Madison College of Madison, WI, recently hosted a safety seminar sponsored by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Architectural Woodwork Institute. Ed O’Brien from Fox Valley Safety Training Inc. led a discussion of best practices and how companies can engage their employees to develop a safe working culture.

John Weber and Troy Olmstead from John G. Weber Co. presented a slide show on dangerous situations they’ve encountered in industry, and guarding solutions they’ve provided for wood manufacturers.

After a lunchtime networking session in which manufacturers were able to meet with students, O’Brien conducted a walk-through of the Cabinetmaking training facility at Madison College. Participants pointed out areas where the program could improve, but the overall consensus was one of high praise for the current practices in place.

“It’s always good to have outside eyes to identify items which get missed”, commented Patrick Molzahn, director of the Madison College Cabinetmaking & Millwork program. “Safety is an attitude, and something we take very seriously at the college. We want our students to take this attitude with them when they graduate and get jobs in industry.”

Madison College is an EDUcation member of the Woodwork Career Alliance of North America. Molzahn sits on the WCA Board of Directors.

The Cabinetmaking program at Madison College hosts several seminars annually which are open to industry members. To get on the notification list, contact Patrick Molzahn at 608-246-6842 or pmolzahn@madisoncollege.edu.