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Updating Employee Safety When the Heat is On
Obviously, some work environments are more dangerous than others, and "safety first" is more than just a saying. At Mid America Paper Recycling, one of our main Behaviors to remember is “Dedicate Yourself to Safety.” We try our best to stay cool in the heat, but it can sometimes be a challenge. Being proactive about safety is a must, by intervening, correcting, or speaking up about any health and safety issues.
As temperatures continue to rise in the spring and summer months, often at record-breaking levels, our changing climate affects millions of America’s workers in the pulp and paper, printing, plastics manufacturing, metals, recycling and scrap industries who are exposed to tough and potentially dangerous heat. The U.S. Department of Labor urges employers to safeguard all workers; they deserve protections.
Mid America’s plant operations struggle to stay cool in the high heat. There is always more to do when it comes to plant safety, explains Mid America’s plant manager, Alan Surdyk. “But we always remember that safety is first. Our plant can get quite hot in the summer, so we try to be aware of all our safety procedures and watch out for others in the heat as well.”
Our partners and suppliers in the pulp and paper industry are also exposed to many different hazards. But heat is the leading cause of death among all weather-related workplace hazards, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). To help address this threat, OSHA implemented a nationwide enforcement initiative on heat-related hazards. The agency’s safety message comes down to three key words: Water. Rest. Shade.
Contributors to heat-related illnesses include physical activity, high air temperatures,
Humidity, sunlight, heat sources (such as ovens or furnaces, heat-absorbing roofs, and road surfaces), air movement, clothing that hampers the body's ability to lose excess heat, such as protective gear, individual/personal risk factors, (pre-existing health conditions and lifestyle).
An employer with workers exposed to high temperatures should establish a complete heat illness prevention program. OSHA suggests:
- Providing workers with water, rest and shade.
- Allowing new/returning workers to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks as they acclimatize, or build a tolerance for working in the heat.
- Plan for emergencies and train workers on prevention.
- Monitor workers for signs of illness
Even one injury is too many, as most safety experts say. When enhancing safety in the pulp and paper industry, it’s important to plan ahead, assess the risk and use the right equipment. To ensure everyone’s safety, employers must be keenly aware of the primary safety guidelines for employees working in the pulp and paper industry, and plan if the team is working in high heat conditions. Manufacturing environments with hot local heat sources, like furnaces (e.g., paper products), warehousing, boiler and electrical rooms, outdoor delivery/shipping areas and many others are often cause for heat-related illnesses.
Heat stroke is considered the most severe of heat-related illness. Workers suffering from heat stroke experience mental dysfunction such as unconsciousness, confusion, disorientation, or slurred speech. Cool these workers immediately and call 911.
Companies should ensure their workers are aware of all safety procedures, including heat protection, and that the work environment is safe. The rules must apply to everyone, and each breach in following the rules should be addressed. OSHA's Occupational Exposure to Heat page explains what employers can do to keep workers safe and what workers need to know - including factors for heat illness, adapting to working in indoor and outdoor heat, protecting workers, recognizing symptoms, and first aid training.
And as Alan says, “We talk about the importance of doing the right thing--always. Safety is always the right thing to remember, and assisting others is one of our 2022 focuses. We are a company that focuses on continuous improvement and helping each other stay safe so we can then better WOW others. Let’s all stay safe at work this year!”
Driving Value, Innovation, and Sustainability: Meet Brian Gaughan, Mid America Paper Recycling’s Business Development Leader
For printing and packaging firms, floor space is a critical resource directly tied to productivity, safety, and profitability. Operating under typically tight profit margins, these companies cannot afford inefficiencies that hinder operations or add unnecessary costs. Yet, in many facilities, valuable floor space is wasted on scrap and trim waste from the paperboard manufacturing and converting process. Gaylords of loose material waiting to be processed and bales awaiting pickup can create bottlenecks, disrupt workflows, and eat into already slim margins. At Mid America Paper Recycling, we provide timely solutions to help manufacturers reclaim their floor space and protect their bottom line. Here’s how: The Hidden Costs of Wasted Floor Space Inefficient use of floor space doesn’t just limit operational effectiveness—it carries significant financial and operational consequences. Here’s what’s at stake: High Real Estate Costs : Manufacturing and warehouse space is expensive. According to Prologis, the annual cost for warehouse space averages $13.20 per square foot , including base rent and operating expenses. A facility dedicating 1,000 square feet to waste storage could incur $13,200 annually in avoidable costs. Safety Risks and Workplace Injuries : Cluttered floors with bins of loose material and stacked bales create hazards that increase the risk of workplace injuries. The National Safety Council reports that the average cost of a medically consulted workplace injury exceeds $40,000 , factoring in productivity losses, medical bills, and administrative expenses. Missed Revenue Opportunities : Every square foot dedicated to waste is a square foot unavailable for revenue-generating activities. For example, a production machine occupying 1,000 square feet could generate $100,000 to $500,000 annually in additional revenue. Increased Labor Costs : Managing waste on the plant floor is time-consuming. Employees spend hours moving, organizing, and handling waste instead of focusing on higher-value tasks. At an average wage of $20 per hour , one additional hour spent daily on waste management can cost a company $5,000 annually per employee . How Mid America Paper Recycling Reclaims Space Reclaiming floor space starts with understanding a facility’s unique challenges. Through our waste audit services , we identify inefficiencies in waste management handling practices in your plant facilities and provide customized solutions to optimize space utilization. Trailer Spotting: A Game-Changer for Floor Space One of the most effective strategies we offer printers and board converters is trailer spotting. Instead of storing waste on the plant floor, a dedicated trailer is stationed on-site to accumulate scrap and trim waste, and then rotated back to our recycling facility for materials processing. Maximizes Plant Space : By removing bales and scrap from the floor at key intervals, plants can free up hundreds or even thousands of square feet for production or finished goods storage. Improves Safety : Clear, clutter-free floors reduce the risk of accidents and ensure smoother workflows. Cuts Handling Costs : Employees spend less time managing waste, which translates to significant labor savings. Streamlines Operations : Trailers simplify the waste management process, ensuring efficient material handling and faster pickups. Faster Financial Return on Recyclables : By consolidating and efficiently managing scrap materials in a trailer, recyclables can be transported directly to mills more frequently. This reduces delays, accelerates payments, and ensures more consistent cash flow tied to a recycling program. For example, one large printing client reduced their reliance on floor space for bales by 50% , enabling them to install additional equipment and increase production capacity. Execution in Action At Mid America Paper Recycling, we deliver results through precise execution of recycling programs. Our Chicago-based facility processes 51 different paper grades using advanced baling systems and a fleet of 125 trailers in our logistics network. By leveraging our infrastructure and consulting expertise, we help customers reclaim floor space, reduce costs, and maximize profitability year after year. Partner with Mid America to Reclaim Your Space For any packaging manufacturer, the value of floor space cannot be overstated. Don’t let waste take up space that could be driving your business forward. Let Mid America Paper Recycling help you optimize your operations, starting with a free waste audit to discover how we can help you unlock the hidden value in your facility.
As Vince Lombardi once said, "Talent and a good game plan each on their own are not enough to win. Execution is everything." This timeless insight rings especially true in the recycling industry, where results hinge on not only having the right resources but also leveraging them with precision and consistency. At Mid America Paper Recycling, execution is our hallmark, honed over decades of practice and refinement. From Talent to Teamwork At the heart of Mid America Paper Recycling’s success is our experienced and dedicated team. With generations of expertise, we’ve cultivated a culture where execution is second nature. Our employees undergo training, and our game plan for customer support is practiced and optimized continually, ensuring consistent excellence in every service we provide. From plant operations and brokerage, to transportation and customer service, every team member understands that their role is pivotal in delivering the quality and reliability our clients expect. The Game Plan: Precision and Purpose Winning in recycling, much like in sports, requires a well-orchestrated strategy. Here’s how we execute our game plan to help our supplier-partners turn waste into value: Waste Stream Audits Each client engagement begins with a detailed audit of their waste streams, mapping the journey of recyclable materials from generation to exit. For example, at one facility, our audit identified inefficiencies in sorting, allowing us to recommend adjustments that increased recycling rates by 20% and reduced disposal costs significantly. 2. Maximizing Revenue with Mill Direct Shipments By leveraging our strong relationships with mills worldwide, we ensure that materials are shipped directly to the most advantageous destinations. For instance, a paperboard converter client generated $140,000 in new revenues after we helped them implement a dedicated dock for mill-direct shipments. 3. Enhancing Operational Efficiency Our innovative handling solutions reduce labor costs and improve safety. In one case, we introduced custom receptacles for a printing facility, eliminating the need for double handling of scrap materials and reducing workplace injuries by 15%. 4. Uncovering Hidden Value Misclassified materials and overlooked recycling opportunities are common pitfalls in waste management. For example, we worked with a fulfillment center customer to reclassify their "mixed paper" waste stream into higher-value grades, increasing their recycling revenue by 30%. 5. Providing Accountability and Transparency Timely reporting and payments are standard operating procedure at Mid America. One client noted improved decision-making after implementing our detailed quarterly reports, which highlighted cost savings and environmental contributions across all their facilities. Execution at the Processing Plant Our Chicago-based facility exemplifies what great execution looks like in recycling services. Equipped with state-of-the-art baling systems and supported by a fleet of over 125 trailers, our plant processes 51 different paper grades of recyclables. By meticulously sorting, baling, and shipping materials, we ensure that our clients' waste streams are transformed into high-quality commodities for mills across the globe. Why Execution Sets Us Apart Our Chicago-based plant operations set us apart by ensuring unmatched reliability. Unlike brokers who rely solely on external processors, we maintain control over quality and consistency, virtually eliminating the risk of mill rejections or downgrades—a common issue with third-party processors. Our decades of experience also provide the flexibility to adapt swiftly to changing market conditions and evolving client needs. Most importantly, our commitment to execution consistently delivers tangible results, from cost savings to increased revenues, directly impacting our clients’ bottom lines. A Commitment to Winning—For You In recycling, as in football, the difference between a good performance and a championship win lies in flawless execution. Mid America Paper Recycling doesn’t just play the game; we play to win—for our clients, our planet, and our future. As we approach the Super Bowl, let’s remember: talent and a game plan are essential, but execution is what turns potential into victory. If you're ready to take your recycling program to the next level, let us help you execute a winning strategy. Take our free Waste Audit Survey to get started today.
The paper and cardboard recycling market has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Once viewed as a straightforward waste collection activity, scrap and paper recycling has become a sophisticated process driven by innovation, partnerships, and the growing demand for sustainable practices. For printing and packaging converters as well as box plant managers, this evolution offers opportunities to increase revenue in your operations while meeting sustainability goals. As a fourth-generation independent broker, processor, and exporter of recovered paper, Mid America Paper Recycling has witnessed these changes firsthand over decades. We’ve adapted and innovated to help our partners thrive in this dynamic market. As we enter 2025, let’s dive into the key trends shaping the future of recycling and how your business can stay ahead. The Evolving Recycling Landscape The days of simply tossing recyclable materials into a gaylord bin and forgetting about them are long gone. The recycling market now prioritizes extracting maximum value from every paper grade in every waste stream in your facility. This shift is driven by: Stringent environmental regulations pushing companies to reduce landfill contributions Consumer demand for sustainable products, prompting brands to adopt eco-friendly packaging Advances in technology, enabling more efficient sorting and processing of recyclable materials These changes have transformed how companies like Mid America Paper Recycling work with our supplier-partners, moving from a reactive service model to more of a proactive, strategic partnership approach.
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Essential Company Roles: Meet Brian Gaughan
Mid America Paper Recycling began working with Orbus, a Woodridge, IL-based designer and manufacturer of trade show displays and accessories, three years ago to further its efforts to minimize its impact on the environment.