JOIN MAGNUM SYSTEMS IN CELEBRATING NATIONAL SAFETY MONTH

National Safety Month is held every year in June. The National Safety Council has designated this month as a time to focus on reducing the leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road, and in our homes and communities. It is an opportunity for employers, employees, families and educators to come together and raise awareness about improving safety practices, safety and health risks, and, ultimately, saving lives.

Preventable injuries, commonly known as “accidents,” are the fourth leading cause of U.S. deaths. So, it’s no surprise that safety in the workplace is a top priority in any industry, especially here at Magnum Systems. Our leaders and employees understand that we are in a high-risk industry of pneumatic conveying and packaging, and we are committed every day of the year to preventing injuries and promoting safe practices.

Since National Safety Month aims to raise awareness and promote measures that prevent injuries and fatalities at work, we hope you’ll join us in observing National Safety Month. Let’s take a look at the top safety concerns as outlined by the National Safety Council, as well as how we can prevent them throughout the year so everyone can live life to the fullest.

|  Emergency Preparedness

When it comes to being prepared for an emergency, we turn to the 6P Rule which states, “Prior planning prevents poor performance.” Every one of our employees is trained in emergency evacuation procedures. We also conduct regular drills to ensure that everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency. Magnum has a designated safety team made up of six employees who are trained in handling emergency situations and are readily available to assist other employees when needed.

|  Construction Materials

It is essential that bulk bag-filling equipment be constructed of materials that can withstand a product’s corrosive characteristics if any are present.

Stainless steel product contacts are standard on the IBC, and the equipment can either be painted or all stainless steel.

|  Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, trips and falls are one of the leading causes of, yet most preventable, injuries in the workplace. Magnum takes steps to ensure that the workplace is safe for our staff by providing slip-resistant footwear, keeping the floors dry, and ensuring that electrical cords and other tripping hazards are secure. We also encourage our employees to report immediately any potential hazards to the safety team.

|  Magnetics and Metal Detection

For a consistent product, our customers need the ability to find any unwanted metals, such as metal shavings or an errant bolt. Customers may use a more basic static magnet or a vibrating sifter magnet, the latter of which is specifically designed to handle lithium. While it is a significant investment, the vibrating sifter magnet is a robust piece of equipment that comes with its own cooling system. The magnet sifts while grabbing metals, which ends in a much cleaner and consistent product. We collaborate with each of our customers to determine what type of metal detection will work best for them and their end goals.

|  Heat-Related Illness

Summer months can bring about heat-related illnesses, especially for employees who work in outdoor environments. Magnum provides plenty of water and hydration stations to ensure employees stay hydrated throughout the day. We also encourage our employees to take breaks in shaded areas to avoid excessive exposure to the sun. Employees are also provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure to harmful heat.

|  Hazard Recognition

Magnum values hazard recognition as a critical component of our safety practices. Employees are trained to identify potential hazards, such as malfunctioning equipment and unsafe working conditions. Regular inspections and analyses are conducted monthly to ensure that all safety measures are in place, and any necessary adjustments or upgrades are made immediately.

Specific Safety Precautions Around Pneumatic Conveying and Packaging Systems

To create and maintain a safe workplace, it’s imperative to identify and mitigate hazards and potential dangers. Pneumatic conveying systems, which transfer powders or granules through pipelines using compressed air, and packaging processes, which involve stacking or moving goods onto pallets or carts, could lead to safety risks if not handled with care. Every employee must be trained in proper safety measures, such as the use of PPE, lockout/tagout procedures, and confined-space protocols.

Pneumatic Conveying Systems Safety 

One of the critical factors in preventing accidents near or around pneumatic conveying systems is proper system design. A well-designed, integrated system should have a reliable dust collection system to prevent exposure to harmful substances. It should also have pressure relief valves, emergency shut-off valves, and proper instrumentation and controls to regulate air pressure and monitor operations. In addition, a properly trained operator must ensure that the system is not overloaded and that the material being conveyed is within the system's capacity. Neglecting these basic precautions could result in serious injury, equipment damage, or even explosions.

Packaging Systems Safety 

Packaging areas, on the other hand, have different safety concerns. Common hazards include moving machinery, manual handling of heavy objects, and chemical exposure. Workers must be trained and equipped with PPE, such as gloves, goggles and respirators to prevent injuries. It is also essential to mark hazardous areas or objects to alert employees and to maintain a clean and well-organized workspace to prevent trips and falls. At every stage of the packaging process, employees must be vigilant and careful, following standardized procedures to ensure safe handling and transport.

Meet Magnum’s Partner in Protecting Employees 

Magnum partners with Mid-America Safety & Environmental, the Midwest region’s largest and most comprehensive safety training consultancy, to ensure we are on top of every aspect of employee safety. Their team comes in once a month and provides Magnum with both online and in-house training. Some training topics include CPR and hazardous waste. They also have monthly in-person toolbox meetings and walkthroughs. If any safety or non-compliance issues are found by either Mid-America or a Magnum team member, we assign that to the safety team to make sure things are fixed as quickly as possible.

We also have yearly training for forklifts, fires, fire, safety, and lockout/tagout. Over the last few years, Magnum has invested roughly $150,000 in safety efforts, and we have only had two accidents, with neither of those accidents causing lost time. Of course, one accident is one too many, but we maintain a strong focus on safety to keep them at bay. For a company of our size with a high number of people working in three different manufacturing facilities, these are impressive safety numbers.

Take care and remember to stay safe out there, both this month and throughout the year. Feel free to get in touch regarding safety and integrated solutions.