2025 Annual Refresher Training Recap: Key Highlights and Positive Feedback

US Aggregates® successfully completed annual refresher training this week for all its locations. Each year the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requires miners be certified in the latest safety practices and regulations. US Aggregates utilizes trainings as an opportunity to fulfill MSHA requirements while also fostering an environment of collaboration across plants. 

Safety and Health Representative Shayla Meinders shared annual refresher training is a crucial part of our commitment to ensuring that our miners gain valuable skills and knowledge. Shayla notes, “These sessions are designed to keep our miners engaged and inspired, while also bringing in vendors and experts that everyone is excited to learn from.” 

To accommodate 21 active plant locations, training is spread out across Indiana. This year four trainings were hosted across Fair Oaks, Portland and Indianapolis. Each training began by highlighting and celebrating team wins and project spotlights from the previous season. The days continued with engaging vendor- and employee-led trainings and interactive breakout sessions.  

Paramedic Brianna Board led a first aid safety training that included CPR, tourniquet application, burn victim care and more. Our Fixed Equipment Manager Sean Owens who also serves as a volunteer firefighter, helped with techniques on how to properly move victims during emergencies. Luke Humphrey with Train for the Crane gave our teams crane training and discussed how to gauge proper mechanics for crane rigging, sling angles and hand signal directions. Andy Flinn with Integrity Fire Solutions and Services (IFSS) shared fire safety tips including how to react when a fire is present, how to check fire extinguishers and correct communication during a fire emergency.   

The safety team also led three training stations where team members could ask direct questions and learn the most up to date procedures for our sites in given situations. Safety Manager Eric Reno discussed the importance of hearing conservation and offered insight into the best gear to use when on a mine site. Environmental Manager Laurie Webb guided miners through a demonstration of spill kits and how to properly use them depending on a variety of scenarios. Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator Katie Schmidt taught miners about the importance of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) so they can quickly locate the appropriate first aid in case of an incident and understand the correct usage and storage of any chemicals on site. 

Following each day of training, the safety team gathered feedback from each group of miners. The feedback will be used to make improvements for next year’s annual refresher training.  

By integrating safety training with team-building activities and recognizing achievements, US Aggregates ensures that safety remains a core value, contributing to overall business excellence.