The automation revolution has arrived for overhead cranes, transforming safety and efficiency in groundbreaking ways.

In this episode of Safety Factor, industry veterans Kenny Wright and Tad Dunville talk about how automation is modernizing cranes.

"When you have people with a two-page or three-page proposal for automating a crane that says automate the crane. Someone with a 300-page one that specifies where the rail cars are and how dynamic the rail car positioning can be. That's not apples to apples at that point."

• Hear insights on different automation levels, sway control, laser and radar positioning, and using AI for smarter cranes
• Get their tips for companies buying automated cranes to avoid pitfalls and optimize safety
• Discover how automation can remove workers from harm's way and stop operations when people enter hazardous areas
• The guests discuss work underway to update outdated crane regulations for the automation age

If you want the inside scoop on the automation revolution in overhead cranes, don’t miss this eye-opening Safety Factor episode!

Guests:

• Tad Dunville, AIST Southwest Chapter Vice Chairman and ASME B30.2 Overhead and Gantry Cranes Standards Committee Member
• Kenny Wright, Vice President of Process Cranes and Modernizations at Mazzella

Background Reading:

• The amount of engineering and fabrication to meet your specifications can determine whether a modular system or an engineered or process crane system is right for you. Overhead Cranes: Modular Cranes vs. Engineered Process Cranes
• With modern technologies becoming more readily available and more affordable, the safety features available for overhead crane systems have never been better. Overhead Crane Safety Systems: Modern Features and Technologies
• Engineering advancements and modern technologies can extend the life of an overhead crane that no longer works efficiently, or doesn’t meet your current production requirements. 6 Signs It’s Time to Upgrade and Modernize Your Overhead Crane
• Price shouldn't be the only factor when selecting an overhead crane company to partner with. Read on to get a comprehensive understanding of an overhead crane quote and what criteria you should use to compare multiple quotes. How to Gather and Compare Overhead Crane Quotes

• What Goes Into the Process of Quoting a New Overhead Crane? 7 Building Considerations When Designing an Overhead Crane
• ASME B30.2-2022: Updates & Revisions to ASME B30.2 Overhead & Gantry Cranes Standard

FREE Downloads

• Overhead Crane & Hoist Service E-Book: A Guide to Upgrades & Modernization
• Overhead Cranes E-Book: Overhead Cranes From Top To Bottom
• Bridge Crane Quote Comparison Tool
• 10 Things to Consider When Selecting an Overhead Crane for Your Business Checklist

Related Podcasts:

• How Do Collision Avoidance Systems Make Overhead Lifts Safer?
• How To Make Your Overhead Crane More Efficient
• Steel’s Sprint From the Safety Stone Age
• How Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Are Revolutionizing Industrial Training

Contact Mazzella:

• Schedule Remote or In-Person Rigging Training

• Contact Overhead Crane Division

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.

Steel mills have come a long way! The "hot, nasty, dirty, and dangerous" mills of yesteryear were all about tonnage. But now it's people over production.

In this episode of Safety Factor, we follow the fiery trail from OSHA to smart sensors. Three mill veterans bare their battle scars from the early days. We're talking about tearing your rotator cuff atop 3,000° furnaces. No tie-offs, no fall protection, no nothin'. Just sweat and steel.

Today it's a new safety culture focused on planning, training, and prevention. VR simulators, automated cranes, and "no-touch" tools help avoid hand crushing and drops. Real-time data guides continuous improvement. And cardinal rules weed out the reckless.

Steel may still run thick in the blood, but now there's pride in safety records too. Far from the Wild West, modern mills blend tradition with technology. Protecting their tribe, sharpening their edge. How are steel mills becoming safer and more modern workplaces?

Join Michael, Jim, and Chris as they temper their decades of expertise. We examine past pitfalls, current challenges, and the high-tech future. How to keep good people safe - and build quality faster than ever.

So heat things up with us! Learn why steel mills are becoming safer, smarter workplaces while staying productive. Learn how the steel industry is evolving to protect its people and retain its proud traditions. In this episode of Safety Factor, experts examine progress in safety procedures, training, equipment, and culture. It's all here in this edition of Safety Factor!

Guests:

• Michael Skipper, General Supervisor of Rail Mill Operations at EVRAZ North America
• Jim Warren, Director of Steel Segment at Mazzella
• Chris Ross, Key Account Manager for Steel Sales at Mazzella

Background Reading:

• What is the No-Touch Electrode Handling System?
• No touch hand tools can help to reduce hand and finger injuries by facilitating safe movement of the load. How to Use No-Touch Hand Tools to Reduce Injuries on Your Job Site
• Are you looking for a more efficient way to rig a crane hook? Elebia evo Automatic Crane Hook: Design, Benefits, & Best Uses
• OSHA Hierarchy of Controls: Reducing Fall Hazards for Working at Height

Related Podcasts:

• How To Make Your Overhead Crane Safer
• How To Make Your Overhead Crane More Efficient
• How Is ITI Incorporating Technology Into Crane Operator Training?
• How To Start An In-House Safety Program

Learn More:

• About EVRAZ North America
• Mazzella Electrode Handling Solutions
• Follow Mazzella Companies on LinkedIn

• Subscribe to The Lifting & Rigging Channel on YouTube
• Subscribe to the Advancing Careers YouTube Channel

Contact Mazzella:

• Schedule Remote or In-Person Rigging Training

• Contact Mazzella's Rigging Division

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.

In this episode of Safety Factor discover how virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are revolutionizing industrial training for safety purposes. Join us as we discuss the advancements in industrial training with Adam Franz from Mazzella and Andrew Kauser from ITI (Industrial Training International).

Learn how VR crane simulation enhances operator training by creating a safe environment to learn and practice crane operations, reducing human error-related accidents. Explore how VR and AR are bridging the generation gap, engaging both younger and older workers in immersive learning experiences. Get insights into the realistic and immersive nature of VR simulators, which transport trainees into various industrial scenarios, including heights and challenging environments. Discover how simulation-based training improves muscle memory, prepares individuals for real-world scenarios, and enhances performance. Find out how simulation training is being used to attract new talent and fill the skill gap in industries. Gain valuable information about certifications, tests, and the role of simulators in qualifying operators for real-world equipment operation. Don't miss this eye-opening discussion on the future of industrial training and safety.

Guests:

• Andrew Kauser, Chief Product Officer & SVP - Simulation & Online Learning at ITI (Industrial Training International)

• Adam Franz, Director of National Accounts at Mazzella

Background Reading:

• When does virtual reality make sense for an organization to scale its training program?

• Do you know which of your riggers are competent or qualified? What requirements do you use to make that determination? Could you provide proof that your employees meet those requirements? OSHA Definitions of Competent, Qualified, Designated, & Certified Persons
• Many employers don’t understand who is responsible for providing training for employees who operate overhead crane equipment. Crane Operator Training: Who’s Responsible for Training Your Employees?
• OSHA Inspection Series: How Can Lifting & Rigging Training Help with OSHA Compliance?
• If your employees think training means nothing more than free donuts and time away from work, then it won’t be effective. How to Get More Out of Your Rigging Training and Lift Training Courses
• Mazzella and ITI Deepen 30-Year Relationship with a Robust Partnership
• Mazzella Companies’ Adam Franz Wins 2019 Corporate Top Trainer Award
• Ride Along with Al Abel – Day in the Life of a Lifting & Rigging Trainer

Learn More:

• About ITI
• Follow Mazzella Companies on LinkedIn

• Subscribe to The Lifting & Rigging Channel on YouTube
• Subscribe to the Advancing Careers YouTube Channel

Mazzella Companies Career Opportunities

• See Mazzella Companies Careers Opportunities

• Mazzella’s Crane Service Technician Apprenticeship

Contact Mazzella:

• Schedule Remote or In-Person Rigging Training

• Contact Mazzella's Rigging Division

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.

In this episode of Safety Factor, we delve into the importance of Global Lifting Awareness Day (#GLAD) and its efforts to combat the labor shortage within the industry. Join our guests, Ross Moloney, CEO of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), and Mike Close, Mazzella Corporate Marketing & Communications Manager, as we discuss the strategies employed to develop talent, raise awareness, and tackle the growing gap between demand and available skilled workers. Gain valuable insights into how this global event plays a vital role in shaping the future of the lifting industry. Discover how you can actively participate in Global Lifting Awareness Day, contribute to the cause, and become a catalyst for change. Elevate your understanding and join us as we embark on a captivating exploration of the lifting industry's future.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to make a difference and be a part of something bigger. Whether you're a lifting professional, an employer, or simply interested in industry trends, this episode provides a compelling exploration of the labor shortage and the initiatives driving change in the lifting industry.

Guests:

• Ross Moloney,Phd, CEO of the Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA)
• Mike Close, Corporate Marketing & Communications Manager at Mazzella Companies

Background Reading:

• GLAD 2023 Global Mission Statement
• About LEEA
• Think Lifting: Schools Engagement Project
• How Can Mazzella’s Crane Service Technician Apprenticeship Help Your Career
• Mazzella and ITI Deepen 30-Year Relationship with a Robust Partnership
• Military Transition Scheme

Learn More:

• Global Lifting Awareness Day 2023
• The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA)
• #GLAD2023 Twitter
• #GLAD2023 LinkedIn
• Follow Mazzella Companies on LinkedIn
• Subscribe to the Advancing Careers YouTube Channel
• Cuyahoga Community College Lifting Technologies Program

Mazzella Companies Career Opportunities

• See Mazzella Companies Careers Opportunities
• Mazzella’s Crane Service Technician Apprenticeship

Contact Mazzella:

Schedule Remote or In-Person Rigging Training

Contact Mazzella's Rigging Division

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.

In this episode of "Safety Factor," we discuss how technology is being used to enhance safety in crane lifts. Our guests, Wayne Wille and Denny Davis, Development Managers for Technology Solutions at The Crosby Group, and Tyler Henley, National Account Manager for Specialty Ropes at Mazzella, share their expertise on the latest technological advancements that have been developed to improve safety in crane lifts.

We explore common causes of accidents and injuries when using cranes to lift heavy loads and discuss specific examples of technology that are being used to enhance safety in crane lifts, such as sensors, automation, and advanced software that monitors crane performance and load stability.

Our guests provide insights into how companies and operators can ensure that their cranes are being used safely and in accordance with regulations, as well as best practices for training workers on using this new technology safely. We also cover how the new technology works, how it can be combined, and how companies and individuals can implement safety measures to reduce accidents and injuries.

Join us as we explore the innovative ways in which technology is being used to enhance safety in the lifting and rigging industry and discuss real-world examples of companies and individuals successfully implementing safety measures that have resulted in fewer accidents and injuries. Learn how you can improve your crane lift safety practices with the latest technology solutions.

Guests:

• Wayne Wille, Business Development Manager for Technology Solutions at The Crosby Group.
• Denny Davis, Business Development Manager for Technology Solutions at The Crosby Group
• Tyler Henley, National Account Manager for Specialty Ropes at Mazzella

Background Reading:

• A Brief Mobile Cranes Glossary: Basic Terms You Should Know
• Tower Cranes: Common Terms, Structures, & Systems You Should Know
• What’s the Verton EVEREST SpinPod, & How Does It Make Lifts Safer?
• How Has the Demand for Wind Energy Affected the Lifting and Rigging Industry? What New Lifting & Rigging Trends Can You Expect in Wind Energy?
• Maintaining control of your load during an overhead lift is critical to a safe, successful rigging plan. Considerations for Maintaining Load Control When You Rig Your Next Lift.

Learn More:

• Crosby Straightpoint
• Crosby BlokCam
• Verton
• Crosby Airpes

FREE DOWNLOAD:

• Never Gamble With Your Safety! Lifting & Rigging Best Practices Infographic

Schedule Remote or In-Person Rigging Training

Contact Mazzella's Rigging Division

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.

The demand for wind energy is growing. The size of turbines is growing. Wind energy is forcing the lifting industry to evolve. So, how will the lifting industry adapt to the increasing size of these turbines? What challenges does the US face as they begin to move their turbines off-shore?

To shed some light on this industry and what the future has in store, we sat down with The Crosby Group’s Director of Business Development for Wind, Ken Milligan. As well as Mazzella's National Account Manager for Specialty Ropes, Tyler Henley, and Specialty Ropes Service Manager, Jason Kuhlman.

Guests:

Ken Milligan, Director of Business Development for Wind at The Crosby Group.

Tyler Henley, National Account Manager for Specialty Ropes at Mazzella

Jason Kuhlman, Specialty Ropes Service Manager at Mazzella

Background Reading:

• A Brief Mobile Cranes Glossary: Basic Terms You Should Know
• What’s the Verton EVEREST SpinPod, & How Does It Make Lifts Safer?
• Maintaining control of your load during an overhead lift is critical to a safe, successful rigging plan. Considerations for Maintaining Load Control When You Rig Your Next Lift.
• How Can You Prepare for a Crane Rope Installation? What Can You Expect from a Mazzella Crane Rope Installation?
• Wire rope is a complex piece of mechanical machinery with a number of different specifications and properties that can affect its performance and service life. What Is Wire Rope? Understanding the Specifications and Construction
• How Much Does an ASME-Compliant Third-Party Crane Rope Inspection Cost? What is the Cost of a Third-Party Crane Rope Inspection?
• What Should I Consider When Thinking of Going With a Third-Party Crane Ropes Installer? Why Should a Third-Party Company Install Your Crane Ropes?
• What is ASME B30.30, and How Does It Apply to Wire Rope Inspection
• Under normal conditions, machines receive periodic inspections, and their overall condition is recorded—including the drums and sheaves. Inspection of Wire Rope Sheaves and Drums

FREE DOWNLOADS

• Lifting & Rigging Best Practices Infographic
• Lifting & Rigging Site Assessment Guide

Schedule Remote or In-Person Rigging Training

Contact Mazzella's Rigging Division

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.

In 2022, OSHA's most frequently cited violation was the failure to meet General Fall Protection requirements. In fact, four of the top ten citations issued by OSHA were related to fall protection, encompassing citations regarding ladders, scaffolding, and fall protection training. Shockingly, nearly all of the largest OSHA fines handed out in 2022 were penalties for neglecting to comply with fall protection regulations, with one Ohio contractor receiving a hefty fine of over $1 million for fall protection violations.

To shed some light on the underlying psychology behind this trend and discuss ways to avoid these violations, we interviewed Fall Protection experts, Kevin Muldoon from Mazzella, and Dan Montchal from Tractel.

Guests:

Dan Montchal, Regional Sales Manager at Tractel

Kevin Muldoon, Product Manager of Engineered Lifeline Systems and Fall Protection from Mazzella

Background Reading:

• How can I keep my workers safe when they are working at height? OSHA Inspection Series: The Principles of Fall Protection Safety

• Fall Protection for Roofers: Systems, OSHA Regulations, & Best Fits

• Do you have six minutes to invest in a safer future on the job site? The Basics of Fall Protection in Six Minutes

• How Does Fall Protection Differ from Fall Prevention?

• Are you overwhelmed with the terms used in personal fall protection and fall prevention? Fall Protection & Fall Prevention: Terms, Systems, & OSHA Regulations

FREE DOWNLOADS

• Harness Inspection Checklist

• SRL / Lanyard Inspection Checklist

• Hierarchy of Fall Protection [Infographic]

• Top 10 Safety Tips for Working at Height Infographic

• Job Safety Analysis & Working at Height Risk Assessment Bundle

• Top 5 Fall Protection Hazards On The Jobsite Infographic

Schedule Remote or In-Person Rigging Training

Contact Mazzella's Fall Protection Division

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.

Today we are talking about the legal ramifications of building your own lifting devices and rigging equipment and why ASME has specific standards in place for the creation of a below-the-hook device.

We are joined by a few lifting experts from Caldwell Lifting Solutions, one of the leading manufacturers of below the hook lifting solutions, as well as Mazzella's Kevin Brewer, Below-the-Hook Sales Specialist, to discuss why the devices you are currently using, if not made to very specific ASME standards, may put you at legal risk and open to OSHA fines.

Guests:

• Jay Schroeder, Regional Sales Manager at The Caldwell Group, Inc.

• Dan Mongan, Senior Sales Engineer at The Caldwell Group, Inc.

• Dale Kelly, Engineering Manager at The Caldwell Group, Inc.

• Kevin Brewer, BTH Sales Specialist at Mazzella Companies

Background Reading:

• Why Are Engineered Below-the-Hook Devices Better than Homemade Devices?

• ASME B30.20 and ASME BTH-1 are the two most important standards when it comes to the design and markings of a below-the-hook lifting device. What Makes My Below-the-Hook Lifting Device OSHA Compliant?

• ASME B30.20-2021: Updates & Revisions to the Below-The-Hook Standard

• Special consideration must be given to the environment it will be used in, the type of load it will be lifting, and how often it will be used. 7 Things You Should Know Before Buying a Below-the-Hook Lifting Device

• A review of the applicable ASME B30.20 and ASME BTH-1 standards and acceptable markings for older below-the-hook lifting devices. Identification & Markings for Older Below-the-Hook Lifting Devices

FREE Download

• Download your FREE checklist and Design Sheet Things to Consider When Designing a Custom Lifting Device Checklist & Design Sheet

Learn More

• Listen to more podcasts on BTH devices: What You Should Know Before Buying a Below-the-Hook Lifting Device

• Visit the Mazzella Learning Center for more information, videos, articles, downloads, and podcasts!

_____________________________________________

Contact Mazzella

Schedule Remote or In-Person Rigging Training

Contact Mazzella's Rigging Division

_____________________________________________

Subscribe Where You Listen

Subscribe and Listen on Apple Podcasts

Subscribe on Spotify

Subscribe on Google Podcasts

Subscribe on iHeart Radio

Listen on Audible

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.

Welcome back to Safety Factor. In this episode we are talking about overhead cranes and how smart non-contact measurement solutions can make your overhead crane more efficient.

Today, we are joined again by Steven Lubeck, President of Laser-View Technologies, a provider of non-contact measurement sensors and systems for industry and Mazzella Companies' Mark Shubel, Director of Business and Training Development for Crane Service to discuss how Smart Non-Contact Measurement Solutions can help make overhead cranes more efficient.

Guests:

• Steven Lubeck, President of Laser-View Technologies

• Mark Shubel, Director of Business & Training Development, Crane Service and Engineered Products at Mazzella Companies

Background Reading:

• With modern technologies becoming more readily available and more affordable, the safety features available for overhead crane systems have never been better. Overhead Crane Safety Systems: Modern Features and Technologies.

• Die and mold handling can be complicated and dangerous. Learn how to assess your lifting practices and the equipment your team is using to handle dies and molds. Lifting and Rigging Solutions for Die Handling and Automotive Stamping

• The amount of engineering and fabrication to meet your specifications can determine whether a modular system or an engineered or process crane system is right for you. Overhead Cranes: Modular Cranes vs. Engineered Process Cranes.

• Understanding the process and expectations of buying an overhead crane—from the first contact with an overhead crane manufacturer, through the consultation and quote processes, and all the way up to installation. Purchasing an Overhead Crane Process: From Consultation to Installation.

FREE Download

• Download our free Overhead Cranes E-Book: Overhead Cranes From Top To Bottom

Learn More

• Enroll in Cranes 101 to get a better understanding of overhead crane systems.

• Visit the Mazzella Learning Center for more information, videos, articles, downloads, and podcasts!

_____________________________________________

Contact Mazzella

Schedule Remote or In-Person Rigging Training

Contact Mazzella's Overhead Crane Division

_____________________________________________

Subscribe Where You Listen

• Subscribe and Listen on Apple Podcasts

• Subscribe and Listen on Spotify

• Subscribe and Listen on Google Podcasts

• Subscribe and Listen on iHeart Radio

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.

Welcome back to Safety Factor. In this episode we are talking about in-house safety programs. How you can you start one, how can you improve yours, and how can you be a better safety coordinator.

Today, we're joined by Mazzella Companies' Kevin Paul, Director of Safety, and Alana Cohen, Safety Coordinator, to discuss how they got their start in the world of safety, how they helped develop Mazzella's safety program, and what wisdom they've learned along the way.

Guests:

Kevin Paul, Director of Safety, QSTR Team at Mazzella Companies

Alana Cohen, Safety Coordinator at Mazzella Companies

Background Reading:

• Be an active participant in workplace safety and identify job safety hazards before they cause an accident or injury. How to Identify Workplace Hazards by Performing a Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

• OSHA Inspection Series: What You Can Expect From an OSHA Inspection?

• Five of the most common observations from the field that could prevent you from reaching 100% compliance with OSHA and ASME requirements. 5 Reasons Your Lifting & Rigging Program Isn’t OSHA/ASME Compliant

• How Can Lifting and Rigging Training Help My Company Maintain OSHA Compliance? OSHA Inspection Series: How Can Lifting & Rigging Training Help with OSHA Compliance?

Download your FREE assets for your safety program!

• Rigging Gear Inspection Field Reference Poster
• OSHA Personnel Designations Guide Poster
• Job Safety Analysis & Working at Height Risk Assessment Bundle
• Top 5 Fall Protection Hazards On The Jobsite Infographic
• Visit the Mazzella Learning Center for more information, videos, articles, downloads, and podcasts!

Schedule Remote or In-Person Rigging Training Here

Check us out on YouTube at the Lifting & Rigging Channel.

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.