S.A.F.E. Structure awarded $1.1 million dollar contract to supply patented Chinook CH-47 ERFS Tank roller and shoring CELS system
S.A.F.E. Structure Designs was awarded a $1.1 Million dollar contract to supply its patented CH-47 ERFS Tank rollers and shoring system to over 27 United States Army National Guard locations. With full in-house design, engineering, and manufacturing capabilities, SAFE is a leader in supplying the Depart of Defense with creative and customizable solutions for just about any project. SAFE’s Internal Fuel Tank (A.K.A. ERFS) Roller System and Shoring product line is the only patented proprietary roller and shoring system of its kind. SAFE offers two options which are the cylinder directional style and the 360-degree multi-directional style. The cylinder-style roller system allows the Internal Fuel Tank (EFRS) to be moved directionally in and out of the aircraft. The 360-degree roller system allows the Internal Fuel Tank (ERFS) to be moved in any direction 360 degrees which allows the user to easily position the tank into exact locations. Additionally, SAFE roller and shoring system is so ergonomically efficient that it reduces the ERFS tank loading manpower from 4 crew members down to 2 crew members. SAFE’s Internal Fuel Tank (A.K.A. ERFS) Shoring System with CELS Technology (Cable Enabled Loading System) offers protection between the CH-47 cargo deck and the ERFS tank roller system, while still maintaining access to the aircraft winch. The aft ramp of the shoring allows for easy loading of the fuel tank when used in combination with S.A.F.E Structure’s Roller System. This revolutionary design allows the passage of the winch cable through the body of the shoring, thus maintaining the maximum potential of the winch without the use of tackle blocks. As an incorporated safety measure, the shoring contains the winch cable protecting crew members in the event of cable rupture. Additionally, items in this product line are fully compatible with the 463-L Cable Enabled Loading System to further promote crew member safety and efficiency.
Workplace safety professionals invited to DEI Summit
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) opened registration today for a free daylong summit on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the occupational safety and health profession. The online event on Jan. 26 is open to workplace safety and health professionals across all industries. Virtual seats are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The DEI Summit will include sessions and discussions that make the connection between DEI concepts and workplace safety. Presenters and attendees will examine the current state of DEI in the industry, generating ideas on how to remove barriers and build inclusive cultures to help the safety profession create safer workplaces. “Diversity helps strengthen an organization in many ways, including the safety and health of its workforce,” said ASSP President Christine Sullivan, CSP, ARM. “We are going to hear from experts and collect different perspectives from attendees on how we can elevate DEI in our profession.” Participants will collaborate on the DEI issues facing the industry today and hear from knowledgeable presenters who will discuss how DEI directly impacts workplace safety and health. Attendees will earn continuing education units to help maintain a range of professional certifications. ASSP is the world’s oldest professional safety organization with 36,000 members around the globe who are committed to principles of fairness, respect, and equitable opportunities for all. “This event is a critical part of our journey as safety professionals to ensure our profession welcomes and embraces a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives to achieve the safest environments on the job,” Sullivan said. “Organizational improvement occurs when diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded components.” ASSP works to foster a dynamic culture that values the diversity of its staff, global membership, and the entire profession, aiming to accelerate that progress through educational opportunities and events. Differences of race, ethnicity, class, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ability, and education should not only be accepted but widely celebrated. “It’s so important to understand how societal issues such as racism and systemic inequities can impede career advancement, undermine workplace safety, and disenfranchise workers,” Sullivan said. “I look forward to engaging with summit attendees to experience their energy as we work together on meaningful change.” For more information on the virtual DEI Summit and to register, please visit ASSP’s website.
Episode 330: Hoj Innovations
Tim Hoj, CEO of Hoj Innovations, joins Kevin on today’s episode of The New Warehouse podcast to discuss everything from micro-fulfillment to how Hoj Innovations can increase fulfillment rates from 30% – 50%. Hoj Innovations has been offering material handling solutions and improving fulfillment operations for nearly sixty years. Tim describes the company as a diverse material-handling company offering services, hardware, software, data automation, and engineered solutions. You won’t want to miss this episode! Key Takeaways Tim shares the humble beginnings of Hoj Innovations that began with his father starting the company. Over the years, the company evolved from selling products for material handling solutions to a complete solutions provider. Tim explains how his father’s perspective on efficient operations and the dividends they pay are at the core of the company’s beliefs. Approximately fifteen years ago, the company pivoted to provide solutions specific to each customer’s operations, fostering an environment of continuous improvement and enabling fulfillment to be a core competency. Tim details how each customer delivers an “Ah Ha” moment, which helped build the WMS solution they have today. Hoj Innovations recognized early on the potential of using devices like iPads in the warehouse and developing WMS solutions that weren’t cost-prohibitive to start-ups and SMBs. Tim shares how their Warehouse OS is more of an empowerment tool than a traditional WMS, meaning that in addition to conventional features, the Warehouse OS delivers speed, flexibility, and efficiency for the operator. The picking apps from Hoj Innovations deliver some fantastic results. They are easily improving labor rates and fulfillment by 30% to 50%. Not many companies would put this to the test, but as you see here, they are able to cut picking time in half for half the cost. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 330: Hoj Innovations
Raymond introduces notification system for truck and pedestrian awareness
Designed to increase employee awareness of forklift and pedestrian proximity in dynamic operating environments, iWAREHOUSE® FieldSense strengthens Raymond’s intralogistics capabilities The Raymond Corporation has announced its latest addition to the iWAREHOUSE® Fleet and Warehouse Optimization System portfolio: the iWAREHOUSE FieldSense (iW.FieldSense) proximity notification system. Designed to reinforce operator best practices, instill a mindset of continuous improvement, and enhance environmental awareness, iW.FieldSense is unique in how it uses magnetic field generator (MFG) technology to see through and around most objects — including racking and corners — to alert properly equipped pedestrians and lift truck operators when they come within a predefined distance of each other. “We developed iWAREHOUSE FieldSense as a flexible solution, allowing users to customize the product to meet their specific needs today and then expand the system in the future,” said Steve Gorr, application manager for iWAREHOUSE Solutions at The Raymond Corporation. “It’s designed so warehouse managers can customize it to best fit their operators, applications and facility layouts without significant infrastructure changes.” The vehicle-mounted MFG creates an adjustable field around each piece of mobile equipment. If a pedestrian-worn pedestrian notification device (PND) detects a field, the PND sends a notification to the MFG, which then notifies the vehicle-mounted Notification Device for the vehicle operator to see. Using this field, iW.FieldSense can provide three levels of awareness: Truck-to-truck: When a vehicle-mounted MFG recognizes another MFG field from similarly equipped vehicles in close proximity, a warning light and sound is generated through the vehicle-mounted Notification Module, alerting the vehicle operator. Truck-to-pedestrian: When a pedestrian-worn PND recognizes a MFG field generated by a vehicle-mounted MFG, distance is determined and a notification is generated to inform the pedestrian. The same notification is simultaneously sent back to the MFG, notifying the vehicle operator. Truck-to-facility (with infrastructure option): Optional devices can be installed in sensitive areas around the facility that can detect the presence of the MFG fields, alerting vehicle operators of their close proximity to designated areas. Additionally, iW.FieldSense can be tailored to the operation and application, with features such as: 360-degree detection: Provides a solution for free range and dynamic environments that follows lift trucks and personnel around for greater security and flexibility. Easy installation: Vehicle hardware kits are designed for easy installation, and there are no additional software applications to learn. Vehicle compatibility: Allows the system to be added to almost any make and model of forklift — or other vehicle — for use across your entire fleet. Exceptional performance: Offers a reliable solution in nearly any environment, including cold storage. “The Raymond team of experts is here to support you every step of the way,” said Susan Comfort, senior manager of technology solutions and marketing at The Raymond Corporation. “Our innovative intralogistics solutions can help you optimize, connect and automate your operation to cut lead times, reduce waste, minimize downtime and improve quality all while continuously improving every aspect of your warehouse.”
ASSP helps safety and health professionals get recognized
Occupational safety and health professionals create safe work environments in all industries around the globe, helping workers return home safe and healthy to their loved ones at the end of the day. Through its organization-wide awards program, the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) puts a spotlight on many dedicated members and member groups that advance workplace safety and the profession. Nominations are encouraged. ASSP’s top annual recognitions include the Honor of Fellow, ASSP Safety Professional of the Year, William E. Tarrants Outstanding Safety Educator, and the Thomas F. Bresnahan Standards Medal for achievement in workplace safety standards. “We are pleased to acknowledge the work our members do to protect workers, save lives and help businesses succeed,” said ASSP President Christine Sullivan, CSP, ARM. “Our Society consistently highlights these special individuals and groups, and we welcome nominations from the safety field to make sure we don’t miss the brightest stars.” Additional honors that ASSP presents to safety and health professionals each year include: ASSP Foundation Distinguished Service Award Chapter Awards Charles V. Culbertson Outstanding Volunteer Service Award Council on Practices and Standards Safety Professional of the Year Outstanding Student Section Award (for colleges and universities) Practice Specialties and Common Interest Groups Community Award Practice Specialties and Common Interest Groups Safety Professional of the Year President’s Award Professional Safety Article of the Year Region Safety Professional of the Year “Our many vibrant ASSP communities worldwide, from chapters to practice specialties to common interest groups, contribute to our mission of creating safe work environments,” Sullivan said. “We’re focused on recognizing the many deserving members who consistently help propel safety forward.”
New Hikvision video access control terminals improve entrance security and functionality
Robust, Compact Vandal-Proof Unit Combines Access Control, Video Intercom, and Video Security Hikvision, a global manufacturer and supplier of security products and solutions that deliver the ideal combination of high performance and extreme value, is introducing the new Video Access Control Terminal, the latest addition to our lineup of Identity Authentication Terminals. The new Video Access Control Terminal combines an HD camera with three authentication methods and two-way audio communication, all housed in a compact, and vandal-proof rugged indoor/outdoor enclosure for a powerful, flexible entry solution. “This new Video Access Terminal lets users choose to support a variety of authentication methods for added flexibility and convenience,” said John Xiao, Vice President of Marketing, at Hikvision USA. “At the same time, it enhances the user experience with video intercom functionality and can even provide video security in an entrance area. At Hikvision, we are dedicated to helping professionals and users alike make the most of their security investments and device capabilities to improve safety, security, and overall system performance.” The Video Access Control Terminal model number DS-K1T502DBWX-C has an 81mm by 177mm faceplate that extends just 24mm from the mounting surface. The unit is built for indoor or outdoor use and features IP65 and IK09 ratings for environmental protection. The 2 MP camera, keypad, and card reader sensor are all located on the front of the device. The network interface, SD card slot, and wiring terminals are on the lower back of the unit. Wireless support includes not only the card reader, but also Wi-Fi, 2.4G, and Bluetooth. Connection to external access controllers is via a Wiegand protocol, and RS-385 communication provides links for an external card reader if needed. The unit can be controlled remotely using the Hik-Connect mobile app. This combination of capabilities and connectivity lets the new access control terminal provide a range of valuable services at an entrance, including not only access control but also two-way audio, remote live views, picture capture, video security recording to an NVR, and more.
OTR Wheel Engineering announces Port Wheel Inspection Program with Taylor Machine Works
OTR Wheel Engineering, Inc. (OTR) has successfully launched a program with Taylor Machine Works (TMW), the market-leading manufacturer of high-capacity lift trucks and container handling equipment, to inspect and, if needed, replace wheels used in vehicles operating at ports. The collaboration between longtime partners OTR and TMW facilitates on-site wheel inspections at major U.S. ports and provides a critical safety enhancement that port staff and union leadership alike have endorsed. The program also reduces costly equipment downtime and productivity losses, a major focus given the volume of business transacted at ports. Because safety is a top priority worldwide, especially at ports where heavy equipment is involved, OTR is expanding this program to its customer base and partners in Europe. Through this expansion, OTR will leverage its footprint and staff to replicate the same process being implemented in the U.S. It will offer proper de-mounting and installation of OEM-approved wheels, which is not only mission-critical for worker safety but also affects the productivity and performance of vehicles operating in the field when downtime is not an option. “This program is game-changing,” says Michael Stoeckel, Global Vice President, Sales & Marketing at OTR. “Together with TMW personnel, our program is providing critical service to ports across the U.S. and soon, globally. This is a great example of how working with long-standing partners, such as TMW, can offer tremendous benefits in safety and productivity, and we’re thankful for TMW’s support in this effort.” “We inspect, diagnose and confirm the condition of the wheel, its duty cycle, and the application,” explains Charles Jackson, senior manager and sponsor of OTR’s program with TMW. “If a wheel has a stress crack, we can visually see or detect it using a proprietary process, and if it’s approaching end of life, we will inform the port staff accordingly. We then recommend an OEM-approved replacement wheel, allocated from OTR’s stock of wheels manufactured in-house, to ensure safe and continuous vehicle operation at the ports. It’s a win-win-win.” OTR will be exhibiting at Bauma, October 24-28, 2022, Booth 430 in Hall A6, where a 10-bar OTR port wheel will be displayed. Staff will be on-site to explain how the program can be implemented in additional locations worldwide.
Industrial Safety: Preventing Slips and Falls virtually everywhere
A new type of durable safety coating is increasing traction and reducing maintenance on floors, loading docks, platforms, ramps, walkways, and truck trailers Industrial manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution centers can have hundreds of thousands of square feet of production and storage space that is prone to dangerous slips, trips, and falls. The risk is heightened when surfaces are wet from cleaning, spills are present, and personnel are busy with work tasks. Cold storage can be slippery due to condensation or ice melt. Other areas can be also susceptible to slip and fall risk when subject to wet weather outdoors. According to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)’s Traumatic Occupational Injuries Fast Facts webpage, the “most recent traumatic injury data show [that] 27% of the 888,220 nonfatal work injuries resulting in days away from work in 2019 were related to slips, trips, and falls.” Slips result from a loss of balance caused by too little friction between people’s feet and the surface they walk or work on. Loss of traction is the leading cause of workplace slips. Although conventional non-slip coatings have been used to improve traction, these tend to wear quickly and need to be reapplied often at considerable expense. Fortunately, a new category of durable, high-tech, all-epoxy coating is dramatically increasing traction and improving safety in a wide range of slip and fall-prone areas such as production floors, warehouse space, loading docks, platforms, ramps, walkways, emergency staircases, stair landings, and ladders. Beyond this, due to the extra traction the non-slip coating provides, it is not only being used to improve personnel footing on truck trailers but also to stabilize heavy trailer loads. This new type of coating is designed to last years even in areas heavily traveled on foot, which reduces the need for maintenance and replacement. The coating type can be quickly and easily applied by facility personnel, minimizing cost and facility disruption. Problematic Short-Term, Non-Skid Coatings Improving the traction of workplace walking surfaces to increase safety is not a new concept. However, traditional options quickly become compromised in industrial settings. When companies apply conventional non-skid coatings to these surfaces, aggregate is usually mixed in or sprinkled on top in an attempt to embed it in the coating to enhance traction. The challenge is that the aggregate quickly pulls loose from most coatings, impairing traction, for a couple of reasons. When aggregate is mixed into the coating, a problem emerges with low-viscosity, non-skid products. “The coating thickness has to be substantial enough to hold the aggregate, the non-slip material, in suspension. However, most conventional coatings cannot keep the aggregate in suspension. With low-viscosity coatings containing a low percentage of epoxy, the aggregate falls to the bottom of the bucket during mixing, so you are essentially forced to apply it on top,” says Bob Finkenaur, owner of a Veteran Owned Small Business, who has years of experience providing high-value formulated products and solutions to a wide variety of professional and consumer markets. “Most conventional non-skid coatings also shrink considerably after application due to water or solvent evaporation. Often, when the coating dries or cures, its thickness is only about half [the thickness] of when it was wet. The relative thinness of the coating is another reason that any embedded aggregate is prone to fall out, reducing traction,” he adds. Consequently, a new coating with additional aggregate must be reapplied frequently, and internal safety standards may only be met only a fraction of the desired time. Long-Term Prevention of Industrial Slips and Falls As a solution, to improve traction and prevent slips and falls for the long term in various industrial settings, innovators have developed a new category of extremely durable, all-epoxy coatings designed to embed aggregate in the coating for years. The approach facilitates meeting internal safety standards and virtually eliminates the need for non-skid coating reapplication, reducing maintenance costs. For example, the non-skid coating Form-A-Tread® SL (Self Leveling) by Form-A-Tread Company is a combination of a low-to-medium viscosity epoxy binder consisting of 100% solids and a specialized aggregate broadcast on top. The coating can be used in a variety of manufacturing or storage environments on concrete, asphalt, metal diamond plate, wood, and other porous and non-porous substrates. The formulation along with its topically applied aggregate is designed for indoor and outdoor use and can last for years even when exposed to sunlight, chemicals, weather, and temperature extremes. The patented coating provides a very durable, slip-resistant surface on industrial flooring, walkways, ramps, and other large areas with high pedestrian or vehicle traffic. The coating is easy to mix and apply by hand. Installation is fast and the surface is typically ready for use within hours. The coating has already been utilized by some giants of the industry. In the case of Consolidated Edison, Inc., one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy-delivery companies, the company’s EH&S team proactively sought to reduce the risk of slip and fall incidents across multiple locations, as well as address an issue with shifting cargo loads while transporting equipment and supplies. According to Richard Stewart, a Con Edison EH&S manager supporting Shared Services organizations, Con Edison has used the Form-A-Tread SL coating on a wide variety of surfaces and applications. This has included many high-traffic areas such as a receiving warehouse in Astoria; stairways in the Bronx; walkway ramps and dock loading ramps in Staten Island; and even plastic bumpers on utility vans that can become quite slick when wet. The innovative use to secure tractor-trailer loads would also win the team that worked on this initiative a Con Edison 2021 Con Edison EH&S Team Award. This recognized the team’s extraordinary contribution to ensuring a safe workplace, achieving operational excellence, and improving how tractor-trailer loads are secured. “When we got feedback from all the groups involved, they were impressed how the coating solved two issues at once,” says Stewart. “The drivers loved it because even on rainy, windy days the coating improved safety by providing sufficient traction and footing [on the
New dual gate safety system from Mezzanine Safeti-Gates ensures elevated ledges and pallet drop area are always protected
Total Control Access design prevents one gate from opening until the opposite gate is closed completely Mezzanine Safeti-Gates, Inc., an innovator in the design and manufacturing of pallet drop safety gates that provide fall protection in distribution centers, warehouses and manufacturing, and material handling facilities, has announced a new safety gate design, the Roly® Total Control Access (TCA) safety gate. The new safety system improves upon the original dual-gate design by ensuring that at least one gate is fully closed at all times, even as the opposite gate moves into position. The operation ensures that an elevated ledge is never left unprotected, providing employees with failsafe fall protection in any material handling environment. Originally custom designed in 2019 for a worldwide retailer, the TCA design has been adopted by many companies with high-volume fulfillment centers. The traditional Roly safety gate system uses two interconnected gates that work in tandem so that when one opens, the other closes at the same time. The new TCA design is also a dual-gate system, but if one gate is open, the opposite gate stays fully closed and is prevented from opening until the other is fully in the closed position. TCA gate operations are automatic and solely done through the technology within the system, so employees no longer are required to operate or touch the devices. “Like most of our standard safety gate models, the TCA gate started out as a custom design,” said Aaron Conway, president of Mezzanine Safeti-Gates, Inc. “Our engineering team worked with our customer to address their concerns about safety around pallet drop areas and the speed for which consumer retail fulfillment centers operate to create a new design. Over the last few years, we’ve made changes and improvements as additional customers implemented TCA systems into their facilities. Because of the success of the design in many customer fulfillment centers across the country, we knew many other applications can benefit from the extra protection this model provides.” Unlike other Roly safety gate models that use a chain system to connect the gates, the TCA design uses a proprietary connection and technology system that includes photo eyes and tension monitors that can detect and correct potential issues in the system, as well as products or debris on the floor that would block the gate from closing. If a gate were to get stuck or an error occurs, the system prevents the gate from dropping quickly and can automatically stop the gate movement. The TCA gate can include sensors to integrate it into the WMS and to communicate with AGVs or other robots used in the facility. Guarding to protect the technology is used throughout the design. Roly safety gates can be purchased in a variety of formats: manual operation, power operated with push button stations or remote control, and TCA. All models fully comply with OSHA’s Walking-Working Surface Fall Protection Standard as well as ANSI fall protection guidelines. Used in thousands of locations throughout the world, safety gate systems offered by Mezzanine Safeti-Gates are available in single and double-wide pallet widths, and can be customized to accommodate specific pallet widths, depths, and heights. All models, including safety gates for the loading dock and lifts, are available in powder-coated mild steel or electro-polished stainless steel.
WIKA Mobile Control launches new qSCALE I2 TH rated capacity indicator for telehandlers
WIKA Mobile Control has introduced the qSCALE I2 TH rated capacity indicator (RCI). The qSCALE I2 TH RCI system was designed specifically for telehandlers and is suitable for both OEM and aftermarket telehandler applications. The qSCALE I2 TH features a user-friendly 4.3” color graphic display that provides the operator with actual and allowable load, boom length, boom angle, load radius & height. The system also includes a cable reel for measuring the length and angle of the boom and pressure sensors that measure the hydraulic pressure in the cylinders. Depending on specific requirements, three other optional system components are available. If a longitudinal load moment indicator or limiter is required, the rear axle sensor can be added to measure the strain on the rear axle. The gSENS WGX sensor can be added to indicate the tilt of the chassis. The system can be upgraded to a rated capacity limiter (RCL) by adding the cSCALE DIO module to lockout the machine in the event of an overload. One of the benefits of the RCI system is that it reduces operator error. While operating within the allowable range (determined by the load chart), the top bar graph on the display will be green. As the operator starts to reach the allowable limits, the bar graph will change from green to yellow. Once the limit is reached, an alarm will sound and the bar graph will turn red. If the cSCALE DIO module is installed, it will cut off the operator’s ability to telescope out and boom down if the limit has been reached. The system also enables the machine owner to maximize the machine’s lifting capacity. This ensures that the machine isn’t overworked and the operator isn’t lifting loads that they shouldn’t be. The integrated data logger tracks machine usage and helps to determine whether a machine has been misused. Using a USB stick, the data logger information can be extracted from the console to an Excel spreadsheet. The data logger provides a report that indicates machine productivity and any overload instances. Calibration can be done through the console without the need for additional software tools. To validate the calibration, several measurements have to be taken with known loads. With the addition of the rear axle sensor, the system reduces the risk of accidents from tipping and increases the operator’s stability awareness of the machine. When the operator is lifting a load and extending the boom, this extends the radius. As the boom is further extended, the right bar graph on the display will change from green to yellow as it gets closer to reaching the stability limit.
Pfannenberg celebrates 25th anniversary of North American Manufacturing
Pfannenberg, Inc., a global manufacturer of thermal management, signaling technologies, and packaged process chillers, announces the 25th anniversary of its United States manufacturing operations. A celebratory event will be held on November 9th, 2022, from 12-5 p.m. at the company’s facility at 68 Ward Road, Lancaster, NY. The event will feature a buffet meal, factory tours, and presentations by Andreas Pfannenberg, Owner – of Pfannenberg Group, Tobias Merle, CEO – of Pfannenberg Group, Earl Rogalski, President – of Pfannenberg Sales America, and Ronald Ruffino, Lancaster Town Supervisor. In announcing the celebration, Andreas Pfannenberg paid special tribute to the resources available in the Western New York Region that he says are a major contributor to the company’s success. “When we decided in the late 1990s to expand into North America from our roots in Germany, we understood that to successfully grow the business, products for North America needed to be designed and manufactured in North America.” He added, “The Buffalo area’s long and storied manufacturing history and reputation for a strong work ethic fit our needs and supports Pfannenberg’s high-quality reputation. Our North American growth is largely due to the willingness of the two cultures to work together in the spirit of learning.” Tobias Merle added, “As a German family business, we are proud to develop and produce our thermal management products in Lancaster, NY. Known for offering unique value and the highest standards, our product solutions and services are trusted by some of the largest, well-known companies from around the world. Our success for the last 25 years is based on a long-term vision of growth built around high-quality products manufactured in America, our skilled employees, and our reputation as a trusted advisor to our customers. As we look forward, we welcome anyone who wants to be part of this journey for the next 25 years.” Earl Rogalski, noted that it is an honor to be working alongside his Pfannenberg colleagues in the United States and around the world. “What makes this milestone achievement so special,” said Rogalski, “Is knowing the positive impact our colleagues are making and the solutions our products are providing – from critical life-saving infrastructure to clean drinking water. Few companies get an opportunity to celebrate 10 years, let alone 25 years. This is a fantastic achievement made possible by our dedicated and highly talented team.”
OSHA’s Top 10 2021 violations announced: Fall protection tops list
OSHA’s Top 10 list of most frequently cited standards for fiscal year (FY) 2022 was announced on September 20 by Patrick Kapust, deputy director of OSHA’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs, at the 2022 National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo. Preliminary data show that fall protection once again topped the list. While the Top 10 generally includes the same standards from year to year, the rankings tend to move around. Top 10 most frequently cited violations – FY 2021 Ranking Standard Standard Number Number of Violations 1 Fall Protection – General Requirements 1926.501 5,260 2 Hazard Communication 1910.1200 2,424 3 Respiratory Protection 1910.134 2,185 4 Ladders 1926.1053 2,143 5 Scaffolding 1926.451 2,058 6 Lockout/Tagout 1910.147 1,977 7 Powered Industrial Trucks 1910.178 1,749 8 Fall Protection – Training Requirements 1926.503 1,556 9 Personal Protective and Lifesaving Equipment – Eye and Face Protection 1926.102 1,401 10 Machine Guarding 1910.212 1,370
New Cementex Arc rated Face Shields
The updated face shield provides a classic, reliable arc flash protection Cementex, the safety tool specialist, highlights the Cementex 17 Cal/cm2 Arc Rated Face Shield (AFS-180) with a hard hat. The AFS-180 features a molded shape to provide minimal distortion with exceptional Visible Light Transfer (VLT). This face shield will be included in the Category 2 Contractor, UltraLite and Feature Series PPE kits. They are in stock and available to ship immediately. Cementex Arc Rated Face Shields are made of durable polycarbonate with anti-fog and scratch-resistant coatings. The long length, chin cup, and sides provide superior coverage and protection around energized equipment. The brow shield deflects the impact of Arc Blast and the translucent sides and chin cup provides improved peripheral vision. This face shield meets the requirements of NFPA 70E, CSA Z462, ASTM F2178, ANSI Z87.1, ANSI Z89.1, and CSA Z94.1. The AFS-180 Face Shield is available for purchase through Cementex distributors. For more information about Cementex’s industry-leading products, visit www.cementexusa.com or call 1-800-654-1292.
Bally Ribbon Mills highlights highly specialized engineered woven fabrics at 60th Annual SAFE Symposium
Bally Ribbon Mills (BRM), an industry provider in the design, development, and manufacture of highly specialized engineered woven fabrics, says it will highlight its creative solutions for product design and development at the 60th Annual SAFE Symposium, which will be held November 1-3, 2022 at the Mobile Convention Center in Mobile, AL, booth 120. On display will be a selection of the company’s high-performance webbings, including safety webbings and tapes, ideal for military, aerospace, fire, law enforcement, industrial, and commercial fall protection personal protective equipment (PPE) as well as specialty items to showcase BRM’s capabilities. Using its decades of weaving expertise, BRM designs, engineers, and manufactures materials that maximize the end product’s performance characteristics and properties – including strength, durability, resistance to abrasion, chemicals, heat, and weather. BRM enjoys the challenge of assisting customers in problem resolution and innovation creation regarding material selection in their design and development phases. BRM’s services include the development of customized innovations, complete engineering and solutions, sample preparation, and full-scale and specialty manufacturing. Experts will be on hand at booth #120 to show how BRM can design, develop and manufacture specialized, engineered, woven safety webbings and tapes. Made from Nylon, Polyester, Nomex®, Kevlar®, Vectran®, PBI®, Nextel®, and other specialty fibers, BRM’s safety webbing and tapes are ideal for applications requiring high tenacity, abrasion resistance, and flame and heat resistance. They are also a good choice for controlled elongation applications as well as those requiring chemical resistance in specific environments and can be used for shoulder straps, harness webbing, and chin straps, as well as helmet suspension, binding tapes, loop tapes, lap belts, shock-absorbing webbing, flotation device webbings, parachute assemblies, and other aerospace safety applications.
SafetyFOCUS training geared for fast business impact
While some educational programs require time for participants to use what they have learned on the job, SafetyFOCUS from the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) provides practical guidance that workplace safety and health professionals can immediately implement in their businesses. The upcoming immersive education experience is an ideal resource when the objective is to enact change quickly to help an organization prevent worker injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. The five-day SafetyFOCUS event will take place Oct. 24-28, offering courses in person in Columbia, MD, and online via ASSP’s Live Virtual Classroom. SafetyFOCUS is ASSP’s second-largest annual education event, which has now been expanded to twice a year. Participants will learn from 22 industry experts who will present courses in full-day formats on a broad range of workplace safety and health topics. Courses will focus on business and leadership skills, certification preparation, risk assessment and management, safety management systems, and comprehensive worker well-being. “Whether a safety professional only attends one course for one day or several courses throughout the week, they will gain practical knowledge and skills to help them improve their organizations right away,” said ASSP President Christine Sullivan, CSP, ARM. “It’s a unique opportunity to create a learning schedule that works for you while meeting your specific safety and health education needs.” Continuing education units (CEUs) are awarded for each course to help attendees maintain a range of professional certifications. Those who register for a full week of courses in person or online can earn up to 3.5 CEUs. Participants will also expand their networks by engaging with other professionals who aim to solve similar occupational safety and health issues. Groups from the same company can save on registration by contacting ASSP’s Nancy O’Toole at 847.768.3466 or notoole@assp.org. ASSP members receive discounts on all the Society’s education, training, and workplace safety standards. As part of ASSP’s commitment to protecting the safety and health of everyone at the training facility in Maryland, on-site safety and health protocols require in-person attendees to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 48 hours of arrival on their first day. Stay informed of the latest SafetyFOCUS news and safety and health protocols at SafetyFOCUS.assp.org.
Episode 320: Improving safety with Lopos
Warehouse safety is always a top priority, and today Kevin is joined by Peter Van Roosbroeck, Chief Commercial Officer at Lopos, to talk about their innovative collision warning system. Their product, LoposAlert, is a 360-degree collision warning system designed to reduce forklift incidents. Kevin and Peter discuss the company’s history, its products, and the future of collision warning systems. Key Takeaways Peter explains how their proximity technology was initially developed as a solution to fight the pandemic during COVID-19. Lopos produced wearables that measure the proximity between people and then provide some contract tracing for large organizations to keep their operations going. The opportunity to improve warehouse safety was one that they identified early on and designed to reduce forklift incidents. LoposAlert can be installed in under thirty minutes and used by all types of forklifts, making it a plug-and-play experience. Customers can configure the system based on environments and needs with customizable sound and light alerts. The LoposAlert Beacon and the LoposAlert wearable work in tandem, so both the forklift operator and the worker are aware of proximity alerts. Shared awareness ensures the safest possible work environment by making both parties aware of the situation. Lopos uses ultra-wideband radio technology, which is extremely precise and accurate but doesn’t require a line of sight. Most other technologies that do proximity warnings require a line of sight to look or see an individual in proximity to an asset or a vehicle. So, the Lopos solution can see people coming through aisles and corners where a line of sight restricts other technologies. This enhanced visibility is ideal for warehouse environments with blind corners and heavy traffic. Lopos can also gather data points and provide digital twins of every incident or near incident. Those insights offer advanced learning opportunities from a training aspect allowing leadership to look for ways to improve and avoid future incidents. Protecting assets is another unique value of the Lopos proximity warning technology. For some reason, warehouse and yard gates are always getting in the way of forklifts. Gates are expensive and can take a long time to repair, potentially leaving your location unsecured. The LoposAlert can provide proximity warnings for the most common collision points in a warehouse to prevent damage and injuries. Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments. The New Warehouse Podcast Episode 320: Improving Safety with Lopos
LOPOS
New generation of Signal Towers are brighter and simpler to order and maintain
Signal tower lights play a critical role in protecting the safety of people and equipment in manufacturing and process control environments, providing visual and audible indications of system status and alerts of dangerous conditions. They are relatively simple devices, but until recently, they have been notoriously difficult to configure, order and stock because of the proliferation of different sizes and options to meet the wide range of applications. Fortunately, a new generation of signal towers changes all this. New technology and new designs make state-of-the-art signal towers much brighter so that one size fits all applications and environments. Now, ordering signal towers is much easier and fewer spare parts are needed Typical Signal Tower Color Schemes Signal towers have been around for decades. They are also frequently called stack lights due to their vertical orientation. They contain up to five lights, of different colors, with each color signifying a particular status, warning, or alarm. Despite efforts to create international harmonized standards for indicator lights and their meanings (e.g., IEC 60204-1, Fifth edition Chap. 10.3.2), implementations vary. In general, the following conventions are commonly applied: RED is an alarm condition signifying an emergency or hazardous situation. AMBER warns of an abnormal condition or an impending critical situation. GREEN represents normal machine or process operation or a non-hazardous environment. BLUE signifies an important/mandatory action that is not urgent, such as refilling a hopper with raw material or scheduling a service call. WHITE does not have any universal designation. It is often used for productivity monitoring. Within each color category, the light can be continuous or it can blink intermittently to indicate a more urgent condition and to attract more attention. Likewise, stack lights frequently incorporate a sounder module for audible signals for more effective warning and alarming. Sounders can generate a variety of tones including simulated bells, continuous tones, and siren sounds. Wide Range of Applications Sometimes a stack tower will contain only two modules. For example, laser cutting machines may use a green light to indicate that the machine is on and everything is working properly, and a red light will flash when the laser is pointing downward in cutting mode to warn operators and to alert other workers to stay clear of the machine. In addition to warning indication and machine fault management, signal towers are also commonly used for productivity monitoring (rate-based machine output management with displays counting parts per hour or parts per shift), as well as equipment effectiveness and productivity (uptime and downtime). In fact, stack towers are often called andon lights, for the andon system of quality control that is a principal component of the Toyota Production System. It empowers workers to stop production when a defect is found and immediately call for help. In the andon system, a green light indicates that production is proceeding normally. Yellow signifies that a problem has appeared and the operator needs assistance, and red alerts supervisors that the problem needs further investigation. Stack lights are widely used as warnings and alarms to protect workers, equipment and buildings from elevated levels of hazardous chemicals. For example, green lights may signify very low levels. A yellow light with an audible signal would designate detection of say, five parts per million of ammonia gas. And flashing red, with a strobe light and a loud audible alarm would be triggered at more dangerous levels. New Generation of Stack Lights A new generation of stack lights incorporates LED elements to replace incandescent bulbs. The LEDs, which can be 10,000% brighter, have a number of important advantages. First is the obvious benefit that because they are brighter, they are much more effective in performing their function of being clearly visible and capturing attention in all ambient light conditions, including outdoor installations. High luminosity is also increasingly critical indoors. Industrial spaces are being equipped with better artificial lighting and more natural lighting is being used for energy saving and sustainability. A second benefit is that LEDs last much longer than incandescent bulbs. Whereas incandescent bulbs typically are rated at a lamp life of only 2500 hours under ideal conditions, LED elements last for at least 50,000 hours. Moreover, LEDs are not vulnerable to vibration and shock the way incandescent bulbs are. Third, LED bulbs generate less heat and consume much less electrical power. The Size Advantage All of these benefits are important, but they are commonplace for many other applications where LEDs have replaced incandescent bulbs. Perhaps the most significant advantage of the new generation of stack lights comes from the much smaller size of the LED elements compared to incandescent bulbs. One of the problems with incandescent bulbs is they need to dissipate heat, and therefore to produce more luminosity, you need a larger bulb, which in turn is encased in a larger colored lens. As a result, stack towers varied in diameter up to 4 inches (100 mm). State-of-the-art LED stack towers have lenses that are about half the diameter even though the systems are much brighter. One-Size-Fits-All for Easier Ordering and Inventory Catalogs for signal towers with incandescent bulbs can run 100 pages or more, with varying bulb and lens sizes needed depending on the luminosity requirements for each application and environment. Selecting the right size and figuring out all the parts required has complicated the ordering process. And if a facility requires a variety of sizes, maintaining an inventory of all of the different spare parts gets to be costly and burdensome. The new state-of-the-art LED signal towers are bright enough so that one-size-fits-all, or nearly all, applications. It’s now much simpler to figure out what is needed for each application, and maintaining inventory is much cheaper and easier. Signaling towers are a simple and effective solution for a wide variety of applications. Now they are as easy to order, install and maintain as they should be.
ASSP Foundation receives second grant to advance workplace safety
The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) Foundation has received a second Susan Harwood education and training grant for $159,967 from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), directly supporting the ASSP Foundation’s development of free workplace safety and health instructional materials on combatting infectious disease. “Earning federal grants confirms the need in the greater community for new resources designed to help safety and health professionals better protect workers in all industries,” said ASSP Foundation Chair Trish Ennis, CSP, ARM, CRIS. “The creation of programs through these grants shows our commitment to doing even more for the occupational safety and health community.” This year’s OSHA grant distribution will enable nonprofit organizations to assist employers in identifying infectious disease hazards – including coronavirus – and implementing preventive measures to maintain safe workplaces. The ASSP Foundation will use the grant to produce live virtual instruction on infectious diseases and pandemic preparedness and response for businesses with 250 or fewer employees. OSHA awards Harwood grants annually to nonprofits that develop training programs for small-business employers and underserved vulnerable workers in high-hazard industries. Last year, the ASSP Foundation was awarded a $74,960 Harwood grant to create free training materials on personal protective equipment (PPE) designed to prevent falls from height. Three education modules developed under the grant aim to assist construction, demolition, and material handling companies increase the proper use of PPE. A pilot training program recently took place with 30 at-risk workers, demonstrating full-body harnesses, self-retracting devices, anchorage connectors, and other elements of fall arrest and restraint systems. Working at height is inherently hazardous, exposing workers to significant risks that range from falls from roofs, scaffolding, and ladders to slips through floor and roof openings. Above-ground work such as window washing and tree trimming remains a leading cause of injuries and OSHA citations. “Access to cost-effective and high-caliber PPE training has been an ongoing concern for employees and small businesses,” Ennis said. “Our Foundation is now helping to fill that void.” Chartered in 1990, the ASSP Foundation is the charitable arm of ASSP that has invested more than $5 million to improve occupational safety and health. Programs are solely supported by federal grants and charitable donations from the ASSP community and corporations motivated to advance the profession. Stay informed of the ASSP Foundation’s latest initiatives and find out how to support its programs by visiting www.assp.org/foundation.
Episode 316: Ideal Warehouse at MODEX 2022
From the booth at MODEX 2022, Kevin is joined by Dirk Seis, Director of Marketing at Ideal Warehouse Innovations, Inc. Ideal Warehouse is a company that specializes in making warehouses safer. Their 1000+ products are designed to be easily integrated into existing warehouse systems, and they offer a variety of customization options to meet the specific needs of each customer. By making warehouses safer, Ideal Warehouse allows companies to increase productivity and decrease costs. Kevin and Dirk discuss many of the new innovative products from Ideal Warehouse and how they are designed to protect your people. Key Takeaways Dirk shares the inspiration for the new ground-mounted trailer support. The idea for this product came from a customer who shared stories about accidents and deaths from people walking around in the yard. The ground-mounted trailer support is essentially a speed bump that is anchored into the ground of the loading dock approach. As the trailer drives over it, two arms swing up at 90 degrees to support the trailer underneath. A trailer’s stability is influenced by a number of factors, including the number of axles, the weight of the trailer, landing gear placement, and cargo weight & placement. Unless a secondary support system is used when the cab separates from the trailer, the trailer can collapse when it disassociates. Automating the stabilization process for trailers is one way to remove workers from a potentially unsafe environment and allow them to work in other areas. Anyone who has worked in a warehouse knows the air can stagnate, creating a dusty and dirty environment. Air quality is also often overlooked in warehouse environments. However, the pandemic has forced companies to re-evaluate their air quality and invest in solutions to improve it. Kevin and Dirk discuss another new product from Ideal Warehouse called Atomik Air. Atomik air moves and filters an impressive one million cubic feet of air per hour utilizes washable reusable filters, and saves on energy costs year-round. Another new product from Ideal warehouse is the SLIDE-effect dock bumper. As forklifts go in and out of trailers the trailer goes up and down which essentially chews up the dock bumper over time (the cheese grater effect) requiring it to be replaced over time. The Slide-effect dock bumper moves up and down with the trailer, eliminating the wear and tear, resulting in what could be the last dock bumper you ever need to purchase. The New Warehouse Podcast EP 316: Ideal Warehouse at MODEX 2022