Case histories may best underline the importance of quality control in manufacturing. Toyota in 2009 was forced to recall 12.4 million cars due to sticky gas pedals and floor mats that caused accelerators to jam. The cost to the company was a staggering $12.4 billion. Firestone, Tylenol … the list goes on. Even the Titanic… Read more »
Scaffolding is designed as a temporary structure used during construction or maintenance work. It allows workers to reach heights they normally wouldn’t be able to and, as long as it’s erected and used correctly, it’s highly safe and effective. But even if a small section of scaffolding collapses, a single floorboard flips or safety rail… Read more »
Exposure to chemicals and other materials commonly used in the workplace can lead to a variety of health issues including poisoning, skin rashes, and disorders of the lungs, kidney and liver. Keep your employees safe from injuries or illness related to hazardous materials. Highlights from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Part #1910 Written Action… Read more »
3D printing dates back nearly 30 years but has rapidly taken off as computational technology has advanced. Today, 3D printing in additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping is one of the tech industry’s hottest sectors. In one of the latest 3D breakthrough areas, it’s become clear that what the technology successfully does for industrial materials, it… Read more »
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 60,000 foot injuries occur each year that result in lost work days. The National Council on Compensation Insurance reports that the average cost of a lost workday foot injury is $9,600. Not surprisingly, three quarters of workplace foot incidents occur when workers are not in… Read more »
In the event of an emergency evacuation, it’s vitally important that you’re prepared. Your comprehensive plan must meet requirements for design and construction set by the federal Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). Exit routes must be located as far away from each other as practical in case one is blocked by fire, smoke or… Read more »
Would you like to build more units per month? Enhance your production flexibility to manufacture smaller product combinations in lower volumes? Factory automation can be a cost-effective ad resource-efficient solution to many of today’s complex assembly challenges. Thanks to smarter and more dexterous robots, more lights-out manufacturing has become feasible. A growing number of plants… Read more »
Planning for business resilience is more important than ever before, given the increasingly complex environment in which manufacturing businesses operate today. The right plans for risk management, preparedness and prevention can build a true competitive advantage and ensure that organizations sustain growth and stability for the long term. Understanding Risk No matter how good the… Read more »
It goes without saying that safety is the number-one priority of any manufacturer. As technology advances, designers are increasingly called upon to incorporate protective mechanisms into products at a very early stage. Even preliminary design engineers now have a profound influence on ultimate plant safety. As you execute your effective design process, consider the potential… Read more »
On an average day, about 200 fires break out in U.S. workplaces. Annually, fires at work kill 200 people and injure more than 5,000 others. Fires cost American businesses in excess of $2 billion a year. Among common unsafe practices that result in fire emergencies are: Electrical issues: Frayed wires, plugs or cords; circuit overloads,… Read more »