TRMA | May Newsletter

May 2026

Memorial Day & Summer Kickoff Safety

Memorial Day signals the start of summer—a time for travel, gatherings, and enjoying the outdoors. As activities pick up, it’s a great opportunity to refresh our focus on safety at home and on the road.

When grilling, keep equipment at least 10 feet away from structures, never leave cooking unattended, and routinely check propane connections for leaks. If you’re traveling, plan ahead for increased traffic, allow extra time, and stay patient behind the wheel.

A safe summer starts with simple, consistent habits—let’s make safety part of every celebration.

Please join us for TRMA’s 65th Annual Golf Outing as we take it back to where it all began in 1961. We’re bringing a little retro flair to the fairway with this year’s theme:

Groovy on the Green!

Step onto the course for a day filled with classic competition, lively connections, and a splash of retro fun. Whether you're sinking putts or just soaking in the atmosphere, expect bright colors, great energy, and a memorable celebration of 65 years of tradition. Grab your clubs, add a groovy touch to your golf attire, bring your best swing, and join us for a truly unforgettable day on the green!

When: Thursday, June 4th, 2026

Where: Silver Lake Country Club

14700 S. 82nd Ave, Orland Park, IL 60462

Time: 8:00 am Check in | 9:00 am Tee Time

2026 Title Sponsor:

Registration

Honoring Lives, Renewing Our Commitment: Worker Memorial Day 2026

On a solemn and meaningful morning, community leaders, safety professionals, educators, and workers gathered to observe Worker Memorial Day 2026—a day dedicated to remembering those who lost their lives on the job and recommitting ourselves to the ongoing pursuit of safer workplaces.

The ceremony opened with a powerful visual: empty seats placed at the front of the room, each representing a worker who did n...Full Recap

Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 389 of the 1,034 construction fatalities recorded in 2024 (BLS data). Those deaths were preventable. The National Safety Stand-Down raises fall hazard awareness across the country in an effort to stop fall fatalities and injuries.

National Stand Down Resources

Creative Minds, Safer Communities: Announcing the 2026 Poster Contest Winners!

The Three Rivers Education Partnership (TREP) is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Safety Poster Contest, a program that continues to inspire students to promote safety awareness through creativity and artistic expression.

This year’s contest challenged students to think about how we can recognize and reduce hazards in our daily lives—whether at home, at school, at play, or in the workplace. Once again, students delivered an impressive collection of original artwork that captured both the importance and impact of making safe choices.

And the Winners Are…

High School Division

Grand Prize: David Addai, Joliet West High School
First Place: Jessica Gbor, Joliet West High School
Second Place: Haleigh Clayborn, Joliet West High School

👉 Click here to view the high school winning posters

Middle School Division

Grand Prize: Kazim Jafri, A. Vito Martinez Middle School
First Place: My’anni Bradly, A. Vito Martinez Middle School
Second Place: Iris Ibarra, A. Vito Martinez Middle School

👉 Click here to view the middle school winning posters

Showcasing Student Impact

Each winning poster reflects a powerful message about safety and responsibility. From creative depictions of hazard awareness to strong visual reminders about making smart decisions, these students have demonstrated how impactful safety messaging can be when paired with creativity.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

This program would not be possible without the generous support of our community partners. TREP extends sincere appreciation to this year’s sponsors for their continued commitment to safety and education.

Aux Sable
CITGO Lemont Refinery
J-M Printers
Meade
Starcon
Stepan

Special Thanks

We also thank our panel of judges for their time, dedication, and thoughtful evaluation of this year’s submissions. Your efforts help highlight the very best of student creativity and safety awareness.

And to every student, teacher, and school that participated—thank you for helping build a stronger culture of safety in our community.

Congratulations to all of our winners—and thank you for helping make safety visible and meaningful.

May is National Electrical Safety Month: Powering Safety Every Day

Each May, organizations across the country observe National Electrical Safety Month, led by the Electrical Safety Foundation International, to raise awareness about electrical hazards and promote safe practices at work and at home. For those of us in industrial and construction environments, this message isn’t seasonal—it’s a daily responsibility.

Why Electrical Safety Matters

Electricity is essential—but it can be unforgiving. Workplace incidents involving electrical hazards can lead to severe burns, arc flash explosions, fires, and even fatalities. Many of these incidents are preventable with proper training, hazard recognition, and adherence to established safety standards. Common risks include:

Arc flash and arc blast incidents
Contact with energized equipment
Improper lockout/tagout procedures
Damaged tools, cords, and equipment
Overloaded circuits and poor grounding

Understanding NFPA 70E: The Standard for Electrical Safety

At the core of workplace electrical safety is NFPA 70E, developed by the National Fire Protection Association. This standard provides a framework for protecting workers from electrical hazards and it’s a critical component of a comprehensive safety program.

Strengthen Your Team with Arc Flash Training at TRMA

At TRMA, we are committed to helping our members stay safe and compliant. Our NFPA 70E Arc Flash Training equips your team with the knowledge and practical skills needed, whether your employees are “qualified” electrical workers or support personnel working near energized equipment, this training is essential. National Electrical Safety Month is a great reminder—but electrical safety must be reinforced year-round. Consider these steps to strengthen your program:

Schedule refresher training and audits
Review and update your electrical safety policies
Ensure proper labeling of electrical panels
Verify PPE is available, rated, and in good condition
Encourage a culture where employees speak up about hazards

Don’t wait for an incident to highlight the importance of electrical safety. Invest in your team’s knowledge and protection. Contact TRMA today to schedule your NFPA 70E Arc Flash Training and keep your workforce safe, compliant, and prepared.