October 2026

October is Emergency Preparedness Month.


Most facilities review emergency procedures, evacuation plans, and communication systems.


This year, add one more preparedness activity.

Challenge every employee to register for Smart911.


Consider promoting registration through:

• Safety meetings

• Toolbox talks

• Break room monitors

• Digital signage

• Company newsletters

• QR code posters


Prepared employees make better decisions during emergencies.

Always Be Notified. Register for Smart911 today.


DON'T MISS OUT!


6th Annual Break Clay with TRMA


When: Wednesday, October 14th, 2026

Where: Downers Grove Sportsmens Club

Time: 9am (Check in @ 8:15am)

TREP: GROWING TOGETHER 


Celebrating Our Milestones and Looking Ahead 

Over the years, TREP has continued to grow, bringing more schools, students, educators, and manufacturers together throughout Will and Grundy Counties. 

What started with a focus on connecting education and manufacturing has grown into a variety of programs and opportunities designed to help students explore careers, connect with local employers, and see what is possible after graduation. 


A FEW TREP MILESTONES 

Growing Our School Partnerships 

More schools have joined TREP, giving more students access to career exploration, scholarships, events, and opportunities to connect with local industry. 


Expanding Student Opportunities 

TREP programs have continued to grow beyond traditional career events, creating more hands-on opportunities for students to learn about manufacturing, STEM, CTE, and local career pathways. 


Connecting Educators & Industry 

Through counselor workshops, advisory meetings, employer visits, and other events, TREP continues to bring educators and manufacturers together to better understand the needs and opportunities within our local workforce. 


Investing in Students 

TREP scholarships and student-focused programs continue to provide opportunities for students as they take their next steps into college, technical education, and the workforce. 


MORE THAN AN EVENT 

TREP has grown into a year-round partnership. From students discovering manufacturing careers for the first time to educators building relationships with local employers, each program adds another connection. 


And as TREP continues to grow, so do the opportunities we can provide to our schools, students, and manufacturing partners. 


We’re proud of how far TREP has come and excited about what’s ahead. 

Halloween Safety: Keeping the Spooky Season Safe 


Halloween is a fun time of year for employees, families, and communities, but it also brings some unique safety hazards. From costumes and decorations to trick-or-treating and workplace celebrations, a little planning can help keep the holiday safe and enjoyable for everyone. 

Planning is well underway for Manufacturing Day 2026, which will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at the Joliet Junior College Event Center. We are looking forward to welcoming nearly 900 students and educators for a day of career exploration and hands on learning.


Secure your spot today!

When: Tuesday, October 6th, 2026

Where: JJC Event Center

1215 Houbolt Rd, Joliet, IL 60431

Time: 9am-1pm

Fire Prevention Month: Training Today Helps Prevent Tomorrow’s Emergencies


October is Fire Prevention Month. A time to focus on the steps businesses can take to prevent fires and protect their employees, facilities, and operations. For manufacturers and industrial facilities, fire prevention goes beyond awareness. Effective prevention requires proper training, established procedures, and employees who are prepared to respond when a fire hazard arises.


Manufacturing environments can present a variety of fire risks, including hot work, electrical equipment, combustible materials, flammable liquids, and machinery. While these hazards are an important part of daily operations, many workplace fires can be prevented through proper controls, employee awareness, and ongoing training.


At TRMA, we help our members strengthen their workplace safety programs with practical, industry-focused training, including:

• Fire Extinguisher User Training – CBT & Hands-On: Employees who are designated to use portable fire extinguishers need to understand how and when to use them safely. OSHA requirements include employee training when extinguishers are provided for employee use.

• Hot Work / Fire Watch Training: Welding, cutting, brazing, grinding, and other hot work activities can create sparks and ignition sources. A properly trained Fire Watch plays an important role in identifying hazards, monitoring the work area, and taking appropriate action if a fire occurs.

• NFPA 70E / Arc Flash Training: Electrical hazards can also create significant fire and ignition risks. NFPA 70E training helps employees understand electrical hazards and appropriate safe work practices.


Fire Watch Training – October 21st, 2026


Is your facility performing hot work?

Make sure your Fire Watch personnel are properly trained.


TRMA will be offering Fire Watch Training on October 21st, 2026. This training is designed to help employees understand their responsibilities when assigned as a Fire Watch and to reinforce safe practices around hot work operations.


A trained Fire Watch can be an important layer of protection for your employees, equipment, and facility. If your company performs welding, cutting, grinding, or other hot work, this is an excellent opportunity to refresh your procedures and ensure designated personnel are prepared.


Mark your calendar for October 21st, 2026, and encourage your Fire Watch personnel to attend.


Fire prevention is a shared responsibility. This October, take a few minutes to review your facility’s fire hazards, verify that hot work procedures are current, and make sure required employee training is up to date.


The right training, the right procedures, and the right preparation can make a critical difference when seconds matter.


Watch for registration information from TRMA and reserve your spot for the October 21st, 2026 Fire Watch Training.

TRMA Connects and Learns at Chicagoland Safety Conference 


TRMA was pleased to participate in the 2026 Chicagoland Safety, Health & Environmental Conference, bringing together safety professionals from throughout the region for education, networking and professional development. 


TRMA exhibited at the conference’s Business Expo, giving our team a great opportunity to connect with manufacturers, contractors and safety professionals from our local industrial community. These conversations allowed us to introduce more people to TRMA, share information about our training and safety resources, and learn more about the challenges organizations are facing. 


The conference was also a valuable professional-development opportunity for our instructors, who attended several educational sessions covering current and emerging workplace safety topics. Continuing education helps our instructors stay current with industry trends and bring new ideas and practical knowledge back to the classroom. 

Events like this help TRMA strengthen relationships, expand our reach and continue providing relevant, high-quality safety training to our members and the broader industrial community. 



Learn more about the Chicagoland Safety, Health & Environmental Conference: 

chisafetyconf.org 


Upcoming Events:

 

October 6: MFG Day

October 14: 6th Annual Break Clay with TRMA

October 21: Confined Space Entry Training

October 26-30: Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS)

November 4: Fall Protection Competent Person Training

November 9-13: Certified Occupational Safety Specialist (COSS)

November 18: Scaffold Competent Person Training

November 30-December 4: Certified Occupation Safety Specialist (COSS)

December 7-11: Certificate for Occupational Safety Managers (COSM)

December 14-18: Certified Occupation Safety Specialist (COSS)

December 9: NFPA 70E Training

1-815-744-3884

training@trma.org

Three Rivers Manufacturers’ Association (TRMA)

is a leading manufacturing association in the Chicago area focused on enhancing the manufacturing climate in the communities we serve.

 

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