Did You Know? offers a quick look at the broad scope of activities underway within the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Federation, highlighting the people and initiatives making waves in standardization.
PMMI Establishes New Manufacturing Workforce Initiative
The Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), an ANSI-accredited standards developer and member, has launched a new nationwide initiative intended to bolster the number of qualified workers in the manufacturing sector.
Under the initiative, known as "JumPPstart," a network of PMMI-organized, volunteer-run regional groups will carry out a long-term push to raise awareness about the importance of manufacturing to the economy and individuals at large, and combat the outdated perception of factory work as dirty and dangerous. The initiative, which recently held its first meetings in Minnesota and Wisconsin, is expected to foster increased interest in the manufacturing sector, supporting a future stream of qualified, effective workers.
For more information about the initiative, or to form a local JumPPstart group, contact Maria Ferrante, PMMI's vice president of education and workforce development, by email at [email protected], or by phone at 703-243-8555.
SIA Signs Memorandum of Understanding with DHS Science Technology Directorate
ANSI member and accredited standards developer the Security Industry Association (SIA) recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science & Technology Directorate. The agreement establishes an information-sharing relationship between the two organizations that is expected to enhance their working relationship while also bolstering technology awareness and cost savings for both groups.
As a result of the MOU, SIA and the DHS Science & Technology Directorate are expected to carry out online and in-person discussions about technical issues, common goals and objectives, and other topics relevant to information exchange. The full details of the agreement will be announced in a joint webinar.
National Restaurant Association Announces Sustainability Council
ANSI organizational member the National Restaurant Association recently announced the establishment of an advisory body tasked with providing important guidance on sustainability and environmental issues to the larger restaurant and food service industries. The Conserve Sustainability Advisory Council is made up of the following individuals:
The Conserve Sustainability Advisory Council is expected to provide assistance to the association's Conserve Sustainability Education Program (CSEP), an initiative focused on helping restaurant and food service organizations enact sustainability best practices. For more information about the council and its members, visit its official website.
NOCSAE-Backed Online Concussion Prevention Site Launched
The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE), an ANSI organizational member, recently provided financial assistance to support the launch of a new website and mobile app designed to provide parents with important information about concussion prevention for young athletes. The website and app, Heads Up to Parents, are overseen by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in partnership with the CDC foundation.
The new website includes videos highlighting personal stories related to concussions and advice on prevention, as well as safety recommendations, facts sheets, and online training courses for healthcare professionals, coaches, and others who work with children. The app provides helmet-sizing advice, safety guidelines, and tips on how to identify possible concussions and how to respond if a child has the symptoms of a concussion or other brain injury.
To access the new website, visit cdcheadsup.org. The app is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch from ANSI member Apple Inc.'s iTunes Store and for devices using Android 4.0 or higher from ANSI member Google Inc.'s Google Play store.