ROUNDTABLE
have remained relatively stable over the past decade, we’ve observed a significant shift in how businesses approach safety—particularly in response to the challenges posed by increasing technology dependence and automation in other industries. However, the real transformation we’ve witnessed isn't in the regulations themselves but in the heightened safety consciousness among our customers.
OCH: How does this effect your business? AL: As a leader in the overhead crane and hoist industry, CraneWerks is aware that manual labor remains a critical component of daily operations. Unlike industries rapidly moving toward full automation, our customers still rely heavily on human interaction with machinery. This reliance on manual labor brings unique safety challenges, especially as technology becomes more integrated into the workplace. The rise of digital tools and automation in adjacent industries has led to a paradoxical increase in risks within our field. Workers are more prone to distractions, which can increase the potential for accidents. As a result, we’ve seen an uptick in requests for safety features designed to mitigate these risks. Customers are increasingly asking for lights around hoist hooks to improve awareness, similar to those installed on Powered Industrial
Ashley Larochelle, president, CraneWerks
Vehicles (PIVs). Overload protection systems are being requested more frequently, with the desire for settings below the rated capacity—moving away from the standard limits that would engage between 100-125% of the equipment’s rating. In addition, requests for collision avoidance technology, side-loading prevention, anti- snagging, and anti-sway mechanisms have been incorporated into plant safety standards. CraneWerks has partnered with companies
like Magnetek to install and test some of this equipment in our own facility. These features, once considered optional, are now becoming standard as businesses strive to protect their workforce and minimize downtime caused by equipment damage.
Moreover, the trend toward reducing physical
exertion in the workplace continues to drive safety considerations. As the recognition grows that repetitive lifting can lead to fatigue and injury, corporate policies are shifting to limit the loads employees are expected to lift manually. This change presents a significant opportunity for CraneWerks, as we offer solutions such as lifting devices and custom manipulators that reduce the physical burden on workers while maintaining productivity.
OCH: How does this differ to other regulations outside the US? AL: While CraneWerks focuses exclusively on the U.S. market, we are aware that international regulations may differ significantly. However, the underlying principle remains the same: safety is paramount, and businesses must adapt to ensure their workers are protected in an increasingly complex and technology-driven environment. In summary, although U.S. safety standards in the overhead crane and hoist industry may not have changed drastically, the approach to safety has evolved significantly. CraneWerks is more aware than ever of the need to integrate advanced safety features and reduce the risks associated with manual labor, creating new opportunities for us to provide innovative solutions that meet these demands.
14 Fall 2024 |
ochmagazine.com
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