Safety 1st Systems makes work environment safe

Working in high-risk or dangerous industries such as construction, mining, and utilities requires very high standards of safety to prevent occupational injuries or worse, fatalities. That’s where Safety 1st Systems CNMI, Inc. comes in with products that help you stay safe on the job.

Located along Middle Road next to Sherwin Williams, Safety 1st Systems CNMI, Inc. is owned by Manu Melwani and Richard Pierce and has been the largest retailer and wholesaler of safety products in the CNMI, Guam, and Micronesia for nearly two decades.

The Safety 1st Systems CNMI team is composed of long-time staffers Ketson “Jack” Kabiriel, Nitz Quilantang, and general manager James K. Lee, who officially came on board in May 2011.

Lee holds a degree in Liberal Arts from the Northern Marianas College and an online degree in Marketing from National University. Prior to Safety 1st Systems, Lee worked as the marketing coordinator for a leading telecommunications company on island.

“I decided to do something different,” Lee said in an interview when asked why he moved to Safety 1st Systems.

Lee noted that while he is still doing marketing-related responsibilities at Safety 1st Systems, the products are “completely different” from what he was accustomed to promoting.

“The products we have at Safety 1st Systems are what I call a necessity since companies buy them to comply with federal and local laws for safety and protection,” he told Saipan Tribune.

Safety 1st Systems offers a wide range of safety tools and equipment at reasonable prices. It carries first aid kits and supplies, safety shoes, masks, helmets and hard hats, fire extinguishers, automated external defibrillator, flares, vests, and safety signs, among others.

According to Lee, majority of their clientele are government agencies like the Department of Public Safety and the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., which account for 85 percent of their customers. The remaining 15 percent comes from the private sector and individual walk-ins.

Safety 1st Systems takes pride in supplying the Commonwealth with U.S.-made products, making them compliant and certified by agencies such as the CNMI-OSHA.

Lee pointed out that Safety 1st Systems is also known for establishing and maintaining a relationship with their customers, providing them with the best service they can get. In fact, if the items they need are not in-store, Lee said they accept special orders, going that extra mile by contacting their vendors to make those products available.

In these trying times, Lee said affordability is a must for them. “We give our best service and keep our prices as low as we can.”

Lee disclosed that Safety 1st Systems customers in the CNMI can look forward to more products and styles to suit their needs as well as regular promotions that would make purchasing safety tools and gears easier on the budget.

Put protection and wellbeing on top of your list by turning to Safety 1st Systems CNMI, Inc. for safety products and information vital for your businesses, households or just personal use. Visit the store next to Sherwood Williams along Middle Road. They are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 5pm and Saturday from 8:30am to 12:30pm. Cash and major credit cards are accepted. Businesses can apply for a charge account. For information, call 235-6500 or 7233 or email saipan@safety1st.com.gu.