National Safety Month Employee Spotlight

AUSTIN VAUGHAN

Austin Vaughan is safe at GPI and beyond. When he first started his job, GPI was short on first responders, and he thought it would be a good experience. He was going through the police department recruiting process because he wanted to help protect the community. In his 3 ½ years at the company, Austin learns more every day. He loves knowing how to operate machinery & assemble parts – and his coworkers are pretty awesome too.   

Outside of work, Austin loves to ride motorcycles and in addition to wearing the necessary safety gear, he reminds himself regularly how much more dangerous motorcycle accidents are than car accidents. This enables him to make wise decisions while riding.   

Austin’s safety tip:

"Always check to make sure your electronic appliances are turned off before bed to avoid electrical fires."

Thanks Austin, for helping keep GPI a safe and fun place to work! 

BEN BERANEK

Ben Beranek started his career at GPV 7 years ago as Wellness Coordinator.  When it was recognized that there is a significant correlation between safety and wellness initiatives, it prompted his proactive pursuit of understanding company safety protocols and OSHA regulations through different trainings and the mentorship of GPI’s safety and security manager, Ken Spear. In Ben’s own words: 

"I believe that GPI implements various approaches and demonstrates a genuine commitment to employee safety and well-being. GPI fosters a culture where safety is not just a priority but a core value. They empower employees to actively contribute to safety initiatives with involvement in the safety committee and recognize individuals and teams for their contributions to improving safety. GPI provides comprehensive safety training tailored to specific job roles and hazards, as well as offering ongoing training to keep employees refreshed on emerging risks. GPI continues to invest in cutting edge technology to enhance ergonomics in various workstations to reduce injury risk for employees. GPI promotes, encourages, and allows employee participation in GPV wellness program initiatives which offer resources and support in areas such as stress management, nutrition, and physical activity to promote overall health and resilience. GPI has established a systematic process for evaluating and improving safety performance through regular audits, inspections, incident investigations, and feedback, which encourages an employee mindset of continuous learning and adaptation for ongoing improvement in safety practices."

Ben is a frequent visitor at all GPV companies, as his role is to help facilitate the development and implementation of safety and wellness program initiatives, aimed at fostering a culture of health and safety within the workplace. 

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his 1 ½ year old son and exploring new things with him. He says that becoming a first-time parent is a whole new experience with home safety, so he and his wife have done a lot around the house to childproof different items and make their home a safe environment for their son. He also enjoys lifting weights (and torturing others in bootcamp classes) and all other types of exercise, but lifting weights helps him alleviate life stressors and clear his mind.   

We cannot express our gratitude enough for all the work you put in to help keep GPI – and all the companies - a safe place to work. 

MICHAEL DOESKEN

GPI first responder Michael Doesken wears many hats. A gage calibration administrator, he joined GPI’s first responder team shortly after becoming EMT certified to better serve his community as a member of the Cowley County Fire District 4. In his free time, Doesken enjoys listening to audio books and music while looking after critters on his hobby farm. A decade-long employee at GPI, Michael is a friendly face to many and a stranger to no one. We appreciate all he does and his commitment to keeping our team safe! 

Michael’s safety tip: 

"Wear the appropriate PPE for the work you do."

JANNETTE STORM

With 36 years of loyalty to GPI, Jannette Storm has worn many hats. She started as an operator on the fuel pump line in 1988 and shortly after, became the lead for the motor line when GPI began manufacturing them. Throughout her career in production, she held multiple different lead positions, but motors were always her favorite.   

In 2017, Jannette was offered the opportunity to join the HR team. Her main job is recruiting, along with multiple other HR functions. She says it has been quite a challenge, but she enjoys finding quality people to become part of the GPI family. 

Jannette learned CPR when her children were infants, and she became a first responder because she wanted to refresh her skills. She says,

“I could never pass by someone needing help. I wanted to make sure I had the correct knowledge to help anyone in need, safely and to the best of my ability.” 

In her free time, Jannette loves to spend time with her husband, camping, going to hockey games or any of her grandkids’ numerous activities.   

Thank you, Jannette, for being an asset to our team in so many ways!