PLH GROUP NEWS
PLH Group Joins the Global Battle Against Human Trafficking
Date: January 14, 2021
Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing criminal enterprises in the world. It is estimated that there are over 40 million victims globally, with hundreds of thousands in the United States alone. Whether we want to admit it or not, human trafficking is not secluded to specific areas. These crimes are occurring in communities throughout all states. After an emotional presentation during PLH Group’s 2020 Safety Summit, PLH Group joined the effort to fight global human trafficking.
Human trafficking is when an individual is bought or sold for forced labor or commercial sex. Since 2009, Truckers Against Trafficking— a 501(c)3 organization– has been on a mission to discover and disrupt human trafficking networks. The organization strategically engages the industries that have the strongest pulse on the nation’s highway systems — trucking professionals, bus drivers, and members of the energy industry.
As the eyes and ears of the nation’s highways, professionals in these industries have the potential to make a significant impact in the fight against human trafficking if properly educated and trained.
Enter PLH Group
“After learning about Truckers Against Trafficking during the Safety Summit, I immediately knew our crews have what it takes to make a positive difference in the human trafficking crisis,” said Elsie Bentley, vice president Safety, Health, and Environmental. “From power line and pipeline construction services to fire and storm work, our crews are on the road all day, every day, throughout the U.S. and even into Canada.”
Immediately after learning how they can make a difference, PLH Group incorporated the Truckers Against Trafficking advocacy and education program into their defensive driving class — which is completed by employees of all PLH Group business units that drive a company vehicle. These employees are taught how to work with law enforcement on identifying and reporting potential human trafficking situations. Once trained, they can join more than 975,000 registered individuals who have also been trained on this approach.
Additionally, PLH Group drivers can display the Truckers Against Trafficking decal on their vehicle window. These decals are not only a warning signal to perpetrators, but also display the human trafficking hotline number so help can be reached immediately if a suspected situation is observed.
“PLH Group is not just an energy-focused construction contractor, we are a committed member of the communities and nations we serve,” continued Elsie. “Human trafficking is a hideous crime. As an organization, we are proud to partner with Truckers Against Trafficking to do our part in putting an end to this global issue, making communities throughout the United States and Canada safer places to live and work.”
Since its establishment, Truckers Against Trafficking training has resulted in 2,625 calls into the National Human Trafficking Hotline, and the identification of 1,278 victims. PLH Group is proud to incorporate the Truckers Against Trafficking education and advocacy program into routine company training, expanding its genuine effort to improve the safety and well-being of those living in the communities it serves.
