Category Archives: Social Responsibility

Committing to Safety
17
Dec
Social Responsibility, Tips

How committing to safety enhances our work environment

Posted on by Daniela Pineda

Firstly, committing to safety is not just a policy or a set of rules; it’s a mindset that can profoundly impact the quality of our work environment. In fact, at the heart of a thriving workplace is a commitment to safety, which benefits everyone, from the new hires to the most experienced team members.

Committing to safety at workplace

Without doubt, safety in the workplace goes beyond preventing accidents and injuries. It creates an atmosphere where employees feel valued and protected. This sense of security enables everyone to focus on their tasks with greater confidence and less stress, leading to higher productivity and job satisfaction.

Building a culture of safety

  • Empowerment through education: regular safety training sessions equip employees with the knowledge to identify and mitigate risks.
  • Open communication: encouraging everyone to voice safety concerns creates an environment of mutual respect and care.
  • Recognition of safe practices: Acknowledging and rewarding safe behavior reinforces its importance and encourages its continuation.

Enhancing team morale and cohesion

When safety is a shared value, it fosters a sense of unity and collaboration among team members. A safe work environment is one where employees look out for each other, building trust and strengthening team bonds.

Impact on health and wellbeing

Committing to safety extends beyond the physical aspects of the workplace. It also encompasses mental health and emotional wellbeing. A safe environment reduces stress and anxiety, contributing to overall employee happiness and health.

A ripple effect of benefits

The advantages of a safety-first approach are far-reaching:

  • Reduced accidents and injuries: this is the most immediate and obvious benefit, directly impacting employees’ physical wellbeing.
  • Increased productivity: employees perform better in environments where their safety is valued the most.
  • Lower absenteeism: a reduction in work-related injuries naturally leads to fewer days off due to illness or accidents.
  • Enhanced reputation: a commitment to safety reflects positively on the company, attracting talent and often leading to business opportunities.

In conclusion, a commitment to safety significantly enhances our work environment. It’s not just about following protocols; it’s about creating a culture where safety is ingrained in every aspect of our work. This commitment leads to a more productive, harmonious, and ultimately successful workplace. By prioritizing safety, we’re not just protecting individuals; we’re nurturing a thriving and resilient work community.

Screen Time Reset: Reducing Digital Overload for Improved Efficiency
15
Nov
Social Responsibility, Tips

Screen time reset: reducing digital overload

Posted on by Daniela Pineda

In today’s digital age, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant barrage of screens. So, whether it’s your smartphone, laptop, or television, you are likely engaging with one or more screens for the better part of your day. The endless stream of notifications, emails, and social media updates can leave you feeling overstimulated, distracted, and mentally drained. If this sounds familiar, a screen time reset could be the liberating solution you’ve been looking for.

What is a screen time reset?

Firstly, this is a conscious effort to reduce the time spent on screens, particularly non-essential ones. This could be for just a few hours, a day, or even an entire week, depending on your needs and goals. The idea behind this is simple: disconnect from your devices to restore focus, reduce stress, and engage more with the physical world. Basically, it’s not about completely cutting screens but striking a healthier balance between digital engagement and real-world experiences.

Why is this reset important?

A screen time reset can profoundly benefit your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, many of us are spending more time than ever before glued to screens. According to a recent study, the average person spends over seven hours on screens daily. This overexposure can lead to digital overload, contributing to increased stress, anxiety, and even physical strain like headaches and eye discomfort. Here are some key benefits of incorporating a screen time reset into your routine:

1. Improved focus and concentration

Maintaining focus can be difficult when you’re constantly shifting between apps, social media, and emails. A screen time reset helps remove these distractions, allowing your brain to recalibrate. By reducing it, you can concentrate better on important tasks, making you more productive throughout the day.

2. Enhanced productivity

With fewer distractions from screens, your brain is free to focus on more meaningful activities. Whether completing a work project, engaging in a hobby, or spending quality time with loved ones, you’ll find that the reset can significantly boost your productivity. Rather than constantly switching between tasks, you can dedicate more time and energy to what truly matters.

3. Better sleep quality

The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with your body’s natural sleep patterns, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. By implementing this reset, particularly before bedtime, you can improve the quality of your sleep. Reducing screen exposure before bed allows your body to produce melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, helping you feel more rested and rejuvenated in the morning.

4. Reduced stress and anxiety

Constant exposure to screens, especially social media, has been linked to increased feelings of stress and anxiety. The need to keep up with messages, emails, and notifications can become overwhelming. A screen time reset helps you detach from this digital noise, lowering stress levels and allowing you to feel more in control of your time and mental space.

5. Improved mood and mental health

Spending less time on screens can boost mood and mental well-being. Also, encourages more real-world interactions and physical activities, which can increase the production of endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals in your brain. This leads to better mental health and a more positive outlook on life.

6. More time for real-world activities

One of the most tangible benefits of it is that it frees up time for activities that matter. Whether it’s spending time outdoors, exercising, reading a book, or enjoying face-to-face conversations with friends and family, reducing it allows you to invest in more fulfilling experiences. It’s about regaining control over your time and investing it in what truly matters to you.

How to do a screen time reset

Now that you understand the benefits of a screen time reset, it’s time to take action. Here are some practical steps to help you reduce your screen time and improve your overall well-being:

1. Set clear goals

Begin by setting clear and realistic goals for your screen time reset. Ask yourself: What do you hope to achieve by reducing screen time? Whether reducing stress, improving productivity, or simply spending more time on meaningful activities, having a specific goal will help keep you focused and on track.

2. Plan your screen-free time

Decide how much time you want to spend on screens each day and what you’ll do instead. For example, you could designate the first hour of your morning or the last hour before bed as screen-free. Use this time for activities such as reading, exercising, or meditating.

3. Be intentional

Be mindful of how you’re using screens throughout the day. Are you mindlessly scrolling through social media or watching videos? Use your screen time purposefully and ensure it aligns with your goals.

4. Take regular breaks

Even during work hours, it’s essential to take breaks from screens. The 20-20-20 rule can help: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This can reduce eye strain and help refresh your mind.

5. Seek support

Share your screen time reset goals with friends, family, or coworkers. Having others hold you accountable can make the process easier and more effective.

Practical tips for reducing screen time

If you’re looking for ways to start your screen time reset, try these practical tips:

  • Delete social media apps from your phone to reduce the temptation to check them constantly.
  • Set daily screen time limits on your phone or use apps that track your usage.
  • Create screen-free zones in your home, like the dining room or bedroom.
  • Find alternative activities to replace screen time, such as reading, outdoor walks, or hobbies.

Incorporating a screen time reset into your routine can positively affect your mental and physical well-being. By reducing digital overload, you’ll improve your focus, productivity, and sleep and create more space for real-world connections and activities that truly matter. Take the first step today and commit to a more balanced life.

The Art of Single-Tasking: Maximize Productivity, Minimize Distractions
18
Sep
Social Responsibility, Tips

Single-tasking: maximize productivity, minimize distractions

Posted on by Daniela Pineda

Today, multitasking seems to be the norm, but actually, single-tasking maximize your productivity and focus. Contrary to popular belief, doing one task at a time can boost your performance and minimize distractions. Giving you more efficient and satisfying results.

Why is single-tasking so effective?

  • Improves concentration: when you focus on a single task, your mind can devote itself entirely to it. And without the need to divide its attention between multiple activities. This translates to greater accuracy and speed in execution.
  • Reduces stress: multitasking can generate a feeling of being overwhelmed and create anxiety, as your brain is constantly switching from one task to another. By focusing on one thing at a time, you experience greater calmness and control, which translates into a better work experience.
  • Decreases errors: when you focus on a single task, you are less likely to make mistakes due to lack of attention or confusion. This allows you to save time and effort in the long run.
  • Increases satisfaction: single-tasking allows you to enjoy the process of each activity, without the pressure of having to complete multiple tasks at the same time. This generates greater personal satisfaction and an improvement in the quality of work.

How to implement single-tasking in your life?

  1. Set priorities: define the most important tasks of the day and focus on one at a time. Break large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps to facilitate the process.  How do you eat an elephant?  One bite at a time.
  2. Eliminate distractions: silence your phone, close unnecessary browser tabs, and find a quiet place where you can work without interruptions.
  3. Practice mindfulness: be aware of the task you are performing and avoid thinking about other things. If your mind starts to wander, gently bring it back to the present.

Single-tasking maximize your productivity. By focusing on one thing at a time, you can unlock your maximum potential and become a more productive, efficient, and happy person.

Remember, the key to mastering the art of single-tasking is consistent practice. Start with small steps and gradually increase the amount of time you dedicate to each task. Over time, single-tasking will become a natural habit that will allow you to achieve your goals with greater ease and satisfaction.

Balancing Act: Juggling Work and Personal Wellness
18
Jun
Social Responsibility, Tips

Balancing act: juggling work and personal wellness

Posted on by Daniela Pineda

We are constantly bombarded with messages telling us that we need to be more productive, more successful, and more connected. In the midst of all this, it can be easy to forget about the importance of the Balancing act: juggling work and personal wellness

Work-life balance is the state of equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal interests. It is about finding a way to be successful at work without sacrificing your health, happiness, or relationships.

There are many benefits to achieving work-life balance

When you master the Balancing act: juggling work and personal wellness, you are more productive, more creative, and more resilient. You are also less likely to experience stress, burnout, and health problems.

Of course, achieving work-life balance is not always easy. There will be times when you need to put in extra hours at work, or when you need to take time off to deal with personal matters. The key is to find a way to manage your time and priorities so that you can meet your obligations without feeling overwhelmed.

Here are a few tips for achieving Balancing act:

  • Set boundaries: it is important to set clear boundaries between your work life and your personal life. This means establishing regular work hours and sticking to them as much as possible. It also means, digital detox.
  • Take breaks: it is important to take breaks throughout the day, both at work and at home. This will help you to stay focused and productive, and it will also help to reduce stress.
  • Delegate: if you have too much on your plate, don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to others. This will free up your time so that you can focus on the most important things.
  • Take care of yourself: make sure to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. These things will help you to stay physically and mentally healthy, which will make it easier to cope with the demands of work and life.

Achieving work-life balance is an ongoing process

There will be times when you get off track, but it is important to keep trying. By following these tips, you can find a way to juggle your work and personal responsibilities without sacrificing your health or happiness.

tips for safety at workplace
01
Sep
Social Responsibility

5 Safety Tips for the Workplace

Posted on by Daniela Pineda

Safety in the workplace must be constantly built and maintained. Safety is the responsibility of everyone at Optimus Steel and is not something we should take for granted.

Our plant is a facility where strategic planning, technological improvement, and efficient production work together to ensure all of our team members work and arrive home safely.  It is important to be able to recognize hazards with their associated levels of risk in order to prevent them. 

Prevention is important because:

  • Accidents  are avoided.
  • It gives everyone peace of mind, allowing people to function productively and efficiently.
  • It guarantees quality in our operations and production processes.

Tips to Improve Safety in the Workplace

Stay alert and always report risks

In your daily tasks, it is important to concentrate on your work without losing sight of the surrounding environment; you must stay alert and always aware of the activities around you in order to detect any possible risk, incident, problem, or factor that could result in a possible accident.

When detecting an incident, it is the responsibility of the team to report the event and not overlook it. It is important that you know the procedures and protocols in order to keep everyone safe.

Make sure your work environment is always clean and unobstructed

For safety purposes, and to make processes more efficient, work areas must remain orderly; this also implies that we must be alert to items on the ground that can cause anyone to trip and fall.

Avoid running inside the plant. Always walk, watching your steps, paying attention to where you are stepping, and where you are going. Always avoid having food or drinks on or near machinery, devices or electronics.

Never skip steps

All procedures in the plant are carried out according to protocols that build safety in each step. Processes have a specific sequence of steps. It is important to never skip or modify steps in established processes; avoiding rushing, or skipping steps in the sequence, which can lead to the creation of accidents.

Always wear your PPE

Personal Protective Equipment is designed to be your ally in safety while you are in certain operating areas of the plant. It is the last line of defense when a potential hazard is present. 

It is important to always make proper and full use of PPE, without discarding elements due to discomfort, as this could cause problems. The protective equipment cannot help to protect you if it is not worn properly.  

Always use machinery and tools correctly

Our plant processes involve melting scrap, at very high temperatures, to convert the scrap to molten metal. It is ultimately important to follow all procedures and use machinery, tools, and equipment, with care according to protocols during this process.

Keep the floors clean, removing unnecessary debris. Remember to stay well hydrated and aware of signs and symptoms indicating potential heat stress conditions.

Servant Leadership at workplace
30
Aug
Social Responsibility

Servant Leadership: How to Lead by Helping Your Team

Posted on by Optimus Steel LLC.

Servant Leadership is a  management style in which the personal well-being of the  team is priotitized,  generating an environment where respect and communication are the norm.

Servant Leadership focuses on understanding and serving the work team, without seeing its members as mere parts or gears that can be replaced. Instead, the leader places high value on the individual  and their talents.

What are the qualities of a Servant Leader?

A Servant Leader listens, offers support and provides the confidence needed for a workplace to function as a common-purpose community, going beyond the business purpose of the company by achieving well-being for all.

A Servant Leader works under these principles:

  • Active Listening: a Servant Leader listens before making decisions. It is important to take the time and allow others to express themselves.  This does not mean that others are necessarily right all the time, yet it does allow for a better dialogue.
  • Empathy: this is not just “putting yourself in the place of others”.  This is  about acknowledging the place of others by accepting they are different and allowing each person to speak from their own reality.
  • Foresight: a Servant Leader learns from mistakes, and when he sets a direction for the team, he does so according to reason. Furthermore, instead of dealing with incidents when overwhelmed, the Servant Leader addresses issues from the perspective of crisis prevention or control.
  • Overcoming: there is learning in everything and everything can be overcome; perfection is built every day and maintained with discipline. We can always learn something and improve by not assuming that there should be no mistakes.
  • Persuasion: a traditional leader tends to be authoritarian, whereas the Servant Leader seeks to persuade others to be a better version of themselves, to learn more, or to improve themselves. In addition, a Servant Leader will help others find the best methods to achieve those goals.
  • Commitment to Growth in Team: a Servant Leader puts himself in a position in which he will also learn, promoting empathy or foresight, that is, Servant Leadership is a form of horizontal work in which the leader is in the same process as the entire work team.

Why promote Servant Leadership?

This way of thinking encourages team participation, recognizing that mistakes can happen and one can always improve upon them, it does not seek punitive measures but rather constructive ones.

Talents are positively reinforced, integrating the qualities, personalities and skills of each team member in an environment of trust, productivity and human value. 

And stay tuned for our upcoming blog on Situational Leadership.

lowering emissions industry
15
Aug
Social Responsibility

How our industry is lowering emissions

Posted on by Daniela Pineda

Today, the metals industry, and especially the steel industry, is working hard on a historic technological transformation, meant to generate production processes not only more effective but also sustainable.

It is also a reality that the reduction in CO2 emissions is much more than a commitment: it is an industry goal   with positive actions  already  taking place.

Sustainable steel

Steel can be found in practically all areas of modern life, and in 2019 alone it is estimated that around 240 kg of steel were produced for every person in the world. It is also estimated that at least 6.7% of CO2 emissions in the world come from the steel industry, while that figure is only 1% in the United States.

That is why the sector demands a real and tangible change with real actions that help develop cleaner and more environmentally friendly processes, producing steel in sustainable and responsible ways, with the US continuing to lead the way.

EAF: a sustainable way of producing steel

Electric Arc Furnaces are an alternative to significantly decrease CO2 emissions via electrification, unlike other traditional methods that can generate up to 400% more emissions.

Today, at least 70% of steel companies in the United States employ EAF technology, which allows them to operate in a more efficient, greener and safer way, also thanks to automation.

However, this reality contrasts with the rest of the  world, where only 25% of the steel producing mills make use of this type of technology.

Tidbits on sustainability  in the steel industry:

  • Steel is 100% recyclable.
  • The US Geological Survey reports recycled steel consumption in America was equivalent to more than 115,500 tons every day for the first half of 2022..
  • 99% of steel co-products can be recycled.
  • The steel produced by EAF generates 75% less CO2 emissions.
  • 17 million cars are recycled by the EAF steel industry.
  • At least 90% of the water used in EAF steel mills is cleaned and returned to the environment or reused in the operation.
Education Optimus Steel and the Thad Boudreaux Memorial Scholarship
01
May
Social Responsibility

Education: the key to a better tomorrow. 

Posted on by Daniela Pineda

Optimus Steel and the Thad Boudreaux Memorial Scholarship

At Optimus Steel we believe the future is built through actions able to transform lives, such as the opportunity to study and develop a professional career.

For 2022 we were happy to award the Thad Boudreaux Memorial Scholarship for a second year, to young dependents of active Optimus Steel employees.  This year we expanded the applications to include the grandchildren of our employees.

What is The Thad Boudreaux Memorial Scholarship?

This scholarship is in memory of the late Thaddeus “Thad” Boudreaux (1954-2020), an outstanding citizen of Beaumont who worked at our mill for almost 44 years and served in various roles, the last being Technical Services Manager.  He was a trusted friend and colleague who touched our lives and will forever be in our hearts.

Thad was a generous man who always looked for ways to support and contribute to his community and our mill. Today, the scholarship is in his memory and is managed by the International Scholarship and Tuition Services (ISTS), a 100% women-owned corporation founded in 1985.

Before this year’s opening of the application process, Thad’s eldest son, Aaron Boudreaux, wrote a letter encouraging our employees to have their children and grandchildren apply, particularly from our hourly team members.  The applications were so strong we decided to add another scholarship, so now we are up to four every year and three of the four winners for 2022 were children of our hourly team members.  We could not be happier about this fact as our team members are the backbone of our company.  It is also worth noting the overall applications increased by 50%.  Aaron’s letter was very successful.  Thank you, Aaron!

Through this scholarship, talented children and grandchildren of our employees obtain additional support and encouragement to further their studies and create a better future for themselves.  We are humbled to be able to offer this program now, and for years to come.  Please congratulate our winners who will be formally presented the scholarship on July 14th at our mill.

Who are the talented winners this year?

2022 winners:

StudentParent or GrandparentWork Area
Pablo ArredondoMiguel ArredondoRolling Mill
Aleigha RaymerTravis WindhamQ.A. Inspector
Gracie SmithSteven SmithMelt Shop
Mechanical Maintenance
Frank RelfordFrank Relford Jr.Reheat Furnace Operator

A reminder of our winners for the inaugural year of 2021:

2021 winners

StudentParent or GrandparentWork Area
Pablo ArredondoMiguel ArredondoRolling Mill
Carly D. LivelyTravis WindhamMiles Stone
Dagan H. LottJosh HerronIT Field Support Technician

The Thad Boudreaux Memorial Scholarship, an initiative we hope to grow year after year in memory of a man who positively impacted many lives.  We hope this scholarship program will do the same thing.  #OurMill #OurCompany

steel recycling facts
15
Feb
Products, Social Responsibility

Steel Recycling: 6 interesting facts that you probably didn’t know

Posted on by Daniela Pineda

Steel recycling guarantees a large number of industries the opportunity to be more sustainable, since up to 99% of the steel produced can be reused, thus making it, in a sense, a renewable material.

Learn below 6 interesting facts about steel recycling and its processes:

Steel is the most recycled material in the US and the world

Both in the US and the world, the most recycled material is steel. In fact, more steel is recycled in our country than all the recycled plastic, copper, paper, aluminum, and glass combined by weight.

The advantage of a material  like this is that steel it provides stability of supply to the industry, since it can count not only on producing new raw material, but also on recovering and repurposing scrap.

Steel can be recycled without losing the properties that makes it a preferred material in so many products

Steel is characterized in part by the strength and resistance it provides, and these are not compromised by or lost in recycling processes. That is, once steel is recycled, a product of the same characteristics is obtained.

This means that the products produced  from recycling are the same as those made from virgin raw materials in the ways that are most important to those that use them.  They are as durable as they are recyclable.

Recycling steel: its impact on the economy and the environment

By making use of scrap instead of new raw material, it is possible to develop more profitable production processes, since recovery tends to be cheaper than extracting new material.

At the same time, natural resources are preserved, the level of exploitation of natural areas in mines is reduced, and the expenditure of energy or resources necessary for these  processes is avoided.

Helps improve air quality

Undertaking the recycling of materials such as steel translates into helping improve air quality; an example of this is the use of Electric Arc Furnaces for the melting of material, which contributes to reducing the emission of pollutants into the environment.

Learn more about how Electric Arc Furnaces help make steelmaking processes greener and more efficient in this other article on our blog (LINK).

Another advantage of recycling steel is that greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, the use of certain substances that can be toxic in nature is avoided, and scrap metal that would otherwise be left exposed in the environment is recovered. 

Recycling benefits various industries

Steel is the most widely recycled material in the world and also one of the most used, which is why a large number of manufacturing industries rely on it. Thus, the recycling of steel helps to grow different sectors such as:

  • Construction and infrastructure.
  • Automotive
  • Equipment and Machinery.
  • Farming.
  • Telecommunications.
  • Home appliances and other household items.
  • Electronics and electrical materials.
  • Locksmithing, fences and security.

Steel is recycled as it brings well-being to the world

Steel can be found all over in our daily lives, from the utensils we use in the kitchen, as part of our cars or reinforcing the structure of houses and buildings. Steel recycling enables manufacturers, like us at Optimus Steel and our clients, to safely deliver quality products continuously.

Our industry has evolved, and today in the US less than half the energy required for steel production 40 years ago is required now, thus resulting in an up to 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, which represents well-being and a better future for all.

What are electric arc furnaces
01
Feb
Social Responsibility

Advantages of Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF) in Steelmaking Processes

Posted on by Daniela Pineda

Electric Arc Furnaces: for a much greener and more energy-efficient steel industry

According to statistics from the Steel Manufacturers Association (SMA), for over a quarter of a century more than 70% of the steel produced in America has been obtained by means of one of the greenest and most sustainable solutions to date: Electric Arc Furnaces.

Steelmaking by means of EAFs is much more efficient in terms of the energy necessary for the process, since its operation requires mostly electricity, thus circumventing the consumption of a large portion of non-renewable resources.

What is an Electric Arc Furnace and how does it work?

An EAF is a type of melting furnace used in the steel industry for steelmaking; in it, the main raw material of scrap metal is melted by means of electrical energy.

This type of melting  furnace can reach up to 3000 °F and have devices that allow the temperature to be controlled accurately and safely. 

What are the advantages of Electric Arc Furnaces in steelmaking processes?

  • An efficient way to significantly reduce carbon emissions in steel production.
  • Can be used to produce a large number of steel products, which makes it possible to satisfy different industries, thus making production processes more flexible.
  • Processes are controlled, which drives productivity and time efficiency.
  • EAFs use Best Available Control Technology (BACT) and Maximum Achievable Control Technology (MACT) to capture, control and reduce emissions from steel production.

Optimus Steel: committed to a greener and more sustainable steelmaking

Aligned with the objectives of the SMA to make the steelmaking processes greener, more sustainable and more efficient, at Optimus Steel we make use of an Electric Arc Furnace for the melting of raw materials, which has allows us to be a better neighbor and supplier to our customers.

The steel products provided by Optimus Steel have a positive impact on our environment, as much of our raw material is steel recovered from scrap yards.

Some data from the SMA on EAF Steel:

  • More than 70% of the steel produced in America is EAF Steel.
  • Thanks to this type of process, a car in scrap condition can be transformed to be used for new items used in  daily life or as part of new automobiles.
  • EAF Steel grows the industry, which in the long term creates new jobs.
  • EAF operations generate 2X more steel and up to 75% less greenhouse gas emissions, compared to traditional production processes.