While it looks as if the spread of COVID-19 continues to increase, there are alternatives for companies to keep running during the nation’s self isolation protocol.
Although Rockford Systems has cancelled its onsite March and April Machine Safeguarding Seminars, it offers a number of free online learning resources for continuous learning opportunities.
“Make productive use of remote work time by learning about machine and combustion safety concepts, techniques and best practices,” suggests Rockford’s Carrie Halle. “Training videos and recorded webinars are available on the company’s YouTube page. In addition, the company offers a library of blog posts, published technical articles and quick reference sheets.”
Halle says that Rockford Systems wanted to make its customers aware of support options to help keep health and safety at the forefront of their organizations.
“First, (we have) implemented increased safety, sanitation and quality protocols above and beyond the already rigorous standards it maintains every day across its facilities, vehicles and associates,” states Halle. “Employees who can work remotely are doing so, and field personnel are driving to customer sites whenever possible rather than using public transportation.”
Rockford field personnel are following best social distancing practices, adhering to all recommended industrial hygiene protocols, and will wear (when required) additional protective equipment – such as masks, gloves or goggles – while performing onsite machine and combustions safety assessments and installations.
Opt for remote, “virtual” assessments
For companies with an immediate critical need due to an accident or OSHA citation or companies with less complex guarding requirements but are not allowing visitors, Rockford Systems offers Remote Safeguarding Assessments that are a virtual alternative to onsite assessments and offer the same comprehensive compliance reporting.
“This service is ideal for customers with a few basic cutting and turning machines, including drill presses, vertical mills, grinders, small lathes, saws, sanders and riveters,” says Halle. “Although remote assessments have traditionally been limited to a few basic machines, Rockford Systems can support requests for a higher volume of machines to be remotely assessed to better meet needs.”
Schedule maintenance, inspections now
If a company’s production has slowed or stopped, now is the perfect time for regular maintenance and to schedule an annual safety inspection.
“The will determine if part-revolution punch presses and press brakes, and full-revolution punch presses, are in safe working order according to OSHA regulations and ANSI standards.”
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