Cut-Resistant Gloves Explained: What A2, A4, A6 Actually Mean
They Bought A6 Gloves—and Nothing Changed A safety manager upgrades the entire facility to A6 cut-resistant gloves after a few hand injuries. On paper, it’s a win. In reality, workers start complaining within a week. The gloves feel bulky. Small parts are harder to handle. Some employees quietly take them off for precision tasks. A […]
Safety Culture vs. Safety Compliance: Why the Difference Matters
A facility passes every safety audit. Training records are current. Procedures are documented. Inspections are completed on schedule. Every required box has been checked. Then a technician bypasses a lockout procedure during an emergency repair. A machine guard is removed and never reinstalled. An employee notices a hazard but decides not to report it. The […]
Leather vs Seamless Knit Work Gloves: Key Differences & Why Facilities Are Switching
A technician grabs a pair of thick leather gloves before working on a machine guard. Five minutes later, the gloves are off. They’re too stiff to handle small bolts. The worker can’t feel the fastener. Adjustments take longer. Eventually, the gloves end up on the workbench instead of on their hands. Not dramatic rips. Not […]
Mitigate Risks & OSHA Fines by Following NFPA 70B 2023 Mandatory Requirements
Electrical failures are one of the leading causes of unscheduled downtime, equipment loss, and workplace injuries in commercial and industrial environments. Historically, the approach to electrical maintenance was largely discretionary—businesses could choose how and when to maintain their equipment. But that has changed. In January 2023, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) released a major […]
What NFPA 660 Means for the Food and Agriculture Industry
Combustible dust is a critical hazard in food and agriculture in areas such as grain elevators, feed mills, sugar plants, and grain processors. Fine dust suspended in the air can ignite and cause powerful flash fires or explosions. On average, there are 28 dust explosions, fires, and incidents worldwide every year. Recognizing this danger, NFPA […]
The Ultimate Guide to Grain Facility Safety
Facilities in the grain industry face many unique challenges and hazards. Because of this, working in these facilities requires careful attention to safety protocols and procedures. Whether you’re operating a grain elevator or managing a processing facility, understanding and implementing proper safety measures is crucial for protecting workers and maintaining efficient operations. In this guide […]
7 Ways to Winter-Proof Your Components
When temperatures drop and snow blankets the landscape, industrial operations don’t hibernate. Outdoor facilities, especially in agriculture and grain handling, face unique challenges in winter. From freezing winds to bright winter sunlight, components are pushed to their limits. Ensuring equipment is built to withstand these harsh conditions is critical to minimizing downtime and keeping productivity […]
Essential Fall Protection – Making Safety a Priority
Falls remain one of the most serious risks in industrial settings, contributing to thousands of workplace injuries and fatalities each year. In environments like manufacturing, agriculture, and construction, fall protection is vital—not just for regulatory compliance but for the well-being of your workforce. Read on to learn more about key categories, compliance requirements, common challenges […]
Practicing Conveyor Safety: Important Tips & Tricks
Conveyor systems are a necessity in many industries, ranging from agriculture to food production. While these belts are important for manufacturing, moving and processing products, and more, they can become quite dangerous if proper safety measures are not taken. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that nearly 9,000 workers are injured each […]
Top 5 Safety Tips for Manufacturing
In the manufacturing space, safety is incredibly important and should always be top-of-mind. Failing to create a safe working environment can be detrimental to your products and profit, as well as put your workers at risk of injury. A safe working environment and culture can take time to cultivate and grow. Fortunately, IBT has several […]