Tag: 3BL

CHARLOTTE, N.C., October 8, 2024 /3BL/ – As another hurricane threatens the Florida Peninsula in the coming days, Truist Foundation today announced it will donate $1 million to support relief and recovery efforts in communities most impacted by Hurricane Milton – the second major hurricane expected to hit the area in the past two weeks. The funds will be distributed to the American Red Cross, IT Disaster Resource Center, United Way Worldwide and World Central Kitchen for immediate relief efforts as well as Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s Atlantic Hurricane Season Recovery Fund for long-term efforts.

“Our teammates, clients and communities across the central coast of Florida are still picking up the pieces from Hurricane Helene, and now – just two weeks later – they are bracing for yet another major hurricane,” said Lynette Bell, president of Truist Foundation. “Truist Foundation will continue caring for those in the path of Hurricane Milton alongside our trusted partners who are on the ground, providing essential aid to those impacted by the extreme storm surges and flooding, critical infrastructure damage and more resulting from this relentless hurricane season.”

The selected organizations will use their grant funds to identify and deliver the most critical immediate community needs such as access to food, shelter, medical services, and technology connectivity. A portion of the donation will be focused on medium- and long-term recovery informed by disaster experts in partnership with those in the affected communities.

In the past two weeks, Truist Foundation announced an initial $500,000 grant to help prepare, respond and recover in communities impacted by Hurricane Helene as well as a second $500,000 grant to support the hardest-hit communities, including Western North Carolina. Additionally, earlier this year, Truist Foundation donated $1 million to the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program, designed to deploy assistance quickly to communities impacted by disasters such as hurricanes.

About Truist Foundation 
Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the foundation’s leading initiatives — the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation.

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Media Contact: 
Kristen Fraser, media@truist.com

The Boy Scouts of America has been a hallmark organization for instilling leadership, character and a sense of responsibility in young people for over a century. One of the most recognizable aspects of a scout’s journey is the pursuit of merit badges. With over 130 merit badges available, scouts can explore a wide range of interests including the art and science of papermaking.

“[Kids] can’t be what they don’t see,” said retain and recruit program lead Maris Peno, quoting one of her colleagues. All the ways our teams engage the local community add up to a strong workforce pipeline for the future.

When the IP’s Cedar Rapids, Iowa containerboard mill and box plant hosted two local Boy Scout troops, they gave the youth a firsthand look at the process of papermaking, just one checkpoint needed to earn their pulp and paper merit badge. Scouts saw the entire process: from recycled material entering the pulper tub, to spools of paper coming together to become the familiar boxes they welcome at their front door. They learned what makes a good sheet of containerboard, the on-box print process and what characteristics make a high-quality product that our customers expect.

“The tour was an excellent experience for these young scouts. They loved seeing the large equipment running. Some told me that they could see everyone working together in a team environment, which impressed them,” said Jason Lee, NAC sales enablement manager and parent of a visiting scout.

The troops also spent time with structural designer Kelsey Schwartz in her design lab at the box plant. Scouts watched as she demonstrated how she uses her machines to cut prototypes for customers. To commemorate the visit, she created signs for each troop to take with them. “I always strive to make what we do at Cedar Rapids Box relatable to the visitor, something that expands beyond a standard box that they can remember their tour by and show how versatile corrugate can be,” said Schwartz.

Visits like this happen frequently in our mill communities. Our teams actively engage youth organizations, high schools, community colleges and technical programs to nurture a love of papermaking.

“Our goal is to provide a unique experience, showing individuals that IP is not only a great place to work, but also a place to gain a lifelong, sustainable career,” said Maris. “There’s a place for everyone in manufacturing.”

If you have youth of your own, we challenge you to find what they are interested in and dive deep into whatever it may be. Take classes, attend local community or church events and allow them to explore. You never know what seed may be planted that you helped nourish.

During the month of October, you can find a Manufacturing Day event in your community at https://mfgday.com.

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world’s largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what’s next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com/.

About International Paper – EMEA

In Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), International Paper focuses on the production and marketing of fiber-based packaging and specialty pulp, employing approximately 4,400 people. As a leading supplier of high-quality corrugated containers for a multitude of applications, we serve customers throughout the region from our network of two recycled containerboard mills and 23 box plants in France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Specialty pulp is made in Gdansk, Poland. Other products available from International Paper in the region include a variety of Kraft linerboard and other pulp products.

Originally published in American Airlines’ 2023 Sustainability Report

Recruitment

Recruiting the best talent for all roles across American is critical to our ongoing success. Two areas of particular focus are pilots and aviation maintenance professionals. We have made significant progress, but replenishing their ranks requires a long-term outlook.

Developing a pipeline for pilots and aviation maintenance professionals

American hired more than 2,000 pilots in 2023 and expects to add a substantial number in 2024. To sustain a strong pipeline of qualified candidates, we have been working to create awareness of, access to, and opportunities for careers in aviation for those who otherwise might not know it is possible. The American Airlines Cadet Academy helps us achieve our recruitment goals. Cadets from multiple ethnic, geographic and economic backgrounds come together at the Cadet Academy, which strives to address financial obstacles by providing flight training students with affordable financing opportunities and a predictable path to completion.

Cadet Academy students are expected to take approximately three years to complete the program and become airline-ready professional pilots. They are then guaranteed placement at one of American’s regional carriers: Envoy Air, PSA Airlines or Piedmont Airlines. Accumulation of flight hours leads in due course to a conditional job offer with that regional carrier. Over 950 cadets have entered the Cadet Academy since its launch in 2018, and more than 110 now fly for one of our regional carriers. Since American has contractual flow-through agreements with each of our regional carriers, pilots who are hired by one of them have the opportunity to be hired by American as a mainline pilot.

In 2023, the Cadet Academy expanded its training footprint by adding Luke Weathers Jr. Flight Academy in Olive Branch, Mississippi, which is run by the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), as well as Infinity Flight Group in Trenton, New Jersey. This brings the total number of program locations to seven, including CAE in Phoenix, Coast Flight Training in San Diego, Dallas and San Marcos, Texas, as well as Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Every Cadet Academy student is also matched with an American Airlines pilot mentor to provide comprehensive guidance throughout their educational journey.

For team members who aspire to become pilots, the Elise Eberwein American Airlines Pilot Scholarship will award two $50,000 scholarships annually over the next 10 years to candidates who are currently working at American and have demonstrated financial need. Honoring our former People and Global Engagement leader who retired in 2022 following 35 years of service, this eponymous $1 million initiative embodies our commitment to nurturing diversity, opportunity and talent. The first two scholarship recipients were named in 2024.

We are also working to build a pipeline of aviation maintenance professionals, who play a critical role in American’s safety efforts and operational reliability. We currently employ more than 12,000 of these team members across our hubs and other locations. Our partnership with the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) is a key part of our strategy for connecting with qualified candidates.

As part of our relationship, American guarantees interviews for top candidates from AIM’s Chicago campus, provides students with opportunities to engage with our aircraft maintenance teams and offers eligible students financial assistance for certification exams. These well-paying jobs offer opportunities for advancement, and they do not require a postsecondary degree.

Another part of our strategy includes regular participation in recruiting events. They are sponsored by industry organizations such as the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, National Society of Black Engineers, Sisters of the Skies, (WAI), NGPA, Latino Pilots Association, Professional Asian Pilots Association and OBAP. For example, at the latest WAI Conference in March 2024, we extended 16 job offers to talented female pilots along with 10 scholarships to students pursuing careers in aviation.

New Agreements Underscore Our Commitment to Labor Relations

Approximately 87% of American’s workforce is covered by collective bargaining agreements, and our commitment to respecting labor relations was reflected in new agreements signed recently with two of our largest labor unions. In August 2023, American’s 15,000 pilots represented by the Allied Pilots Association ratified a four-year agreement that delivers more than $9 billion in compensation and quality-of-life benefits.

This was followed in January 2024 by a five-year agreement with the Communications Workers of America and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which together represent the company’s nearly 15,000 customer service team members across airports, premium guest services and reservations. Our new contract includes significant improvements in compensation, benefits and quality-of-life provisions.

American has long respected freedom of association and our team members’ right to join, or not join, third-party organizations such as labor unions or other lawful organizations of their own selection, and we do not interfere with these organizations.

Creating Aviation Opportunities for Women

Captain Deborah Hecker’s 30-year career in commercial aviation has taken her from piloting the Douglas DC-3 and Embraer 110 to a three-year stint at Piedmont Airlines before joining American in 1999. Along the way, she has won numerous awards and broken her share of professional barriers for women. Currently, she is responsible for the Flight Operations Manual, better known as the rulebook for pilots, in her role as American’s Director of Flight Operations Training Policies and Procedures.

As she traversed her path from aspiring lawyer to Airbus A321 captain, Hecker embraced opportunities to mentor other pilots, both at American and in her more than two decades of volunteer work as a member of Women in Aviation International (WAI). In 2024, she is stepping down from WAI’s board of directors. She has held this post since 2017, the last two years as its chair.

“WAI is one of the many great organizations that are trying to move the dial to get more women into aviation careers,” says Captain Hecker, who was hired by American after receiving a WAI scholarship. “It encourages women to look at a variety of career options, not just flying. That could include maintenance, dispatch, engineering and aircraft design, to name just a few areas. Many are jobs that don’t necessarily require a four-year degree.”

Captain Hecker herself has played a variety of roles at American, including working on the pilot recruitment team and as a Customer Experience project manager. She also takes great pride in the Keep Flying Scholarship she launched with Captain Evelyne Tinkl — a close friend who flies the Boeing 757/767 for United Airlines — in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. Since its inception, this scholarship has provided approximately $150,000 to help fund flight training for women.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals

At American, we believe it’s never too early to begin laying the foundation for a career in aviation. That led us to team up with the nonprofit CR Smith Museum and launch the Aviation Career Pathways program in October 2023. This multiyear initiative is providing seventh to 12th grade students in the Dallas Independent School District with access to aviation science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education along with a better understanding of aviation industry career opportunities.

Increasing exposure to aviation STEM careers and skills comes with challenges, especially when working with underserved communities. Most of the students participating in Aviation Career Pathways attend Title 1 schools, which include a significant percentage of students from low-income families. The CR Smith Museum, located on American’s campus in Fort Worth, has studied these challenges extensively and prioritized solutions in its education program. Among them, students should benefit from the program’s combination of touch points. Aviation Career Pathway includes in-classroom programming, participation in the museum’s annual Aviation Career Day, behind-the-scenes access to American’s operations and the opportunity to interact with team members.

Beginning with the 2024–25 school year, this program will expand to include the Fort Worth Independent School District as well.

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Originally published in Quest Diagnostics’ 2023 Corporate Responsibility Report

We continued to grow access to and affordability of our leading diagnostic services over the past year. In 2023, we expanded utilization of our financial assistance program, widened availability of our services through new collaborations, and deepened our work with Q4HE.

BROADENING AND SIMPLIFYING USE OF FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Quest has long offered a Patient Financial Assistance program (PFA) for individuals who cannot readily afford diagnostic services. To make accessing this support as easy as possible, we updated the enrollment process in 2023. Once approved and enrolled, patients remain in the program for a full year without submitting any additional documentation.

We also capped the maximum amount enrolled patients will pay for testing. Patients earning less than the federal poverty level will continue to not pay for testing, whereas individuals earning up to 2 times the poverty level will pay no more than $100 per bill. This new cap provides maximum price certainty for lower-income patients, regardless of testing performed. We expanded a supplemental PFA program for high-cost testing, primarily in genetics and oncology. Individuals earning less than 2 to 4 times the federal poverty level can access this program for support in covering the costs of these tests.

In addition to PFA, we tailor solutions for uninsured or underinsured patients based on individual circumstances and may adjust some or all laboratory charges for patients who cannot afford to pay for testing. We also work with Federally Qualified Health Centers, federally funded nonprofit health clinics that serve medically underserved areas and populations, to provide testing and operational support. In 2023, we saw an increase of over 25% in patients accessing these services, including PFA.

SCALING ACCESS TO CARE

Quest works with nonprofits, government agencies, companies, and healthcare providers to reach new populations, refine testing capabilities, and address healthcare gaps. Our industry and cross sector collaborations play a key role in our efforts to scale diagnostic insights and improve population health.

2023 initiatives

CDC and Quest entered a multi-year engagement to provide laboratory testing and data analytics services to support hepatitis C public health strategy and treatment.

Sarepta Therapeutics and Quest developed and were granted Breakthrough Device Designation from the US Food and Drug Administration for a test to help identify patients eligible for treatment for certain individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

National Kidney Foundation-American Society of Nephrology and Quest built upon their work to transition to race-free eGFR equation testing with the launch of our Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Value-Based Care Program to help bridge gaps in CKD management.

Ohio Association of Community Health Centers and Quest are working together to help identify risk factors for women’s cardiometabolic health associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Through the Quest Cardiometabolic Center of Excellence, we worked to improve how healthcare providers assess and treat cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in women. CVD remains the leading cause of death in women—taking the lives of over 310,000 in the US in 2021.* We launched a Women and CVD Risk Assessment campaign in 2023 to help healthcare providers focus on early identification of cardiovascular risk factors for women.

Our Health Trends® reports continue to provide insights into critical healthcare issues. Explore our 2023 publications.

Empowering patients with direct-to-consumer and in-home testing

Quest’s consumer-initiated testing offers convenience for patients who may not want to wait or pay for a doctor’s appointment or have chronic conditions that require ongoing monitoring. In 2023, we increased to approximately 33 million registered users, and we added 45 new test options on questhealth.com, nearly doubling what was previously available. New additions included a tuberculosis blood test and menopause panels.

Patients can also access testing from the comfort of their own homes with Quest Mobile. In 2023, more than 7,000 patients took advantage of this service. Through these offerings, we’re empowering Quest patients to access the care that best fits their needs and lifestyles.

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* https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/features/heartdisease/index.html

SAN DIEGO, October 8, 2024 /3BL/ – My Green Lab, the global nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the sustainability of laboratory research, is proud to announce the addition of two new members to its Board of Directors: Dr. Fiona Adshead, Chair of the Sustainable Healthcare Coalition, and Malcolm Bell, Founder and CEO of Envetec Sustainable Technologies. These appointments mark a significant step in strengthening My Green Lab’s independent governance and expanding its mission to build a global culture of sustainability in science.

“We are delighted to welcome Fiona and Malcolm to our Board,” said James Connelly, CEO of My Green Lab. “Their deep expertise in healthcare, sustainability, and innovation will undoubtedly enhance our ability to develop new tools to advance our programs along the healthcare value chain. Both have been influential in championing sustainability in their respective fields, and their contributions will be instrumental as we expand our mission to encompass the entire healthcare value chain.”

Dr. Fiona Adshead is an internationally recognized leader in public health and sustainability, with a career dedicated to promoting well-being and environmental sustainability across businesses and governments. As the Chair of the Sustainable Healthcare Coalition and a Senior Associate at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership, Dr. Adshead has led and championed partnerships that drive sustainability in healthcare worldwide.

“I have long admired My Green Lab’s leadership in promoting sustainable practices within the scientific community,” said Dr. Adshead. “I am honored to join their Board and look forward to helping guide its work toward creating healthier, more sustainable healthcare systems worldwide.”

Malcolm Bell is highly experienced in diagnostics and cleantech innovation. As the Founder and CEO of Envetec Sustainable Technologies, which is Ireland’s leading cleantech company focused on transforming laboratory waste management, Mr. Bell has successfully built multiple businesses in diagnostics and drug discovery, significantly transforming the industry.

“The urgency to enhance sustainable practices in laboratories has never been greater. We must reduce environmental damage while advancing science through responsible and efficient solutions that align with global efforts to combat climate change and minimize waste,” said Mr. Bell. “I am excited to collaborate with My Green Lab to continue transforming laboratory practices, ensuring that innovation and sustainability move hand in hand toward a healthier, more sustainable future.”

About My Green Lab

My Green Lab® is a nonprofit environmental organization with a mission to build a global culture of sustainability in science. The organization is the world leader in developing internationally recognized sustainability standards for laboratories and laboratory products—bringing sustainability to the community responsible for the world’s life-changing medical and technical innovations. Laboratories are some of the most resource-intensive spaces in any industry, but they don’t have to be. By introducing a new perspective and proven best practices within a carefully crafted framework, My Green Lab has inspired tens of thousands of scientists and lab professionals to make positive changes in their labs by reducing the environmental impact of their work.

For media requests, contact Christina Creager at christina.creager@mygreenlab.org.

For more information about My Green Lab, visit mygreenlab.org. 

JACKSON, Miss., October 8, 2024 /3BL/ – Jackson State University is the recipient of a $2 million grant from the Entergy Charitable Foundation to help fund the creation of the Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab. During a press conference at the University on Monday, Oct. 7, Entergy officials presented JSU President Marcus Thompson, Ph.D., with a big check to celebrate the occasion.

This advanced initiative between Jackson State and Entergy will create an innovation hub to help train a highly skilled cybersecurity workforce to meet the growing needs of nuclear, electric and natural gas companies, and electrical cooperatives.

“I am honored to receive this generous grant on behalf of Jackson State University. This gift will have a lasting impact on the lives of our students and the future of the energy sector,” said Thompson. “Looking ahead, this lab will not only benefit Jackson State University and our students, but it will also play a critical role in shaping the broader energy landscape.”

Local, community, and political leaders were present during the event, including Congressman Bennie Thompson, whom the president thanked for supporting Jackson State, describing it as instrumental.

The Power Grid Security Lab Project will be a cornerstone of JSU’s commitment to workforce development, energy infrastructure, and cybersecurity. The lab will provide students with real-world experience safeguarding critical power grid infrastructure. As cyber threats become more sophisticated and aggressive, the importance of a robust defense system in the energy sector cannot be over-emphasized.

“Whether using computers to earn a college degree or checking out at the grocery store, electricity isn’t a luxury for most people, it’s a necessity. And so is thwarting cyber threats in the energy sector,” said Haley Fisackerly, Entergy Mississippi president and CEO. “The robust growth in our company and the state is providing extraordinary opportunities to help build a diverse and skilled workforce in the cybersecurity field. Through this partnership, we’re investing in local talent and competing to keep them here. For more than 100 years we’ve served communities alongside Jackson State University, and we’re proud to continue powering the bright minds they produce.”

The lab aims to equip students with valuable technical skills and contribute significantly to society by fostering a workforce prepared to protect vital national infrastructure.

The cybersecurity workforce gap has also become a pressing issue, as the demand for skilled professionals far exceeds the available supply. (ISC)², a global cybersecurity certification body, reported a shortage of approximately 3.4 million cybersecurity professionals worldwide in 2022, with over 700,000 job openings in the U.S. alone. This shortfall poses a significant challenge to national security and the economy as organizations struggle to defend against increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks.

In response, Jackson State University is evolving its cybersecurity education curriculum and resources to bridge this gap.

“The establishment of the Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab at Jackson State University is truly a game-changer for our students,” said Dr. Wilbur Walters, Dean of the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology. “Having access to a facility such as this means our students won’t just be learning about cybersecurity—they’ll be directly engaging with the same challenges that professionals are facing in the energy sector today. This hands-on experience makes their education more relevant and impactful. It’s about evolving our curriculum to not only keep pace with the fast-changing tech world but also to ensure our students graduate ready to make a tangible difference.”

The cybersecurity industry has experienced significant growth and transformation over the past decade, primarily driven by the increasing prevalence of digital technology and the corresponding rise in cyber threats. According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybercrime costs are expected to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, up from $3 trillion in 2015, highlighting the escalating severity and frequency of cyberattacks. This rapid increase has underscored the critical need for a robust cybersecurity infrastructure, leading to substantial investments by the United States private and public sectors.

“At Entergy, we believe that one of our many strengths in serving our customers is the diversity of our workforce. Our partnership with Jackson State University is a testament to our commitment to creating opportunities for students and shaping the leaders of tomorrow,” said Drew Marsh, Entergy Corporation chair and CEO. “By investing in education and fostering inclusion, we are not just building a diverse workforce, we are investing in the heart of our communities where we live, work and serve.”

Jackson State will receive the Entergy Charitable Foundation’s grant over multiple installments. The funds are exclusively for developing the Critical Power Grid Network Security Lab, focusing on cybersecurity in the nuclear, energy, and natural gas sectors.

About Jackson State University: Challenging Minds, Changing Lives

Jackson State University, founded in 1877, is a historically black, high-research activity university located in Jackson, the capital city of Mississippi. Jackson State’s nurturing academic environment challenges individuals to change lives through teaching, research and service. Officially designated as Mississippi’s Urban University, Jackson State continues to enhance the state, nation and world through comprehensive economic development, healthcare, technological and educational initiatives. The only public university in the Jackson metropolitan area, Jackson State is located near downtown, with four satellite locations. For more information, visit www.jsums.edu or call 601-979-2121.

About Entergy

Entergy is a Fortune 500 company that powers life for 3 million customers through our operating companies in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. We’re investing in the reliability and resilience of the energy system while helping our region transition to cleaner, more efficient energy solutions. With roots in our communities for more than 100 years, Entergy is a nationally recognized leader in sustainability and corporate citizenship. Since 2018, we have delivered more than $100 million in economic benefits each year to local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism and advocacy. Entergy is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, and has approximately 12,000 employees. Learn more at entergy.com and connect with @Entergy on social media. #WePowerLife

Read the full letter and Clorox’s complete FY24 integrated annual report here.

Today we released our fiscal year 2024 integrated annual report. As one of the first companies to integrate ESG into our business reporting, we firmly believe in the positive value we can create for shareholders and for society. We entered fiscal year 2024 with strong momentum but soon faced both expected and unexpected complexity as we navigated a challenging macroeconomic environment, a more pressured consumer and the aftermath of our August 2023 cyberattack.

Thanks to the team’s steadfast execution, we quickly restored operations, fully rebuilt supply and distribution, and recovered most of the market share we lost from the cyberattack. This strong recovery reflects the superior value of our brands, supported by consistent investments through both good and challenging times.

In the face of these hurdles, we continued to deliver on our commitment to rebuild margin, and we achieved another year of double-digit adjusted earnings per share growth while investing strongly in our brands.

We have been relentlessly focused on executing on our IGNITE strategy and made progress against our long-term goals. While there is still more work to do, we are in a position of operational strength as we continue transforming our business and delivering superior consumer experiences that win in the market.

Our purpose — to champion people to be well and thrive every single day — guides everything we do. This past fiscal year, we continued to advance our integrated ESG goals to help drive growth, mitigate risk and create positive value for our brands and stakeholders.

Looking ahead, we see an environment where consumers continue to seek value and superior experiences amid ongoing uncertainty in the world around them.

We created our IGNITE strategy to meet those needs. That’s why we are focused on delivering superior value through brands that consumers love and trust. We are innovating with clear intent. We are creating a more consumer-obsessed, faster and leaner organization. And we are reinvesting in our business to accelerate growth and transform for the future.

We have been purposeful and balanced in our actions, leaning on IGNITE to execute through every challenge. Led by our values of doing the right thing, putting people at the center and playing to win, we are taking the right steps to navigate the near term and stay true to our goal of being a stronger and more resilient company — one that is poised to deliver more consistent, profitable growth and enhance long-term shareholder value.

I would like to thank my Clorox teammates for their contributions and dedication to our business throughout the year, and for their courage and commitment to the road ahead.

Thank you for your continued support and interest in Clorox.

The best way to ensure the long-term safety of your workplace is to identify and mitigate potential risks before they become a problem. This is exactly what an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) sets out to do.

An effective OHSMS is designed to empower your entire workforce with the tools and resources they need to understand their role in implementing the OHSMS. It should also continuously improve the workplace’s safety standards while boosting morale, productivity, and work culture at the same time.

This blog offers everything you need to know to build a world-class OHSMS in your workplace.

What is a Health and Safety Management System? 

An OSHMS is a formal, top-down, organization-wide approach to managing occupational health and safety risk and assuring the effectiveness of risk controls. This includes systematic procedures, practices, and policies for the management of risk. ​The primary goal of an OHSMS is to establish clear health and safety standards that the entire organization can follow to proactively mitigate risks. Many organizations take a custom approach to implementing an OHSMS that focuses on their individual needs while including applicable regulatory requirements. Some organizations choose to become International Standard Organization (ISO) certified. What works for one organization will likely look different from others.

Benefits of Implementing an Effective OHSMS 

Promotes Safety: An OHSMS is a process for promoting health and safety while reducing risks to employees at work and by making these processes a core value.​

Reduces Risk and Controls Hazards: OHSMSs require proactive hazard identification and risk management. Organizations use these systems to identify, assess, and control hazards in all aspects of their operations. An effective OHSMS prevents incidents such as injuries and process failures, and above all else, builds on the foundation of worker safety and focuses on continuous improvement. They help organizations reduce risks to acceptable levels.​

Performance Management: Organizations use OHSMS to plan, set goals, and measure performance at specific intervals to determine if the management system is effective. Oftentimes, organizations that implement effective systems see increases in performance (and thus, an increase in profits) due to a decrease in incidents and losses.​

Worker Engagement: An OHSMS is intended to be implemented throughout all levels of an organization, including top leadership through the lower-level or frontline workers. OHSMSs are based on leadership and overall accountability. Once the OHSMS is fully integrated in an organization, it becomes the foundation on which people perform their jobs. ​

Continuous Improvement: A common thread in all types of OHSMSs is the element of continuous improvement, which helps an organization identify opportunities for work and process improvements. Many OHSMSs use the Plan-Do-Check-Act approach for achieving continuous improvement.

Key Elements of a World-class Health and Safety Management System 

If you want your OHSMS to be as effective as possible, it will need to contain each of the following elements:

A definition of and commitment to organizational health and safety: First, your OHSMS should define its goal for the health and safety of your organization on your terms. You will design the system around achieving this goal.An accounting of all potential health and safety risks: Be as exhaustive as possible and include everything that you want your safety managers to check on during their inspections.Detailed instructions on all safety protocols: List and describe the safety protocols your workers need to follow on the job in detail. Your safety managers should be able to use these instructions to ensure these protocols are being followed during inspections.A comprehensive safety management and evaluation strategy: Lay out a step-by-step program for safety managers to follow when evaluating the current safety of your workplace, and management steps to take if their evaluations uncover problems.Training and awareness programs: Include a plan for training your workforce to adopt and practice any necessary safety protocols they have not already implemented. Safety training should be proactive and ongoing.A plan for bi-directional communication on health and safety matters: Include a system for workers to report health and safety concerns to management, as well as a way for safety managers to regularly update and inform workers on safety concerns as soon as they’re identified.A commitment to continuous health and safety improvement: The best OHSMS include actionable plans to continuously reevaluate and improve upon health and safety protocols. Revisit your OHSMS whenever you conduct a health and safety audit and look for ways you can continue to improve upon it.

International Standards for OHSMS Development 

As you design and implement your OHSMS, below are some other examples of standards your organization can use to develop your management system. While it’s important to note that these aren’t legal requirements, they still may be useful to include for your organization.

ISO 45001: This is the internationally recognized standard for occupational health and safety management systems. It establishes a framework for OHSMS policy, objectives, planning, implementation, operation, auditing, and review based on the “Plan-Do-Check-Act” methodology.ISO 14001: This establishes a framework for organizations to design and implement environmental management systems. Its objective is to help organizations find ways to minimize their carbon footprint. Many organizations can use ISO 14001 to support their overarching environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals.ISO 9001: This is the world’s most well-known standard for quality management. This framework helps organizations of all sizes and sectors implement, maintain, and improve a quality management system.ISO 45003: This update to ISO 45001 adds guidelines for identifying and managing psychosocial workplace risks and for promoting psychological well-being at work.ANSI Z10: These guidelines provide OSHMS considerations and provide flexibility and guidance on how different organizations can conform.

How to Implement a Health and Safety Management System 

Many effective OHSMS use the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) Approach:

The planning stage involves planning, defining controls, documenting procedures, identifying resources, and stating objectives. This stage is where the organization establishes overall objectives and processes necessary to deliver results in accordance with the OHSMS policy. What does the organization want to get out of an OHSMS and how will they get there? What resources do they have in place that will help them achieve their goals?

The do stage is when the organization takes action and implements what they outlined in the planning stage.

Check is focused on measuring the OHSMS for effectiveness and monitoring for conformity. Is the OHSMS achieving the intended goals? Is the organization implementing the procedures they said they would?

Act is the stage where the organization analyzes the effectiveness and makes changes to the management system processes as needed. The overall goal for any management system is to improve its effectiveness.

Plan-Do-Check-Act emphasizes continuous improvement.

Conclusion 

Building a world-class OHSMS isn’t easy, but the results are well worth the effort. If you’d like professional support and guidance creating a fully compliant and effective OHSMS, reach out to Antea Group’s EHS Management System Support experts to discuss how we can support your organization along your OHSMS journey.

Antea Group has also created A Practical and Tactical Guide to Top-Down EHS Management that may help you in your implementation.

October 8, 2024 /3BL/ – The Healthcare Plastics Recycling Council (HPRC) is excited to announce the addition of Envetec Sustainable Technologies (“Envetec”) to its growing membership. Founded in 2021, Envetec is transforming the management of biohazardous or regulated medical waste with its pioneering GENERATIONS® technology. This cutting-edge solution offers a sustainable and efficient alternative to outdated treatment methods, including autoclaving, incineration, and landfill.

GENERATIONS operates on-site to convert biohazardous waste into valuable feedstock for plastic recycling. The technology employs a nonthermal, biodegradable chemical process to disinfect and shred waste, producing high-polymer content material that can be repurposed into new products. This approach helps to close the loop on laboratory plastic waste and advance circular economy solutions.

“There is no one solution or technology that will solve the healthcare plastics recycling challenge and HPRC is continuously seeking tools that can support the healthcare sector improve the recyclability of plastics,” shared Peylina Chu, Executive Director of HPRC. “Envetec’s innovative, clean technology adds another avenue to explore in our journey to creating a more sustainable future for healthcare plastics. We look forward to collaborating with them and integrating their experience into our project work.”

“Joining HPRC aligns with our mission to drive meaningful change in the healthcare industry,” said Conor Connolly, Vice President of Business Development at Envetec. “We are eager to collaborate with industry peers as our customers increasingly recognize the need for circular solutions in biohazardous waste treatment. Hospitals are urgently seeking to adopt new technologies and move away from traditional methods such as autoclaving, incineration, and landfill. By creating valuable feedstock for recyclers, we are creating significant opportunities to strengthen the recycling infrastructure.”

HPRC is currently leading several initiatives designed to enhance the recycling and circularity of healthcare plastics. These include cutting-edge research into advanced recycling technologies capable of handling mixed-stream healthcare plastics, as well as studies focused on optimizing reverse logistics processes for the efficient collection, segregation, and preparation of healthcare plastic waste for recycling.

About HPRC

HPRC is a private technical coalition of industry peers across healthcare, recycling, and waste management industries seeking to improve the recyclability of plastic products within healthcare. Made up of brand-leading and globally recognized members, HPRC explores ways to enhance the economics, efficiency, and ultimately the quality and quantity of healthcare plastics collected for recycling in support of a circular plastics economy. HPRC is active across the United States and Europe working with key stakeholders, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and participating in industry events and forums. For more information, visit www.hprc.org and follow HPRC on LinkedIn.

About Envetec GENERATIONS

Given the life science industry’s commitment to zero operational waste, including eliminating single-use plastic and the ability to recover waste through circular routes such as reuse and recycling, the standard treatment path has remained unchanged for almost 50 years. It involves removing the bagged, untreated waste by road freight for autoclaving, incineration, and landfill.

GENERATIONS breakthrough technology safely and effectively treats biohazardous regulated medical waste, including plastics, glass, PPE, sharps containers, and other general laboratory consumables on-site.

The GENERATIONS technology simultaneously shreds and disinfects infectious waste and materials directly at the source, which can then be recycled. GENERATIONS, which is non-thermal and utilizes a proprietary biodegradable chemical, converts laboratory-produced medical waste into a recyclable polymer flake that is entirely safe to transport for recycling. GENERATIONS is designed to help laboratories begin phasing out today’s unsustainable activities, including incineration, autoclaving, landfill, and the public health risk associated with the transportation of biohazardous regulated medical waste.

GENERATIONS is a registered trademark with pending patents in the EU, UK, and US.

About Envetec Sustainable Technologies

Envetec’s vision is to create clean change with leading clean technology for the treatment and sustainable repurposing of biohazardous waste materials at source, significantly reducing dependency on autoclaving, road haul, incineration, and landfill. Our mission is to revolutionize the way organisations treat biohazardous waste, especially single-use plastics, and fundamentally improve their approach to sustainability.

KeyBank and the KeyBank Foundation announced an investment of $300,000 in Ann Arbor’s Avalon Housing to bolster its supportive services for tenants and clients. This investment will allow Avalon to provide intensive case management services to enhance personalized support for tenants, helping them navigate complex care systems, connect with necessary resources, and achieve long-term stability.

Avalon Housing, a nonprofit provider of affordable housing, uses what’s known as the supportive housing approach. Widely considered the best long-term solution to homelessness, supportive housing prioritizes the health and well-being of tenants by providing resources to help them stay—and thrive—in their homes.

Using grant funding, the staff at Avalon will be focused on providing support to individuals and families who are at the highest risk of housing instability and require intensive support to maintain their housing and improve their overall well-being. Avalon has found that this approach leads to a decrease in evictions, improved health outcomes and increased economic stability for residents.

“KeyBank’s purpose is to help the communities we serve thrive, and accessibility to safe, affordable housing resources is a crucial element,” said Dave Mannarino, KeyBank Michigan Market President. “We are excited to partner with and support Avalon Housing once again, helping to enhance support services necessary in the effort to end homelessness. This partnership will not only strengthen our community, but it will provide Avalon tenants equitable access to jobs, education, healthcare and more.”

A lack of affordable housing is driving a dramatic increase in homelessness in Washtenaw County. Housing First is a proven model for addressing homelessness with an 84% success rate of keeping people housed. By pairing Housing First principles with wraparound support services, Avalon is able to maintain a 95% housing retention success rate. For tenants with a higher acuity of needs and co-occurring issues, they require a higher level of Intensive Case Management (ICM) support from staff who are able to engage them in deeper and more frequent services. Providing these services requires additional support coordinators who manage lower client caseloads.

“We’re grateful for the support from KeyBank,” said Avalon Housing Executive Director Aaron Cooper. “He know the problems of homelessness and a lack of housing affordability are not going away, and we will continue to work to provide solutions. In fact, we have nearly 175 new housing units in the pipeline right now. Partnership and support from the community are essential in our journey toward housing justice and creating a place for all of our neighbors to call home.”

ABOUT KEYCORP

KeyCorp’s roots trace back nearly 200 years to Albany, New York. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Key is one of the nation’s largest bank-based financial services companies, with assets of approximately $187 billion at June 30, 2024.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management, and investment services to individuals and businesses in 15 states under the name KeyBank National Association through a network of approximately 1,000 branches and approximately 1,200 ATMs. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name. For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank Member FDIC.

ABOUT AVALON HOUSING

Avalon Housing’s mission since its founding in 1992 is to build healthy, safe and inclusive supportive housing communities as a long-term solution to homelessness. Avalon owns and manages 29 sites in Ann Arbor, Dexter and Chelsea, and has 150 units in the pipeline in new projects in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. https://avalonhousing.org/