Sargent Metal Fabricators, Anderson, S.C., is not your average job shop. In an economic climate in which many U.S. fabricators have suffered, the company has stayed focused on its goals, invested in new equipment, grown by leaps and bounds, and positioned itself for future growth. How? By... Publish date: October 23, 2007
	Employee loyalty—An elusive goal? Today's employees likely will work for several companies throughout their careers. This does not mean that retention efforts on your part are ineffective or a waste of resources. The right strategies can help you achieve the most from your valuable employees and possibly extend the time they... Publish date: September 11, 2007
	Job hopping—A sign of the times The average employee no longer stays with the same company until retirement. Some change jobs frequently. Job hopping can pose problems for both employees and employers. When workers pursue jobs that are good fits for their skills and interests, and when employers strive to meet these... Publish date: June 26, 2007
	Turning passion into profit Recent SCAD graduate David Creamer creates beautiful, unique jewelry, including pieces inspired by objects many might find anything but inspirational. This article discusses Creamer's views on materials and describes the process he used to create a provocative bracelet that represents... Publish date: April 10, 2007
	Abuse of power in the workplace Workplace bullying can negatively affect an employee's work performance, home life, and health. Seventy-one percent of bullies are bosses. What constitutes an abusive boss, and what can employees who are abused do to correct their harmful working conditions? This article lists different types of... Publish date: April 10, 2007
	Steel prices remain top concern in 2007 The January 2007 "Fabricating Update" asked subscribers to choose their No. 1 concern from a list of factors affecting metal manufacturing. It also asked whether the Democrat-controlled Congress sworn in Jan. 4 will have a positive, negative, or no effect on their businesses. This article... Publish date: February 12, 2007
	NAM on Fabricators' Top Two Concerns Following the FABTECH International & AWS Welding Show keynote address, the fabricator.com's Web Content Manager Vicki Bell sat down to talk with the speaker, former Michigan Governor and National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) President John Engler. Citing "Fabricating Update" survey results... Publish date: January 9, 2007
	Understanding and motivating the multigenerational work force Generational conflicts among the work force can drain a company's enterprise energy and diminish productivity. This article, based on the 2006 FABTECH® International & AWS Welding Show Executive Forum conducted by Dr. Bob Rausch, explains the differences between baby boom and Generation X... Publish date: November 7, 2006
	Coping with change in the workplace Change is constant in the workplace. Different people react to change in different ways. While some embrace change, others resist or stall the process to the detriment of themselves and their company. This article discusses how individuals can adapt to change more easily and minimize... Publish date: November 7, 2006
	Avian flu pandemic update Although the potential avian flu pandemic no longer is receiving the vast media coverage it did months ago, it still is a high priority in worldwide health organizations and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This article offers an updated look at the threat and the latest information... Publish date: November 7, 2006
	Welder health and safety — Who's responsible? The "Welding Wire" e-newsletter asked subscribers their opinions about who is responsible for ensuring welder health and safety. This article describes the hazards inherent in welding and contains insight from a welding instructor, a business owner, and individuals with personal knowledge of... Publish date: October 10, 2006
	Hanging on to your skilled workers With skilled labor becoming scarcer, employers must strengthen their retention efforts. This article discusses the main reasons workers leave jobs and includes comments from metal fabricators about these reasons. It also includes tips for overcoming the reasons and links to resources that can... Publish date: September 12, 2006
	Fabricators in search of skilled workers A recent survey of metal fabricators shows that the vast majority of fabricating companies desperately need skilled labor. These companies are employing various methods to find qualified workers and to compensate for the shortage. Despite the difficulty finding skilled labor, some fabricators... Publish date: September 12, 2006
	Productivity—The human factor Productivity, an economic bellwether, is predicted to slip from its recent highs in the coming months, largely because of job growth. Companies burned by the recent downturn need to continue to focus on achieving maximum productivity. This article addresses the labor component of productivity... Publish date: May 9, 2006
	Magical, mystical metal Richard Wilson's metal art reflects his appreciation for metal's lesser-known intrinsic qualities. This article explains how Wilson became a welder and metal artist and describes the materials and processes he uses. It details one project from start to finish. It also offers insight into the... Publish date: April 11, 2006
	Is your business prepared for a pandemic? A recent CFO survey found that only 7 percent of businesses are preparing for a potential avian flu pandemic. Preparation is important for this and other events that can disrupt business and endanger employees. Guidelines include training and preparing an ancillary work force. Cross-training... Publish date: January 10, 2006
	Shipyard work safety — Shipyard work is among the most hazardous occupations. Researching possible dangers and following standards and recommended guidelines can reduce injuries and illnesses and prevent OSHA fines. Publish date: September 13, 2005
	Changing workplace raises safety and health questions The current economy has altered the organization of work. This article discusses the changes and their impact on the work force in terms of job safety and health. Publish date: July 12, 2005
	How sleep deprivation affects work performance Publish date: June 14, 2005
	Metal manufacturing's greatest concerns Publish date: May 10, 2005
	Electrical safety practices save lives Publish date: May 10, 2005
	Carpal tunnel syndrome Publish date: March 8, 2005
	Keeping employees well and health care costs down Publish date: February 8, 2005
	Balancing work and life To remain competitive in today's cutthroat economic environment, companies are doing more with fewer people. The tight job market can make even those employees whose work loads haven't increased feel they have to expend more effort—or even create an illusion of having to expend more... Publish date: January 11, 2005
	Providing a comfortable, safe environment for workers with disabilities Publish date: December 7, 2004
	Having a safe office party Publish date: November 8, 2004
	Preventing welding-related fires Before welding, professional and hobbyist welders must be knowledgeable about potential fire hazards and safe practices. They also must examine the work area and adjacent areas, welding equipment, and consumables for hazards and take appropriate measures to ensure safety. Publish date: October 12, 2004
	Job Burnout—Part 3 Publish date: August 10, 2004
	Job Burnout—Part 2 Publish date: July 13, 2004
	Job Burnout—Part 1 Publish date: June 8, 2004
	Obesity—a problem for workers and employers Publish date: March 25, 2004
	Offshore outsourcing—an economic and political issue Listening to the current economic rhetoric, much of which contains formulaic doublespeak and political posturing, has led me to a couple of clichd observations. In terms of talk—which is not quite as cheap in an election year, when the stakes are higher—you ain't seen nothing yet.... Publish date: March 11, 2004
	Welding fume health hazards According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), more than 400,000 U.S. men and women are employed in welding and related occupations. Some studies suggest that these workers are at risk of serious respiratory, neurological, and reproductive effects. More and better... Publish date: March 11, 2004
	Employee training During the economic downturn, many companies cut employee training to help control expenses. At the same time, technical and vocational programs were and continue to be cut for a variety of reasons, including providers' budget concerns and low enrollment. Publish date: February 12, 2004
	Emergency preparedness: A critical safety program component You're at work and a fire alarm or other emergency warning device sounds. Do you know what to do? Where to go and the appropriate route to get there? Publish date: February 12, 2004
	Occupational injury and illness statistics In December 2003 the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its 2002 occupational injuries and illnesses data. A total of 4.7 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses were reported in private-industry workplaces during 2002, resulting in a rate of 5.3 cases per 100... Publish date: January 29, 2004
	Made in the U.S.A. For many years I lived in Belvidere, Ill., home of what was then known simply as the Chrysler plant. The local United Auto Workers union prominently displayed a sign in the parking lot that said, "Foreign cars will be towed." Now that the plant, which builds the Dodge Neon®, bears the name... Publish date: January 13, 2004
	Resolve to have a healthy, injury-free 2004 The beginning of a new year is a good time to think about what's important in life and what changes you can make to benefit yourself and those around you. Safety practices and good health should be on everyone's priority lists. Adopting certain behaviors will help optimize your health, ensure... Publish date: January 13, 2004
	Family business going strong after 100 years The average lifespan of a family-owned business is 24 years, and 60 percent of family-owned businesses do not have a clear succession plan. Tell that to the Peddinghaus Corporation and you might be in for a big " Oh really ?" In business for 100 years and with a Peddinghaus still at the helm, the... Publish date: December 11, 2003
	Is your company a breeding ground for workplace violence? Workplace violence—many of us think about it only when national or local media reports an incident. Most of us probably think it happens infrequently and never could happen where we work. And it's likely that workplace violence victims thought the same thing, before it happened to them. Publish date: November 6, 2003
	Shedding light on negativity—Part 2 Publish date: November 6, 2003
	Shedding light on negativity—Part 1 Publish date: October 9, 2003
	The Gates: remembering 9-11 Two years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, most people's lives have returned to some degree of normalcy, but what happened on that day will never be forgotten. For one metal sculptor, remembering has become a crusade to create from steel salvaged from the World Trade Center a... Publish date: September 10, 2003
	Exposure to metalworking fluids In 1993, the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace & Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW) petitioned the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to take emergency regulatory action to protect workers from the risks of occupational cancers and respiratory... Publish date: September 10, 2003
	Any good news in manufacturing? Publish date: August 14, 2003
	Workplace stress—Part 2 If you've visited a doctor recently and were told that stress is the cause of or a contributing factor to what ails you, you're not alone. Although you can't expect to eliminate all of the stress in your life, you can learn to manage it and reduce its negative effects. Publish date: August 14, 2003
	Workplace stress—Part 1 Stress is a fact of life. It's here to stay, and even if we could abolish it, we wouldn't want to. At its best, stress can be the catalyst that moves us to make changes and achieve great things in life. At its worst, it can create all kinds of emotional and physical problems. What determines... Publish date: July 24, 2003
	What price workers' compensation insurance? It's a Catch-22 for many manufacturers. Not having workers' compensation insurance can put them out of business. Paying for workers' compensation insurance can put them out of business. How is a company to survive? Publish date: July 10, 2003
	The future of vocational education The death knell is sounding for vocational programs throughout the U.S. Readers who responded "Yes, vocational programs have been cut" to thefabricator.com's recent question regarding the status of vocational programs where they live outnumbered those responding "No, vocational programs are... Publish date: June 12, 2003
	Your best safety resource Do you know the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, International™ (FMA)/CNA Safety Committee? If not, you should. They're an excellent resource for guidance on workplace safety issues. And they're the force behind the safety focus on thefabricator.com. Publish date: June 12, 2003
	Defibrillators—Should you have one in your workplace? This article explores the facts about AEDs, the legalities surrounding their use by laypersons, and guidelines for implementing an AED program in the workplace. Publish date: May 29, 2003
	Sick at Work? All employees have days at work when they don't feel well. Usually these days are intermittent and can be attributed to a cold or other illness or job-related stress. Publish date: May 15, 2003
	Employees value workplace health and wellness programs Sixty percent of respondents to a recent survey consider health and wellness programs a viable incentive to stay at their current jobs. But it must be the right program, one that addresses the employees' concerns. Publish date: April 24, 2003
	Substance abuse in the workplace—Part 2 The toll that substance abuse takes on the abuser, his or her family and friends, and those who become victims of substance abuse-induced accidents and crimes is well-documented. Publish date: April 10, 2003
	Superior Service—Why you need it Service can make or break a business. Of the top nine reasons consumers give for buying a specific product, eight pertain to the abilities of the customer service system, for example, responsiveness, technical skill, and professional attitude. 1 Publish date: April 10, 2003
	Substance abuse in the workplace—Part 1 Publish date: March 27, 2003
	A different battlefield, the same strategy The war in Iraq is giving the world a firsthand look at modern warfare and its latest weapons. Embedded reporters and military experts give us blow-by-blow details and explain strategies, logistics, aircraft, weapons, and other tools of war. While war coverage and weapons have evolved since... Publish date: March 27, 2003
	The Age of Cautious Optimism When it comes to the economy, cautious optimism is as good as it gets. Publish date: March 13, 2003
	Preventing the loss of life and property The cost of industrial fires can be enormous in terms of fatalities, serious injuries, property loss, revenue loss, and the costs of replacing equipment and repairing or rebuilding facilities. Publish date: February 27, 2003
	Job Satisfaction—Part 3 You've done some deep soul-searching and have a good understanding of why you're unhappy with your job. Now it's time to take charge of your future, to improve your work life and the quality of your life in general. Publish date: February 27, 2003
	Forget the ides of March, beware the forklift Each year in the U.S. nearly 100 workers are killed and another 20,000 are seriously injured in forklift-related incidents. Workers who operate or work near forklifts may be struck or crushed by the machine or the load being lifted. Most fatalities occur when a forklift that has overturned or... Publish date: February 13, 2003
	Job Satisfaction—Part 2 Something's very wrong. You approach each workday with dread. The ringing of the alarm clock is joined by your groans as you realize that you're heading out for another day on the job. You live for quitting time on Friday and begin the transition to depression mode on Sunday afternoon. Publish date: February 13, 2003
	I CAN'T HEAR YOU! Editor's Note: This article is based on the 1998 Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Noise Exposure published by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Publish date: January 16, 2003
	Job Satisfaction—Part 1 Unless you are among the privileged few-who appear to be becoming fewer by the minute as investment accounts are shrinking in value, savings are being wiped out, and credit card debt is mounting -- you'll spend many hours working for a living. How do you feel about your job and why? Publish date: January 16, 2003
	Christmas All Year Near Conway, Mo., alongside Interstate 44, lighted reminders of Christmas greet travelers year-round. Conway is home to the Den of Metal Arts, where owner Richard Kerb; his wife, Judy; their son, Ron; and three employees hand-fabricate and sell metal silhouettes depicting holiday signs, scenes,... Publish date: December 12, 2002
	Death, taxes, and the skilled labor shortage It's an issue that refuses to go away—the difficulty in finding, hiring, and keeping skilled labor. Four out of five employers who responded to thefabricator.com's recent job skills survey reported that they have been searching for skilled workers from three to 20 years. They are looking... Publish date: October 24, 2002