First of all, we would like to thank all of you for your calls, thoughts and prayers during this time of historic flooding in the Baton Rouge region. While so many of our Roco employees and their families have been affected, including some who have lost everything, we are very thankful to report that all are safe. Some estimates show that up to 60,000+ homes received water damage [number updated]. 

Fortunately, our offices and the Roco Training Center were not flooded, so all classes – including Rescue Challenge – are proceeding as planned. It is very important, however, that hotel rooms be confirmed (and re-confirmed) as quickly as possible as they will be filling rapidly with recovery workers. Should you have any issues, please call the Roco office (800-647-7626) as soon as possible.

As we continue to get back to a normal operational status, we appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers during this time as many have lost so much. And, once again, we are reminded that we get to work with the best people on earth – emergency responders. Local responders have worked tirelessly, and now volunteer to help each other with clean up. They have truly been amazing; and, as always, we are very grateful for their service!

Kay G. & the Roco Staff

P.S. Because so many have asked how they can help Roco personnel, we have created a "GoFundMe" account. If you wish to participate, please click the link shown below. Please note that all funds will be distributed to Roco personnel to assist in the recovery and rebuilding process. Thank you so much to everyone who has offered to help! https://www.gofundme.com/2kmgkwfr

“Out of the ashes of the WTC formed a team of first responders who now volunteer their experience and expertise responding to disaster-stricken communities, and build housing for wounded returning veterans who continue the fight that began on September 11, 2001.”

A very special THANKS to HEART 9/11 for assisting Roco personnel and others following historic flooding in the Baton Rouge area. This group of first responders – FDNY, NYPD, PAPD and the NYC Building Trades – bonded in the aftermath of 9/11 to honor the sacrifices of brave colleagues and family members, to utilize their experience and training in service to others and to bring a message of hope to communities affected by disaster. You can support the efforts of HEART 9/11 (Healing Emergency Aid Response Team) by visiting their website at http://heart911.org/

Top Photo Source: Patrick Dennis / The Advocate via AP

It is with great honor and pride that we announce our continued recognition as an OSHA Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Star Worksite company. Three years ago, we first reached this achievement, which requires an on-going safety emphasis and improvement process. To our knowledge, we are the first rescue training, equipment, and service company in the nation to receive this prestigious recognition. It is certainly a testament to everyone’s continued hard work and safety consciousness that we are once again honored with this elite Star status.

The three tiered voluntary program (Demonstration, Merit, and Star) is based on our safety history, safety program and management, as well as the palpable pulse of our safety culture. The OSHA onsite audit team unanimously commented that it was quite obvious that all Roco employees they encountered, from junior staff on up to our company president, believe and practice our company motto “There’s a Safe Way, and a Safer Way.”

Continued safety improvement is one of the cornerstones of the VPP award consideration, and we have reaped the benefits of this very requirement. With our growth and diversity of operations we have experienced over the past few years, one thing we cannot compromise is the safety of our employees and our customers. The challenge of demonstrating continuous improvement has been a valuable guide for us as we grow, and that very challenge has provided a clear path to continued success in our safety efforts.

We take safety very seriously at Roco, and given the nature of our business, it is important to have a means to measure our success. Receiving VPP Star status once again is one measure that tells us we are doing things the right way, the safer way.

The Roco Training Center - Baton Rouge, LA

OSHA’s maximum penalty for serious violations will increase from $7,000 to $12,471. The agency’s top penalty for willful or repeated violations will jump from $70,000 to $124,709. OSHA’s maximum penalties have not increased since 1990.

“Civil penalties should be a credible deterrent that influences behavior far and wide,” Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez said in a press release. “Adjusting our penalties to keep pace with the cost of living can lead to significant benefits for workers and can level the playing field [for] responsible employers who should not have to compete with those who don’t follow the law.”

OSHA's new penalty levels are scheduled to take effect after August 1, 2016. Any citations issued after this date will be subject to the new penalties if the related violations occurred after November 2, 2015. The interim final rules were announced June 30. Comments on the interim final rules will be due 45 days after the rules are published in the Federal Register. (Source: National Safety Council.)

Just in time to celebrate the 4th of July, Roco's limited edition Patriot T-shirt has arrived!

This performance fit shirt is made of 100% cotton and great for showing off your American pride. It is also great for working out or just relaxing.

This limited edition shirt will only be available for a short period of time. So, don't miss your chance to purchase one today. Click here to order!

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