INSURANCE I.Q

Safety Meeting Basics

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), one of the most effective ways to promote a safe working environment is to get involved in company safety meetings. Since safety is our top priority, we’ve gathered some tips to help you make the most out of our company safety meetings.

Why Safety Meetings

These informal, brief meetings allow you the opportunity to stay up to date on potential workplace hazards and safe workplace practices, such as machinery use, tool handling, equipment use and safety-minded attitudes—basically anything that may contribute to accidents or illnesses in your workplace.

Meeting Basics

• Attending safety meetings is mandatory. Be aware of what days we hold meetings, and plan accordingly.

• Always sign our safety meeting log – recordkeeping is an important part of our safety and compliance program.

• Be an active participant. Some of the best safety ideas come from workers just like you because you often know best what and where the dangers are.

• During safety meetings, if you have something to add, don’t hesitate to speak up.

• Notice that spills aren’t being cleaned up properly or someone didn’t follow lockout/tagout procedures? We want to know so that we can cover the topic at a future safety meeting, and everyone can benefit.

• Already know the day’s topic? Don’t tune out as you may have something valuable to add.

• If you have an idea for a safety topic, chances are others will find it of interest too. We encourage you to share the details with your supervisor or the safety committee.

• Have a question, like how to lift safely or read a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)? Don’t keep it to yourself - there are no dumb questions when it comes to safety.

• Don’t know all of our safety policies? You can find more information on area bulletin boards or from a human resources representative.

• Want to nominate someone for a safety award? Contact your supervisor or safety committee with the details.

Regardless of your job title, working safely is everyone’s responsibility at AASP.

For more information, contact Brad Schmid at bschmid@cbiz.com.

continued from pg. 9 increase in the concentration of aftermarket distribution strength.

The moderate loss of product share suffered by the OE channel during 2021 compared to 2019 expanded the strength of Independent (non-OE) channels, reversing an aftermarket distribution trend of surging OE channel strength.

Six Major Takeaways • The distribution whiplash effect of the unprecedented downturn in 2020 aftermarket product volume caused by COVID-19, followed by the massive rebound in aftermarket sales last year caused significant changes in product sales and share among the five major channels supplying the car and light truck aftermarket in the U.S.

• The Integrated and Import channels recorded a combined gain of nearly $5.0 billion between 2019 and 2021, withstanding the onslaught of COVID-19 and adding to their distribution strengths.

• The Integrated and Import channels expanded their share of product sales during the downturn in 2020 and rebound in 2021. The Integrated channel was boosted by the DIY sales growth of Retail Auto Parts chains during 2020 and 2021, along with the lively eCommerce sales surge. The import channel benefited from the strong aftermarket performance of foreign nameplate cars and light trucks.

• The two other Independent (non-OE) channels suffered from the market disruptions of COVID-19; the Traditional and Specialized channels each declined in product sales share during 2020 and 2021.

• Reversing a recent trend, the OE channel experienced a modest decline in its 2021 product share compared to 2019 as Independent (non-OE) channels increased their aftermarket product share over these two years.

• See the recently released 2023 Lang Aftermarket Annual packing 22 pages analyzing distribution channel performances in the car and light truck aftermarket for 2021, along with a ten-year history. The order form can be found here:

files.constantcontact.com/042bce26001/4b4642cc-

f71b-4d83-95aa-634bf612abce.pdf?rdr=true.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

continued from pg. 5

property tax reductions). Governor Walz has indicated a desire to call a special session, but only if the Senate is willing to agree to some parameters.

After the primary elections, AASP-MN will have a clearer picture of which lawmakers will be on the ballot in the fall and who we should prioritize our outreach to. This will allow us to target messaging and help coordinate shop tours with members who live in key legislative districts.

Finally, AASP-MN continues to pursue a multipronged approach to addressing issues that are impacting members such as short-pay and prevailing rates. In addition to pursuing changes to the statutes during the legislative sessions, we continue to work with the Department of Commerce. Look for updates from our summer meeting with the Department of Commerce leadership where we will discuss some of the challenges members are facing and potential enforcement remedies.