The steel processing industry involves the transformation of raw steel into a variety of products that we use in our daily lives. However, it’s no secret that steel processing equipment can be dangerous if safety protocols are not followed.

When safety measures aren’t taken, workers are exposed to risks such as falls, cuts, burns, and heavy equipment accidents. Therefore, addressing safety concerns in steel processing is of utmost importance.

Why is equipment design critical for safety in steel processing?

Equipment design is critical for the safety of your workers—and for your bottom line. It helps reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, improves efficiency and productivity by reducing downtime, and keeps your steel mill compliant with safety standards and regulations.

Let’s discover some equipment design considerations that help mitigate safety risks in the steel processing industry.

Automation

In order to keep workers safe, it’s important to reduce the need for hands-on exposure to equipment. Automation can help reduce the risk of injury by eliminating the need for workers to manually perform hazardous tasks. For example, designing equipment that automatically feeds steel into the processing machine can eliminate the need for workers to physically lift heavy loads.

Ergonomics

One of the essential design considerations for steel processing equipment is ergonomics. Ergonomic design aims to make equipment comfortable and safe to use by reducing the risk of repetitive motion injuries, strains, and sprains.

For example, designing equipment with adjustable heights, proper handle grips, and footrests can help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders that develop over time.

Guarding

Guarding refers to barriers, covers, or shields that prevent access to hazardous areas of the equipment.

For example, designing equipment with interlocked guards that automatically shut down the machine when the guard is opened can help prevent injuries from moving parts.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance is crucial for ensuring safe, efficient operation of equipment. Therefore, equipment should be designed with ease of maintenance in mind. It should be safe and accessible to ensure that maintenance workers perform their duties quickly and safely.

Use the Right Equipment

Safety is a top priority in steel processing. Start off on the right foot by choosing equipment designed to address safety concerns.

At Kent Corporation, we engineer quality steel processing equipment with safety and efficiency in mind. And, we partner with world-class steel processing equipment manufacturers who focus on safety in order to offer you a complete line of equipment.

Finally, we’re here to help you optimize the performance of your machinery right from the start. We provide installation assistance, setup and training to ensure seamless integration and increased safety measures. We also provide comprehensive mechanical and technical support for your tube mill, roll forming, stamping and strip processing equipment.

Interested in learning more about Kent Corporation? Reach out today to find out how we can help your production line.