PMPA Joins OSHA To Defeat MWF Lawsuit
On March 22, 2004, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia refused to order the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to promulgate a health standard regulating worker exposure to metalworking fluid (MWF) mists. The suit had been brought by the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the United Steelworkers unions. In a strange turn of events, the Precision Machined Products Association found itself on OSHA’s side in this legal action.
Challenges Facing The Precision Machined Products Industry
By: Miles Free -It is impossible to ignore the current perfect storm of extreme pricing escalation for raw materials versus the multi-year fixed price contracts we have for our products. (Does anybody know the surcharge du jour?)
Founding Fathers: A Father’s Day Greeting For Our Industry
By: Miles Free -While the official title of Sunday, June 20th is “Father’s Day,” I can’t help but be appreciative of the many bosses, supervisors and executives I’ve worked for that made a difference in my career by their mentoring or example.
Washington Doesn’t Get It . . . Yet
More than 200 manufacturers — 25 of them representing Precision Machined Products Association member companies — recently carried a message of an industry in crisis to more than 120 members of Congress or staff.
What Can I Do Today That Will Make The Most Money For My Company?
By: Miles Free -Those of you who have heard me speak at district programs know that the above question is the fifth point of my internal compass. Taking a look at this question in light of your shop’s situation will be time well spent, I assure you. Here are some ways to make your company money by improving overall performance.
Wooden Pallet Regulations Delayed
By: Miles Free -Do you produce parts for shipment overseas? Do you now or are you thinking about importing parts from overseas? Are you up to speed on the international phytosanitary requirements as they might apply to your shipments?
Unions Sue To Force OSHA Metalworking Fluids Standard
By: Rob Kiener -On October 21, 2003, the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the United Steelworkers of America (USW) filed suit against OSHA to force the organization to issue a standard that would reduce the permissible exposure limit (PEL) by a factor of 10 for all metalworking fluid mists. PMPA has joined the suit as an intervener on the side of OSHA.
PMPA Concludes Successful Trip To China
Fifty-one intrepid PMPA members journeyed halfway around the world in late October 2003 to learn more about China and Chinese manufacturing capabilities. With the trip completed, our objectives met and everyone safely back home, PMPA is preparing a formal report to the membership.
Our Industry At A Glance, September 2003
By: PMPA: Precision Machined Products Association -Sluggish Upturn Seen In Latest Business Trends Report
Starting A Quality System From Scratch
By: Miles Free -Most of us work with the quality systems and departments already in place in our companies. Much of our work is determined by the structure and form of the established quality policies, procedures, processes and systems that we have inherited. These systems grew as our businesses did, evolving from an initial inspection focus to systems using statistical process controls, and they now comply with international quality system standards.