The leaders and staff of TRSA were deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Milton Anzora, 24, on Nov. 26 at Prestige Corp. in Bay Shore, N.Y. Initial news reports indicate that he was crushed while working on or near a shuttle conveyor system. Suffolk County police said they are investigating and have notified the federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration.

Our heartfelt condolences go to Mr. Anzora's family and we extend our thoughts and prayers to all colleagues at Prestige, a TRSA member company. We are grief-stricken by the loss of one of the employees of our industry, and we believe that every individual who works in our business feels the same way.

TRSA member companies have long dedicated themselves to making their workplaces safe. We are redoubling our efforts to ensure that other such accidents do not occur by developing new educational resources, including a Safety Best Practices manual and organizing a Safety Summit meeting in June 2012. We recognize that improving occupational safety and health is an ongoing commitment.

Since 2006, TRSA has surveyed member companies to enable them to collaborate to reduce work injuries and illnesses industry-wide. This survey shows that the typical laundry facility has achieved a remarkable 42% improvement in its Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) – i.e., the number of work-related injuries per 100 employees. There has also been a 33% reduction in the rate of occupational injuries and illnesses resulting in Days Away from work, Restricted activity or job Transfer (DART Rate).

In addition, the SafeTRSA program provides Web-based safety training resources at no cost to the industry. These include videos and manuals customized to rental laundry operations. Such guidance assists members and nonmembers alike in achieving OSHA compliance and enhancing the overall safety of their workplaces.

About TRSA and the Textile Services Industry

Based in Alexandria, Va., TRSA represents the $16-billion textile services industry that employs nearly 200,000 people at more than 2,000 facilities nationwide. These companies provide laundered textiles and other products and services that help businesses project a clean and attractive public image. The industry reaches every major business and industrial region, Congressional district and city in the country. Most Americans benefit at least once a week from the cleanliness and safety provided by the industry—through its laundering and delivery of reusable linens, uniforms, towels, mats and other products for the healthcare, hospitality and industrial/manufacturing sectors. TRSA member companies' services minimize environmental impacts on air, water and solid waste disposal while reducing costs for millions of customers.