J & R Slaw Company Profile - Safety Training
J & R Slaw, Inc., founded in 1979, is a family-owned business located in Bowmanstown, Pennsylvania. The company employs just over 100 people and is growing. As a concrete pre-caster, J & R Slaw creates products for a number of applications, from bridge beams and highway projects to architectural elements and commercial structures. The company’s website is www.slawprecast.com.

Situation
J & R Slaw needed to reduce its worker's compensation rate, which reached an all time high of 25 percent of the payroll in 1994. Though that number has been reduced over the years, the company wanted to train its employees on many safety issues to try to bring its rate to acceptable levels. J & R Slaw also needed to improve some employees’ basic skills to improve plant efficiencies. The company contacted the Manufacturers Resource Center (MRC), a NIST MEP network affiliate, for assistance.

Solution
MRC helped J & R Slaw apply for Pennsylvania's Workforce and Economic Development Network (PA WEDnet) training funds. MRC helped the company identify its training needs, developed a customized training plan, and identified several capable training providers to guarantee a competitive price. Thus far, J & R Slaw has conducted safety training, blueprint reading, math skills, and supervisory training using its WEDnet funds. In addition to improving safety and performance, training has also changed the corporate culture at J & R Slaw. Management now realizes that some skills required in the workplace can improve quality of life for employees, thereby improving morale. J & R Slaw plans to provide more training in the future with the help of MRC.

Results
Reduced worker's compensation rates to 3 percent of payroll from 25 percent, a 22 percent reduction.
Reduced the number of accidents and injuries.
Improved time and material efficiencies.
Expanded workforce skills.

Testimonial
"The Manufacturers Resource Center tailors its services to fit our company's needs, and we appreciate the personalized attention. In addition to improved safety and performance, training has also changed our corporate culture. We will be going forward with more training in the future with the help of MRC."

Chris Slaw, Vice President