ConExpo-Con/Agg to focus on safety

You often read about MSHA fatalities on this blog. Well, new additions to the CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2008 exhibition will focus on industry safety training and the need for a qualified industry workforce. The triennial show will be held March 11-15, 2008 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
• A special Safety Zone exhibit area will feature live demonstrations and information resources focused on jobsite safety.
• Show sponsor National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) will hold its first ever Mixer Driver World Cup competition at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2008, designed to recognize the exceptional talent and skills of ready mixed concrete mixer drivers from around the world.
• Show sponsor Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) will hold the finals of its first ever teen-oriented Construction Challenge at the show, with the goal of spurring interest in construction industry careers and spotlighting industry contributions to quality of life such as good roads and clean water.

In the show’s Safety Zone area, exhibiting groups include U.S. federal government organizations such as MSHA and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) will also be on hand with its Click It campaign, which demonstrates proper techniques for wearing full-body harnesses in boom type aerial work platforms. The “zone” is open during the run of the show, located west of the outdoors Blue Lot.

NRMCA’s driver championship is an extension of the association’s Ready Mixed Truck Driver of the Year award, which recognizes driver career achievements, safety, professionalism, competence and customer service. The Mixer Driver World Cup competition at the show involves driving a challenge course, performing a walk-around visual inspection and completing a written examination. Awards will be presented for winner and second and third place finishers. The event takes place March 12, with the driving challenge and inspection in the outdoors Orange Lot.

AEM’s Construction Challenge is part of the association’s efforts to attract the best and brightest young people into the construction industry in professions ranging from manufacturing to in-the-field careers. Some 50 teams are expected to compete in three areas: awareness of construction-related jobs, construction equipment and manufacturing, and infrastructure awareness. Among the prizes are industry-related scholarships. The competition takes place March 11 -13, 2008 near the AEM booth indoors in the Lobby area.

Full details on these efforts and other CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2008 information are online at www.conexpoconagg.com or phone 414-298-4141 or 800-867-6060 (toll free North America) or fax 414-272-2672. Your comment?