New American built Work Boot from KEEN Utility offers revolutionary abrasion resistance
Assembled in KEEN’s Portland, Oregon manufacturing facility using responsibly sourced materials from around the world, KEEN Utility’s Dearborn is a standout introduction that can handle the same tasks as a leather boot and then some. The medium-duty boot features KEEN.FLEXARMOR, an innovative upper material that is a lightweight, ultrastrong seamless woven textile with more abrasion resistance than leather. Combined with a KEEN.DRY waterproof, breathable membrane and an air-injected Luftcell midsole, the Dearborn provides lasting comfort without sacrificing safety. In addition to a heat-resistant rubber outsole, a KonnectFit heel-capture system provides a locked-in feel, while non-metallic and asymmetrical carbon-fiber safety toes provide a roomier, unobtrusive fit, 15% lighter than steel. Built for both indoor and outdoor terrain, the Dearborn is EH-rated with an oil- and slip-resistant non-marking rubber outsole. KEEN Utility’s Dearborn will be available online and in select retailers.
New ASSP and revised standards help employers better protect workers
As a global provider in the development of workplace safety and health standards, the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) has published several new and revised voluntary national consensus standards that help employers minimize on-the-job risks to better protect their workers. “Standards lead organizations big and small in the same direction to achieve safer and healthier workplaces,” said ASSP President Brad Giles, P.E., CSP, STS, FASSP, GIOSH. “They are a cornerstone of a successful business, setting minimum requirements that help maximize operations, increase the bottom line and ultimately save lives.” With regulatory requirements being slow to change and often out of date, compliance is not sufficient to protect workers. Voluntary national consensus standards provide the latest expert guidance and fill gaps where federal regulations don’t exist. Leading companies rely on them to drive continuous improvement and injury prevention. ASSP’s broad collection of new and revised workplace safety standards focus on psychological safety and health, fall protection, construction and demolition operations, and prevention through design. New standards recently published ANSI/ASSP/ISO 45003-2021, Occupational Health and Safety Management – Psychological Health and Safety at Work – Guidelines for Managing Psychosocial Risks, provides guidance for managing psychosocial risk and promoting well-being at work as part of a safety and health management system based on ISO 45001. ANSI/ASSP Z359.9-2021, Personal Equipment for Protection Against Falls – Descent Controllers, sets minimum requirements for the design and use of descent controllers in rope access, rope descent, and evacuation. ANSI/ASSP Z459.1-2021, Safety Requirements for Rope Access Systems, provides fundamental criteria for establishing and evaluating rope access systems for work at height. The best practices are applicable where ropes are suspended from or connected to a structure to protect a worker from falling. Requirements include a two-rope system for rope access, full-body harnesses and autolocking connectors with 3,600-pound gates. Revised standards recently published ANSI/ASSP A10.38-2021, Basic Elements of an Employer’s Program to Provide a Safe and Healthful Work Environment, outlines minimum elements of a program for protecting employees in construction and demolition. ANSI/ASSP A10.47-2021, Work Zone Safety for Roadway Construction, sets minimum requirements for workers involved in construction, utility work, or maintenance on roads, also aiming to prevent crashes in work zones. ANSI/ASSP Z359.11-2021, Safety Requirements for Full Body Harnesses, creates minimum requirements for full-body harnesses commonly used for fall protection, travel restraint, and rescue operations. ANSI/ASSP Z359.14-2021, Safety Requirements for Self-Retracting Devices for Personal Fall Arrest and Rescue Systems, establishes minimum requirements for self-retracting devices, including self-retracting lanyards. The devices are used where personal protection is needed to prevent falls from height, such as at a rock-climbing facility. The devices are becoming increasingly popular in the fall protection industry but must be used properly. ANSI/ASSP Z590.3-2021, Prevention Through Design Guidelines for Addressing Occupational Hazards and Risks in Design and Redesign Processes, offers guidance on reducing or eliminating occupational safety and health hazards in the design process. It explains how to include prevention through design concepts in a safety and health management system. If worksites are designed from the start with safety in mind, fewer injuries will occur. In addition to implementing safety and health standards, all employers are encouraged to regularly conduct workplace risk assessments, which are effective in combatting many safety and health issues across all industries.
Access Control Group launches “AWARE”
Chaotic work environments, distracted workers, and equipment zooming through facilities such as distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, construction sites, or ports can cause collision risks. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the construction industry is responsible for more than 21% of all worker deaths in the U.S. while at the same time OSHA estimates forklifts cause 34,900 accidents that result in serious injury each year, costing a company from $38,000 to $150,000 for a single incident. Many such accidents could be avoided with the right equipment and training. Scalable Telematics provider Access Control Group is launching a proximity warning system to help companies protect their employees’ safety: AWARE, an Ultra Wide Band (UWB) based proximity system that measures the distance between moving objects and alerts both operators and pedestrians of approaching equipment. Additionally, UWB technology allows AWARE to penetrate most obstacles and operate around blind corners. Aware was designed to operate for the safety of pedestrians and mobile assets in material handling, construction, maritime, and distribution center industries. But unlike other collision avoidance systems, AWARE is an option you can add to our scalable telematics solution “Advanced” to avoid managing multiple gadgets and higher costs, while at the same time being able to track, measure, and report on equipment damage, productivity, and safety issues while additionally monitoring battery and fuel levels. How AWARE works When a wearable tag or equipment comes in the range of other equipment, an audiovisual alarm indicator warns the operator. AWARE offers two settings, Alert and Alarm. After the initial 30-minute installation, the range settings can be adjusted from the system or the cloud to meet any specific requirements. The wearable tag is operated by a rechargeable battery that can last up to three weeks. Recharging can be done by simply placing the tag on a wireless charger.
Hikvision Introduces the DF8 Series DarkFighter IR PTZ Cameras
Delivering precise broad area surveillance for demanding environments Hikvision, a global provider in delivering high-performance professional security solutions with tremendous value, introduces the new DF8 Series of IR PTZ cameras, launching with three new models. An industry first, the DF8 PTZ Camera offers a 1/1.2-inch sensor with 4K resolution and 42x optical zoom lens to enable wide-area surveillance with crystal clear images, even in challenging lighting conditions. “We engineered the new DF8 Series DarkFighter cameras to deliver industry-leading levels of performance in the most difficult indoor and outdoor environments,” said John Xiao, Vice President of Marketing, Hikvision USA. “Wind, rain, fog, heat, and darkness will not prevent users from capturing the detail they need to provide forensic evidence after an incident.” A number of advanced features enable the DF8 Series to deliver outstanding performance even in extremely broad open areas. Larger sensors – including 1/1.2-inch on the 8 MP DarkFighter – provide a higher level of detail in darkness. Gyroscope image stabilization maintains a stable image when the environment has strong winds or other instability. Intelligent features include a deep learning algorithm to identify humans, vehicles, and other objects, as well as an Intelligent Rapid Focus function to position the camera rapidly and accurately on a target, helping to capture critical details by preventing zoom delays. Users can count on long-term reliability from the DF8 Series. A built-in glass heater stabilizes the temperature of the camera, protecting it from low temperatures and fog, extending the lifetime of components, and ensuring precise imaging in harsh weather conditions. The DF8 Series cameras are well-suited for broad area surveillance in applications such as rivers and forests, roads, railways, airports, ports, city parks and squares, scenic areas, stations, large venues, and more.
Invixium launches powerful suite of healthy access features with IXM Mobile
Invixium Develops New Mobile Platform with Sub-Apps for Remote Face Enrollment, Mobile Credentials, Digital Attestation Questionnaire, and Vital Signs Screening for Employees and Visitors Invixium, a manufacturer of innovative touchless biometrics, is broadening its offerings through IXM Mobile, a smartphone app with features designed for healthy access. This new mobile platform extends the company’s flagship solution, IXM TITAN, and enterprise-grade software, IXM WEB. The mobile app will provide end-users with groundbreaking features to enhance their biometric security system for staff and visitors. As the pandemic evolves, enterprises continue to invest in long-term solutions to satisfy the needs of staff and visitors and persisting government guidance for mask-wearing and temperature screening. Invixium has led the market in healthy access solutions since the introduction of IXM TITAN Enhancement Kit and face recognition while wearing a mask. The launch of IXM Mobile marks the next step in the company’s forward-thinking strategy to create modern solutions that solve real-world problems. Designed for use with TITAN, IXM Mobile offers five licensed features: remote face enrollment, digital card or QR code as contactless credentials, a custom attestation questionnaire, and vital signs screening. IXM Mobile is built with usability and convenience in mind to transform access control to be more user-friendly. IXM Mobile’s core philosophy is a seamless user experience with a light and dark theme and responsive interface. With face enrollment via IXM Mobile, employees will no longer need to enroll for face recognition on-site, significantly speeding up the process of staff or contractor enrollment. Remote face enrollment enables IXM Mobile to generate a biometric template using Invixium’s face enrollment algorithm for use with TITAN. The app will then securely transfer each individual’s biometric template to IXM WEB, Invixium’s enterprise-grade software. The administrator can then assign the template to specific doors or devices for access control or workforce management. Invixium will offer two mobile credential options for fast, convenient, and touchless use with TITAN. Businesses can now choose between dynamic QR codes or digital card for each staff member, visitor, contractor, and more. Harnessing the power of Bluetooth technology, the app hosts each person’s mobile credential for contactless, smartphone-based authentication. To gain access or track time, an individual presents their phone to TITAN. Businesses can use mobile credentials for multi-factor authentication along with biometrics, no-mask detection, and temperature screening for increased security. Through IXM Mobile, Invixium now provides businesses with a digital attestation questionnaire for health screening, disclaimers, and more for staff and visitors to answer essential questions from the comfort of home. When complete, the mobile questionnaire generates a QR code that TITAN reads and uses to grant or deny access. If a person does not have a QR code due to a dead phone battery or any other reason, they can complete attestation directly on TITAN via voice commands on arrival. Each person’s answers can be kept on file for accurate, easy record-keeping through the licensed software IXM Health Standard, which also includes temperature screening. Within the software, administrators can customize their attestation questionnaire as an added benefit for additional safety use cases. “We’ve taken something incredibly complex and made it simple,” said Shiraz Kapadia, CEO & President at Invixium. “IXM Mobile is easy to use because we have engineered a way to make very complicated processes accessible from anywhere. Combine the app’s user-friendly features with TITAN, and we have made it incredibly easy for businesses to continue protecting staff and visitor health by allowing them to use a single device for all of their healthy access needs.” The hallmark feature of IXM Mobile is remote vital signs screening, which adds another critical layer to employee and visitor wellness screening. Through IXM Mobile and each person’s smartphone camera, Invixium’s healthy access solution can screen a person’s heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiration rate, stress level, and heart rate variability, which are potential indicators of illness. After completing this screening, the app generates a QR code that TITAN reads to grant or deny access based on the workplace’s custom access rules. If a person cannot access their QR code due to a dead phone battery or otherwise, vital signs screening can be completed directly on TITAN in addition to temperature screening and no-mask detection. Vital signs screening is the defining feature of IXM Health Premium, the expanded version of IXM Health Standard, which also includes temperature screening and attestation. “Touchless vital signs screening is a technology that is revolutionary for our industry,” continued Kapadia. “Now, businesses can be double-sure that employees are physically and mentally fit for work upon arrival through fast, automated temperature and vital signs screening. This powerful feature will change the way we work in a very positive way so businesses can better protect their workplaces.” The company will commence general release on October 28th. IXM Mobile is free to download from the Apple App and Google Play stores. Enterprises will need to purchase a license to enable each sub-app for its staff or visitors.
Top 10 OSHA violations of 2021
OSHA unveiled its preliminary list of the top 10 most-cited workplace safety violations for the fiscal year 2021 last week. The annual Top 10 list from OSHA doesn’t cover every important workplace hazard but it provides an overview of the most common and costly violations for American employers. The list of the most commonly cited violations does not change much from year to year but remains an informative tool that safety professionals can use to identify hazards at their own facilities. In addition to broadly applicable general industry and construction safety Standards like hazard communication, machine guarding, and fall protection, OSHA continued to emphasize COVID-19 exposure prevention in 2021. OSHA issued 592 coronavirus-related citations totaling $7.5 million in penalties for employers between October 1, 2020 and October 1, 2021. 10. Machine Guarding (29 CFR 1910.212) OSHA requires employers to identify workplace machinery that can cause injury to an employee. Machine injuries can occur at the point of operation, from rotating and/or moving parts, or from flying chips or sparks. Total violations cited: 1,113 9. Powered Industrial Trucks (29 CFR 1910.178) Failure to properly train, certify, and re-certify forklift drivers is typically the most common reason employers are cited under OSHA’s 29 CFR 1910.178 Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks. Total violations cited: 1,420 8. Eye and Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.102) Under OSHA’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Standard for the construction industry at 29 CFR 1926.102, employers must ensure that employees use eye and face protection to protect them against flying objects, splashes or drops of hazardous chemicals, and other workplace hazards that can injure the eyes and face. Total violations cited: 1,452 7. Fall Protection—Training Requirements (29 CFR 1926.503) Construction industry employers are required to provide fall protection training to each employee who might be exposed to fall hazards—and required re-training when necessary. Total violations cited: 1,666 6. Lockout/Tagout (29 CFR 1910.147) Lockout/Tagout is crucial in facilities where machine maintenance and servicing occur. The unexpected release of hazardous energy—“Control of Hazardous Energy” is the 29 CFR 1910.147 Standard’s proper title—can result in severe injuries, amputations, crushing, and death. Again, in this case, employee training is a stumbling block for employers. Failure to train employees on proper lockout/tagout procedures is one of the most common reasons OSHA issues citations—and why lockout/Tagout appears on this list year after year. Total violations cited: 1,698 5. Hazard Communication (HazCom) (29 CFR 1910.1200) Hazard Communication fell from 2nd to 5th place in 2021. OSHA’s HazCom Standard requires all employers to provide workers with information about hazardous chemicals in the workplace. Chemical hazards—from toxic gases to everyday cleaning products—are communicated using written HazCom programs, hazard labels/warnings, Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and HazCom training. Total violations cited: 1,947 Lion offers online OSHA HazCom training in English and Spanish. 4. Scaffolding (29 CFR 1926.451) OSHA requirements for scaffolds in the construction industry are found at 29 CFR 1926.451 and include specific weight limitations, construction requirements, and rules for planking and decking scaffold platforms correctly. Total violations cited: 1,948 3. Ladders (29 CFR 1926.1053) OSHA issued more citations under its Ladder Standard than the previous year. Ladders rose on the Top 10 List from 5th to 3rd place. Frequent violations of OSHA’s Ladder Safety Standard for the construction industry include broken or poorly maintained ladders and standing on the top step of a ladder (prohibited by §1926.1053(b)(13)). Total violations cited: 2,026 2. Respiratory Protection (29 CFR 1910.134) Under OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard for the general industry, employers must complete medical evaluations, perform fit-testing to ensure respirators function properly, and train employees on proper use and maintenance. While respiratory protection rose from #3 on last year’s list to #2 for 2021, OSHA issued fewer total citations for violations of this Standard (2,527) than they did during the previous fiscal year (2,649). Total violations cited: 2,527 1. Fall Protection—General Requirements (29 CFR 1926.501) Topping the list once again this year is OSHA’s Fall Protection Standard. Common violations of this safety standard include failure to provide proper PPE and fall arrest systems for employees. Total violations cited: 5,295 Announcement from National Safety Council (NSC): OSHA Reveals Top 10 Safety Violations for Fiscal year 2021 at NSC Safety Congress & Expo OSHA Safety, Hazmat, and HAZWOPER Training Anytime, Anywhere From respirators and PPE to hazard communication and lithium batteries, find safety training you need to protect your staff and maintain compliance with OSHA safety standards in 29 CFR at Lion.com/OSHA. Courses are interactive and self-paced, and employees can stop and start as needed to fit training into their day-to-day work schedules.
New Continental ClearContact Commercial Duty Wiper Blades built tough for trucks, buses, and RVs
Available in several blade designs and lengths from 10 – 40 inches Metal construction and precision cut rubber for durability and performance Designed for fast and easy installation Continental, a global supplier of systems, components, and tires to automobile, truck, and agriculture/construction equipment manufacturers, and a trusted provider of OE-engineered aftermarket parts, has expanded its ClearContact precision windshield wiper blade program with a new line of heavy-duty wiper blades that are specifically designed and engineered for applications on commercial trucks, RVs, transit buses, and motor coaches. Continental ClearContact Commercial Duty Wiper Blades are designed for fast and easy installation and built for maximum durability and reliability in all weather conditions. They feature an exceptional aerodynamic design that’s engineered to deliver better windshield wrap, a reinforced steel frame for strength and durability, and precision cut natural rubber blade for consistent, edge-to-edge wiping performance and exceptionally long service life. With 43 wiper blade part numbers and lengths from 10 – 40 inches in the program, Continental’s new line delivers a wide range of vehicle applications on Class 1 through Class 8 trucks, buses, motor coaches, and Class A, B, and C motorhomes. Four different wiper blade designs are available, including flat, five bar, wide saddle, and hook configurations. Custom bundles are available for fleets, bus and motorcoach operators, and recreational vehicle dealers. According to Lori Bachman, Continental Product Manager for the ClearContact Wiper Blade Program, “The Continental commercial duty windshield wiper blade program is an excellent addition to our heavy-duty market portfolio, and easily complements our range of vehicle safety and driver comfort products for commercial vehicles and RVs. Our wiper blades are built tough with world-class construction to deliver precision performance and reliability in heavy-duty service.”
Industrial Scientific welcomes Amanda Birkhead as Vice President of Marketing
Amanda Birkhead, formerly of Honeywell, joins the Industrial Scientific leadership team Industrial Scientific, a global provider in gas detection and safety-as-a-service, is pleased to announce that Amanda Birkhead has joined the company as vice president of marketing. Amanda will be responsible for working cross-functionally to tightly align the company’s go-to-market structure from market visibility and lead generation to sales, with the goal of delivering an outstanding global customer experience. Amanda joins Industrial Scientific from Honeywell, where she demonstrated results in roles of increasing responsibility across marketing, commercial, and product. Most recently, she was the chief product officer for the buildings segment of Honeywell Connected Enterprise, where she led strategy, product management, pricing, and marketing for cloud-based, enterprise software offerings for building control, predictive maintenance/analytics, workplace experience, and business process improvement. Prior to that, she was the chief marketing officer for Honeywell Building Solutions, where she led marketing strategy and execution. “Throughout Amanda’s career, she has developed significant experience in IoT and hardware-enabled software workflows while delivering solutions to real customer problems by combining technology, applications, and deep customer understanding,” said Parker Burke, president of Industrial Scientific. “Amanda will be a true accelerator of Our Vision while showing up each day with her team to progress Our Mission and Our Way.” Amanda holds a Bachelor of Science from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Business Administration from the Olin School of Business at Washington University in St. Louis. She has also participated in and completed numerous executive training programs during her tenure at Honeywell.
EP 221: Warehouse Standards
In this episode, I discuss warehouse standards and their importance. This has been one of the most important things to getting fully effective processes in place during my career in warehousing. Standards Breakdown What is a standard? A process that is proven to be effective and is repeatable with the desired outcome Rules that are put in place to ensure the right outcome is achieved every time How to develop a standard Map out your process that you want to standardize Include all aspects of the process; no matter how small Evaluate the process to see if it makes sense; can you improve any steps? Ensure the process gives you the desired outcome Get feedback from the parties doing the process Document, document, document If the standard is not documented then it might as well not exist Tribal knowledge will kill you when the person with the knowledge leaves Everything should be documented and readily accessible for reference Update documents accordingly when changes are made Create a standard for organizing your documents Training The key to having your standards succeed is to ensure the training is robust All employees should be well versed in the standard and trained from when they begin Do not throw them out there and train later Start them right and with the expectation Follow up on training periodically and ensure that it is top of mind Improvements Be sure to review your standards for potential improvements periodically Value your employee’s input; they know the process the best If something doesn’t make sense question it The New Warehouse Podcast EP 221: Warehouse Standards
Atos integrates viisights software into Atos Computer Vision Platform to enable 24/24 7/7 safety
Integrates Unique Behavioral Analytics for Public Safety Atos has announced its new partnership to integrate viisights software into its Atos Computer Vision Platform. Atos is a provider in global Edge AI. This collaboration will allow viisights’ powerful behavioral video analytics to run on Atos Computer Vision Platform, providing users with unique insight and therefore to immediately detect and predict violent activity, suspicious activity, crowd behavior, traffic monitoring, and much more to help authorities prevent harmful activities from escalating. viisights is the leading developer of advanced AI-powered behavioral video analytics software. viisights will integrate its AI models to VISuite – these models are specifically designed for security and safety applications, targeting transportation hubs, smart cities, critical infrastructure, and various kinds of campuses. They leverage viisights’ unique video understanding technology capabilities. Atos Computer Vision Platform, launched in July 2021, is a unique end-to-end computer vision platform providing pre-trained & customizable AI models powered by the BullSequana server range and enriched by a partner ecosystem and Atos computer vision experts through worldwide experts labs. It enables users to identify events and behaviors, reduce error rates, guarantee people and asset safety, deliver the highest quality, and offer frictionless and personalized customer experiences. Atos Computer Vision Platform offers full compatibility with Atos BullSequana server range designed for AI applications, Atos data science services, and leverages Atos’ established global presence in the public safety space. “We’re very excited to partner with Atos. This strategic partnership will help deliver highly advanced and valuable solutions that leverage our respective core areas of expertise,” said Asaf Birenzvieg, CEO of viisights. “Integrating Atos Computer Vision Platform as a partner makes it easier and more cost-effective to offer municipalities and other customers turnkey solutions that deliver proactive safety and security.” “We are proud to announce viisights integrates Atos Computer Vision Platform as a partner, integrating VISuite, the software toolbox. This partnership will harness the reach of Atos Computer Vision Platform to make public transports and public areas across the globe safer, smarter, and more secure,” said Jérôme Sandrini, Head of Big Data solutions, Atos.
Toyota Material Handling earns 2021 Indiana Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence
Toyota Material Handling (TMH) has been recognized with the 2021 Indiana Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence in the ‘Five Year Continuous Improvement’ category for the company’s Carbon Dioxide (CO2) reduction projects. The award was presented by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) at the 24th Annual Partners for Pollution Prevention Conference in late September. This is the fourth time Toyota Material Handling has earned a Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence, and the third for ‘Five Year Continuous Improvement’. Since 2018, TMH’s CO2 reduction projects have resulted in a 22% reduction in electricity consumption, a 23% reduction in natural gas consumption, and a 37% reduction in CO2 emissions. “This accomplishment wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of the Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), manufacturing, maintenance, and production engineering teams at our factory in Columbus,” said Brian Egloff, TMH Director of Operations. “Toyota Material Handling has made sustainability a priority on our operations and engineering roadmap, which guides the annual ‘kaizen’ (continuous improvement) activity in each department. Through daily energy management, ongoing investments in renewable energy, and special projects to reduce our energy consumption, we’re making excellent progress toward our CO2 reduction targets. We’re honored to be recognized for this and our other environmental conservation efforts.” The highly competitive Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence are Indiana’s most prestigious environmental recognition, reserved for the most innovative, sustainable, and exemplary programs that positively impact Indiana’s environment and demonstrate measurable environmental, economic, and social benefits. “We are excited to recognize our 2021 Governor’s Award winners for their efforts in innovation, waste reduction, and improvements to Indiana’s environment,” said IDEM Commissioner Bruno Pigott. “These award winners are paving the way for other organizations to learn how to increase environmental protection efforts in the state.” Toyota Material Handling implemented a total of seven environmentally beneficial projects through its Environmental Management System to reduce its carbon footprint and constantly improve overall operational efficiency. These projects include conversion to LED lighting, installing radiant dock heaters, air leak, and compressor improvements, installing power and gas monitoring systems, installing 18 weld fume collection systems, and investment in wind energy certificates. Collectively, these projects resulted in an estimated CO2 savings of more than 1,000 tons, the equivalent of 150,000 gallons of gasoline consumed. Continuous improvement, or ‘kaizen,’ is a hallmark trait of the Toyota brand and culture. Kaizen is also a cornerstone in the company’s world-renowned manufacturing processes, including the Toyota Production System (TPS), Toyota Lean Management, and Toyota’s Five “S” System (5S). Toyota companies worldwide rely on these processes every day in working toward Toyota Industries Corporation’s (TICO) Vision 2030 goal of significantly reducing its carbon footprint. “Our efforts are guided by the Global Environmental Commitment established by TICO, our parent company,” Egloff said. “This commitment aims to preserve our environment and create a sustainable society for our future generations. Ultimately, we hope to continue to do our part in helping achieve a carbon-neutral society by 2050.”
KEEN Utility introduces the Women’s Dover “Tradeswomen Tested” boot
The new American Built women’s Dover work boot: protection, durability, and a comfortable fit built for a woman. Assembled in KEEN’s Portland, Oregon manufacturing facility using responsibly sourced materials from around the world, the women’s Dover is the first women’s fit safety style introduction from the company-owned factory. Built on a woman’s last, the new safety style is part of the KEEN Utility “Tradeswomen Tested” program dedicated to changing the status quo in safety footwear and leveraging the insights of female skilled trades professionals in a variety of fields from initial concept through production. The outdoor-inspired industrial hiker is built with the new KEEN KONNECTFIT Heel Locking System along with the KEEN Utility LUFTcell midsole that features nearly 100,000 air bubbles per cubic centimeter, providing lightweight comfort for all-day wear. Non-metallic and weighing nearly 15% less than traditional steel, the carbon fiber asymmetrical safety toe caps offer a roomier and unobtrusive fit. An ergonomically designed, removable PU footbed provides excellent underfoot support while a Cleansport NXT antimicrobial liner offers natural odor protection. Weather-ready, the Dover boot also features a waterproof leather upper, KEEN. Dry breathable waterproof membrane, and an EH-rated abrasion-, oil- and slip-resistant non-marking rubber outsole.
Industrial Scientific welcomes Pronitha Shankarananda as Vice President of Product Management
Pronitha Shankarananda, formerly of Fluke, joins the Industrial Scientific leadership team Industrial Scientific, a global provider in gas detection and safety-as-a-service, is pleased to announce that Pronitha Shankarananda has joined the company as vice president of product management. Pronitha will be responsible for leading the Industrial Scientific product management and applications engineering teams while developing and executing the business and product strategy at a global scale. Pronitha joins Industrial Scientific from Fluke, where she spent the last six years in product management, product marketing, strategy, and leading some of Fluke’s largest business units. In these roles, she delivered key wins for both the business and customers across devices, IOT, and software, resulting in a product strategy aimed at solving real customer problems and generating significant growth for the business. Before joining Fluke, Pronitha held roles in enterprise sales, software consulting, and engineering at a variety of companies around the world. “Across Pronitha’s career, she has demonstrated a unique ability to lead and develop teams towards product and business strategies that are truly transformational to both customers and industries,” said Parker Burke, president of Industrial Scientific. “I am eager to see how she accelerates our strategy in pursuit of Our Vision of eliminating death on the job by 2050.” Pronitha holds a Bachelor of Engineering from the National Institute of Technology in Karnataka, India, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Delhi, and a Master of Science in Management Studies from the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
How to respond to Vaccine Misinformation in the workplace
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way many Americans worked last year. So many businesses suffered as a result of the virus, with some having to close their doors completely. Now, thanks to the vaccine rollout, things are starting to get back to normal and workplaces are reopening – even if we still have a long way to go. As of now, nearly 400 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been given in the U.S. But, that number would likely be higher if there wasn’t so much vaccine misinformation going around. Because this particular vaccine was created quickly and authorized for emergency use, some people have been skeptical about getting it. While that’s a personal choice, it’s not okay for individuals to spread incorrect information about the shot in your place of business. No matter what your business’ vaccine policy is, keeping your employees well-informed and safe should be a top priority. So, what can you do to encourage safety and discourage information about public health concerns in the workplace? Work with a professional Unfortunately, social media has made it very easy for misinformation about the vaccine to spread quickly. Anyone can create a meme or a legitimate-looking graph/statistic sheet and post it online. That doesn’t mean it’s true or accurate. According to the CDC, ways to find credible information about the vaccine include: Checking credible sources Making sure the information is up-to-date Asking the right questions Understanding medical jargon If you want to make it easier for your employees to get more information and have their questions answered, consider working with a professional. Having an epidemiologist come into your workplace is a great way to show your staff you care about their wellbeing. Epidemiologists specialize in analyzing data that affects public health. They also develop public health awareness programs that can teach people how to protect themselves from outbreaks. By letting an epidemiologist speak to your employees, they can give them real facts about the vaccine and directly answer any questions about misinformation or hesitation. Provide accurate information In addition to having a healthcare professional speak with your employees, you should consider it your responsibility to provide accurate information. As with any vaccine, there are a few exceptions when it comes to who should receive it. For the most part, though, it has been proven safe and effective. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), vaccines save anywhere from 2-3 million lives each year. The COVID-19 vaccine may even go beyond that. Use information directly from the CDC, WHO, or trusted medical journals/websites to share the facts with your employees. Having that information readily available can help to dispel any myths that might be floating around the office. It’s also a good idea to make sure you’re well-educated on the effectiveness and safety of the COVID-19 vaccine. If misinformation is being spread, some employees might come directly to you to discuss it. Being prepared with the right information is crucial in reassuring them and shutting down falsehoods. Keep your employees safe Depending on the size of your workplace, you might have different policies in place for keeping your employees safe. Maybe you’re not requiring the vaccine but encouraging it. Whatever the case, it’s still important to show your employees that their safety is your top concern – especially as variants are still running rampant around the globe. You can do your part by creating a safety strategy that includes: Social distancing Remote work options Signs that encourage frequent hand-washing Improving air quality Mask-wearing indoors Simply having a policy in place can make a big difference in how safe your employees feel. Some people don’t feel ready to go back to work because their employers aren’t taking things as seriously as they should. Everyone wants to return to normal as soon as possible. But, we aren’t there yet. That’s why these individualized policies and strategies are so important. In this fast-paced world where misinformation is spread so quickly and easily, it can be hard to keep up. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But, when you’re running a business, truth, and safety need to go hand-in-hand. Keep these suggestions in mind to respond to vaccine misinformation in the workplace. Doing so will give your employees peace of mind and will keep false statements and statistics from spreading a virus of fear across your company. About the Author: Noah Rue is a journalist and content writer, fascinated with the intersection between global health, personal wellness, and modern technology. When he isn’t searching out his next great writing opportunity, Noah likes to shut off his devices and head to the mountains to disconnect.
NOVA reengineers Lock & Load™ hook
Major trailer manufacturers are taking initiatives to increase safety for passenger vehicles by reinforcing their rear impact guard (RIG) bars to better absorb impacts, resist bending, and offer greater protection against rear-end collisions. The two most recent prevalent changes to the RIG bar include a new pentagonal shape and the addition of a reinforced vertical center plate. These new RIG bar configurations are not compatible with current industry designs of the rotating hook. NOVA Technology is pleased to announce the reinvented rotating hook for our Lock & Load™ vehicle restraint to accommodate the recent changes in RIG bar designs. NOVA’s all-new, patent-pending Triple Range Hook is designed specifically to secure new RIG bars that are pentagonal or feature a 4-1/2” vertical center plate, along with standard rectangular RIG bars. Along with added versatility, our new hook is upward-biased to ensure continual engagement during trailer float or any truck movement even after repeated impacts. Instead of a traditional barb, the Triple Range Hook features an elongated surface to capture RIGs with center plates and the interior surface of the hook is multifaceted with multiple RIG capture zones for rectangular, pentagonal, and reinforced RIGs. For added safety and convenience, its elevated hook shank maintains engagement and eliminates false-negative RIG bar sensing from gaps created by carriage movement. NOVA only sells to registered dealers; however, we are happy to assist you in locating a dealer near you.
Continental Turn Assist Monitors Blind Spots in Trucks, Buses, and RVs for safer right-hand turns
A radar-based system makes roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The system warns drivers with visual and audible alerts. Can be retrofitted on trucks, buses, and RVs, even older models Continental, a global supplier of systems, components, and tires to automobile, truck, and agriculture/construction equipment manufacturers, and a trusted provider of OE-engineered aftermarket parts, now offers a new technology for commercial vehicles and RVs that makes roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists by actively monitoring the vehicle’s blind spots during right-hand turns. Continental’s Turn Assist makes right-hand turns safer and easier and reduces driver stress by warning the driver with audible and visual alerts when pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users are detected inside the vehicle’s danger zone. This innovative, radar-based system also delivers reliable detection in bad weather and under poor lighting conditions. It can be retrofitted on all types of trucks, buses, and RVs, including older vehicles and can also be connected to other vehicle warning systems. The Continental Turn Assist system features a radar sensor, evaluation unit, buzzer for audible warning, steering angle sensor, and light for visual warning. The radar sensor is installed on the rear-view mirror and monitors an area up to 13 feet to the side of the vehicle and up to 46 feet behind it. “Increasing the safety of vulnerable road users is an important social responsibility and could not be of more critical need in today’s transportation market,” notes Nate Stehman, Project Manager at Continental’s Commercial Vehicles & Services business unit. “The popularity of cycling has been on a continual rise and due to the coronavirus, more and more people are forgoing public transportation and getting on their bikes and scooters instead. An affordable, high-tech safety solution like the Continental Turn Assist System is just what drivers of commercial vehicles and RVs need to be better aware of pedestrians, cyclists, and others near their vehicle so they can corner safely.” Continental has extensive know-how and many years of expertise in the field of turn assist systems for trucks and passenger cars. Work has already started on the third generation of the technology. In the future, a combination of radar and camera data working with artificial intelligence will even recognize the gestures of cyclists and pedestrians, helping to protect the most vulnerable road users even more proactively.
Morse Watchmans unveils KeyWatcher Key Control Solutions with powerful new Generation 3 CPU at GSX 2021
New KeyWatcher Gen3 CPU increases performance, operation, and sync speeds Morse Watchmans, the industry leader in key control and asset management systems, will be exhibiting at this year’s GSX show, featuring their latest new key control and management solutions at booth #1714. The company’s flagship KeyWatcher Touch will be displayed with a new Generation 3 CPU that provides improved performance, and faster user interface, and improved synchronization times. The new Gen3 CPU upgrade is also available to current KeyWatcher Touch users for fast and easy enhancement of installed systems. “Nothing can replace face-to-face contact with our customers and partners,” said Tim Purpura, VP of Global Sales and Marketing, Morse Watchmans. “For that reason, we made the decision to exhibit at GSX, while also maintaining all careful protocols to support health and safety. We are looking forward to having in-person conversations and demonstrating our latest new key management solutions and product enhancements to the GSX audience.” Morse Watchmans’ industry-leading KeyWatcher Touch key management system features a 7” touchscreen with an easy-to-use interface and patented SmartKey system with KeyAnywhere technology, making it simple to withdraw and return a key securely to any key cabinet in an enterprise. The solution offers the convenience of scheduled PDF reports that are emailed to authorized recipients. Email delivery of customized or standard reports can be scheduled for any specific time or frequency and they can be accessed using the Morse Watchman’s smartphone app. System administrators have access to view or run reports as needed. The system also enables security management to notify a user via email when a key becomes overdue. The new KeyWatcher Gen3 CPU further improves performance and increases user interface and sync times on new and existing models, effectively allowing more KeyWatcher Touch systems to be connected for added scalability. Additional features include 64GB of onboard data back-up, full Windows® 10 OS with built-in functionality for Morse Watchman’s remote technical support, full support for gigabit networks, and cable connections now possible up to 100 feet.
Hikvision 4G Solar-Powered Security Camera System takes standalone operation to new heights
Hikvision, a global provider in delivering high-performance professional security solutions with tremendous value, is introducing a highly versatile standalone mobile video surveillance system that combines solar power and cellular connectivity, ideal for remote location applications. Designed specifically for surveilling remote areas where power and Wi-Fi connectivity are scarce, the all-in-one ColorVu Solar Powered Security Camera is ideal for use on oil fields, farms, utility sites, remote infrastructure, as well as for temporary deployments at large scale events, construction sites and more. Equipped with a 4G cellular radio for data transmission, solar panels and a battery for onboard power, and a built-in heater, the new 4 MP surveillance solution (model DS-2XS2T47G0-LDH/4G/C18S40) is completely self-sustaining and carbon neutral. Two-way communication allows operators to address individuals in need of assistance or with bad intentions via live audio, and Hikvision’s exclusive ColorVu technology allows 24/7 surveillance in full color – even in the dark of night. IP67 water and dust rating protect the package against water and dust ingress, and its construction is designed to withstand a Category 12 typhoon. The new remote surveillance solution also features robust security with password protection, HTTPS encryption, IP address filter, security audit log, basic and digest authentication for HTTP/HTTPS, TLS 1.1/1.2, WSSE, and digest authentication for Open Network Video Interface. “Our new remote surveillance solution brings high security to vulnerable remote locations previously difficult to monitor with live surveillance cameras,” said John Xiao, Vice President Marketing, Hikvision USA. “We’re excited to be able to offer this innovative and cost-effective surveillance solution to help improve safety and security across an extensive range of vertical market applications.”
J. J. Keller announces Safety Professional of the Year (SPOTY) Award Winners
Safety Leaders Exemplify Best Practices in Keeping Workers Safe J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. just announced the winners of the 2021 J. J. Keller Safety Professional of the Year (SPOTY) Awards, one of the most prestigious forms of recognition in the field of workplace safety. The SPOTY Awards honor the critical role of safety professionals in building a safety culture and ensuring employees return home to their families at the end of each day. The judging panel for this year’s awards included six J. J. Keller consultants and editors, who are experts in environmental health and safety, and guest judge Benita Mehta, chief editor of Industrial Safety & Hygiene News (ISHN). “Our purpose at J. J. Keller is to protect people and the businesses they run,” said Rustin Keller, president and CEO of J. J. Keller, who presented the awards during a September 16 webcast. “The SPOTY Awards recognize those safety professionals who excel at sharing our purpose. As providers of safety solutions to companies large and small, our panelists have a unique view into what sets safety leaders apart in their profession.” SPOTY Award winners receive free subscriptions to J. J. Keller® SAFETY MANAGEMENT SUITE™, delivering round-the-clock access to J. J. Keller’s most popular safety management tools, as well as cash prizes. First-Place SPOTY Winner: Trevor Pellegrini, Safety Coordinator, Airstream, Inc. After a six-week shutdown at the start of the pandemic, Airstream returned to record sales – and record hiring. Airstream Safety Coordinator Trevor Pellegrini has been instrumental in training these new hires, implementing COVID-19 protocols, and ensuring Airstream associates are equipped with the best safety practices as they build the world’s most iconic travel trailers. “We persevered during the pandemic and were also able to increase our total new hires by over 500, training them on COVID-19 protocols and how to safely share community tools,” said Pellegrini. “Furthermore, we have continually reduced our recordable injuries while hiring these new employees.” Pellegrini has been with Airstream for four years. During this time, he earned associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in Science (Occupational Health, Safety and Environment) through the company’s tuition reimbursement program while working as an assembly associate and router operator. Now, as part of the company’s safety team, his efforts to adopt COVID-19 safety protocols have helped ensure the safety and security of the over 1,000 associates who work at Airstream production facilities in Jackson Center, Ohio. Pellegrini sees long-term benefits from the measures taken, beyond protecting associates and the company during the pandemic. For example, the trend logs he created for COVID-19 exposures and rolled out to all production and office associates are now also being converted to trend logs for injury reports. On an ongoing basis, Pellegrini sees empathy as critical when training on and enforcing safety policies. It’s a philosophy he has taken into work environment leadership from his volunteer work as a Christian Addiction Recovery Counselor and his former career as a firefighter. Recent safety accomplishments by Pellegrini include: Development of Airstream’s safety initiative called S.L.A.M., which stands for Stop, Look, Assess and Manage Data analysis findings that hands were most often affected by injuries in the workplace, and development of weekly training to prevent hand injuries “At Airstream, the associates and the company hold themselves to a high safety standard,” said Pellegrini. “I attempt to go above and beyond to demonstrate that vision. The motto I learned as a firefighter is ‘Everyone Goes Home,’ and I hold that motto close to me in my current profession and life.” Second-Place SPOTY Award Winner: Paul Power, Assistant Vice President, Northwell Health Paul Power has made workforce safety and emergency medical services his focus for 35 years. This passion began while he was an EMT-paramedic and continued as he reached advanced degrees in Community & Human Services and Strategic Healthcare Management. As part of healthcare organizations, workplace safety professionals across the country found themselves on the front lines of the pandemic with their peers in medical positions. At Northwell Health, Power’s safety team worked with RN Care Managers in the organizations’ command center. They were in the epicenter of COVID-19 and fit testing around the clock, ensuring Northwell team members were trained and properly fit with respiratory protection and PPE. “We were successfully able to train and fittest over 43,000 team members within a month,” said Power. On an ongoing basis, Power and the Northwell safety professionals have created a culture of safety and team member advocacy when a safety incident does occur. For example, if employees are injured on the job, the Workers Compensation team advocates for the employees and has a Physician Assistant overseeing claims. Then, a Return to Work team focuses on helping the team members get back to their positions or assists in identifying alternative options when necessary. Power tracks the effectiveness and success of Northwell’s safety program using benchmarks, surveys and data. Major health and safety successes he has led include a decrease in industrial hygiene cases and an increase in OSHA awareness. He has also personally designed numerous safety approaches that have saved healthcare professionals from serious injury. Examples are NextWave, a virtual reality product for safe patient handling; a first-of-its-kind Mobile Training Center to provide simulated safe patient handling training for medical staff; COVID-19 assessment services for businesses within the New York Region; and the Safe Patient Handling Olympics, a system-wide competition and fun learning event at Northwell. With a career-long dedication to the health field, Power is donating his cash prize from the J. J. Keller Safety Professional of the Year Awards to Cohen Children’s Medical Center of Northwell Health. The medical center is a top-ranked center for care in nine pediatric specialties. Third-Place SPOTY Award Winner: Kelly Weinhardt, Environmental Health & Safety Coordinator for Texas – North Louisiana, Trane Technologies Kelly Weinhardt had a nontraditional path to her safety career, but in the two and a half years she has been an Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) coordinator, she has made a substantial difference in outcomes for Trane Technologies’ Commercial HVAC Americas business unit,
Propane Cylinder 101- Does your crew know all these propane cylinder best practices?
Despite the growing trend towards electrification, propane continues to keep pace in the material handling space thanks to its reliable reputation, clean performance, and easy refueling. In fact, 90 percent of Class 4 and 5 internal combustion engine forklifts are currently being powered by propane. The majority of fleet managers in the middle and top forklift weight classes prefer propane over electric and diesel, according to a survey from PERC (Propane Education & Research Council). Propane cylinders are constructed to U.S. Department of Transportation and National Fire Protection Association standards for quality and contain safety features, like pressure relief valves, making them safe and easy to use. Because propane is a widely used forklift fuel across the country, it’s important for forklift operators to be in the know on cylinder safety and handling practices. Cylinder Handling Following these general guidelines when handling propane cylinders will help ensure safe and efficient operation. Wear an approved protective glove and eye protection. Keep open heat, flames, and ignition sources away from cylinders and refueling equipment at all times. Handle cylinders carefully, making sure not to drop, throw, or drag them. Use proper lifting techniques when lifting cylinders For even more convenient handling, forklift operators can ask their local propane supplier about the use of composite cylinders—a lightweight alternative to traditional steel tanks. Refueling Propane offers a quick, safe refueling process that requires no additional infrastructure or charging needs, like with electric equipment. For forklift operators of propane-powered forklifts, refueling is as simple as swapping out an empty cylinder for a full one. Tips when removing a propane cylinder from equipment Shut the gas off by turning the cylinder service valve until tight (clockwise). Disconnect the gas line by unscrewing the service connection (counterclockwise). A small amount of gas may be released from the gas line upon disconnection, which is normal and doesn’t pose a safety hazard to employees. Release the brackets that hold the propane cylinder. Remove the empty forklift cylinder by using safe lifting practices. Store the empty cylinder in its designated storage area. Make sure to store with the relief valve at the highest point. Tips when installing a propane cylinder on equipment Inspect the cylinder for any damage. If damaged, remove the cylinder from service and notify the local propane supplier on their next refueling stop. In the meantime, tag or mark the cylinder so it’s not used again. Ensure the main service valve on the full cylinder is all the way off. Use safe lifting practices to place the full cylinder on the forklift. The cylinder should be centered in the brackets and in alignment with the alignment pin (with the pressure relief valve at the 12 o’clock position). Once it’s properly situated, secure the cylinder by tightening the brackets. Make sure the straps are secure before operating. Connect the gas line to the service connection and tighten firmly (clockwise). Slowly turn the main service valve on (counterclockwise). Check for leaks. Forklift operators can check for leaks by spraying a solution (one-part soap, one-part water) over the tank connections. If employees notice bubbling or smell any gas, they should turn the valve off and re-check the connection and O-rings. Depending on which refueling option businesses choose, propane suppliers can teach crews how to refill cylinders themselves (on-site refueling) or can refill cylinders for them (cylinder exchange program). Additionally, employees can receive safety training from propane suppliers, including instructions on how to safely install propane cylinders on their equipment. Maintenance Each time cylinders are exchanged or refilled, propane suppliers inspect cylinders, remove damaged cylinders from service, and repair or replace leaky valves and O-rings on cylinders as needed. Storage & Disposal Propane cylinders can last up to three times as long as the average forklift battery. If businesses purchase their propane cylinders, propane suppliers can assist in the disposal of propane cylinders when the time comes. Alternatively, if businesses don’t want to purchase cylinders and storage cases, they can normally lease them from a local propane supplier. Make sure to store propane cylinder storage racks are located a safe distance from heat or ignition sources and protected from exposure to the elements. If need be, local propane suppliers can offer guidance on the best location. To learn more about forklift safety, visit Propane.com/SafetyFirst. Click here to find a local propane supplier. About the Author Matt McDonald is director of off-road business development for the Propane Education & Research Council. He can be reached at matt.mcdonald@propane.com.