Check out our latest video from Challenge

Check out the video from our 2023 Roco Rescue Challenge which marked our 30th anniversary of the event. Teams from both industrial and municipal sectors participated in the two-day scenario-based event which focused on confined space and high angle rope rescue in industrial settings. Scores are given and trophies awarded, but Rescue Challenge is really a learning event, with skill-building and improving being the ultimate objectives.

If you missed this year’s Rescue Challenge, join us next year on October 16-17, 2024, at the Roco Training Center in Baton Rouge. Every year our instructors devise new “surprise obstacles” to challenge teams with hurdles never before tackled.

Rescue Challenge is an outstanding motivational event for rescue teams – from new rescuers to more seasoned veterans.

Is your team ready for the CHALLENGE 2024? 

(And, if not, our instructors can get them ready!)

NEW YORK – Two employees of a Bronx water and sewer line construction contractor were fatally injured in a trench at a construction site at John F. Kennedy International Airport in Queens on April 3, 2023. These fatalities could have been prevented if their employer had ensured proper safeguards, a federal investigation found.

The two employees were attempting to remove soil from below a concrete slab located within a trench when the slab broke apart and collapsed, fatally crushing both workers. OSHA inspectors found that the company failed to:

• Support the concrete slab, exposing both employees to the danger of a collapse.
• Instruct employees on safe methods to remove the slab and provide supervision to ensure those methods were followed.
• Construct the excavation's protective system based on designs in accordance with OSHA standards.

“Working in excavations is inherently dangerous. Demolition of existing structures must be carefully planned, and shoring systems must be built according to their design. Employers are obligated to make a good faith effort to recognize, evaluate and control workplace hazards throughout the course of the work and as conditions change,” said Kevin Sullivan, OSHA's Long Island and Queens area director.

“Diligent oversite and management of changing worksite conditions could have helped prevent this tragedy from happening.”

Learn more about OSHA and protecting workers against trenching and excavation hazards.

CALL FOR INSPECTION FOR THE ASTRO AND CANYON GUIDE HARNESSES

This morning, Petzl issued a Call for Inspection on certain models of their Astro and Canyon-Guide harnesses. If your equipment cache includes either of these harnesses, follow this link to determine if you are impacted and how to proceed.

If you need assistance with inspecting your harnesses, Roco Rescue will be happy to help, please call 800-647-7626.

Always remember to inspect your gear before each use. Stay safe!

Columbia Southern University recently awarded its annual Outstanding Safety Professional of the Year Award to Chris McGlynn, Roco Rescue's Director of Safety.

The Outstanding Safety Professional Award was established by CSU to recognize National Safety Month, observed in June, and to celebrate its occupational safety and health students and graduates for their commitments to safety, professionalism and their accomplishments.

CSU’s occupational safety and health faculty members selected McGlynn, who holds a bachelor’s degree in occupational safety and health. He is pursuing a master’s degree in the same field from the CSU. He has won several safety awards and was recently chosen to serve as president of the Baton Rouge ASSP chapter and on the group’s national advisory panel.

Click here to read the full press release.

Please join us in congratulating Chris on this incredible achievement!

Chris McGlynn is the Director of Safety/VPP Coordinator for Roco Rescue. He is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP) through the Board of Certified Safety Professionals as well as a Certified Confined Space and Rope Rescue Technician, and a Nationally Registered Paramedic. As Director of Safety, Chris oversees all corporate safety initiatives, ensuring that employees at Roco have the tools and training that they need to do their work safely and effectively. He is also responsible for managing Roco's Safety Services Division, which provides trained safety professionals for turnarounds and other special projects. Finally, Chris serves as the VPP Coordinator for Roco, continuing Roco’s long-standing commitment to excellence in safety and health. Roco has been an OSHA VPP Star Worksite since 2013.

Roco Rescue has been recognized with LWCC’s Safest 70 Award for 2022. Established in 2008, the award honors LWCC policyholders who exemplify the company’s commitment to workplace safety. Roco is proud to be recognized for fostering a culture of well-being in Louisiana’s workforce by establishing safe work environments. 

Recognized companies seek ways to proactively improve workplace safety and are also quick to react and respond when potential safety hazards are identified, often in partnership with LWCC’s Safety Services team.

“Our Safest 70 Awards provide an excellent opportunity to put a spotlight on policyholders who are actively committed to creating a safer workplace for all. In addition to benefitting their own employees and stakeholders, these companies’ efforts serve to inspire other policyholders, businesses, and industries in Louisiana and beyond,” stated Kristin W. Wall, LWCC’s president and CEO.

To learn more about this special recognition and other businesses across Louisiana that were recognized click here. 

Additional Resources

• Confined Space Entry Checklist
• Evaluating Your Rescue Service
• Safety Services