5/30/07-Man Dies of Information Overload at Maintenance Conference

As the traumatic effects of a third fatality this year sink in, organizers of maintenance training sessions worldwide are reviewing their educational content hoping to find new ways to prevent student deaths. "We didn't really notice he was dead until the end of the day when he did not get up to leave the session", says Bob Maroulis, a trainer on Shutdown Management theory. "He just sort of sat there all day with the same look on his face. I thought he was just a great listener and was really into the material."

A spokesperson from the coroner's office released the cause of death on Tuesday stating that Herb Algrove, 47, Maintenance Planner, died as a result of "synaptic overstimulation and brain swelling". Maroulis added, "I was just trying to give him a great value for his money. I feel horrible. But I'm not sure what I can remove from the training syllabus. It's all necessary information."

An investigative committee has been formed to evaluate all aspects of the training received by the victim. The group's recommendations are expected within 2 months. Until then, maintenance managers are advised to send only their toughest employees to all upcoming educational sessions. Maintenance conference organizers have voluntarily capped all training sessions at 30 Powerpoint® slides per hour.

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