. Gene Hobbs was working for the Meade County Road Department, raking along the edge of a road shortly after noon, when he was run over by a dump truck backing up, killing him upon impact, on December 13, 2016.

On the average construction site, safety is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. Rules, OSHA regulations, and standard operating procedures control how crews go about their days. While physical safety is essential, what is often overlooked in heavy industries is the weight of mental health challenges.

The intent of a “stop work authority” (SWA) when included in a safety program is to empower employees to take action when they see a situation that is unsafe or think a worker may get injured. Though the SWA process and practice may seem as beneficial at many levels in dealing with operational risk and worker safety; there potentially may be some unforeseen barriers or challenges to its actual utilization.

Workplace mental health and well-being are critical in every industry and company. Unfortunately, not all companies take the need for mental health support and resources seriously. The manufacturing industry, in particular, has been deemed one of the worst for mental health and wellness support.

In this episode, editor-at-large Dave Johnson interviews behavioral psychologist Dr. E. Scott Geller. Dr. Geller discusses the uses and misuses of behavior-based safety, why the psychology of safety is more important today than ever, and the need for safety and health professionals to practice empathy, positive psychology, one-on-one conversations, and Actively Caring For People (AC4P).

Onboarding more personnel, especially in compliance officer and senior executive staff roles, has significantly enhanced OSHA’s oversight capacity.

The Challenge was a three-phase, $350,000 competition aimed at improving respirator fit evaluation.

Designed for any terrain, new boot offers style and protection. 

With plant-based ingredients in high demand, formulators oftentimes are turning to hydrocolloid solutions to deliver the stabilization these beverages need.

Today, as people are increasingly seeking out ways that proactively support overall well-being, experts note that citrus ingredients that contain vitamin C continue to attract attention.

More consumers are engaging in the active nutrition community, offering more opportunities for protein fortification. Suppliers are developing animal- and plant-based protein solutions to meet this growing demand. 

As health and wellness remains top of mind, brands are turning to exotic fruits to deliver exciting, unique flavor options.

Consumers are seeking out plant-based products for a variety of reasons, but the two most popular factors being that such options are better for their health and better for the planet, experts note.

With rising consumer demand for drinks made with natural ingredients, experts note that beverage-makers are turning to fruit and vegetable ingredients to deliver functional drinks that meet consumers’ growing need states.

Experts suggest that beverage brands can further innovate their portfolios by offering plant-based protein-fortified alternatives within various beverage categories. 

As health and wellness trends continue to be a driving factor in the beverage industry, experts highlight how exotic fruits’ functional attributes and unique flavor profiles have growing appeal.

As beverage-makers increasingly turn to plant proteins to meet consumer trends, experts highlight some key considerations to take into account when formulating with these ingredients.

As consumers cope with stress and anxiety, they are turning to beverages to induce relaxation and support healthy sleep cycles.

Although hydrocolloids do not provide specific health benefits, experts note that their functional attributes make many of the trendy, health-forward drinks possible.

Experts share insights on which fruit blends are currently popular among consumers and why.

As consumers continue to demand more than hydration from their beverages, manufacturers are turning to new ways to deliver on functionality and clean label preferences.

Consumers’ perception of protein continues to evolve with the use of protein-fortified drinks extending beyond traditional sports occasions.

The winner will be selected based on submissions scored on authenticity, originality and desperation for a true vacation away from family drama, the company says.

With the price of Oktoberfest brews higher than other beers, Oktoberfest beers, festivities bring big sales opportunities that many operators can capitalize on.

Salsify’s “2024 Consumer Research” report shows how budgeting efforts are shifting consumer shopping habits and pinpoints ways that brands can engage with shoppers.

Colangelo & Partners and Wine Opinions conducted its second annual wine survey, this year honing in on U.S. wine drinker attitudes and behaviors, as well as trends related to beverage alcohol consumption and health.

The readers of Beverage Industry have selected their favorite new product released in January and the results are out.

A budding marketing opportunity for brand owners, NIL is gaining traction, but as beverage companies look to engage in this realm, it is important to understand the dynamics.

In the consumer packaged goods space there’s no shortage of celebrity-backed products, particularly beverages. Although proliferating across all segments, alcohol brands are seeing the most activity.

Honey has a rich history in beverage alcohol whether it’s with the creation of meads — a honey wine — or its addition to whiskey. Now the ingredient is finding itself in more spirits categories as brands look to differentiate.

Market research firm Circana released its report “Tapping Into the Global Consumer Well-Being Opportunity,” where it identified ways consumers pursue their well-being across various sectors, including hydration and increased energy.

Three Chord Bourbon announced the highly anticipated release of its 2024 Backstage Series with The Allman Brothers Band, a blend of straight bourbon whiskey finished with toasted peach wood.

As the official spirits partner of Universal Pictures’ “WICKED,” in theaters Nov. 22, Absolut is toasting to the power of friendship and inclusivity by offering “WICKED” consumers mystifying cocktail recipes.

Colgate Optic White and the McBride Sisters Collection introduced the McBride Sisters Collection x Colgate Optic White Limited-Edition Set, designed to help everyone “Live Life to the Brightest” this red wine season. 

The American Craft Spirits Association (ACSA), along with SOVOS ShipCompliant, a beverage alcohol compliance company, released a 2024 consumer data report, highlighting consumers’ desire for buying craft spirits legally through DTC shipping.

As consumer package companies are increasingly designing more products with sustainability in mind, experts note that within the label industry, more companies are recognizing the need for labeling equipment that also supports a circular economy.

Sustainability and on-the-go consumption are among the key packaging influencing coding technology as these solutions look to support high line speeds and varying pack sizes.

As the beverage industry works toward tackling environmental degradation, experts highlight how sustainable packaging efforts are having an impact on plastic bottle manufacturing.

AstroNova Inc. introduced a variety of new digital printer solutions under its flagship QuickLabel and TrojanLabel product brands. 

With market trends, SKU proliferation, and more, impacting filler technology, experts highlight how technological advancements work to address issues from sustainability to product safety.

Packaging machinery manufacturer Deitz Co. has produced a neck banding machine that automatically applies tamper-evident shrinkbands onto tiny bottles. 

As sustainability is a driving force for change in labeling materials for beverage packaging, experts highlight how labeling equipment is evolving to support these trends.

Given the high interest in sustainability from consumers, today’s plastic bottle manufacturers are taking the steps to ensure their business aligns with what consumers are looking for.

As consumers are spending less on discretionary items and more on essentials, experts note that mass merchandisers are capitalizing on value, variety and services.

More and more shoppers today are exploring the eCommerce channel for beverage purchases as awareness and accessibility are making it easier to navigate.

As consumers’ purchasing behaviors continue to impact the U.S. on-premise, experts note that the channel remains resilient amid fluctuating trends.

Experts note how the direct-to-consumer channel is impacting beverage categories and sales.

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS), Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), FMI - The Food Industry Association and the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) issued a joint commitment related to the responsible marketing and merchandising of crossover alcohol products.

The restaurant industry is poised to hit a milestone this year as sales are project to exceed $1.1 trillion, according to the National Restaurant Association’s “2024 State of the Restaurant Industry Report.”

The Slurpee drink is “an exciting spin on the fan-favorite Coca-Cola Slurpee, combining the classic taste of a crisp and fizzy Coca-Cola with flavorful, OREO sandwich cookie-inspired hints,” the company notes.