Walking away from car accidents is a weekly routine for safety studies students at Keene State College, thanks to the latest in a series of donations to the college''s safety studies program.
A two-station driving simulator, a gift from National Grange Mutual (NGM) is one of the additions to the new Northwest Utilities Safety Simulation Center being built at Keene State College in Keene, N.H.
The simulators will enable students to evaluate driving skills involving various weather and road conditions.
Besides the simulators, the new safety center will feature two ergonomically correct workstations, a five-station computer lab and a variety of exhaust systems for ventilation studies.
The sponsor of the safety simulation center, Steve Bernier, general manager of Public Service of New Hampshire Northeast Utilities, says he is pleased to be involved with the project.
"Safety is a critical component of our work practices, and the Northeast Utilities Foundation is delighted to partner with KSC in this project," said Bernier. "Supporting the development of safety professionals will contribute to a stronger safety culture across all businesses."
A gift from Markem Corp. in Keene will help to build a new student conference room and computer lab adjacent to the safety simulation center.
Tom Putnam, Markem president, said he was proud of his company''s involvement with KSC''s safety studies program.
"We''ve supported the safety program at KSC by hiring safety interns and opening Markem''s facilities to safety students as a learning environment," said Putnam. "Markem is proud to have funded a new facility that will offer enhanced study and research resources."
A new facility, the J.J. Keller and Associates Inc. Resource Center, will provide safety studies-related technology and materials for students.
According to Jan Reh Hamblin, the Wisconsin-based company''s special market sales manager, "J.J. Keller commends Keene State on their dedication to enhancing the safety profession by training their students on the importance of facility and employee safety."
The safety studies program also received 14 computers from Marsh Risk Consulting of Boston, Mass.; ergonomic materials kits and manuals from AliMed Inc.; and in-kind support from Choice Industrial Solutions Inc. of Keene.
Keene State offers a bachelor of science degree in safety studies, preparing students for careers as safety professionals with an emphasis in safety programs management.
by Virginia Sutcliffe
