Advanced Mesh Guarding Solution Sets Industry Standard for Secure and Efficient Warehouse SafetySpaceGuard Products, a North American leader in wire mesh security solutions and protective guarding systems, is proud to highlight its BeastWire®'s pallet rack safety solution, a durable wire‑mesh panel that mounts to pallet racks to keep stored items contained and secure. BeastWire® is the most advanced and flexible solution available for modern warehouses and manufacturing environments. Engineered for both safety and operational efficiency, BeastWire® delivers unrivaled durability, streamlined integration, and comprehensive asset protection tailored for evolving industry needs.BeastWire® is designed for universal installation, adapting seamlessly to nearly any rack configuration and saving valuable time and labor on both retrofits and new projects. The system includes innovative, adjustable bracket options, including the exclusive patented Grrripper Bracket, the industry’s first and only drop-in bracket for teardrop uprights. The Grrripper Bracket offers a safer method of attachment for installers working at extended heights and can be installed over 80% faster than other brackets available. This technology, along with robust bolt-on brackets with multiple offset positions, ensures a custom fit for every bay, from protective coverage above uprights and inside tunnels to full-width side enclosures. The Grrripper Bracket’s unique drop-and-lock action secures panels swiftly and safely, establishing rock-solid connections and exceptional flexibility for both standard and challenging installations.Engineered for strength, BeastWire® panels feature fully framed and welded 10-gauge wire mesh, with an optional 6-gauge mesh for high-impact environments. Reinforced with cold roll steel angles and tamper-resistant welded doors, the system stands up to the rigors of demanding facilities while providing lasting structural integrity. Modular, stackable panels, offered in convenient one-foot increments, accommodate both standard and oversized bays with ease. Splice channels and panel stiffeners further enhance system stability, ensuring safety even in wide or tall applications.BeastWire® enclosures go beyond inventory protection, actively preventing workplace injuries and damage from falling objects. Unlike netting solutions that can tear or break under impact, the welded wire mesh design blocks hazards at the source, while also providing outstanding visibility and ventilation. Secure access solutions, including bi-parting hinge doors, slide doors, and custom entryways, all supplied with lockable hardware, ensure that valuable inventory and equipment remain fully protected against theft and unauthorized access.The entire BeastWire® system is finished with a durable powder coat in standard BeastBlack, with optional colors such as orange, gray, and OSHA blue for enhanced visibility or facility branding. Hot dip galvanizing is also available for environments with harsh conditions, and each system ships with a comprehensive hardware kit, including carriage bolts, flanged nuts, self-tapping screws, and touch-up paint, for streamlined installation and long-term performance.Every BeastWire® installation is backed by an industry-leading 10-year warranty, underscoring SpaceGuard’s commitment to lasting value and customer confidence. BeastWire® exceeds ANSI MH31.1 standards and guarantees full NFPA 13 flue space compliance, providing the highest level of safety and regulatory assurance.BeastWire® Mesh Rack Safety Systems are engineered for comprehensive protection, operational efficiency, and straightforward installation. With universal connections, advanced bracket designs, robust welded mesh panels, full rack enclosure options, versatile fit solutions, and a reliable hardware package, BeastWire® delivers a superior solution for industrial safety and security.About SpaceGuard ProductsSpaceGuard Products, headquartered in Seymour, Indiana, is a North American leader in wire mesh security solutions and protective guarding systems. With decades of engineering excellence and a legacy of innovation, SpaceGuard delivers some of the world's most industry-leading wire partitions, area guarding solutions, rack repair kits, and rapid Quick-Ship delivery to customers across a wide range of sectors. Supported by a robust dealer network and a commitment to quality, safety, and continuous improvement, SpaceGuard’s trusted brands including Centurion™, RageWire®, BeastWire®, and FordLogan set the standard for protecting people, property, equipment, and information in demanding industrial and commercial environments.For more information on SpaceGuard Products, visit www.spaceguardproducts.com.ContactRay Niemeyer(812) 523-3044sales@spaceguardproducts.com

MHI (The Association That Makes Supply Chains Work), a leading trade association representing over 1,000 member companies in the material handling and supply chain industry, confirms that ProGMA (Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association) is an official Industry Group operating under the MHI umbrella.MHI Industry Groups are specialized communities formed to advance specific technologies and solutions within the supply chain sector. These groups are governed by MHI-appointed managing executives and member volunteers, and are not independent entities. ProGMA has long been part of MHI’s internal structure and functions as one of these collaborative groups.As part of MHI’s digital strategy, all Industry Groups are represented through showcase pages under MHI’s main LinkedIn presence. This approach ensures consistent branding and unified representation across the organization. ProGMA joins other MHI Industry Groups in this structure, including: MHI Institute of Caster and Wheel Manufacturers TRG (The Robotics Group) of MHI CSS (Conveyor & Sortation Systems) Industry Group of MHI MAG (Mobile Automation Group) Industry Group of MHI MHI Storage Manufacturers Association RMI Rack Safety SLAM Industry Group of MHI (Scan | Label | Apply | Manifest)This alignment reinforces ProGMA’s role within MHI and supports a cohesive digital presence that reflects the collaborative nature of all MHI Industry Groups.To further explore the affiliation between MHI and ProGMA, please refer to the following official MHI resources: ProGMA Debuts New Logo Reinforcing Industry Leadership (MHI.org) Sorting Through Protective Guarding Solutions with Expert Help (MHI Solutions Magazine) Who is ProGMA? (MHI Video)For more information about MHI, visit mhi.org.To learn more about MHI Industry Groups, visit mhi.org/industrygroups.To learn more about ProGMA, visit mhi.org/progma.About ProGMAThe Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) members are the industry’s leading suppliers of fixed protective guarding products designed to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities. Member companies meet regularly to review, discuss, and revise the standards for design and performance of protective guarding products used in the material handling industry. ProGMA member companies are committed to the development, maintenance, and publishing of industry standard specifications for these systems.About MHIMHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI’s over 1,000 members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, workforce solution providers, publishers and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for their members, the members’ customers, and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association produces the ProMat and MODEX expositions that showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals. The Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC) is a division of MHI and provides education and research to the warehousing, distribution, and logistics community.

Monaghan, Ireland– September 30, 2025 – Combilift, once again, has been recognized as one of Ireland’s Best Managed Companies by Deloitte, marking their 13th consecutive year receiving this prestigious accolade.This recognition is not only a reflection of Combilift’s consistent year-on-year growth, but also highlights its ongoing commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and strategic vision. The rigorous requalification process assesses companies across four key pillars: strategy, culture & commitment, capabilities & innovation, and governance & financials. Re-qualifying means continuously proving their ability to lead in each of these areas in a dynamic global market.“The renowned Deloitte international brand Best Managed Companies programme sets a high benchmark, and re-qualifying for the 13th time reinforces our position as a serious global business,” said Martin McVicar. “While we’re known for manufacturing innovative world-class material handling solutions, this recognition also speaks to how we run our business — from our lean operations and customer-focused R&D to our world-class production facility in Monaghan.”This accolade strengthens Combilift’s brand not just as an industry leader in materials handling equipment, but as a model for sustainable growth and management on the global stage.About Combilift
Combilift is one of the largest global manufacturers of multi-directional, Side-loading and articulated forklifts and a leader in heavy goods handling. Operating in over 85 countries, Combilift designs and builds off-the-shelf and customized material handling equipment that maximizes space, safety, and efficiency.ContactMaria Sanchez+353 47 80500maria.sanchez@combilift.com

ProGMA is the Industry’s leading supplier of fixed protective guarding products designed to keep personnel, equipment, and inventory safe in industrial settings. Whether you’re looking for solutions to make your facility safer, wanting to keep up with the latest safety standards, or are a leading guarding equipment manufacturer wishing to join an association that focuses on moving the industry forward, learn more about ProGMA today!

This is a paid advertisement. Discover how Powerfleet transforms warehouse operations with a comprehensive AIoT safety ecosystem that addresses the critical intersection of speed and safety. Learn about our intelligent solutions that create protective environments where technology anticipates human error before accidents occur, connecting equipment, operators, and pedestrians through proactive monitoring and real-time intervention. Understand how integrated safety intelligence prevents collisions, documents critical incidents, and maintains regulatory compliance while safeguarding your workforce in high-pressure fulfillment environments where every second counts.

This is a paid advertisement. Streamline the sorting process with a dumper that has efficiency and safety features for operators to do their work at optimum levels. The pallet fork retainers secure the pallet of palletized packages while a spring assisted adjustable retainer bar secures varying height gaylord boxes during the unloading process. Control configurations range from simple (operator required) manual controls to fully automated including AGV loading integration.Click on the video link below to learn more about Ensign Equipment's Package and Parcel Handling Equipment & Systems!

ProGMA A Case StudyCustomer: Airport Baggage AreaProtectionSituationThe luggage handling areas in Orlando International Airport’s Terminals A and B were originally protected by outdated,rigid guarding that had significantly deteriorated over time. This legacy system not only failed to prevent damage but alsocontributed to cracking and breaking of the surrounding 4” thick concrete on the second-floor structure.Conveyors, electrical panels, and critical infrastructure components were left vulnerable to frequent impacts, increasingmaintenance costs and safety concerns. Additionally, ineffective guarding posed risks to equipment, facility integrity, andworker safety in this high-traffic operational environment.SolutionTo address these challenges, airport officials partnered with a certified installer to replace the old system with SlowStop®rebounding guarding products from Impact Recovery. The new solution included:• 15” tall 4” single IronFlex rails to protect conveyor systems at their operating height• 42” tall 4” double IronFlex rails installed around electrical panels for elevated protection• Strategically placed 5” rebounding steel bollards to reinforce key locations and mitigate high-risk impact zonesIn total, the project involved the installation of 1,621 feet of railing in Terminal A and 1,857 feet in Terminal B. The installerstated, “Installation was straightforward and easy. Once we got a pattern down, it really moved fast. We actually finishedthe job two weeks ahead of schedule.” With the new SlowStop® system in place, the airport achieved a dramaticimprovement in facility protection and safety. The rebounding technology minimized concrete damage by absorbing anddissipating impact forces, while also delivering long-term durability and performance. The conveyor equipment supplierpraised the upgrade and expressed strong support for the enhanced safety measures. The comprehensive protectionsystem now ensures critical infrastructure is better defended reducing maintenance needs and increasing operationaluptime. Terminals A and B are now fully equipped with a modern, reliable, and efficient guarding system positioningOrlando International Airport for safer baggage operations for years to come.“Installation was straightforward and easy.Once we got a pattern down, it really moved fast.”

Since 1981, a growth in technology and specialized equipment has enabled Highlight Industries of Wyoming Michigan to assist their clients to think safety first when using their automated equipment. An industry leader in stretch wrappers, case sealers, strapping machines, stretch film test and quality control systems. More recently, Highlight Industries has introduced the Magnum line of case sealers and the Saturn line of strapping machines, applying over 30 years of machine experience to their new product lines.

A brand new BWU6 fulfilment centre in Sydney needed a solid barrier to protect pedestrians, equipment and infrastructure from forklift collisions. The distribution centre had several intersecting traffic streams. This made the risk of collisions very high. Boplan's safety expertise was called upon. Boplan's partner - NPSG Australia - installed various safety solutions such as the TB 400 PLUS, a robust collision protection system with handrails that not only protects against collisions but also guides pedestrians.

In the dynamic world of material handling, where the efficiency and safety of operations hinge on the reliability of equipment, the often-overlooked heroes are the casters and wheels. Both play a pivotal role in the seamless movement of loads through industrial environments, yet the intricacies of selecting the right ones are often underestimated.Before you add to cart consider these common mistakes to avoid.Ignoring Load Limits: The Pitfalls of Overlooking Capacity RequirementsExceeding the recommended load capacity of casters can result in premature wear, damage, and failure. Most loads don't maintain an even weightacross the length and width of the platform. An off-center load could overload even the most durable casters. If a caster fails due to excessive weight, it can potentially cause injuries to workers and damage to products or infrastructure.It's crucial to accurately assess load requirements and choose casters that can accommodate the appropriate load capacity (including the weight of your cart!) Pro Tip: For optimal load distribution and safety, the common mistake of dividing the load capacity by 4 overlooks crucial factors. Instead, we advise dividing by 3 to account for potential uneven floors and to ensure stability. There are two reasons for this: First, on uneven surfaces, 3 or fewer casters bear a greater load, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the load can be adequately supported by 3 casters for operator safety and equipment integrity.Second, unpredictable load distribution necessitates planning for potential shifts, whether due to floor irregularities or weight imbalances. Adjusting the load rating accordingly ensures a proactive approach to prevent potential issues.Material Mismatch: Why the Right Wheel Matters for Your EnvironmentWheels are used in material handling because they significantly reduce the force required to move an object. Think about the force needed to push a heavy box across a floor. Static friction demands a specific applied force to initiate motion, and once in motion, dynamic friction insists on a consistent force to sustain it. The person exerting the force encounters a delicate balance: their applied force against the friction force generated by the box's weight and the floor. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the factors that impact caster performance.Will it navigate rough or uneven floor conditions? Is floor protection a priority? Does noise or speed play a role? Will the wheel be subjected to washdown or high-heat applications? These are the questions that guide the meticulous selection of the right caster and wheel.The complexities within polyurethane wheels alone can create paralysis in selecting the right type. Add in metal, nylon, rubber, and pneumatic, and it becomes even more crucial to comprehend the environment the wheel will be working in. Choosing caster materials unsuitable for the environment can have a significant impact on rolling resistance, triggering a waterfall effect of potential issues including compromised performance and durability, premature wear, failure, and a more strenuous work environment.Pro Tip: Casters and wheels come in various shapes, sizes, and materials to match unique performance requirements. Some roll-on tracks and temperatures up to 500F. Others bear 40,000-pound loads inside and outside the factory. Gather application data and choose an industrial caster/wheel manufacturer (or distributor) that you trust to help you select the right caster. Taking these extra steps will prevent headaches down the road. RELATED: Casters, Wheels, and Accessories GuideMaintaining Momentum: Why Speed Matters Most casters are rated for walking speed (3-5 mph), but sometimes the need for speed extends beyond this. Faster speeds require a caster that can not only withstand the increased velocity but also the increased severity of impacts. When towing loads at accelerated paces, it becomes imperative to assess not only the wheel material but the bearing type as well.Precision ball bearings can typically handle higher speeds and radial forces. These bearings are best for manual applications due to lower start-up forces. Wheels used in towing applications benefit from tapered wheel bearings as they run at higher speeds and encounter turns under load. These bearings are best for side load conditions as well as higher industrial speeds. Pushing the speed boundaries requires casters that can keep up without compromising performance or safety.Pro Tip: Larger wheel diameters and axles, more robust swivel construction, and bearing selection are critical components that enhance casters' overall performance and endurance at higher speeds. Overlooking Safety Standards: Don’t Put Your Workplace at RiskAccording to the Spine Research Institute at The Ohio State University, over 1.3 billion people suffer from musculoskeletal disorders that lead to low back, neck, shoulder, and other joint pain. While the causal pathways of these disorders are influenced by a multitude of factors, the workplace environment is a consideration.Adhering to safety standards ensures casters used in material handling meet specific load capacity, durability, and design criteria. This compliance is directly tied to workplace safety, reducing the risk of accidents, injuries, and damage to both personnel and property. Following safety standards helps create a safer working environment by ensuring casters can withstand the demands of the application.Pro Tip: Ask if the manufacturer is a member of the Institute of Caster and Wheel Manufacturers (ICWM), a Material Handling Institute (MHI) subgroup. Members are committed to safety and must adhere to certain criteria such as the American National Standard ANSI ICWM-2018, Vocabulary, Performance, and Testing Requirements for Casters and Wheels. This Standard is intended to guide owners, users, designers, purchasers, and/or specifiers of material handling equipment or systems.Neglecting Maintenance: The Silent Killer of Caster LongevityAccording to Forbes, unplanned/unscheduled downtime represents one of the costliest events at any manufacturing plant.  Specific to casters, failing to perform regular maintenance, such as cleaning and lubrication, can lead to the accumulation of foreign objects and debris on caster components. This accelerates wear and tear, shortening the lifespan of the casters and increasing the risk of failure and unplanned downtime.Alternatively, planned downtime is a proactive approach to preventing breakdowns, and the build-up of contaminants within your caster to prolong the life of your equipment. Should you be using a caster that is not maintenance-free, it is important to implement a routine maintenance schedule that includes cleaning, inspection, and lubrication of caster components. Pro Tip: Have you considered maintenance-free casters? These casters minimize downtime and reduce maintenance costs by eliminating the need for lubrication or regular upkeep. Featuring sealed precision bearings and durable construction, they provide consistent performance, enhanced safety, and cleaner operation. Perfect for lean manufacturing, automated systems, and industries like aerospace, automotive manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, electronics assembly, cleanrooms, and renewable energy.As we understand the pitfalls explored above, it becomes evident that the right caster choice is not just about functionality but a commitment to safety, efficiency, and longevity. So, before you proceed with your next caster purchase, remember the cardinal rules: respect load limits, choose materials wisely, embrace routine maintenance, adhere to safety standards, and consider the often-underestimated factor – velocity. Each decision contributes to a chain reaction of reliability and performance in the workplace.Never consider casters and wheels a commodity; rather consider them the foundation of a safe, efficient, and enduring material handling environment.For more information visit hamiltoncaster.com or www.mhi.org/icwm.

This Guideline was developed by the Lift Manufacturers ("LIFT"), an Industry Group of the Material Handling Institute ("MHI"); and represents suggested practices and considerations for precautionary labels on Industrial Scissors Lifts and Tilters. It is intended to provide useful information and guidance for owners, users, designers, purchasers and/or specifiers of such equipment. It is advisory only and should only be regarded as a simple tool that its intended audience may or may not choose to follow, adopt, modify, or reject. The following information does not constitute a comprehensive safety program, cannot guard against pitfalls in operating, selecting, and purchasing such a system, its repair or its replacement, and should not be relied upon as such. However, such a safety program should be developed, and an independent adviser should be consulted in doing so.

This article, which first appeared in MHI Solutions, Q1, 2016, provides guidance on integrating barrier protection with ergonomic equipment as a means to avoid injury in the workplace. Workcells, machinery, assembly lines, conveyors, walkways, and mezzanines are all areas in which barriers and ergonomic equipment should be considered. The article also provides guidance on selecting the appropriate safety equipment for your application.For more information, visit the Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) at https://www.mhi.org/progma.

To complement a new educational video, thought leaders representing the Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA), an MHI product group, discuss the importance of protecting personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities.ProGMA has recently launched the second in a series of videos about the importance of protective guarding products in the material handling industry. The video titled “Proper Safeguarding for Elevated Work Platforms” followed the inaugural, educational video titled, “Essential Safety Barriers for Automated / Robotic Workcells”. (http://www.mhi.org/progma/videos)Here, representatives of member companies expand on the themes explored within the latest video in the group’s first blog.Before we start, says Arlin Keck, corporate research and development engineer at Steel King (a manufacturer of pallet racks, mezzanines and guardrails), it’s important to clarify what we mean by “mezzanine” in this context. “The technical term for what my company and other members make is work platforms. Mezzanine was an old term for these systems; however, the word mezzanine had to be dropped because mezzanine, as defined in the building codes, refers to a specified type of floor within a building structure and carries with it added requirements for fire safety, egress, parking, and so on,” Keck explains.A typical work platform is design to support the site-specific load that will be placed on the floor, be it palletized loads, pallet jacks, foot traffic, work equipment, filing cabinets, racking or shelving units, to name just a few possibilities.Keck says that the main purpose of an elevated work platform is to add additional floor space into a building or room by taking advantage of surplus ceiling clearance that may exist in a warehouse or manufacturing facility. Aaron Conway, president at Mezzanine Safeti-Gates Inc. (a manufacturer of safety gates to secure the ledges of pallet drop areas on mezzanines and rack picking systems), says, “A company that has utilized all of its ground space can build upward. An elevated platform allows one to use the space for workflow or to store product.”As Hue Schlegel, director of marketing at Wildeck Inc. (a manufacturer of mezzanines and work platforms), puts it, “Move up, not out.” He adds, “Depending on the available height in a building, platforms can be one, two, or three levels high, with the most common height being 10 ft. top-of-deck and supporting a floor load of 125 lbs. per square foot. Their length and width are only limited by facility size.” Importantly, he explains, they cannot occupy more than two thirds of a fire-rated area within a building.Keck says work platforms are also used to create catwalks between separated platforms, and to serve as sortation and conveyance areas for mechanized systems. Conway agrees, adding, “Companies that supply elevated work platforms can fabricate them in virtually any configuration. They can be designed to accommodate specific workflow operations or to fit with existing structures in the building.”Industrial buildings are getting bigger and elevated work platforms are scaling up with them. Say, 50 years ago, facilities were much smaller and ceilings lower so there were fewer requirements for elevated platforms. Further, the equipment to load at such heights didn’t exist. Now, the capability of equipment is greater and taller structures are being utilized as a result. Within them, work and storage takes place on multiple levels.These multi-level work platforms present a danger of personnel and objects falling from height.As the latest video warns, the pallet drop area of elevated work platforms can lead to accidents if the ledge is open without adequate guarding. Falls to lower levels cost employers $5 billion annually in compensation claims in the U.S. alone. OSHA reports that it costs on average 16 lost working days per injured employee.Conway says, “Falling from an elevated level, whether it be people or products, is a serious danger and both should be addressed proactively, securing the situation before an incident occurs.” Schlegel adds, “The worst case, of course, is death; while the best scenario is that a worker survives a fall from the typical mezzanine height of 10 ft. sustaining only broken bones, fractures, and other injuries from hitting the concrete floor below. It is a serious matter not to be taken lightly.”Traditional railing or guarding systems are effective at preventing falls from height as long as they include a kick plate that is installed in conjunction with ANSI MH 28.3-2009. Adding netting or expanded metal and safety products to traditional railing systems provides added protection by capturing small objects that might otherwise fall into the work area below.OSHA Standard 1926.502, meanwhile, requires paneling or screening where tools, equipment, or materials are piled higher than the top edge of a toe-board or kick plate. ProGMA members also manufacture both netting and wire mesh panels that comply with that standard.However, David Brentz, chairman of ProGMA and vice president of member company Industrial Netting (a manufacturer of plastic netting), says, “That’s only a minimum requirement; added protection is financially prudent. The cost to install netting or wire screens around the perimeter of an elevated work platform pales in comparison to the cost of a single lost time accident. ProGMA members offer several simple, cost effective solutions to protect employees below loose objects that may fall or be kicked off work platforms.”Conway says, “In the past, properly guarding a pallet drop area or installing netting or wire was something that would be retrofitted, either after an incident occurred or after someone pointed out the issue. Designing proper safety guarding for the structure at the time of purchase makes for a much better fit; when retrofitting, there is often insufficient room for proper guarding and concessions have to be made. But, it is important to note that even if proper guarding wasn’t designed with the structure, it still should be installed. There are companies in the ProGMA that can customize solutions to fit these areas.”He continues, “Don’t confuse luck with judgment. If I visit a facility that was built, say, 20 years ago, I’m sure to find open pallet drop areas or insufficient guardrails. Just because these areas have been around for a while isn’t a reason not to properly secure them. I’ve heard the line, ‘Well, we’ve been doing it this way for 20 years and nobody has gotten hurt’. To that I say, ‘You’ve been lucky!’”Schlegel says, “The biggest safety risk is when a forklift access gate on mezzanine is left open creating a fall hazard for someone off-loading a pallet at the upper level. There are many products, provided by ProGMA members, that prevent the gate from being left open or that keep the operator at a safe distance, which should always be installed.”ANSI says, “Any gate that provides an access opening through the guards for the purpose of loading and unloading material onto a work platform shall be designed such that the elevated surface is protected by guards at all times. Gates that swing open, slide open, or lift up, leaving an unprotected opening in the guarding are not acceptable.”Dual gate systems such as a rolling gate ensure that the operator is separated from the ledge as well as the load. A pivoting gate ensures the operator is never exposed to the ledge and does not require him or her to walk near an open ledge to operate the gate.Unfortunately, sometimes it can take an incident and a facility to be shut down during an investigation for companies to understand the serious financial consequences of a workplace injury. There are many other companies that understand the risks and proactively secure their work areas. These diligent companies end up ahead in the long run:1. They typically get better solutions because they had the time to design them correctly;2. They get a better price because they can take their time and research the solutions;3. Safety solutions are in place before they need them.Conway concludes, “The large majority of people don’t want to get hurt and are not acting recklessly on the job. Typically, they are performing a repetitive operation, and in their process miss a step or push something too far and someone gets hurt. Proper guarding should be in place to prevent injury if this happens.”About ProGMAThe Protective Guarding Manufacturers Association (ProGMA) members are the industry’s leading suppliers of fixed protective guarding products designed to protect personnel, equipment, and inventory in industrial facilities. Member companies meet regularly to review, discuss, and revise the standards for design and performance of protective guarding products used in the material handling industry. ProGMA member companies are committed to the development, maintenance, and publishing of industry standard specifications for these systems. Visit the website at http://www.mhi.org/ProGMAAbout MHIMHI is an international trade association that has represented the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945. MHI members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers and third-party logistics providers. MHI offers education, networking and solution sourcing for their members, their customers and the industry as a whole through programming and events. The association sponsors the ProMat and MODEX expos to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate manufacturing and supply chain professionals. http://www.mhi.orgContactAnupam Berry Boseabose@mhi.org704-676-1190

We delve into the dynamic world of supply chain safety and automation with Rite-Hite, a leading innovator in industrial safety equipment, which is revolutionizing loading docks and warehouses to enhance worker safety and streamline operations.

The Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association (SMA) was formed in 1974 by visionary industry leaders as a Product Section of the Material Handling Industry of America, a non-profit Trade Association. SMA's mission includes development and advancement of standards and activities to advance the quality, safety and general fitness for intended use of industrial/storage equipment. SMA member companies are concerned, conscientious manufacturers affiliated in an industry association to provide voluntary standards for the design of steel industrial/storage equipment, and to formulate guidelines for the proper use, operation and maintenance of these products. Principal among these products are steel shelving, industrial mezzanines, work and assembly stations, modular drawer equipment, clothing storage lockers, movable base storage equipment, storage containers and directly related equipment. For contact information, please see SMA .

This guidance document represents user considerations associated with multi-level shelving. It was developed by the Storage Manufacturers Association (SMA) and is intended to provide useful information and guidance for owners, users, designers, purchasers, or specifiers of material handling equipment or systems. It is advisory only and should only be regarded as a simple tool that its intended audience may or may not choose to follow, adopt, modify, or reject. The following information does not constitute a comprehensive safety program, cannot guard against pitfalls in operating, selecting, and purchasing such a system, and should not be relied upon as such. Such a program should be developed, and an independent adviser should be consulted in doing so.

In January 2017, a series of rules and regulations promulgated by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) pertaining to walking-working surfaces and fall protection standards were enacted. The rule affects a wide range of workers, including warehouse workers. Specific to warehouse workers, new rules pertaining to loading dock equipment were enacted. The new rule specific to loading dock equipment is outlined in 29 CFR 1910,26, “Dockboards.” The new rules impose new requirements on employers who operate loading docks to either equip dockboards with run-off guards or to demonstrate that there is no hazard of transfer vehicles from running off the dockboard edge. This document summarizes how an employer could apply American National Standards pertaining to loading dock equipment to demonstrate that hazards pertaining to run-off are adequately addressed.

This precautionary label brochure has been prepared by the Loading Dock Equipment Manufacturers Product Section (hereafter referred to as “LODEM”) of the Material Handling Industry of America. It has been created as a service to owners, users, designers and specifiers of loading dock levelers. The purpose of this publication is to provide voluntary guidelines for the selection and application of safety labels for use on loading dock levelers. This is a voluntary guide and should be incorporated into a comprehensive safety program by owners of loading dock levelers.