The Sam Carbis Solutions Group Safety Blog

  4 Factors to Consider about Your Current Loading Rack The ability to safely load and unload materials is a must in truck and railcar environments. Unsafe conditions can lead to costly injuries that negatively impact the bottom line. Medical and workers’ compensation expenditures for fall-related injuries cost U.S. employers approximately $70 billion annually.  An up-to-date loading rack system can help keep workers safer and operations running smoothly. 4 Factors for Updating Your Loading Rack When is the right time to update your loading rack? Loading racks don’t have a “shelf life,” so you have to consider a variety of factors when deciding if it’s time to replace your current system. Factors to consider include: How old is the loading rack? Have your loading patterns, equipment, or access requirements changed? Are employees properly trained on safety procedures? Do they have access to documentation? Are workers aware of what the equipment was originally designed to ...

  Keep Operations Rolling and Employees Safer The key to successfully installing fall protection safety equipment is accurate measurement of the center line. As simple as this may sound, it is where companies often get into trouble and end up with equipment that doesn’t fit the application requirements. Three Steps to Get the Right Measurements 1. Establish the Center Line . Your design standard can be anything it needs to be, but establishing the center line is critical . These measurements are the basis of the drawings we send back to you for sign-off. When you measure, always begin from the center of the vehicle to the face of what you are mounting the access gangway on (see Figure 1). Ideally, you would position a vehicle in the loading area so that the measurement is spot on. If you are unable to position a vehicle in your facility due to the current restrictions, then you should measure where the truck(s) should line up, possibly marked by a stripe on the floor. For ra...

Assessing Your Workplace for Overall Safety Keeping your workers safe while loading and unloading trucks is one of those things that can keep you up at night—or at least, the worry of what could happen if unsafe conditions are not addressed. Working at heights presents a wide range of potential safety hazards. Improperly secured materials or equipment can fall and injure workers. Fast-paced environments that require moving materials quickly and efficiently can put workers at risk of serious injury or death from falling. Creating a safe workplace starts with an overall safety assessment to determine if you are doing everything you can to keep workers safer. Over time, loading patterns, vehicles or equipment, and personnel may change, which can impact operations and the safety of workers. Once you know where you are at, you can update your system or build the right fall protection system for your specific environment and operation. The Height of Worker Safety Keeping workers safe w...

  Loading Platform Safety Assessments Loading racks are a key component of a comprehensive worksite safety program. A loading platform safety system —with gangways, safety cages, and loading platforms designed to meet the specific needs of your environment and access requirements—not only keeps workers safer, but keeps operations running smoothly and on time. No matter what the material is being loaded or unloaded, workers should be protected and thoroughly instructed on safe-handling procedures. Protecting against falls with the right loading rack system can help prevent costly injuries and OSHA fines. How effective is your loading rack? While they don’t have an expiration date, considerations include: The age of the loading platform system Changes in loading patterns or access requirements Worker awareness of what the original equipment was designed to do Loading Rack Safety Assessments offer in-depth analysis and insight into whether your equipment is still doing the j...

When it comes to the important things, like health and safety, you want someone with the knowledge and expertise to help cut through the sales and marketing noise and gain clarity around what is most productive.  There are a lot of companies out there that manufacture fall protection equipment. At first glance, it may appear they are fairly equal in terms of the products they sell. But when you do a deeper dive, how many are focused on the bigger picture and the many factors necessary to ensure a safer work environment? Topping the lists are: The right equipment Proper training Regular maintenance Having developed solutions for truck, rail, and marine applications around the world, Sam Carbis Solutions Group has encountered every challenge imaginable. Through our experience, we have learned to quickly assess what is important and identify the most effective solution for a company’s individual situation. The Best Solution The firm asked Sam Carbis Solutions Group to de...

If loading racks came with expiration dates it would be easy to tell when you needed addressing. But because they don't it can be difficult sometimes to know when one needs updating. Maybe the current loading rack got to the jobsite before you did and you may not really know what it was designed to do. Or maybe your company's loading rack has seen better days after many years of service. If the loading rack on the job is beginning to show its years or you have no idea what vehicle(s) the loading rack was built for and there’s no documentation, it’s probably time for an update. At the very least have it evaluated to make sure it meets industry standards. The dangers of using outdated fall prevention equipment are many and can cause huge losses for your company whether it is in lives, injuries, lawsuits, or downtime. If you notice any of the following, give Sam Carbis Solutions Group  a call and we will come to your jobsite and evaluate your fall prevention equipment: • Gaps...

There are 6 Key Questions to Assess Your Current Situation Loading and unloading trucks is a hazardous activity that presents significant safety and efficiency challenges. There are a lot of moving parts, with trucks coming and going, and workers moving quickly to load and unload product to keep throughput flowing. Over time, loading area logistics evolve as new demands, different types of trucks, and changing loading patterns come into play. What may have worked in the past suddenly becomes obsolete, and existing truck loading racks and safety equipment may no longer be effective. 6 Top Considerations When Assessing Truck Loading Rack Systems Because each loading environment is unique—with its own set of challenges—it’s important to routinely assess and evaluate your: Truck loading requirements Safety equipment Fall protection goals As a guideline when doing do, there are many questions to consider. Here are 6 top ones to start with: Are there any special handling requirem...

 Safety plays a vital part in the business world since it has an immediate impact on factors such as productivity, employee morale, and regulatory compliance. Even though all areas of safety are important, particular attention should be paid to fall prevention systems because of the severity of accidents they prevent. The return on investment (ROI) for such systems is beyond convincing despite the fact that there are upfront costs associated with implementation. It is a cost-saving technique, a life-saving gadget, and a venture that generates profits all packaged into one business opportunity. To begin, it is important to remember that one must never discount the importance of the human factor. When companies make significant investments in all-encompassing fall prevention systems, they are sending their workforces the powerful message that the employees' health and safety is a primary concern. This not only boosts the morale of the workforce but also raises their overall output....

4 Questions and 3 Answers to Help with Your Marine Safety  Ensuring worker safety can be challenging in any environment. Marine operations present a unique set of challenges , with constant motion, changing tides, and varying vessel sizes and configurations. Whether accessing ships from a dock or loading chemical or petroleum barges, workers must deal with a lot of moving parts, heavy equipment, and changing weather conditions. Potential hazards can lead to a dangerous situation, such as a worker or crew member falling—with the risk of drowning, being carried away by the current, or becoming trapped between the dock and the ship. In addition to causing tragic and unnecessary suffering, accidents are costly and can result in reduced productivity, workers’ compensation costs, and OSHA fines. Protecting workers requires a proactive approach to marine safety. A comprehensive marine safety solution , tailored to your specific operations and work environment, is essential to keeping w...

Customers often come to us with a “simple” request: a new gangway, loading arm, or safety platform, for example. Safety involves many factors, so rather than merely taking payment and shipping out a product, we often ask a lot of questions. By learning more about how the product will be used, we can ensure that our customers get the right equipment in place to keep them operating at maximum efficiency. As Long As it Does the Job, Right? Most of us have, at some point, used the wrong tool for the job. For example, butter knives seem to be the universal substitute for screwdrivers. Unfortunately, the price of using the wrong tool for the job at work can cost a lot more than just a drawer full of bent cutlery.  Making sure you have the right tool is our job. The Sam Carbis Solutions Group team asks the tough—and vital—questions: Have loading patterns changed? Has equipment been maintained regularly? Have employees been properly trained? On the surface, it may seem that orderi...

  Staying Current Keeps Workers Safer Remember that favorite pair of blue jeans? Like those jeans, that fit great 20 years ago, replacing aging safety equipment with the same model is likely not the best solution for ensuring a safer work environment. Customers often come to us when it’s time to replace outdated equipment and ask to purchase the exact same thing. The trouble is, a lot has changed in the years since the original equipment was purchased. OSHA standards have changed dramatically—from requirements that no gaps larger than 19” are allowed, to the regular inspection and maintenance of walking-working surfaces, and training of workers on fall and equipment hazards.  Does Your Fall Protection Equipment Fit Your Environment? In addition to regular maintenance and training, for fall protection equipment to be effective, it must “fit” in the current work environment. Changing traffic or loading patterns, newer equipment, or employees unfamiliar with operating procedur...

As the innovator of unique safety solutions across a host of industries, Sam Carbis Solutions Group is well versed in tackling complex safety challenges. A construction company was doing routine maintenance work on railroad trestles and found that a steep embankment was creating a safety hazard for workers. They came to Sam Carbis Solutions Group seeking a solution that would allow workers to safely move up or down the embankment as they performed their work. To further complicate the challenge, the embankment and angle of the slope varied in height. In addition, the company needed to be able to move heavy equipment from one location to another along the embankment, requiring a flexible solution. The team assessed the situation and came up with a custom solution, an Embankment Ladder. The ladder’s treads can be articulated to a flat position, providing a safer path up and down the embankment. The self-leveling stair is highly versatile and can be used on very steep or very shallo...

OSHA audits aren’t the only reason you should safeguard your site against accidents . Your workers’ safety is a priority, and the right solutions help them work more efficiently. However, OSHA fines and their impact on your budget shouldn’t be downplayed. Your facility must be prepared for an inspection. During a visit to your site, an OSHA representative will determine whether you are complying with the agency’s standards for a safe and healthful workplace. OSHA professionals have comprehensive training in safety and industrial hygiene. Why OSHA May Audit Your Site OSHA needs to choose carefully what sites it visits in order to provide maximum protection for American workers. If your facility presents an urgent risk, you’re more likely to receive an OSHA audit. The agency prioritizes its visits  in the following order: 1. Imminent danger – When OSHA is reasonably certain that danger exists at your site and may cause death or serious physical harm, it inspects your facility firs...

Managers worth their salt are always looking out for their company’s best interests, seeking the best solutions to operational challenges to keep products flowing and workers safe. While fiscal responsibility is important, the least expensive “solution” may end up being the least effective when it comes to ensuring worker safety—and can end up costing more in the long run. A petrochemical company recently asked Sam Carbis Solutions Group to provide a quote for an equipment upgrade on a loading rack. The upgrade was needed to accommodate additional product handling and switching from tank trucks to ISO containers. After submitting a proposal, we visited the company to talk about the parameters of the project and what else we could do to assist them. When we arrived, we encountered a challenge from the project manager, who questioned why we felt confident enough about obtaining their business to be onsite already. He indicated that our proposal was $10,000 higher than a competitive bid...

When choosing safety equipment for your facility, the stakes are far too high to trust a one-size-fits-all approach. Perform A Job Safety Analysis Or Job Hazard Analysis Identifying your safety equipment needs starts with assessing your facility’s safety concerns, including any concerns that could arise in upcoming initiatives. To gather this evidence, conduct a standard step-by-step job safety analysis or job hazard analysis (JHA) . If you face particularly complex or dangerous safety risks, OSHA recommends several in-depth methodologies .  By gathering empirical evidence about safety hazards, you’re able to show measurable justifications for each of the safety issues you’ve identified. For example, you might use the number of breakdowns in the plant over a month as evidence of a specific safety issue. Focus On Value, Not Cost When evaluating your safety equipment needs, it’s important to look beyond the cost of solving problems and consider how your facility could benefi...

Safety in the workplace does not have to be complicated. Investing in newer equipment—such as fully-encased crash boxes that provide full fall protection—and providing regular safety training ensure a safer working environment and reduce the risk of fall-related injuries. Slips, trips, and falls (STFs) are also costly and can result in lost productivity, increased insurance premiums, and the need to train replacement workers. Creating a safer workplace can sometimes be as simple as a periodic review of safety procedures, proper maintenance of safety equipment, and regular employee training. Often times, employees’ roles change, and newer employees may not be trained in the proper handling or placement of equipment. For example, a worker new to a position may line a truck up a few inches off from where it needs to be, creating a dangerous safety hazard. The necessity for conducting regular safety reviews and remediating hazards was made intensely clear by an incident at a facility th...

What constitutes creating safe access to liquid terminal platforms and equipment has evolved dramatically in recent years. In the not-too-distant past, workers may have simply climbed a railcar for access, creating a worse-case risk scenario. “Fall protection” then advanced to incorporating a ramp to reach a railcar, and possibly a protective cage. Changing requirements have also impacted modern fall protection practices. In 2016, OSHA updated industry standards, requiring the regular inspection and maintenance of walking-working surfaces, and training of workers on fall and equipment hazards. As newer, more comprehensive liquid terminal fall protection solutions have emerged, the limitations of conventional ramps and cages have become more evident, with more and more railway companies seeking full fall protection systems.   Elevated Railway Cages for Full Fall Protection   Today, elevated railway cages are the gold standard for liquid terminal fall protection. Unlike ab...