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More from Vicki Bell
- From The Fabricator
Welder health and safety — Who's responsible?
- By Vicki Bell
- Oct 10, 2006
- Safety
- Article
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 unsafe operations.
- From The Fabricator
Hanging on to your skilled workers
- By Vicki Bell
- Sep 12, 2006
- Shop Management
- Article
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 help you develop your retention strategy.
- From The Fabricator
Fabricators in search of skilled workers
- By Vicki Bell
- Sep 12, 2006
- Shop Management
- Article
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 would not encourage young people to pursue careers in manufacturing.
- From The Fabricator
Productivity—The human factor
- By Vicki Bell
- May 9, 2006
- Shop Management
- Article
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 and how best to motivate employees to work at high levels.
- From The Welder
Magical, mystical metal
- By Vicki Bell
- Apr 11, 2006
- Arc Welding
- Article
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 future of the welding labor force from Wilson's perspective as a welding instructor and manufacturing consultant.
- From The Fabricator
Is your business prepared for a pandemic?
- By Vicki Bell
- Jan 10, 2006
- Shop Management
- Article
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 current employees and documenting processes can help.
- From The Fabricator
Shipyard work safety —
- By Vicki Bell
- Sep 13, 2005
- Safety
- Article
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.
- From The Fabricator
Changing workplace raises safety and health questions
- By Vicki Bell
- Jul 12, 2005
- Safety
- Article
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.
- From The Fabricator
How sleep deprivation affects work performance
- By Vicki Bell
- Jun 14, 2005
- Safety
- Article
The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2003 the average U.S. male slept 8.48 hours in a 24-hour period. The average U.S. female slept 8.65 hours. While both averages surpass the recommended eight hours for adults, recent studies indicate that the vast majority of...
- From The Fabricator
Metal manufacturing's greatest concerns
- By Vicki Bell
- May 10, 2005
- Shop Management
- Article
Figure 1March 2005 "Fabricating Update" Survey ResultsIn a recent "Fabricating Update" newsletter, we asked subscribers to choose their operations' leading concerns from factors often cited as contributing to manufacturing's woes. Steel prices—the No. 1 response—outranked the next...
- From The Fabricator
Electrical safety practices save lives
- By Vicki Bell
- May 10, 2005
- Safety
- Article
Cord- and plug-connected equipment without a grounded connectorElectricity improves life. During power failures, much work and many routine activities grind to a halt. However, electricity can cause serious injury and even death if you fail to follow electrical safety practices, particularly in the...
- From The Fabricator
Carpal tunnel syndrome
- By Vicki Bell
- Mar 8, 2005
- Safety
- Article
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), a musculoskeletal disorder, is the compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which can cause numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers. CTS affects both white- and blue-collar workers.How CTS OccursEight bones in the wrist, called...
- From The Fabricator
Keeping employees well and health care costs down
- By Vicki Bell
- Feb 8, 2005
- Shop Management
- Article
Health care costs have skyrocketed. While the medical community, insurance companies, and politicians address the issue, each group jockeying for the position that best serves their interests, employers are having to make serious decisions about whether they can continue to provide employee...
- From The Fabricator
Balancing work and life
- By Vicki Bell
- Jan 11, 2005
- Shop Management
- Article
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 effort—simply to keep their jobs. No longer is it just the workaholics among us who are working harder and putting in longer hours.
- From The Fabricator
Providing a comfortable, safe environment for workers with disabilities
- By Vicki Bell
- Dec 7, 2004
- Shop Management
- Article
Editor's Note: Much of the following information was taken from a U.S. Department of Justice comprehensive list of questions and answersabout the Americans With Disabilities Act. Does your company have 15 or more employees? If so, it must comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) that...
- Podcasting
- Podcast:
- The Fabricator Podcast
- Published:
- 04/30/2024
- Running Time:
- 53:00
Seth Feldman of Iowa-based Wertzbaugher Services joins The Fabricator Podcast to offer his take as a Gen Zer...
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