Zephyr Engineering
Cleaner air, healthier workers: Zephyr Engineering’s safety success story
Zephyr Engineering has been serving the Willamette Valley with sheet metal forming, CNC machining, and large welding and fabrication services since 1993. Their small but mighty team of 14 employees has over 100 years of combined experience, and with that experience comes a shared understanding that safety isn’t optional. Protecting their people is a core value, which is why Zephyr continually looks for ways to strengthen its practices and stay ahead of potential hazards.
In early 2023, that commitment led Zephyr Engineering to partner with SAIF’s safety services after an Oregon OSHA visit revealed the need for exposure monitoring for welding and cutting fumes. The safety team made a referral to SAIF’s industrial hygiene team, and air sampling confirmed the presence of manganese fumes in the welding workspace.
To address this hazard, SAIF recommended implementing a local exhaust ventilation (LEV). Zephyr researched options and selected a portable system ideal for their diverse welding projects. Follow-up sampling verified that manganese exposures were reduced below occupational limits, ensuring a healthier environment for employees.
“It's genuinely rewarding to collaborate with someone who truly cares about their employees' health and safety,” said Dan Stuckrath, SAIF industrial hygienist.
This proactive approach was driven by Zephyr’s dedication to safety and employee well-being. Positive feedback from welders underscored the importance of respiratory protection and the company’s efforts to invest in long-term health solutions. “Working with SAIF was a smooth process,” said Doug Jones from Zephyr. “Dan from industrial hygiene was great—he came back to retest after installation, and the results speak for themselves.”
Zephyr also maintains a strong safety culture through monthly safety committee meetings, quarterly shop walkthroughs, and policies that address heat and air quality.
By collaborating with SAIF and prioritizing safety, Zephyr Engineering not only met regulatory requirements but also created a safer, healthier workplace for its team.
