SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS
Safeguarding Sustainability By Jessica McNaughton and Paul “Max” Le Pera
In this installment of the
safeguarding your employees.
exposure to hazardous procedures. In
Sustainability Matters series, we
Within the confines of your facility,
addition, let’s not overlook the fact that
arrive at a topic argued to be one of
equipment must be safe to operate while
safer, happier employees are typically
the most crucial aspects of our work
sufficiently capable of carrying out
more productive.
in the fabrication industry: safety.
the necessary tasks securely. Forklifts,
Although it may appear disconnected
overhead cranes, carts and appropriate
from sustainability, it is critical.
tooling are indispensable for minimizing
Safety transcends routine practices
the physical strain on your employees.
and accident prevention and extends
Safety equipment, including hard
its influence through procurement
hats, gloves and other protective gear
processes — even delving into the
— notably respirators and masks for
components of materials. Without the
those exposed to airborne particles,
implementation of comprehensive safety
discussed further below — are widely
measures, not only do you jeopardize
recognized as essential tools. Continuous
the success of your business, but, more
from the manufacturing process to
and fundamental training on proper
importantly, you endanger the well-
installation. This ubiquitous material is
equipment operation is imperative to
being of your workforce. Sustainability
found in an array of products, including
uphold safety standards.
concrete, masonry and luxury quartzites,
means safeguarding the planet and its
Equipment continually evolves,
The Problem with Silica Crystalline silica has taken a prominent position within the industry, becoming a focus of discussions, as industry associations and their partners are actively engaged in finding ways to effectively mitigate risk and impart knowledge regarding its inherent dangers,
where it presents hazards if not handled
inhabitants; hence, safety is a paramount
becoming safer, more efficient and
concern.
with care and appropriate equipment.
reducing downtime. For instance,
Endeavors to ban engineered stone
transitioning from propane forklifts to
have surfaced in Australia and the United
electric alternatives can enhance safety by
States, particularly in California’s Los
From the moment you acquired
eliminating employee exposure to indoor
Angeles County. While the installed
your workshop, secured your workspace
fumes. Sustainable energy systems such
material is generally safe for end users,
and procured equipment, the safety of
as solar and water recapture mechanisms
architects and designers are keen to
individuals occupying these areas and
are pivotal to minimizing your facility’s
ensure safety and sustainability from the
commanding these machines should
environmental impact.
initial extraction phase to the end of its
The Making of a Safe Facility
Some equipment manufacturers
have been a top priority. Ensuring the
useful life.
well-being of your employees necessitates
introduce safety features post-purchase.
establishing standard safety procedures,
Remaining vigilant about equipment
as well as its subsequent fabrication
proper storage for blades and tools,
changes and upgrades can boost your
and polishing, entails inherent risks.
protective personal equipment, eyewash
bottom line and enhance your employees’
Although guidelines and standards exist
stations and more. Equally vital is the
efficiency, potentially allowing you to
for proper management, recent audits
presence of certified forklift operators and
accomplish more with fewer resources.
have uncovered a concerning number
material handlers and the implementation
Improved equipment handling and
of companies failing to adhere to these
of sound packaging and storage practices
increased automation of equipment-
norms.
— all of which are instrumental in
related processes can curtail employee
34 • Vol. 16 / Issue 4 • International Surface Fabricators Association
The extraction of crystalline silica,
A steadfast commitment to safety
