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Staying hydrated is essential for steelworkers. Working in high temperatures and physically demanding environments puts extra strain on the body. Without proper hydration, the risk of fatigue, injury, and heat-related illnesses increases significantly.  

Why Hydration Matters in the Steel Industry 

Steel mills and plants often operate in hot, intense environments. Steelworkers wear heavy protective gear and perform physically challenging tasks. These conditions cause the body to lose fluids quickly through sweat. If those fluids are not replenished, dehydration can set in fast.  

Even mild dehydration can reduce focus, energy, and coordination, which puts workers—and their teammates—at greater risk. But staying hydrated isn’t just about safety; it’s also about performance. A well-hydrated body works better. Muscles stay strong, reflexes stay sharp, and people feel more alert throughout their shift. 

How Dehydration Affects the Body 

Dehydration doesn’t always look obvious. It often starts with subtle symptoms: dry mouth, tiredness, or lightheadedness. But if ignored, it can lead to: 

• Muscle cramps 

• Headaches 

• Slower reaction times 

• Heat exhaustion 

• Heat stroke (in extreme cases) 

These symptoms affect more than just the person experiencing them. They can also create risks for anyone nearby, so awareness and prevention are essential. 

Signs to Watch For 

Steelworkers should be trained to recognize early signs of dehydration in themselves and others, including: 

• Unusual tiredness 

• Dizziness or confusion 

• Dark-colored urine 

• Rapid heartbeat 

• Dry skin or lips 

Encouraging people to speak up when they’re not feeling well can prevent small issues from becoming serious dangers.  

Strategies to Stay Hydrated on the Job 

It’s easier to stay hydrated when it becomes a habit. Here are a few simple tips for steelworkers: 

1. Start hydrating early: Drink water before your shift begins, not just once you’re thirsty. 

2. Sip often: Take small sips regularly instead of gulping down large amounts all at once. 

3. Keep water nearby: Make water accessible on the floor, at workstations, and in break areas. 

4. Fuel smartly: Eat fruits and vegetables with high water content, like oranges or cucumbers.  

5. Watch the weather: On hot days, increase your fluid intake even more—your body will need it. 

Building a Culture of Care 

Leaders play a key role in encouraging hydration. When supervisors remind teams to drink water and take breaks, it sends the message that health and safety come first. It also encourages a work environment where everyone looks out for each other. 

At Optimus Steel, safety starts with small daily actions. Hydration may seem simple, but it significantly impacts well-being, focus, and performance. 

Hydration is Protection 

The importance of hydration for steelworkers can’t be overstated. It’s one of the easiest— and most effective— ways to protect our teams. 

When people feel strong, alert, and cared for, everyone wins. So, let’s keep the water bottles filled, the reminders consistent, and the commitment strong. After all, hydrated workers are safer, healthier, and better equipped to build a strong future, one shift at a time.  

Our mill had the pleasure of offering an opportunity to send two employees back to school to further their education. 10 candidates were considered, and from those applicants two were chosen for an apprenticeship through a series of interviews, job performance reviews, attendance, and work ethic.
One candidate selected for the apprenticeship is Jordan Harrison, a talented Multi-Craft Apprentice A in the melt shop. Jordan went to trade school for instrumentation which has helped him with many skills and learning new skills in his current role within the mill where he has worked for 10 years.
The other candidate selected for the apprenticeship is Joseph Wineland. Or “Joe” as most people call him, an Multi-Craft Apprentice A Millwright in the rolling mill at Optimus Steel. Joe has worked at the plant for 7 years, he started in production and worked his way to his current position.
Joe has followed in the footsteps of his father, Clifford Wineland, who also worked for the Beaumont mill or approximately 15 years as a Millwright. Joe expressed his excitement to finish school and officially start as a millwright like his dad, with “big shoes to fill”. Joe saw this “as an opportunity to further his education, gain more knowledge, improve himself and Optimus Steel”.
Joe and his entire family have been involved in all the company’s social responsibility events like, the Julie Richardson 5K Color Run, Optimus Steel softball games, adopt a highway, and volunteering at SETX food bank. He is also a member of the Optimus Steel Social Responsibility Committee. Along with his incredible efforts to be involved in the community, Joe is also part of the Joint Health and Safety Committee. Joe joins forces with other employees throughout the mill, to discuss safety topics and potential safety hazards to keep all workers at Optimus Steel safe.

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Jordan along with Joe have both been dedicated to attending night classes after work for the past three years. “We sometimes don’t get home until 11:40pm, then have to be up again by 6 am”, says Jordan who agrees his family will be glad he is graduating in May. Both men have stood out through their work ethic and their dedication to their families, their teammates and the company.

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Both were asked what advice they would give high school students who are considering trade school. Jordan said, “I would say choose something that interests you. In my case I studied instrumentation which involves more electrical work, but what I really like doing is more mechanical work.”

“(Learning a trade) is a really good opportunity to get a really great job and have less debt. Craftsmen are a dying breed, but they are not going away. Pick up a trade for a skilled position, then you will have a good job.” Said Joe.

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We want to congratulate our two apprentices and thank them for their hard work and commitment not only to their own futures but to the future of Optimus Steel as well. Thank you, gentlemen and congratulations on Striving for Perfection!

On a beautiful, sun-kissed day in Beaumont Texas, 40 Optimus Steel employees and their family members participated in the Julie Richardson Procter Color Rush. With employees from many different roles within the mill, we truly had the entire Optimus Steel team represented at the Julie Richardson Procter Gift of Life Color Rush.

According to information obtained via website, The Julie Rogers “Gift of Life” Program was established in Beaumont, Texas, in 1994 by Regina Rogers as a tribute to her mother, Julie, a breast cancer survivor, who had a double mastectomy in 1988 and who died following complications from a stroke and heart attack in 1998. Originally dedicated to providing free mammograms for medically underserved women, in the past twelve years, the organization’s services have multiplied and the agency has grown into one of the largest cancer screening initiatives of its type in the state of Texas.

In 2000, the “Gift of Life” broadened its breast cancer mission to include prostate cancer, offering free screenings and educational presentations for men.

Providing free mammograms and prostate cancer screenings along with educational outreach, the agency of “Gift of Life” has consistently integrated complementary programming into its organizational framework. Striving to investigated new avenues in cancer awareness, prevention, and early detection have remained at the forefront of their mission. Over the years, the following activities have been added to create the current slate of services:

• Breast Cancer Awareness Month Kick-off;
• Heightened Awareness Campaigns during Prostate and Breast Cancer Awareness Months;
• Survivors’ Celebration honoring breast and prostate cancer survivors;
• Annual Health Forum, a complimentary continuing education conference for Southeast and East Texas medical professionals that focuses on cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment;
• Collaboration with BASF and TOTAL Miracle Match for Life to increase knowledge about the importance of donating blood and bone marrow and detecting cancer in its early stages, especially within African American communities;
• School-based and community-wide smoking cessation and prevention initiatives;
• Prostate Cancer Support Group;
• Testicular Cancer Outreach; and
• Acquisition of a minivan to transport clients (who lack access to a vehicle) to and from the program’s cancer screening tests and exams.

Today, the “Gift of Life” is the only organization of its type in Southeast Texas which approaches the fight against cancer in such a holistic manner, including increasing awareness about the importance of early detection; providing free cancer screenings and access to follow-up health care for medically underserved persons; educating our medical community on the latest innovations in cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, and treatment; and providing both formal and informal support for cancer patients and survivors.

Optimus Steel is committed to being active participants in our community. We were happy to take advantage of an opportunity to give back for a worthy cause.

ERT At Optimus Steel

“At the end of the day, the goals are simple: safety and security.”- Jodi Rell

Safety and security of our employees at the Optimus Steel Mill is always at the fore front of our minds. The ERT is the team in place to prepare, respond, and resolve to emergency safety events.

What is the ERT at OSM Steel you may ask?

The ERT team is comprised of volunteers who are specifically trained to respond to a wide variety of emergencies that can arise.

These team members are trained in Forklift, Man-lift, Confined Space, Technical Rescue, CPR/AED/First Aid, Incipient Fire Fighting and Environmental Response. These specialty skills enable the team to response and resolve many different concerns and safety events that happen within the mill.

In many events, time is of the essence and having the ERT team on site ensures that we can respond much faster than calling first responder teams. Thus making the site and our employees much safer and closer to aid in the event of an incident happening.

“Over the years the team has been provided training that keeps our knowledge and skills current and relevant. I take great pride in that I have the ability to rescue someone if the situation arises. The Emergency Response Team is a rewarding experience that I have personally enjoyed. I look forward to future training and improving as a member of the team.” Said team member Oscar Vazquez.

Currently we have around 19 active members of the ERT.  In additional to those current members we have around 5 to 6 new members that have expressed interest.

Several managers are constantly available to support the team in their various areas of expertise. The members are on shift with their regular crews and serve all areas of the mill as needed.

How does having the ERT on site impact the daily life at the mill?

The team members are most experienced with the equipment and the environments that may be encountered in the course of an unexpected emergency situation. They bring an invaluable amount of knowledge and experience to the table when precious moments are most important.

It’s important for us to understand the day to day goals of the ERT in keeping our employees safe, but also to understand the long term goals and effect the team can have at the mill.

In the short term, we would like to make sure that we procure the best training services for our members. We have a dedicated group that is tasked with being the best at everything we do. We want a world class team in keeping with our vision of striving for perfection in all that we do.

In the long term, we would like to expand the team to include around 40 active members. We would like to expand our training facilities onsite to include some additional training structures and equipment to better mirror some actual areas in our facility that may require rescues. We always desire our employees to be empowered to be great. We see nothing but great things in the future from this team.

“#SafetyMatters! This is important to remember not only in the work place, but in the real world as well. Our Emergency Response Team is equipped to handle real world issues in real time, with confidence and exceptional professionalism. We stand guard to response whenever the need arises.” ERT member Frank Relford said proudly.

If you or someone you know wants to be a part of the Optimus Steel Family and possibly on the ERT team, don’t hesitate to reach out to us via our website, LinkedIn, or Facebook for more information on applying!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

World Class and…

“World Class and bad @##”, was one of the ways a customer described our recent open house. We were excited to have a group of customers and vendors visit our mill to see how we are returning our mill to its preeminence in steel making in North America. Optimus teammates worked for weeks to get ready while making sure we produced quality wire rods, on time, every hour of every day. It is a constant strive for perfection.

Other comments included, “Thank-you again for hosting us in Houston and at your Beaumont Mill … I enjoyed the event and the opportunity to chat with your management team … You have a great team at Optimus and your drive for perfection is very apparent.”

We had the opportunity to take many smaller groups thru the mill to see our day to day operations.

“Thank you very much for hosting me in Houston and Beaumont the past two days, which was first class all the way. It was great to meet some of the ownership group and left a very favorable impression of our future partnership with Optimus. The mill tour guides were top notch; the speaker was fun and relevant; … I felt very appreciated as a customer”, said a valued partner after his tour.

Breathing new life into the mill and investing in the future of Optimus Steel has been at the forefront of our minds from the start of this venture and to have our customers and partners recognize it will continue to drive us. We were proud to showcase all the changes and improvements Optimus Steel has brought to the Beaumont Mill since purchasing it.

“Gentlemen, thank you for the excellent hospitality you extended. I can tell that Optimus has been a breath of fresh air for the plant and we wish you the best success” another customer wrote.

After the mill tours and presentations were concluded the team at Optimus Steel and our guests were able to enjoy a lunch to connect with several employees.

“Optimus Team, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for having me down to your open house. You achieved a “World Class” experience for those that attended, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the mill and your team. The takeaway that spoke loudest to me was the re-energized attitude of all your teammates. They appeared to prefer to care about the organization that they represent, and your management team has been successful in providing them support, investment, listening, and caring that they desired. Due to this I truly believe they will accomplish greatness that will exceed your expectations. Keep up the good work and I look forward to being involved in your growth.”

Another very important step in this journey is the Holiday Open House this Saturday. It will be an opportunity for our employees to show their families where they work and contribute to our success. We are expecting over three hundred employees and family members! We want to thank all the attendees and the many employees that made this a success. We know the Holiday Open House will be as good or better!

To educate everyone on the dangers of fires within homes and business across the country, the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) recognizes October as Fire Prevention Month. Nation wide initiative has been made to bring safety measures and practices to the forefront. The NFPA released several helpful tips and guides for both home and business practices to help keep everyone we care about safe.

The motto of the NFPA Fire Prevention month is “Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware. A fire can happen anywhere.”

In 1922, when the National Fire Protection Association named the second week in October Fire Prevention Week in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Today, we celebrate Fire Prevention Week and Month by raising awareness and educating families, students and communities across the United States. Fire departments go around to schools and communities to talk to kids and teach them about fire safety and what to do to keep your home safe and what to do in case of a fire.

At Optimus Steel, we wanted to keep Fire Prevention Month at the top of our minds both in the mill and in the homes of all our employees. Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Ed Goettl commented on the steps that Optimus Steel has taken this month to ensure safety was at the forefront of discussions.

“Our safety walks this month included the following:

· Evacuation routes and emergency response equipment including fire extinguishers and eye wash.

· Housekeeping is a leading cause of fires, so this was be a big focus. The mill looks great!

· Discuss emergency action plans with all our employees.

· Drills for local emergency responses”

Creating an emergency plan within the mill and at home is a preventative factor that can play a huge role in the loss that occurs when a fire or natural disasters happens. According to the NFPA, less than 50% of homes have an escape plan in the event of a fire or carbon monoxide. In addition to that another alarming statistic that the NFPA has reported is that in 2016 there were 352,00 home fires and of 60% of the deaths that occurred in the home fires happened where there were no smoke detectors.

“We want it to raise awareness, so employees create evacuation plans for their homes, make sure their smoke detectors have fresh batteries, and get their children to know what actions to take should something unfortunate occur. We want all employees safe at work and at home.” Said Goettl.

We hope our focus on Fire Prevention Month helped our employees both within the mill and at home to be better prepared for all types of fire, carbine dioxide, or natural disasters that can happen. Please try to discuss and plan for emergencies in your home. Nothing is more devastating than the loss of a loved one in a fire. Remember EDITH (Exit Drills In The Home) for anyone with children. If you think you are good, go set off your smoke alarm at 10 pm tonight and see what your children do.