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Fall protection requirements for mobile elevated work platforms are often misunderstood, especially when it comes to boom lifts, scissor lifts, manufacturer guidance, and jobsite-specific rules. In this episode of Safety Factor, Ben Hengst sits down with a panel of fall protection specialists to break down what workers, supervisors, and safety leaders need to know before stepping into a lift.
The discussion covers when fall protection is required in a boom lift versus a scissor lift, why ejection is one of the biggest hazards in elevated platforms, and how OSHA requirements interact with manufacturer instructions, company policy, and site rules. The panel also explains the difference between fall restraint and fall arrest, where to tie off inside a lift, and why using the wrong equipment can create serious risk.
If your team uses boom lifts, scissor lifts, or other aerial equipment, this episode offers practical guidance on selecting PPE, inspecting equipment before use, training workers properly, and avoiding the complacency that often leads to incidents at height.
"I think the biggest issue with any type of fall protection, especially when you're tying off into lifts, it's just complacency... they've been in a lift every day, or they've done it hundreds of times and nothing's ever happened any other time. So they're not taking this serious." Dan Montchal, Project Manager and Horizontal Lifeline Specialist, HySafe
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What safety features should be built into your next crane or your lifting equipment? Which ones tend to get cut before the order is placed?
In this episode of Safety Factor, crane experts share what happens when budget decisions override safety intentions. From no-touch rigging tools to laser-marked danger zones, they walk through the safety innovations available today and explore the extra costs associated.
You’ll hear about the most common injury patterns in steel operations, the push-pull between production and safety, and how small investments now can prevent major incidents later.
"Everybody has caviar dreams until they find out how much it costs, right? So yes, they want to make them safe. Yes, they want to make them reliable, right? ... 'Yes, I want the Cadillac.' And then you give 'em the price and they say, 'Oh, well, what can we do to get it, you know, half price?'"
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Whether you're specifying cranes, selecting safety systems, or building a CapEx case, this episode offers grounded advice on how to prioritize safety, even when budgets tighten.
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When it comes to overhead cranes, the real cost isn’t always upfront. In this episode of Safety Factor, crane industry veterans share the most common buying mistakes that lead to catastrophic failures, expensive service calls, and constant downtime, and how to avoid them from the start.
From mismatched duty cycles to proprietary parts and short-sighted procurement strategies, this episode unpacks the traps that cost operations hundreds of thousands—if not millions—over time.
You’ll hear exactly what to avoid when buying a crane, so you don’t end up with years of breakdowns, ballooning costs, and downtime you can’t afford.
"You've got cranes that are still in service that have been up for 40 years, and they're still serviceable, they're still solid, good cranes, and those cranes were sold right. You've got other cranes that were sold six months ago, and they're wore out already." - Kevin Brewer, Director of Service, Mazzella
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Whether you're sourcing a new crane or stuck maintaining one that’s underperforming, this episode is packed with honest insights, technical expertise, and hard-earned lessons.
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In a special episode of Safety Factor, a panel of women leaders in the lifting industry share their diverse journeys and experiences. Discussing their unique backgrounds, from engineering to finance, and how they navigated their careers in a traditionally male-dominated field. They emphasize the importance of safety, innovation, and community within the industry, highlighting the familial atmosphere that keeps them engaged. Addressing the challenges of attracting new talent and the exciting intersection of digital and practical training. Ultimately, they celebrate their roles in making the industry safer and more inclusive.
Join us for the second episode in Mazzella Companies’ 70-year celebration series, as we delve into the journey of the third generation of Mazzella family leadership and their vision for the future of rigging, metal roofing, and rollforming equipment. In this episode of Safety Factor, we’re joined by Tony, Matt, and Adam Mazzella, who reflect on their family’s legacy, the core values they’ve inherited, and the exciting growth opportunities ahead for Mazzella Companies.
"To me, it’s not just the money side of it. It is, you know, how can we accentuate these core values even to another level, even to another level? And ultimately for us to be successful, that's what we have to do. It can’t just be here. It needs to be something that’s scalable. It needs to be something that we take everywhere,”- Adam Mazzella, President of Metals Division, Mazzella Companies
In this episode, listeners will hear:
This episode offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at three generations of Mazzella leadership. Hear candid reflections on the family dynamics, competitive spirit, and work ethic that have propelled the company forward. As Tony Mazzella shares, "They both have the grit to get it done."
If you're a professional in rigging, lifting, or metal roofing, this episode offers a compelling look at the evolution of a family business and its impact on the industries it serves. Discover how Mazzella’s family legacy continues to inspire innovation, strengthen partnerships, and drive sustainable growth across the rigging and metal sectors.
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Disclaimer: Any advice, graphics, images, and/or information contained herein are presented for general educational and information purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal, medical, or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate industry professionals. The information herein should not be considered exhaustive and the user should seek the advice of appropriate professionals.
Join us for a special episode of "Safety Factor" as we celebrate Mazzella Companies' 70-year journey in the rigging industry. This episode is a tribute to the legacy of innovation, dedication, and excellence that has defined Mazzella's history as a family-owned rigging industry leader.
Hear from CEO Tony Mazzella and Co-owner Jim Mazzella as they share intimate details about the company's founding, key milestones, and the core values that have guided its success over seven decades.
"My dad's mentality of you got to be a lifelong learner. You got to stay with the times. You're either getting better, you're either moving forward or backward, there's no such thing as standing still. That's almost a mantra inside our company. And then the idea of humble, he was a very humble guy. He was hungry, he had a good work ethic, he was smart. And I mean that in his relationship with people. His, the people work for him, the vendors, the customers, that mentality of team. So all those things that we put on the wall today, in my mind, were directly from him. And that's what we grew up around our whole life, and deviating from them, I don't think we're here today." - Tony Mazzella, CEO of Mazzella Companies
Tony and Jim share captivating stories about their father, the founder, Jim Mazzella, Sr., and his groundbreaking contributions to rigging technology. From the invention of the 7-part™ Wire Rope Sling to the development of Mazzella's steel mill program, Mazzella has been at the forefront of industry advancements.
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This podcast episode is a must-listen for anyone working in the rigging industry. Mazzella's remarkable story provides invaluable insights into the evolution of the rigging business, from pioneering sling designs to navigating industry-shaping events like recessions and technological advancements. This episode offers a unique behind the scenes look at the history and future of the lifting and rigging industry.
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Disclaimer: Any advice, graphics, images, and/or information contained herein are presented for general educational and information purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal, medical, or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate industry professionals. The information herein should not be considered exhaustive and the user should seek the advice of appropriate professionals.
Dive into the world of industrial lifting and rigging as we celebrate Global Lifting Awareness Day. We discuss how the industry has evolved as well as the importance of making your voice heard on Global Lifting Awareness Day. Then, this episode of Safety Factor delves into career advancement opportunities through specialized industrial training programs and features insights from industry experts.
"This industry is going nowhere, Ben. I mean, the more you know, the more you grow, right? So the sky is really the limit for the lifelong learner, and the more education they get, the higher they can go in this industry." - JT Farley, Mazzella Customer Trainer
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Whether you're operating cranes, rigging loads, or managing safety protocols, from newcomers to seasoned professionals, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how industrial training can propel your career in the lifting industry.
This episode is essential listening for:
#GLAD2024
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Disclaimer: Any advice, graphics, images, and/or information contained herein are presented for general educational and information purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal, medical, or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate industry professionals. The information herein should not be considered exhaustive and the user should seek the advice of appropriate professionals.
The rigging industry has come a long way in prioritizing worker safety, moving from an era where fatalities were expected to a modern approach focused on rigorous standards and continuous improvement in rigging industry safety and standards. As AWRF members Tim Klein, Emily Wagner, Jeff Ferchen, and Terry Driscoll reveal, the association plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry through its technical committees, recommended practices and guidelines, and collaboration with other organizations.
"We're taking all that information and collecting it in the Recommended Practices and Guidelines. Whether it be the proper proof testing of a chain sling or a wire rope sling or a lever hoist, Swager Safety Guide, we have these documents that we've collected all of this information showing the proper way to do it, and we're continually updating those" - Tim Klein, PE, Senior Director – Structures at WireCo
In this episode, you'll gain insights into AWRF's vision for the future of rigging industry safety and standards, including:
This episode of Safety Factor is a must-listen for professionals across the rigging industry spectrum — from veterans to newcomers and from safety managers to CEOs. Whether you're a rigging professional, safety manager, or industry stakeholder, this episode offers a comprehensive look at AWRF's efforts to drive continuous improvement in rigging industry safety and standards.
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Legal Disclaimer: Any advice, graphics, images, and/or information contained herein are presented for general educational and information purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal, medical, or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate industry professionals. The information herein should not be considered exhaustive and the user should seek the advice of appropriate professionals.
Consistent rigging inspections identify damaged equipment before failures occur, preventing accidents and injuries. Not only do they prevent accidents and injuries, but documented inspections are required for OSHA compliance and can help companies avoid costly fines.
"When you look at the failure criteria for any type of item you're looking at, alloy chain slings, it's obviously written, and it's objective. It tells you a gouge, it tells you a weld burn, it tells you heat damage. But when you start to look at them, it becomes subjective to the person, to the individual actually looking at it. What is a gouge to me, and what is a gouge to you? And how much of a gouge are you going to allow in service? And how much of a gouge am I going to allow?"
In this episode of Safety Factor, Inspection Managers Tom Horner and Bryan Holmgren of Mazzella explore the critical role of rigging inspections.
For EHS leaders, safety managers, maintenance managers, and operations leaders, this episode delivers vital insights on establishing documented rigging inspection programs to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.
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Legal Disclaimer: Any advice, graphics, images, and/or information contained herein are presented for general educational and information purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal, medical, or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate industry professionals. The information herein should not be considered exhaustive and the user should seek the advice of appropriate professionals.
As steel mills utilize multiple cranes on varying elevations, collisions and injuries remain an ongoing concern. New technologies aim to address these challenges.
"The steel industry has predominantly been a little bit behind the technology curve, and really, we should be leading the curve. Because this is one of the most expensive downtime-related industries."
In this episode, Laser-View Technologies president Steven Lubeck joins Mazzella crane experts Kenny Wright and Mark Shubel to explore crane safety within the steel industry.
For steel mill safety managers, maintenance managers, and steelmaking leaders, this Safety Factor episode delivers critical insights on emerging crane technologies to enhance safety, prevent downtime, and boost productivity.
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Legal Disclaimer: Any advice, graphics, images, and/or information contained herein are presented for general educational and information purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal, medical, or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate industry professionals. The information herein should not be considered exhaustive and the user should seek the advice of appropriate professionals.
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