Montreal, Québec, March 11th, 2024 – In its quest to become the leader in productivity solutions for the metalworking industry, WALTER Surface Technologies is pleased to announce the acquisition of PushCorp, Inc., a USA-based, industry-leading manufacturer of robotic end-of-arm-tools for material removal applications.

WALTER and PushCorp share a strong focus to provide reliable & productive solutions answering the needs and challenges facing industrial end-users. With the addition of PushCorp to WALTER’s portfolio, WALTER will help its customers to be more productive, and confidently approach robotics and automation for their material removal processes.

“We are very excited to welcome PushCorp to the WALTER family. PushCorp brings to WALTER its USA-made robotic equipment and force control devices that will allow us to continue to expand our solutions to help customers as they integrate automation into their manufacturing processes,” says Marc-André Aubé, CEO of WALTER. “This transaction is an unequaled opportunity to position WALTER as a leader in robotic and automated material removal solutions in North America as we continue to evaluate other growth strategies, namely through accretive acquisitions,” he added.

Mike McMillen, CEO of PushCorp, welcomes the new relationship: “We saw in this opportunity the perfect alignment of both customers, products and values. We are proud to see PushCorp adding its experience & robotic solutions to WALTER’s renowned and robust offering. We are confident this is a strong pathway to growth and success for our shared customers.”

Following this transaction, PushCorp will continue to operate under their respective brands. The transaction is effective immediately, and activities for both customers and suppliers remain unchanged.

Confined spaces, by definition, are not designed for continuous occupancy and may have limited means of entry or exit. These spaces can pose serious threats to workers due to factors such as poor ventilation, the presence of toxic gases, or the risk of engulfment. To address these risks, OSHA’s Confined Space Standard mandates that employers identify and evaluate confined spaces in the workplace, implement safety procedures, and provide adequate training to workers who enter these spaces.

One of the key requirements of the Confined Space Standard is the implementation of measures to control atmospheric hazards. This includes ensuring proper ventilation to maintain safe air quality within confined spaces. Ventilation blowers play a crucial role in achieving this objective by effectively circulating fresh air into the confined space and removing hazardous contaminants or gases.

Allegro Industries, is a renowned manufacturer of industrial safety equipment, including a comprehensive range of ventilation blowers designed specifically for confined space applications. Incorporating Allegro Industries ventilation blowers into workplace safety protocols can significantly enhance worker protection and regulatory compliance.

Here’s how Allegro Industries ventilation blowers contribute to promoting workplace safety in confined spaces:

1. High Performance: Allegro’s ventilation blowers are engineered to deliver high airflow rates, ensuring efficient ventilation of confined spaces. With powerful motors and well-designed impellers, these blowers can effectively remove stale air and contaminants, creating a safer work environment for employees.
2. Durable Construction:  Allegro’s ventilation blowers are built to withstand the rigors of industrial environments. Constructed from rugged materials such as corrosion-resistant polyethylene or steel, these blowers are durable and reliable, capable of withstanding harsh conditions encountered in confined spaces.
3. Portability and Versatility: Many of Allegro’s ventilation blowers are compact and lightweight, making them easily portable for use in various confined space settings. Whether it’s a manhole, tank, or storage vessel, these blowers can be deployed quickly and efficiently to provide essential ventilation wherever needed.
4. Safety Features: Allegro prioritizes safety in the design of its ventilation blowers, incorporating features such as built-in thermal overload protection and spark-resistant components. These safety features help mitigate the risk of overheating, electrical hazards, and ignition in potentially hazardous environments.
5. Compliance with Standards:  Allegro’s ventilation blowers are designed and manufactured to meet or exceed industry standards and regulatory requirements. By incorporating these blowers into their safety protocols, employers can ensure compliance with OSHA’s Confined Space Standard and other relevant regulations, mitigating the risk of citations and penalties.

To further help customers select the proper ventilation blower for their confined space, Allegro has developed their custom CFM Blower Selector tool.  This tool is a breeze, offering a fool-proof method for selecting the perfect blower for your confined space needs. With its intuitive interface and user-friendly design, the tool simplifies the process of choosing the right blower by guiding you through a series of straightforward steps. By inputting key parameters such as the size of the confined space, airflow requirements, and potential hazards, the tool quickly generates tailored recommendations, ensuring that you have the optimal solution at your fingertips. Whether you’re a seasoned safety professional or new to the world of confined space ventilation, the Allegro Industries CFM Blower Selector tool provides an effortless way to make informed decisions and prioritize worker safety.

Allegro Industries ventilation blowers play a crucial role in promoting workplace safety and regulatory compliance in confined space environments. By providing efficient and reliable ventilation, these blowers help mitigate atmospheric hazards, protect workers from harm, and facilitate compliance with OSHA regulations. Employers can trust Allegro Industries’ reputation for quality and reliability when selecting ventilation blowers for their confined space safety programs. Ultimately, the proactive adoption of Allegro Industries ventilation blowers demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing the health and safety of workers in all workplace environments.

If you want to increase the safety of your workers when they operate in confined spaces, check out Allegro’s ventilation blowers or contact them to find out more.

1. Layer Up with Insulating Clothing: The first line of defense against cold temperatures is proper clothing. Encourage employees to wear multiple layers, including insulated jackets, pants, and thermal undergarments. Ensure that clothing is moisture-wicking to keep sweat away from the body.
2. Head, Face, and Extremity Protection: A significant amount of body heat is lost through the head. Wear a thermal hat or head covering that covers the ears, and invest in a face mask to protect against wind chill. This is especially crucial in windy conditions. Cold feet can lead to discomfort and, in extreme cases, frostbite. Provide or recommend insulated, waterproof footwear to keep employees’ feet warm and dry. Insulated boots with good traction are essential for slippery surfaces.
3. Utilize Thermal Gloves: Hands are particularly vulnerable to the cold. Supply workers with thermal gloves that provide both warmth and dexterity. Ensure the gloves are waterproof to protect against snow and sleet.
4. Equip Workers with Insulated Headgear: A significant amount of body heat is lost through the head. Insulated hats or balaclavas can prevent heat loss, keeping workers comfortable in cold conditions.
5. Eye Protection from Wind and Snow: Cold winds and blowing snow can affect visibility. Provide safety glasses or goggles to protect workers’ eyes from wind, snow, and other airborne particles. Anti-fog coatings are beneficial to maintain clear vision.
6. Use Heated Clothing for Extended Exposure: For prolonged exposure to extreme cold, consider heated clothing options such as heated jackets, vests, and insoles. These products use battery-powered heating elements to provide continuous warmth.
7. Install Adequate Heating Sources: Create designated warming areas equipped with portable heaters to allow workers to take breaks and warm up. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent carbon monoxide buildup and follow safety guidelines for heater usage.
8. Implement Regular Breaks: Encourage workers to take regular breaks to warm up and avoid overexertion. Cold temperatures combined with physical exertion can lead to fatigue and increase the risk of accidents.
9. Provide Training on Cold Stress and First Aid: Educate employees on the signs of cold stress, including frostbite and hypothermia. Additionally, ensure that workers are trained in first aid procedures for cold-related injuries.
10. Regularly Inspect and Maintain PPE: Regularly inspect and maintain all PPE and heating safety products to ensure they remain effective. Replace any damaged or worn-out equipment promptly.

Prioritizing outside workplace safety in cold temperatures is essential for the well-being of employees. By implementing these top 10 tips and emphasizing the use of Personal Protective Equipment and heating safety products, businesses can create a safer and more comfortable working environment during the winter months. Remember, a well-prepared and protected workforce is a productive one, even in the coldest conditions.  Contact us to learn more about our personal protective products.

Shielding from the Elements

• Hypothermia: Winter winds can sap body heat faster than you think. Layering up with proper thermal clothing is essential, but insulated gloves, hats, and boots are vital PPE. They act as an extra layer of defense against frostbite and hypothermia, keeping your extremities warm and functional.
• Slippery Surfaces: Icy sidewalks and snow-covered scaffolding become treacherous paths. Non-slip footwear with proper treads is non-negotiable. Consider investing in footwear with replaceable crampons for extra grip on particularly slick surfaces.
• Reduced Visibility: Shorter days and harsher weather conditions can compromise visibility. High-visibility clothing becomes even more crucial in winter. Reflective vests and brightly colored jackets ensure you’re seen by colleagues and passing vehicles, especially in foggy or snowy conditions.

Beyond the Bite of Winter

While the cold presents unique challenges, traditional PPE remains vital throughout the winter months.

• Eye Protection: Falling debris and dust remain hazards even in the winter. Safety glasses are essential, and consider goggles for tasks like welding or cutting in windy conditions.
• Ear Protection: Loud machinery and power tools remain a constant threat to hearing. Earmuffs or earplugs are crucial to prevent hearing loss, even if the work environment seems quieter due to the snow.
• Respiratory Protection: Dust from construction materials and cold air can irritate airways. Dust masks or respirators provide essential protection for your lungs, especially if you have any pre-existing respiratory conditions.

An Investment in Your Wellbeing

Proper PPE is more than just a safety regulation; it’s an investment in your health and well-being. By prioritizing PPE in the winter months, you can:

• Reduce the risk of injuries and illnesses: From frostbite to hearing loss, proper PPE minimizes the risk of winter-related construction hazards.
• Stay comfortable and productive: Warm, protected workers are more focused and productive, leading to better work quality and project completion.
• Ensure a safe work environment for everyone: By setting an example and prioritizing PPE, you contribute to a culture of safety for yourself and your colleagues.

Winter may bring new challenges, but with the right mindset and the right gear, construction workers can face them head-on. Make sure your PPE is up to the task, and prioritize your safety – because staying healthy and warm means staying on the job and keeping your projects on track. Contact us to learn more about our personal protective products.

Understanding Cold Stress

Cold stress occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, causing a drop in core body temperature. This condition can lead to several harmful effects on the human body, ranging from discomfort and reduced work performance to more severe consequences such as frostbite, hypothermia, and even death. The risk of cold stress is amplified in various industries where employees must work in cold or wet conditions, including construction, agriculture, and maritime occupations.

The Dangers of Cold Stress

1. Frostbite: This occurs when the skin and underlying tissues freeze. It can lead to tissue damage, amputation, and permanent disability.
2. Hypothermia: Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition where the body’s core temperature drops below 95° F (35° C). Symptoms include confusion, shivering, and loss of coordination. If not treated promptly, it can be fatal.
3. Trench Foot: Trench foot results from prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions. It can cause pain, numbness, and damage to the nerves and tissues in the feet.

Preventing Cold Stress in the Safety Industry

Training and Education

• Employee training and education are fundamental to cold stress prevention. Workers must be aware of the risks, early signs, and appropriate responses to cold stress.
• Encourage employees to recognize the symptoms of cold stress in themselves and their colleagues.

Adequate Clothing

• Provide suitable protective clothing such as insulated jackets, thermal pants, and waterproof boots.
• Layering clothing is essential, as it traps warm air close to the body and offers flexibility to adjust to changing conditions.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Ensure that all employees have access to PPE like gloves, hats, and face masks.
• High-visibility PPE should also be incorporated into the winter gear to enhance worker visibility during low-light conditions.

Work Scheduling

• Implement regular breaks for warm-up and rest. Encourage workers to spend time in heated areas during their breaks.
• Rotate workers to minimize prolonged exposure to the cold.

Hydration and Nutrition

• Stay well-hydrated and consume high-energy foods to help maintain body temperature.
• Warm beverages can be a great source of heat, and a well-balanced diet aids in the body’s ability to generate warmth.

Shelter and Heating

• Provide designated warm-up areas where employees can take refuge from extreme cold conditions.
• Ensure that heating equipment is in good working order and safe to use.

Monitoring Weather Conditions

• Keep a close eye on weather forecasts and adjust work schedules as necessary to minimize exposure to extreme cold.

Preventing cold stress in the safety industry is not just about providing warm clothing—it’s a comprehensive approach that involves education, awareness, and planning. With the right measures in place, the safety industry can significantly reduce the risks associated with working in cold environments, ensuring the well-being of its employees and maintaining high standards of safety. By taking these steps, we can protect workers and foster a safer, healthier, and more productive work environment, even in the coldest of conditions. Contact us to learn more about our cold stress prevention products.

A Variety of Hazards

Working in confined spaces can be dangerous due to a variety of hazards, including:

• Atmospheric hazards: Confined spaces may contain hazardous atmospheres, such as oxygen-deficient or flammable atmospheres, or toxic gases.
• Engulfment hazards: Confined spaces may contain materials that have the potential to engulf a worker, such as liquids or granular solids.
• Entanglement hazards: Confined spaces may contain machinery or other objects that could entangle a worker.
• Fall hazards: Confined spaces may have uneven surfaces or drop-offs, which could cause a worker to fall.

The Right Equipment

A variety of products are available to help increase the safety of workers working in confined spaces. Some of the most important products include:

• Ventilation equipment: Ventilation equipment is used to remove hazardous atmospheres from confined spaces and supply fresh air to workers.
• Respiratory protection equipment: Respiratory protection equipment is used to protect workers from breathing hazardous atmospheres.
• Fall protection equipment: Fall protection equipment is used to prevent workers from falling when working in confined spaces.
• Communication equipment: Communication equipment is used to keep workers in contact with each other and with personnel outside the confined space in case of an emergency.

Allegro Industries specializes in protection and safety products for all industrial applications. We have a variety of ventilation blowers that supply clean air to workers in confined spaces. Allegro also supplies respiratory protection equipment to many construction companies across the nation.

If you want to increase the safety of your workers when they operate in confined spaces, check out our confined space products or contact us to find out more.

Understanding the Importance of Safety

Safety in manufacturing is not just about compliance; it’s about fostering a culture of well-being, minimizing risks, and optimizing productivity. Here are some compelling reasons why safety should be a top priority:

1. Worker Well-being: Prioritizing safety protects employees from accidents and injuries, promoting their physical and mental health.
2. Operational Continuity: Fewer accidents mean fewer disruptions, ensuring uninterrupted production and cost-effectiveness.
3. Legal Compliance: Adhering to safety regulations avoids hefty fines and legal consequences.
4. Reputation: A strong safety record enhances your company’s reputation, making it more attractive to customers, investors, and partners.

Essential Safety Protocols

1. Risk Assessment: Identify and assess potential hazards in your manufacturing processes. Regularly review and update risk assessments as conditions change.
2. Machine Safety: Implement machine safety measures, including guarding, lockout/tagout procedures, and regular equipment maintenance.
3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure that all employees wear appropriate PPE, such as helmets, gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection, as needed.
4. Emergency Preparedness: Develop and practice emergency response plans for fire, chemical spills, and other potential incidents.
5. Safety Training: Provide comprehensive safety training for all employees, including new hires and contractors. Regularly refreshed training to keep employees informed about the latest safety procedures.

Essential Safety Equipment

1. Safety Guards: Install guards on machinery to prevent accidental contact with moving parts. These should be well-maintained and regularly inspected.
2. Fire Suppression Systems: Equipped with fire alarms, extinguishers, and sprinkler systems, these are crucial for rapid response in case of a fire emergency.
3. Ventilation Systems: Adequate ventilation helps maintain air quality by removing harmful fumes and dust particles from the manufacturing environment.
4. Safety Sensors: Install sensors that can detect unsafe conditions and automatically shut down equipment if necessary.
5. First Aid Stations: Place first aid stations and emergency medical equipment strategically throughout the facility.

Best Practices for Safety

1. Safety Committees: Establish safety committees to regularly review safety policies, procedures, and incident reports. Encourage employee participation to identify potential hazards.
2. Regular Inspections: Conduct routine safety inspections and audits to identify and rectify potential issues before they lead to accidents.
3. Safety Culture: Promote a culture of safety by recognizing and rewarding safe behaviors and ensuring open communication about safety concerns.
4. Incident Reporting: Encourage employees to report near-misses and incidents promptly, creating opportunities for learning and improvement.
5. Continuous Improvement: Regularly assess and update safety protocols and equipment to align with industry best practices and regulatory changes.

In conclusion, safety in manufacturing is a multifaceted endeavor that requires a holistic approach. By implementing rigorous safety protocols, investing in appropriate safety equipment, and fostering a culture of safety, manufacturing facilities can significantly reduce workplace incidents, protect employees, and ensure the continuity of operations. Safety should never be an afterthought but a foundational pillar of any manufacturing operation, contributing to the success and longevity of the business.

Benefits of Knee Pads at Work

Preventing Injuries

The most important reason to use knee pads on the job is to prevent damage to knee joints. Kneeling for extended periods can lead to knee pain, inflammation, and even serious conditions like tendonitis. Knee pads provide stability and a cushioning layer that reduces the pressure on your knees, thus preventing injuries and long-term damage. Taking care of your knees can help you in the long run by helping you avoid expensive bills that are incurred due to injuries.

Improved Productivity

Wearing knee pads significantly improves your comfort levels on the job. The extra padding provides a soft, supportive layer between your knees and the ground. This enhanced comfort allows you to focus more on your tasks without being distracted by knee pain, resulting in increased productivity. With fewer breaks needed for knee relief, tasks can be done more efficiently.

Compliance with Safety Regulations

Many industries mandate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including knee pads, in the workplace. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in penalties or pose a risk to your professional reputation. By wearing knee pads, you promote a culture of safety in the workplace that fosters a positive working environment.

To find out more about our line of knee protection products and how they can prevent knee injuries, contact us today.

Create Awareness in Safety Training

Creating awareness regarding dehydration during safety training allows employees to know exactly what to do to prevent dehydration and prepares them for when they see signs of dehydration in others.

• Schedule regular safety meetings to remind workers how to avoid heat exhaustion.
• Educate employees and supervisors on how to identify symptoms of dehydration.
• Let workers know who to call for medical help.
• Encourage workers to wear light-colored, lightweight, breathable clothing.

Provide Water Access and Shade for Breaks

Providing access to plenty of water and avoiding continuous exposure to extreme heat is your best defense against dehydration.

• Provide access to lots of water coolers or jugs where employees can refill their water bottles or use disposable cups to rehydrate.
• Actively encourage employees to drink small amounts of water often.
• Establish and enforce break time into work schedules and provide shaded areas and air conditioning for work breaks if possible.
• Schedule heavy tasks early in the day when it’s not as hot.
• Provide workers with cooling products such as cooling vests, cooling beanies, or cooling neck wraps.

Contact us for more information about our protective cooling products that help prevent heat-related illnesses.