ISSUE 3, 2022 SHARE YOUR GOALS
PAGE 2 NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH
PAGES 6 & 7 NEW STATE-OFTHE-ART CEMENT FACILITY IN FL
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SHARE YOUR GOALS
During my touchpoint video in May I asked all coworkers to come up with three goals—two professional and one personal—and to share them with your manager and myself. If you have yet to do this, please do, as I am excited to see just how many goals we can help each of you attain by the end of 2022. Submit your goals to me using this link: https://bit.ly/OZgoals
RETIREE ROUNDUP: OZINGA ALUMNI BUSY IN RETIREMENT
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1. Nick Paulin traveled with his wife to Texas and enjoyed the Riverwalk in San Antonio. 2. Richard Kelly and his wife recently returned home from a 7,710-mile, 7-week, 7-state trip.
UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION QUESTIONS? CONCERNS? IDEAS? FEEDBACK? We want to hear from you! If you have a question you’d like to ask, idea you’d love to share, a concern you’ve had or general feedback you’d like to give, you can now do so by using the QR code. All information can be shared anonymously, or you may leave contact info if you’d like a response. 2
Hey retirees - If you move or change your phone number, please let us know so we can keep in contact with you. Contact our HR department at hr@ozinga.com
SHARE YOUR ACTIVITIES We want to know what you’re doing in retirement. Please send photos to Sharon Simons at sharonsimons@ozinga.com
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Email internalcomms@ozinga.com or call 708.326.4582 with your story, news, idea, etc. and look for it in the next issue of the newsletter.
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If you are facing challenging circumstances, are in a season of struggle, or just need someone to talk to, you are not alone. Ohana is here to provide encouragement, comfort and support. Whether it’s a meal, a ride, a care visit, respite, or just someone to listen, we would like to be there for you.
BRUCE MITCHELL WINS FIRST PLACE AT IRMCA MIXER SKILLS COMPETITION
Conversations/situations are confidential. Call 708.326.4090.
RON BABCOCK RETIRES After 24 years of service as a mechanic in the Indiana West region, Ron Babcock retired on April 29. Ron joined Ozinga in the summer of 1998, starting as a ready mix driver and then moving into the garage after a few weeks. Before Ozinga, Ron was a mechanic for both the State of Indiana and Dixie Dairy, specializing in heavy equipment for 17 years. Ron has a special connection to Ozinga that goes well beyond his 24 years of service. Ron’s father-in-law, Wally Cox Jr., was a long-time driver for Ozinga’s Indiana operation, and Wally’s dad, Wally Sr., was a long-time coworker with Griffith Ready Mix, which was acquired by Ozinga in 1973. Ron’s son Zach is the Commercial and Industrial Salesman for Indiana and has been with us since 2011. Four solid generations at Ozinga. Sound familiar? Ron intends to enjoy his retirement the right way. He will keep the neighbor kids off his pristine lawn, but most importantly, he will spend quality time with his wife Denise, their dog Ella and the family at his quiet little place on Schafer Lake in Monticello, Indiana. Thank you, Ron, for all your hard work. We wish you all the best and hope you enjoy a long and extremely healthy retirement! 4
Bruce Mitchell, ready mix driver from our Cedar Lake yard, took first place in the Indiana Ready Mix Concrete Association (IRMCA) Mixer Skills Competition on April 30, 2022. During the competition, Mitchell competed in driving course and ability challenges, as well as a written exam. His first place win automatically advances him to the National Ready Mix Concrete Association’s (NRMCA) National Mixer Driver Championship, which will take place in Colorado in October. Mitchell, who has been with Ozinga since 2002, is no stranger to these competitions. He took second place at the IRMCA competition in 2021; first place at the IRMCA competition in 2019 and second place at the NRMCA competition the same year; and third place at the IRMCA competition in 2018. Ready mix driver Kelly Jenkins, who drives out of our South Bend yard, also competed in this year’s competition. Although he didn’t place, Jenkins, who has been with Ozinga since the Transit Mix acquisition, is a great competitor. He took third place at the IRMCA event back in 2017. 5
JUNE IS NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH
Body temperature is normal or slightly elevated.
The National Safety Council and Ozinga recognize June as National Safety Month. Throughout this month, we are focusing on saving lives and preventing injuries across the company in many different ways. Each week has a different topic of focus:
Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat stress illnesses. Heat stroke occurs when the body’s temperature regulatory system fails. Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature (up to 105 degrees!), confusion, delirium, convulsions, or unconsciousness. The skin is usually hot, dry, and red and the victim has stopped sweating. Victims of heat stroke must be treated promptly to prevent brain damage or death.
Week Week Week Week
1: Safety Culture 2: Jobsite Safety 3: Lifting and Ergonomics 4: Overall Health and Wellness.
These topics became our focus because we have recognized this is where we have our largest exposure and incidents. Please join the Safety department in celebrating this month with all of those in the field and at home. Be creative in how we not only give awareness to these topics but also celebrate our victories.
The Heat is On Heat stress sneaks up on people who may not realize the danger. The best way to beat heat stress is by taking preventative measures. Preventing heat stress 1. Drink a lot of water: about 1 cup every 20-30 minutes. 2. Take breaks and spend time out of the sun or other sources of heat. 3. Wear lightweight, light colored, loose fitting clothing. 4. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals. Heat-related illnesses Working in the heat decreases strength and causes fatigue to occur sooner than usual. It is important for coworkers to not only pay attention to their own well-being, but also to watch out for the people working around them.
What to do in a heat emergency If someone shows signs of heat stroke, call 911. Move the worker to a cool, shaded area. Loosen or remove heavy clothing. Fan or mist the victim with water. Provide cool drinking water if the victim is conscious and able to drink.
Don’t Run Out of Fuel. Stay Hydrated! HEAT STROKE
HEAT EXHAUSTION
HEAT CRAMPS
- Body Temp 114F + - Abnormal Heart Rate - Slurred Speech - Confusion
- Weakness - Loss of Coordination - Vomiting - Headache
- Heavy Sweating - Muscle Cramps
HYDRATED - Well Rested - Good Diet - Water Intake: 1 Cup Every 15-30 min.
Heat cramps are muscle spasms that occur when a person sweats profusely or drinks large quantities of water, but does not replace the body’s salt loss. Heat exhaustion occurs when large amounts of fluid are lost from the body without being replaced. Signs and symptoms include excessive sweating, fatigue, nausea, and/or headache. Skin is clammy and moist and the victim’s complexion may be pale or flushed. 6
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PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY At Ozinga, safety is recognized as a top priority and an essential element to organizational success, and this includes psychological safety. According to the Harvard Business Review, psychological safety is defined as the belief that one can speak up without risk of punishment or humiliation. Coworkers should feel empowered to tactfully voice concerns, perspectives, and objections without the fear of retaliation. A workplace that promotes psychological safety is one that thrives in productivity, innovation, collaboration, and top-notch decision making. One might ask who is responsible for cultivating this environment of psychological safety, and you guessed it leadership! In the illustration below, The Center for Creative Leadership highlights five ways leaders can promote psychological safety in the workplace:
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Offer solutions to problems Admit failures/weaknesses
Leaders, in your quest to encourage the success and welfare of your team, be sure to promote an inclusive and psychologically safe work environment.
MAKE TIME FOR YOUR DEVELOPMENT As a coworker at Ozinga, you are encouraged to schedule frequent check-ins (Development Discussions) with your manager or supervisor 3-4 times a year. For some of you, this may be a formal sit-down to discuss career aspirations. For others it may be a very informal, 5- to 10-minute check-in between tasks. If you haven’t talked about your development with your manager or supervisor, start now. If you prefer to use a guide to aid in the conversation, please reach out to development@ozinga.com and a resource will be delivered to your inbox to get you on your way.
DIVERSITY, UNITY & FELLOWSHIP CONTINUES
You’ll know your workplace is psychologically safe when coworkers feel open to: • • • • •
Give and receive feedback Have crucial conversations Ask for assistance without feeling incompetent Ask for clarification Disagree 8
Diversity, Unity & Fellowship has been picking up momentum this quarter. Honoring Diversity Month, Ozinga’s new diversity and inclusion initiative was officially introduced to coworkers, on April 29, 2022, at the Mokena office. This informative session began with a brief, but inspiring speech from Ozinga’s very own, Jim Ozinga. Jim’s compelling, but comical approach set the tone for the hour, as Learning & Development Specialist, Joya Calloway, followed with an overview of Diversity, Unity & Fellowship’s purpose and plan of action. Committed to the cause, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage month was honored on Wednesday, May 25 with a Heritage luncheon as an enjoyable time of unity and fellowship. 9
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential service provided by employers to help coworkers with personal difficulties. EAPs are also used by management as a tool to assist coworkers who are in need of personal counseling and for help to deal with the after-affects of critical incidents. Ozinga’s non-union, full-time, benefits-eligible coworkers have access to the EAP program, EAPEssential, offered through ComPsych. EAPEssential offers someone to talk to and resources to consult whenever and wherever you need them. These no-cost services are confidential and available all day, every day to you and your household members. • • •
Confidential Emotional Support Work-Life Solutions Legal Guidance
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Financial Resources Online Support
For our union coworkers, please contact your union representative for more information about your EAP.
CORPORATE CHAPLAINS OF AMERICA SERVING OZINGA COWORKERS In partnership with Corporate Chaplains of America (CCA), we now have 11 chaplains serving Ozinga coworkers. There is no cost to you for their services. The chaplaincy program is completely confidential, and the chaplains work for CCA. They do not report to Ozinga management other than to report the number of visits, calls, conversations, etc. Local, state and federal laws require that the chaplain disclose information in cases of child abuse or when personal safety is at risk, but otherwise the chaplain will not disclose your private information to anyone without your permission. The 11 chaplains currently make regular rounds to the ready mix and office locations, but the services are available to all Ozinga coworkers. Services include: 10
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Premarital counseling Marriage and family support Divorce care and support Financial and budgeting matters Planning and performing funeral services Courtroom visits
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Death and dying Hospital visits Serious illness support Depression, stress and anxiety Addiction issues Grief support Work stresses
You (and your family) can access your chaplain 24/7/365. MOKENA OFFICE & CHICAGO OFFICE/YARDS: Mike Pawletki: 1-877-322-CHAP ext. 4446 (773-263-5726) mpawletki@chaplain.org
ILLINOIS SOUTH: Erwin Carrera: 1-877-322-CHAP ext. 5164 (773-297-9209) ecarrera@chaplain.org Jim Revelle: 1-877-322-CHAP ext. 5017 (847-912-4755) jrevelle@chaplain.org
ILLINOIS NORTH: Richard Schmidt: 1-877-322-CHAP ext. 5143 (630-816-4021) dschmidt@chaplain.org
WISCONSIN: Matt Cyr: 1-877-322-CHAP ext. 5111 (402-210-6314) mcyr@chaplain.org Jared Furnish: 1-877-322-CHAP ext. 4379 (920-285-6380) jfurnish@chaplain.org
INDIANA EAST: Pete Cerling: 1-877-322-CHAP ext. 5156 (574-310-9220) pcerling@chaplain.org
INDIANA WEST: Ruben Del Valle: 1-877-322-CHAP ext. 4351 (219-241-6178) rdelvalle@chaplain.org Jim Zaugg: 1-877-322-CHAP ext. 4267 (574-527-2223) jzaugg@chaplain.org
SOUTH FLORIDA: Gerry Disla: 1-877-322-CHAP ext. 4014 (817-723-6348) gdisla@chaplain.org Fish Figueroa: 1-877-322-CHAP ext. 5138 (954-471-7736) ffigueroa@chaplain.org
If your location is not listed, choose the closest to you, or contact Mike Pawletki at mpawletki@chaplain.org. You may also ask to speak with an alternate chaplain by contacting Jeff Thomson, CCA’s Regional Director at (608) 797-7116 or jthomson@chaplain.org. All contacts are confidential. Both male and female 11 chaplains are available.
CHICAGO HOSTS SPRING TRAINING
During May, our Chicago region spent two Saturdays offering up spring training to our drivers, plant operators and mechanics in the region. During these events, attendees were educated on the following topics: • • • •
Sales, Jobs & Customers: What to Expect in 2022 Dialogue with Dispatch Operations Report: Yard Improvements and Safety Metrics SmartDrive and Smith System
All-star awards were also handed out to select individuals.
OZINGA INFLATES STATE-OF-THE-ART CEMENT FACILITY AT PORT OF PALM BEACH The cement facility at the Port of Palm Beach in Riviera Beach, Florida has been inflated. This one-of-a-kind cement storage facility took about three hours to inflate. The structure’s custom appearance is the result of a cooperative effort between Ozinga, the Port of Palm Beach, and the City of Riviera Beach and is designed to enhance the visual landscape of the area and complement the marine environment. The facility will receive and store international shipments of cement that will then be transported to other locations for use in the production of ready-mix concrete. The facility is expected to be fully operational by spring 2023.
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OZINGA DEBUTS PINK-AND-WHITE READY MIX TRUCK Ozinga is excited to announce that we have another truck hitting the streets of Chicago – and this truck has a whole new look. This pink-and-white-striped truck was
Registration Now Open! The time has come for a new Ozinga Kids Club season! Sign up your little Ozinga fan to be a Kids Club member and continue all the exciting benefits, such as a welcome gift, birthday treat, Ozinga Kids Club certificate and other surprises and emails throughout the year.
Registration for the 2022/2023 season is now open. Sign up your Ozinga fan between June 1 and August 31.
painted as a way to support breast cancer awareness and advocate for those who have been affected by the disease. It’s truck number – 0001 – was also chosen as a way to represent the 1 in 8 individuals who are diagnosed with breast cancer. This idea came from Alivia Ozinga, Justin Ozinga’s daughter, who sent a handwritten letter to Jeff Bonnema, Vice President of Fleet, asking him to consider it. We are excited to see this truck hit the streets of Chicago, and we are grateful to use one of our trucks to make a positive impact on our communities.
Ozinga Kids Club members must be 13 years or younger and must register every year. The 2022/2023 registration is open now until August 31.
3RD GRADERS TOUR CROWN POINT YARD
For more details and to sign up,
toured the Crown Point yard. The kids learned how concrete is made and saw some
scan the code or check out
handprint certificates. After the tour, the classes headed back to school, where they
For more information and to sign up, check out ozinga.com/kidsclub or scan the QR code below with your phone. If you have any questions, reach out to kidsclub@ozinga.com.
ozinga.com/kidsclub
On Wednesday, May 11, the 3rd grade classes of St. Mary’s Catholic Community School trucks get loaded. Students had a fun time being able to sit in a truck and make concrete learned about the FP&A and inventory side of Ozinga. Thank you, Joe Sanders and Joe Wegner, for giving the tours and Rosie Cedano and Sam Sanders for sharing your roles with the kids.
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19001 Old Lagrange Rd Mokena, IL 60448