3 Ways to Increase Safety in the Workplace

Safety should be at the forefront of every workplace, and strict safety standards and measures should be followed. Taking steps to ensure that safety protocols are in place, OSHA guidelines are being followed, and employees are properly trained, are all key to curating a safety-first work environment.  

Read more to learn about three ways to increase workplace safety.  

ENSURE A SAFE WORK AREA & PROVIDE PROPER GEAR 

Making sure workers are able to perform their job in a safe environment should be an everyday consideration in an industrial workplace. According to OSHA, 14 people die from work-related accidents every day, and this can be prevented with simple steps towards overall safety.   

Ensure not only that there are perimeters around manufacturing equipment, but clear and readable signs work to enforce safety. Proper signage communicates risks and dangers, as well as instructions, and perimeters keep employees and visitors in proper and safe locations.  

Along with clear signage and proper perimeters, it’s important to also keep workspaces clear of extra clutter and the floor clear of debris. With over 700 injuries a year attributed to slips and falls, something that may seem insignificant can add up.  

Each job requires its own sets of skills and tools, and with that can come gear, or personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE is a common term for protective equipment and gear designed to minimize injury or harm should an accident occur.  

PPE can vary, from hard hats to gloves, to proper footwear and clothing. It should be regularly maintained, fit properly, and be inspected regularly as part of reoccurring maintenance.  

When looking to outfit your employees with proper PPE, ask the following questions: 

• When will the employees need protection? 

• What kind of PPE will be required to protect workers from accidents? 

• Are the employees trained to properly wear, remove, and adjust their PPE? 

• Are there any restrictions and if so, how might they affect the worker or job? 

• Is the equipment being properly cared for and stored? 

HAVE HEAT-RELATED SAFETY MEASURES 

Although industrial manufacturing workers are not often subjected to direct sunlight, heat and heat-based illnesses can still be a safety issue during warmer months. There are steps you can take to ensure that your workers are protected, whether inside or out.  

• Make sure the facility your workers are in has proper ventilation and cooling systems. Additionally, insulating hot pipes can keep temperatures low. 

• Monitor the heat index each day, especially in facilities that might have less insulation than an office space. OSHA recommends using the heat index as a screening tool to know when to put extra cooling measures in place.  

• Train and communicate with your team to identify the signs of overheating or heat-based illnesses. Knowing the signs for themselves and others will ensure a safer overall team environment when dealing with heat.  

• Ensure all workers have easy access to locations to cool off, as well as hydration areas. Giving overheating bodies a break keeps overall safety and productivity up.  

LISTEN TO FEEDBACK AND TRAIN ACCORDINGLY  

Overall, the most important thing that can help increase safety in the workplace is proper employee training and listening to feedback.  

A proactive approach to training is key. Along with the heat based training mentioned above, investing in hazard awareness and potential accident training can work to prevent not only accidents from themselves, but from the team as a whole. OSHA has several recommended practices for safety and health programs on their website that should be utilized.  

Additionally, ensuring a healthy two-way communication between employee and employer encourages direct correspondence about safety issues and concerns either party might have. Making sure that employers are engaging with employees about safety measures, precautions, and updates guarantees a safer workplace.  

A new factor coming into play in workplace safety and training is the proactive implementation of artificial intelligence. Using AI when monitoring a workspace can ensure employees haven’t lapsed in safety practices. Investing in AI that can analyze footage allows businesses to alert workers to safety hazards they might have encountered when looking back on the footage.  

Surveillance footage can also enforce safety procedures such as proper use of PPE, ensuring vehicle and large machinery safety, and proper fall protection protocol. 

NRTC Automation and Safety  

NRTC Automation offers a variety of engineering contract services and training for manufacturers. Contact us today to learn more about our automation and manufacturing services that are aimed at minimizing disruption and downtime in the work area, with an emphasis on safety, speed, and efficiency.   

Contact NRTC today for more information on how our engineering contract services and training can help your business.

Important OSHA Stats and Figures in Manufacturing

Learn these important OSHA statistics to help keep your employees safe.

The manufacturing environment is often unpredictable and dangerous; workers may come in contact with heavy machinery, toxic substances, and even electrical hazards. Safety in the manufacturing industry is essential and safety standards reduce countless preventable injuries and even deaths each year.  

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a regulatory body dedicated to creating and maintaining workplace safety standards within the United States. It was established in 1970 to assure safer conditions for Americans.  

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported around 14,000 work-related deaths in 1970. In contrast, the number of work-related deaths in 2018 was 5,250, despite the doubling of the U.S. workforce over that time period.  

Although this progress is substantial, there’s still more work to be done to reduce workplace injury and fatalities. In 2019 alone, the manufacturing industry reported 846,700 injuries, which represents 6.6 cases per 100 full-time workers or 15 percent of all nonfatal injuries and illnesses in the private industry sector.  

Benefits of having a safe workplace for employees 

Safety in a manufacturing environment goes beyond checking boxes. Detailed and comprehensive manufacturing safety approaches are important for both workers and the company for a variety of reasons:  

1. Safety protocols keep people alive and uninjured.

2. Safety protocols improve workforce productivity.

3. Safety protocols are the best way to manage risk. Safety protocols consistently minimize risks and liability, leading to substantial long-term cost savings.  

4. Safety protocols are required by law. Compliance with OSHA regulations are mandatory, and non-compliance may result in massive fines and even jail time.  

5. Safety protocols reduce costs.  Safety incidents are very expensive and may include costs such as workers’ compensation, repairing broken equipment, regulatory penalties and legal fees, and decreased productivity. OSHA estimates that every one dollar invested in safety had a sixfold return on investment.  

Preventing accidents in manufacturing 

In order to realize its mission, each year OSHA releases a set of guidelines for manufacturing practices as well as facts and figures related to common violations.  

SLIPS AND FALLS 

Because of moving machinery, forklifts, and other obstacles in a manufacturing environment, manufacturing workers are especially prone to trips and falls. OSHA maintains industry regulations to prevent trips and falls.  

OSHA guidelines aim to protect against:  

Slips: a loss of balance as a result of limited friction between shoes and the walking surface (in other words, loss of traction).  

Common causes of slips include:  

• Wet product or spills on smooth walking surfaces including water, mud, grease, oil, and even blood.  

• Dry product or spills, such as dusts, powders, granules, wood, or plastic wraps.  

• Heavily polished flooring or waxed surfaces such as concrete, marble, or ceramic tile 

• Sloped walking surfaces or ramps without traction 

• Ladders  

Trips: a loss of balance caused by forward momentum after a foot hits an object.  

Common causes of trips include:  

• Uncovered hoses, wires, or extension cords across walkways 

• Clutter and obstacles in walkways 

• Open cabinets or desk drawers 

• Changes in elevation or levels (such as unmarked steps or ramps) 

• Mounting/dismounting vehicle equipment

Falls: a loss of balance as a result of movement outside the center of balance. OSHA further segments falls into falls at the same level/surface and falls to a lower level.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS), most falls are related to same-level walking surfaces. The manufacturing sector accounts for 16 percent of all injuries resulting from same-level falls.  

To protect against slips, trips, and falls, OSHA guidelines mandate:  

• All passageways and stairways must remain free from clutter and obstacles. Handrail surfaces must be able to sustain at least 200 pounds and be finished to prevent snagging.  

• Businesses must maintain clean, dry floors that are free from debris and clutter. If there are surfaces that are used for water or wet processing, they must have proper drainage and mats and dry areas need to be present.  

• Adequate lighting is required in all walkways including stairs, hallways, and ramps.  

MACHINERY GUARDING ACCIDENTS 

Machines and other moving parts have the potential to cause workplace injuries including crushed limbs, amputations, burns, and even blindness. OSHA named machine guarding accidents among its top ten list of frequently cited violations and accidents.  

According to OSHA, workers who operate machinery suffer 18,000 amputations, lacerations, crush injuries, and abrasion per year. Use of machines such as power saws, shears, presses, fans, conveyor belt, and palletizers are regulated. OSHA requires protection mechanisms to be in place, known as machine guarding.  

Machine guarding can include barriers, light curtains, and two-hand trips and most frequently applies to the point of operation (the location where work is performed). While it’s not possible to guard some machines at multiple points, OSHA recommends secondary controls like alarms and fences.  

Costs associated with workplace injuries in manufacturing 

Beyond the pain and suffering of human beings, a single manufacturing safety incident may have huge cost implications for your company including:  

• Regulatory fines: As of 2021, OSHA penalties for violations may cost up to $13,494, however penalties for willful or repeat violations cost upwards of $134,927. Moreover, failure to correct the violation by its deadline could result in additional penalties of $13,494 per day.  

• Increased industrial insurance premium: each workers’ compensation incident will raise insurance premiums.  

• Ancillary costs associated with training replacement workers, damaged reputation, and potential lawsuits.  

According to Liberty Mutual’s Workplace Safety Index, nearly a third of the same level falls represent 21 lost workdays. When factoring in all ancillary costs associated with a safety incident using OSHA’s $afety Pays website, the true cost of an accident may be several thousand times greater than the cost of preventative measures.  

Safety plans can have long-lasting benefits and returns, for businesses as well as employees. Safety plans can maximize workplace productivity while minimizing risk.  

OSHA training and guidelines are good keystone practices, however the most successful manufacturing workplaces create a culture of safety that goes beyond regulation.  

WORK SAFELY WITH NRTC AUTOMATION

NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all our customers.

From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrate your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you meet your production goals.

How Industrial Equipment Can Help You Make Safety a Priority

Thousands of work-related injuries and deaths can be prevented each year with industrial equipment. 

Manufacturing can be a dangerous industry to work in. 

Machinery is constantly in motion and chemicals of all kinds are used to manufacture products and materials. 

OSHA created standards to protect workers from these potential hazards, and with industrial equipment, manufacturers can align their facilities with these standards. 

Learn more about OSHA’s standards for manufacturing and how industrial equipment can help you meet your safety goals below. 

Safety in industrial environments 

What safety standards are set in place? 

OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is a governmental body dedicated to workplace safety standards in the United States.  

Prioritizing safety is important for all industries, but it is especially necessary in construction and manufacturing due to the dangers present in the workplace. NRTC Automation upholds safety as the number one priority in all our services. 

Listed below are the top safety standards that all manufacturing facilities are expected to use: 

• Lockout tagout (LOTO): LOTO are procedures used to prevent equipment from running during repairs and maintenance as well as to prevent spills and leakage of hazardous materials. A lockout device will keep unaware individuals from attempting to use to machinery or materials. A tag will include information about who created the tag and the time of placement. A thorough inspection must be performed if the tag is to be removed. 

• Permit-required confined spaces (permit space): Workplaces with spaces that are too small for people but large enough for workers to perform tasks is considered a confined space. These spaces require permits from OSHA for workers to access. Examples of confined spaces are pipelines, tunnels, and tanks. They may have some of the following characteristics: exposed live wires, heat stress, converging walls or sloping floors, and more. 

• Personal protection equipment (PPE): PPE is gear worn by workers to protect them from injury and death. There are different PPE designed for specific hazards, including heat, impact, optical radiation, chemicals, and dust. Common PPE worn by manufacturing workers include safety goggles, face shields, and hardhats. 

• Machine guards: Using machine guards is especially important in manufacturing where machines are constantly working around human workspaces. There are over 800 deaths per year that could have been prevented with a machine guard. There are several parts that needed to be guarded on a machine, such as the point of operation and around any blades. Each piece of equipment is unique in what machine guards it requires. 

• Warning signs: OSHA requires certain warning signs to be used in areas where there are hazards such as dangerous chemicals or heavy machinery. They must be able to be universally understood, like using a bright yellow color for caution signs and red for danger signs. Manufacturing facilities must also contain signs for first aid stations and emergency eye wash stations. 

• Employee compliance: Last but certainly not least, employee compliance is an important part of maintaining a safe facility. Employees must first be aware of the safety standards required by OSHA and the employer must provide the necessary PPE and other tools to keep employees safe. Then, employees must conform to safety standards to protect themselves and others from harm. OSHA inspectors can inspect a facility without warning to ensure safety standards are being met. 

With these safety standards set in place, manufacturing workers can perform their jobs without fear of injury or worse, creating a productive and efficient facility. 

How industrial equipment can help you make safety a priority 

Industrial equipment can do more than increase throughput and capacity in your facility. It can also help you prioritize safety for your workers. 

1. INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT CAN MAKE WORKSPACES MORE ERGONOMIC. 

According to OSHA, workspaces lacking ergonomics are a significant cause of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and injuries; in fact, they are the most frequently cited cause of lost productivity. 

Using industrial equipment to enhance the ergonomics of your employees’ workspaces is key to preventing potentially long-term injuries. For example, a turntable provides easy access to materials or equipment while helping workers waste less energy and time on extra movement. 

Check out iGAM's Fibromat Heavy Load Positioning Turntable for a great deal on safety equipment for your employees. 

2. INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS CAN HANDLE THE REPETITIVE TASKS. 

Industrial robots are designed specifically for repetitive tasks like material handling, welding, and more.  

Repetitive tasks are another source of MSD and injuries. For example, material handling can cause shoulder problems that affect workers for a lifetime.  

Additionally, repetitive tasks can be dull and cause workers to drop their attention, which can not only cause problems for product quality and productivity, but it can also pose serious risk to the workers’ health. 

By adding an industrial robot to your facility, you can increase productivity while protecting your workers from unnecessary harm. 

3. INDUSTRIAL ROBOTS CAN ALSO HANDLE THE HEAVY LIFTING. 

Industrial robots, such as this R-2000IC-210F FANUC robot, have a payload capacity of several hundred pounds. Some robots can even lift several tons! 

With an industrial robot, you can ensure that heavy materials, parts, products, or equipment are expertly handled without fear of harming your employees. 

4. ACCESS EQUIPMENT PREVENT FALLS. 

Finally, industrial access equipment such as stairs, lifts, platforms, and ladders assist manufacturing workers with getting to hard-to-reach places without putting themselves in danger. 

Falls are the leading cause of death in construction. Along with the right safety gear, access equipment can prevent tragedy in the workplace. 

Visit iGAM to shop for stairs, ladders, and platforms for your employees. 

Get on top of safety in your facility 

Creating and maintaining a safe work environment requires consistent effort and vigilance. However, it’s well worth it when your employees are satisfied knowing their safety is secured.  

Work with NRTC Automation and iGAM to protect your employees, no matter what size, phase, or industry you’re in. 

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION WITH NRTC AUTOMATION 

NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all our customers.  

From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrate your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services. 

Visit NRTC Automation today for full-service solutions to improve productivity in your facility. 

Declutter Your Warehouse with NRTC Automation

A neat warehouse is necessary for growth in manufacturing. 

It may not be the most important task on your list, but having an organized warehouse is vital for manufacturers to meet their production goals. 

Problems from a cluttered space range from safety hazards to drops in productivity. If your warehouse is in a state of disarray, don’t panic! NRTC Automation has a solution for you. 

Check out our tips to organize your industrial space and our Tool and Fixture Storage Services below. 

Industrial storage solutions 

4 reasons why having a cluttered warehouse is a problem 

Having a cluttered warehouse can be detrimental, even for otherwise successful businesses. 

1. Safety: A warehouse that is overflowing with equipment, product, and materials is dangerous. Employees are at risk of tripping and falling. According to OSHA, slips, trips, and falls are among the most common workplace injuries, and most are preventable. Additionally, messy warehouses have a greater risk of fires, especially with flammable products like paper and wood. 

2. Productivity: Efficiency takes a nosedive when warehouses get messy. Searching for items or equipment may take longer than necessary and getting from one space to the other can be a hassle in a cluttered space. 

3. Employee morale: When you don’t take care of your warehouse space, your employees will feel the neglect. Employee morale falls in cluttered spaces because of an implied disregard for workplace safety and comfort. This can potentially lead to high turnover rates. 

4. Discourages clients: A messy warehouse reflects poorly on your company. If a client tours your warehouse and notices a lack of cleanliness and organization, they may be discouraged from continuing business with your company, leading to a drop in revenue. 

Having a neat workspace is essential for a healthy, functioning warehouse. Now that you understand why cleanliness is so important, check out our tips on how to clean up your warehouse below. 

How to clean up your warehouse 

Making room in your warehouse doesn’t have to be an ordeal. Declutter and clean industrial spaces with a solid plan and motivation to improve production processes for the best result. 

Here’s how you can clean up your warehouse: 

• Start by decluttering. Before you start organizing, you want to declutter your warehouse first. Sell, trash, or recycle industrial equipment, products, or materials that you no longer have use for. If you have unused equipment that you will need later, store it elsewhere, like with NRTC’s Tool and Fixture Storage Services. 

• Create a standardized organization plan. With easy-to-follow and logical organization, staying clutter-free will be achievable for every person on your team. This is different for every warehouse. Look to others in your industry for ideas and inspiration. You can also learn more about organizing warehouses by reading the Japanese method 5S for warehouse management. 

• Create more space. Once you are organized, now you can focus on creating more space. One way to do this is to add more shelving and other storage units in your warehouse to keep up with growth. Another method is to create a second level in your warehouse with steel platforms if you have the vertical space to support it. Now you can make efficient and cost-effective use of your warehouse that supports growth and productivity. 

• Maintain your space. Assign a team to ensure that the warehouse remains organized, clean, and free of clutter. Conduct weekly or monthly checkups to ensure that your new standard of organization is being properly maintained. Encourage workers to organize and clean up after themselves with praise and recognition. 

Work with your team to create the best organization plan for your company's needs. The front-end work will be worth it when your warehouse stays clean and organized with minimal effort. 

Try our solution 

NRTC Automation offers Tool and Fixture Storage Services for manufacturers who need to offload equipment to make space in their warehouses. 

We’ll manage your tools and parts for you, saving you time and space to focus on production. With proper storage and care, you will have peace of mind that your equipment will be ready for use as soon as you need it. 

Our warehouses in Alabama and the Detroit/Canada/Windsor area are available to customers for storage across the United States and Canada. 

Visit our website to learn more about our industrial automation services. 

Want to consign unused equipment? 

If you are looking to consign unused equipment, visit our sister company, iGAM. iGAM will list your equipment on the marketplace so you can recoup the initial investment on your purchase without having to vet for buyers on your own. 

To learn more, visit iGAM’s Sell Your Equipment page today. 

MAKE SPACE WITH NRTC AUTOMATION TODAY 

NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all its customers.  

From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrate your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services. 

Schedule a free consultation with NRTC Automation today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your production goals. 

10 Compelling Reasons Why You Need Industrial Automation

With industrial automation, manufacturers can experience the benefits of highly productive and repeatable labor. 

The operative costs in manufacturing can make growing revenue a challenge. Especially in a COVID-19 world, learning how to cut costs without compromising product quality or employee satisfaction is necessary for success. 

If you work in manufacturing, then consider implementing industrial automation into your production process. NRTC Automation lists 10 reasons why industrial automation will improve your business. 

10 Reasons to Invest in Industrial Automation

If you want to grow your revenue, improve product quality, and more, automate your production line. These 10 reasons will convince you that industrial automation is the best method for growth in the post-pandemic world. 

1. IMPROVED WORKER CONDITIONS 

Robots and equipment excel at handling banal and monotonous tasks, leaving the creative and fulfilling tasks for humans. 

By taking on creative tasks, your employees will be happier and find more meaning in their work as opposed to carrying out repetitive tasks. 

2. HUMAN ERROR 

Human error is responsible for over 80% of failures and defects in manufacturing. Even with training, human error remains to be a difficulty that companies experience revenue loss over. 

With automation, human error is eradicated. Industrial robots and equipment have high repeatability, so defects are far and few between. 

3. IMPROVED EFFICIENCY 

Industrial automation will increase efficiency by: 

• Quickly producing high-quality work 

• Minimizing downtime between products 

• Consistently working day and night

• Working in harsh environments that is dangerous for humans 

• Easily changing production tasks 

Efficiency is the key to a profitable business. 

4. SAVE MONEY 

It’s no secret that automation will save you money. It may not be apparent at first with the upfront cost to add robots to your production line, but the long-term investment shows otherwise. 

As mentioned previously, efficient automation paves the way to profitability. In downtime alone, businesses can save $300,000 an hour by improving productivity. 

5. SAFETY 

Manufacturing jobs can be dangerous. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were nearly 350 workplace fatalities in the manufacturing sector in 2018. 

With automation, robots can handle dangerous jobs while humans take on low-risk jobs. For example, industrial robots can lift heavy equipment to spare humans’ backs, or they can stir incredibly hot molten metal filled with noxious fumes. 

Manufacturers that prioritize employee safety will automate the risky jobs to protect their workers. 

6. REDUCE LEAD TIME 

An increase in production efficiency naturally creates a reduction in lead time between the customer order and shipment to the customer. 

That means more products can be shipped out to customers, increasing the demand-supply cycle to your company’s benefit. 

7. COLLECT DATA 

Data is far easier to collect with automation than with human labor. Data is the gold of business: with it, you can make changes that will enable your company to climb the ladder of success. Connect HMIs and PLCs to your industrial robots and manufacturing equipment to cull relevant data from production and analyze the numbers regularly. 

8. IMPROVED OPERATIONS 

Jumping off from the previous point, you can take the numbers from your data and use them to adjust your production line. With these minor (and sometimes major) changes, you can improve operations and create a faster, more efficient, and less wasteful process. 

9. LABOR SHORTAGES 

Labor shortages are real: in manufacturing alone, nearly 2.5 million jobs won’t be filled in the next decade due to a lack of skilled workers. 

Instead of letting labor shortages affect your business, fill the gap with automation instead! It has the additional benefit of being pandemic-proof, keeping your employees safer with less crowding in your facility.

10. FLEXIBILITY 

Finally, automation allows for greater flexibility to change production at any moment. Training can take weeks or months to shift to a new production method, but with automation, all you have to do is reprogram the robots and equipment to perform the tasks that you want them to carry out. 

Suddenly, a shift in production goes from months of planning around training to a week’s worth of technical tune-ups. 

Automate with NRTC. 

We’ve provided 10 solid reasons why automation will improve your business.  

If we have you convinced, consider scheduling a free consultation with NRTC Automation. We’ll break down your production needs to create the best automation plan for your business.  

CONTACT NRTC AUTOMATION TODAY. 

NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all its customers.  

From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrate your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services. 

To learn more, visit us at nrtcautomation.com. 

7 Ways Clearing Out Your Warehouse Will Generate Revenue

Organized warehouses are better equipped for high productivity, efficiency, and safety. 

There is a lot going on day-to-day on the factory floor. It’s easy to let things get unruly in the warehouse between designing, manufacturing, packaging, and shipping. With all the other components of running a business, keeping your physical space organized seems low on the list. 

We at NRTC Automation encourage you to think otherwise. With a clean and organized warehouse, you can make a profit while continuing to build your business. 

Learn more about the 7 ways clearing out your warehouse will boost your company’s revenue below. 

Why You Should Clear Out Your Warehouse 

Clearing out a warehouse and decluttering your factory can be intimidating. When you have a lot of equipment, clutter, and paper files, it can be hard to know where to start. 

However, taking the time to make space is essential to the profitability well-being of your company. Wasted space on the factory floor can limit your earning potential and make it difficult to discern what should be purchased or repaired. 

Plus, a cluttered warehouse can be a safety concern. Disorganized factory floors may create tripping hazards or other dangerous situations that leave your employees at risk. By cleaning up the clutter, you can create a safe environment so that workers can focus on the task at hand. 

Now that you know why you should clear out your warehouse, read about how decluttering will end up profiting your company! 

7 Ways You’ll Profit by Decluttering Your Warehouse 

Decluttering can do more than give you more room; it can bring it some big profits for you, too. 

1. More Space 

With more space in your warehouse, you can maximize productivity by utilizing the space to design and build more products and store items in a more space-efficient way. If you declutter so much that you determine you can size down to another smaller facility or add another operation to your current space, then you can generate revenue by saving on rental and utility fees or by increasing your production rate. 

One way to do this is by storing equipment in another facility until you need it. NRTC Automation offers Industrial Tool & Fixture Storage solutions so you can open up valuable space in your warehouse and focus on what’s most important. Learn more about our storage solutions here! 

2. Better Handled Equipment 

When equipment has a designated space and isn’t surrounded by clutter, it will be handled with care. This can prevent damage to your equipment which may require costly repairs or even replacement. 

Already have some damage? No worries! NRTC Automation can restore your equipment to like-new conditions with our Industrial Refurbishing Services. 

3. Less Unnecessary Purchases 

When you have less clutter, you can clearly see what you need to add or remove from your production line. This means you won’t make any unnecessary purchases when you may already have the equipment that you need.  

If you find that you do need equipment, visit our sister company, iGAM, to find inspected, tested, and refurbished industrial robots and manufacturing equipment backed by a 20-Month Warranty Coverage. 

4. Safety 

Safety should always be your priority in manufacturing. Protecting your employees will give them the confidence to do their work without fear of injury or worse. By clearing out your warehouse, you remove potential tripping hazards and dangerous equipment from walking zones. Not only do you save money from eliminating injury hazards, but you increase profit by improving worker productivity. 

5. Improved Company Morale 

Studies show that a clean workspace boosts company morale. Employees can take pride in their work because their environment reflects that their employer cares about them and their safety. Plus, a clean warehouse is less distracting and more motivating to work in. Happy employees bring in more profit because they care about their jobs, which boosts your revenue. 

6. Improved Work Speed 

It’s a no-brainer that a messy space is harder to navigate. If your workers are looking for something specific, it would take them longer to find it than if every piece of equipment had a specific place and a label. When employees can find what they need in a short amount of time, they can return to working on what matters and increase profitability. 

7. Fewer Errors 

Finally, a decluttered warehouse will result in fewer human errors. If you have mismanaged equipment with no labels, then the likelihood that an employee will use equipment incorrectly increases. Having a neat factory floor ensures that your workers know exactly what they need and how to use it, preventing costly errors that could drive your profit down. 

Make the effort to clear out your warehouse today and save in the long run. 

As shown by the points above, clearing out your warehouse can help you increase your profit.  

Storing equipment properly, selling or recycling equipment you don’t need, and keeping factory floors clear of clutter will generate revenue for your company while protecting your employees and boosting company morale. 

Take the first step to clear out your warehouse today for a better company profit margin. 

NEED HELP WITH YOUR DECLUTTERING EFFORTS? 

NRTC Automation offers Industrial Tool and Fixture Storage solutions. If you have equipment that you don’t want to sell but you don’t currently have the space for, then trust NRTC Automation to store it for you. We will hold your equipment for as long as you need and return it as soon as you want it. 

Contact NRTC Automation today to learn more about our storage solutions. 

How NRTC Prevents Accidents in Manufacturing Facilities

There are a lot of moving parts during work in a manufacturing facility, both literally and figuratively. This goes for both day-to-day production efforts and decommissioning. Whether you are only tearing out a part of your factory or the whole building is being decommissioned, the tear out process is a team effort. 

Because there is so much going on in a factory, it is essential to practice safety measures as outlined by OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Following safety regulations will protect not only our team and your employees, but it will also help prevent equipment damage as well. 

NRTC Automation prioritizes safety in all our services. Learn more about the statistics of manufacturing accidents and how to prevent them during decommissioning below. 

Preventing Accidents in Manufacturing

Know the Statistics 

According to OSHA, over 5,000 workers died on the job in 2018. Around 20% of those fatalities were in construction. 

Construction and manufacturing are closely linked and experience the same dangers of falls, electrocutions, collapsing structures, and large, heavy machinery. 

Because of this, it is of the highest importance to make safety the priority in all situations. Working in a warehouse or factory has the potential to be deadly if the equipment isn’t handled correctly.  

OSHA Safety Regulations 

In manufacturing and construction, OSHA’s safety regulations protect people from serious injuries or death. Before doing any decommissioning work, NRTC Automation ensures that all workers are prepared for the job by following the safety guidelines. 

OSHA’s safety guidelines for these industries include the following: 

• Safety training for employees 

• Compliance assistance for employees 

• Fair enforcement by employers and authorities 

• Managing hazards in the workplace, such as clearly marking chemicals or fixing broken lifts 

• Provide all necessary safety equipment for all employees, such as hard hats or gloves 

By following the guidelines above, workers in manufacturing and construction can do their job efficiently and with confidence. 

Safety During Manufacturing 

Safety begins before work starts. NRTC’s decommissioning process follows strict OSHA guidelines. 

Tear outs can be a lot to handle, especially if a solid plan is not set before the decommissioning process begins.  That’s why NRTC inspects and maps out the facility with a 3D scan to ensure that the layout of the building and equipment are understood.  

Then, a plan will be made based on the scan to determine the safest and most efficient way to remove equipment from the facility. The plan will prevent any mishaps with equipment and provide room for lifts and other tools to pull the equipment out. 

Once the plan is made, the air, water, and electricity will be turned off in the facility. This will protect NRTC Automation’s workers, as well as the facility’s employees, from electrocution while handling machinery and equipment. 

During the tear out, our team members will wear full safety gear with branding to be both highly visible and identifiable as well as to protect themselves from injury. Safety gear during a tear out includes: 

• Hard hat 

• Neon safety vest with a branded name 

• Steel toe boots 

• Gloves 

• Safety glasses 

NRTC Automation’s team will also set up safety perimeters and signage around the facility to ensure that no workers are in the way during the tear out. 

All debris and clutter will be removed from the facility to make the space moveable and eliminate any tripping hazards. 

And of course, communication is a major component of a substantial safety practice. As workers move equipment, drive forklifts, or any other activity that could harm other people, communicating is essential to prevent accidents. 

Having a plan, wearing safety gear, establishing safety perimeters, clearing debris, and communication within and between teams are the keystone safety practices that will protect all workers from harm during a tear out. 

NRTC Automation’s Safety Practices 

NRTC Automation follows all safety procedures outlined above and adapts each individual tear out project with a personalized plan to preserve equipment and protect workers from harm. 

Our team is proud of our commitment to safety. By honoring the lives of workers in the construction and manufacturing industries, workers can confidently help companies and communities to work on new projects and create new products for the global market. 

TRUST NRTC AUTOMATION WITH YOUR NEXT TEAR OUT. 

NRTC Automation is dedicated to providing high-value industrial automation and manufacturing equipment solutions to all its customers.  

From decommissioning and tear out to industrial robotic training services to custom flexible work cells, NRTC is the key to integrate your workplace. With personalized training and custom-built designs, NRTC Automation is the destination for all your industrial automation and manufacturing equipment services. 

Contact NRTC Automation today to move on to your next industrial project. 

The History of OSHA

OSHA, or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is a governmental body dedicated to workplace safety standards in the United States. 

Because of OSHA, tens of thousands of lives have been saved from tragedy in the workplace since the 1970s. The regulations set by OSHA ensure that workers are protected and that employers are held responsible to provide safety education and equipment. 

Prioritizing safety is important for all industries, but it is especially necessary in construction and manufacturing due to the dangers present in the workplace. NRTC Automation upholds safety as the number one priority in all our services. 

Learn more about OSHA’s history and its regulations for construction and manufacturing below! 

History of OSHA

Before OSHA 

Before the 1970s, there was very little legislation on safety in the workplace.  

In fact, prior to the workers’ compensation movement in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, workplace safety was basically nonexistent. Once workers’ rights became a conversation in Congress, laws to protect workers started to go into effect. 

However, the laws for workplace safety were still negligible. In 1970, there were over 14,000 fatalities due to work-related accidents and injuries. After years of what could have been preventable deaths and injuries, President Lyndon Johnson proposed legislation for workplace safety. 

OSHA’s Beginnings 

President Richard Nixon signed the Occupational Safety and Health Act in December of 1970, establishing a new era of workplace safety. The law officially went into effect in April of 1971.  

OSHA struggled at first to create clear and comprehensive laws for workplace safety until the Assistant Secretary of Labor, Dr. Eula Bingham, arrived. She improved OSHA by discarding trivial laws and clarifying necessary standards to manage serious health and safety situations. 

Dr. Bingham met adversaries in big business and Congress since regulations could hurt economic activity, but she was backed by President Jimmy Carter to pursue workplace safety for American citizens. 

Since Dr. Bingham’s leadership, OSHA has been improving its laws and regulations to protect the rights and safety of people in the workplace. 

Safety in Construction and Manufacturing 

From childcare to food prep, OSHA’s laws cover safety for all industries. 

The construction and manufacturing industries are especially prone to accidents and fatalities due to heavy machinery and the dangerous heights that workers scale in order to perform their jobs. 

These are the basic safety regulations that should be maintained in the workplace in order to be compliant with OSHA’s standards: 

• Employee Education and Compliance Assistance: Workers should know their rights, as well as the safety procedures they must follow to protect themselves and others from harm. The employer should provide this information before the worker begins employment and offer assistance for compliance, if necessary. 

• Fair and Effective Enforcement: Employers should enforce OSHA’s regulations to ensure that workers continue to prevent accidents in the workplace. Enforcement may include regular refreshers on OSHA’s safety standards or giving warnings to workers who were not complying with OSHA’s regulations. 

• Effective Hazard Management: Hazards such as falls, repetitive motion injuries, collapses, and more should be approached from every angle to protect workers from injuries or fatalities. This could include using safety net systems, immediately correcting any slippery areas on stairs, or marking toxic chemicals with signage to alert workers about danger. 

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Employers should provide any and all PPE to workers, and workers are expected to wear PPE in the workplace. PPE includes hard hats, high-visibility gear like bright yellow vests, steel-toe boots, gloves, and other safety equipment. 

NRTC Automation follows these guidelines closely with safety signs and perimeters, branded safety gear, and a project manager to enforce OSHA guidelines with each tear out. Our workers can focus on your equipment and facility with peace of mind knowing their safety is prioritized. 

OSHA Today 

Compared to the tens of thousands of fatalities before OSHA (and considering the fact that workplace accidents were not accurately recorded), the number of fatalities and injuries have dropped markedly due to OSHA’s standards. 

In 2009, there were less than 5,000 fatalities recorded in the workplace. The mandates set by OSHA for safety may have prevented over 10,000 deaths from avoidable accidents and even more injuries. 

Workers can be more productive and efficient because they feel safe and secure. By complying with OSHA regulations, employers and employees can enjoy a safer workplace.  

SAFETY IS NRTC AUTOMATION’S PRIORITY. 

At NRTC Automation, we take OSHA’s standards seriously. We follow OSHA safety guidelines in every tear out and with each service. Our team members wear bright and branded safety gear, set up safety perimeters and signage, set up a plan for safe and efficient tear outs, and more. 

Whether we are building your parts in our warehouses or tearing out your facility, NRTC Automation follows all safety precautions to provide professional and reliable services. 

For more information on NRTC Automation’s commitment to safety, or to learn more about how we can serve your industrial and automation needs, contact us today. 

How to Practice Safety in the Workplace

According to OSHA, 14 people die from work-related accidents every day. These accidents can be prevented by following safety measures in the workplace as set by OSHA. 

At NRTC Automation, we emphasize safety for our staff and for your company over everything else. We follow strict safety standards published by OSHA. 

What are the best practices to ensure safety in the workplace, especially in manufacturing? Read more to find out. 

Safety in the Workplace 

WEAR THE PROPER GEAR. 

Before you even step into the workplace, you should be wearing the proper safety gear according to OSHA’s hazard/risk categories. For some, this may mean a hard hat and steel-toed boots while others may wear a full hazmat suit. Survey your workplace and determine what category of risk it falls into to ensure that you are protected from accidents and/or chemicals. 

SET UP PERIMETERS AND SIGNS WHEN NECESSARY. 

It’s important to set up perimeters and signs around manufacturing equipment, especially while it is running. Signs will alert people that they are entering a dangerous area and must be alert. Perimeters will keep people out of areas that can cause them serious harm. 

KEEP THE WORKSPACE CLEAR OF CLUTTER AND DEBRIS. 

Tripping hazards may seem insignificant compared to large robots or deadly chemicals, but they pose a safety risk: slips, trips, and falls account for over 700 injuries a year. 

Keep the workplace clear of clutter by removing old, unused equipment and objects to storage. Clean up any spills and grime to prevent slippage.  

ADEQUATELY TRAIN EMPLOYEES. 

Employees should be fully trained to complete the job. A lack of education can cause devastating injuries or even fatalities. Protect employees and yourself by receiving thorough training so you know the risks of the job and what precautions to take. 

Training for injury prevention is also an excellent measure to take against accidents. By training employees on hazard awareness and potential accidents, you can empower them to protect themselves and each other from dangerous situations. 

Safety at NRTC Automation 

OUR SERVICES & PRODUCTS 

Whether you want to repair and recondition your robot or decommission your facility, NRTC Automation takes the initiative to put safety first. Our staff practices all safety measures required by OSHA. Because of our dedication to protect our employees, our services are reliable and accurate. Our products are tested to ensure total workability to preserve your equipment and protect your employees from product-related accidents. 

YOU CAN REST ASSURED THAT NRTC AUTOMATION HAS YOUR BEST INTERESTS IN MIND. 

Contact NRTC Automation today to learn more about our automation and manufacturing services to minimize disruption and downtime in the work area while emphasizing safety, speed, and efficiency.