PPE DONATION.

Wor-Wic Community College accepted a donation of personal protective equipment from J.J. Keller recently. In the front row, from left, are Mark Miciotto, continuing education and workforce development (CEWD) commercial driver’s license (CDL) coordinator, CDL students Tony Smith, Darnell Mitchell, Laura Collins and Michael King, and Denean L. Jones-Ward, director of CEWD transportation, adult and community development. Standing, from left, are Joseph Moreau, Dillon Meekins, James Marcelin, Andrew Brinsky, Alan Lawrence, Gavin Roystuart, Steven Wright, David Smith, Ricky Donaldson, Andrew Blank and Hunter Rogers, all CDL students.

Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury recently received a donation of personal protective equipment (PPE) from J. J. Keller & Associates. The Wisconsin-based company’s SAFEGEAR PPE will be worn by students and instructors during hands-on training in commercial driver’s license courses.

The donated equipment includes high-visibility safety vests, ear protection and eye protection, all of which promote an attitude of safety for the students now and while on the road. Additionally, the program’s three instructors have received high-visibility jackets to protect them during their extensive time spent outdoors.

“The tasks associated with operating a commercial vehicle can be dangerous,” said Tom Bray, senior industry advisor with J. J. Keller. “You’re working with your hands in hot areas and pinch points, you’re on foot in areas with heavy vehicle traffic, and your eyes can be at risk from debris. In other words, there are a lot of ways a driver can be injured. Using PPE is how the odds of an injury are reduced. When new drivers are taught about these risks and how PPE reduces the odds, they develop life-long habits that can prevent injuries.”

Stefanie K. Rider, executive director of the foundation and director of development for the college, said, “We are so appreciative of this equipment. It will be proudly worn by our students and instructors for years to come.”