ROUND TABLE
Safety
Safety is of course the most important factor in lifting. How do North American hoistmakers achieve it? Good design, sound manufacture, and proper useage of equipment all play their part. We asked industry experts for their views.
n Richie Phillips n Rob Beightol n Antoine Provencher-Chabot
To start then at the beginning: Safety is of course paramount. By their existence hoists are an aid to safety – heavy manual lifting is bad for people’s health. Is this awareness spreading down through the customer chain – are people who produce light-weight goods that in the past would have been manhandled into, say, a truck for dispatch now turning to light lifting gear? Antoine Provencher-Chabot, Vulcan Hoist: The awareness of safety benefits associated with hoists and lifting equipment has indeed been spreading across various industries. As workplace safety standards become more stringent, businesses are increasingly prioritizing the well-being of their employees. The use of hoists and lifting gear is seen as a proactive measure to minimize the risks associated with manual lifting, which can lead to injuries and long-term health issues. In industries where light-weight goods are handled, there has been a growing trend toward adopting lifting equipment to streamline processes and reduce the physical strain on workers. This is not only a response to safety concerns but also an effort to improve overall efficiency and productivity. Companies recognize that investing in lifting solutions can contribute to a safer work environment while also optimizing workflow. Rob Beightol, Gorbel: We are seeing a greater number of companies concentrate on these regular movements where equipment can alleviate stress
on the worker. While some companies place a very strict weight limit on manual lifts, others are also looking for the movement that individuals must do to perform their job. Extensive bending, stretching, or reaching can cause damage to the body no matter the weight, so companies are turning to hoists and related lifting and positioning systems to help protect their workers.
Ryan Dougan, Munck Cranes: We build larger, heavy duty cranes. There are a lot of companies out there that build lighter systems; if a client really wants a light crane I'll usually help them out. Richie Phillips, Casper, Phillips & Associates: By the time I get involved, the decision has already been made to use a crane.
If clients are moving from manual to machine- assisted lifting, are they doing it as an aid to safety, for speed/efficiency, or both? AP-C: The adoption of lifting equipment, including hoists, is often motivated by a combination of safety concerns and the desire for increased speed and efficiency. These factors are interconnected and contribute to an overall improvement in workplace operations. Businesses recognize that a focus on safety not only protects their workforce but also contributes to a more streamlined and effective operation. RB: With companies having a difficult time attracting and keeping skilled labor, the last thing the companies want are injuries due to incorrect lifting.
www.ochmagazine.com | Winter 2023 | 35
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51
