West Coast Port Traffic Slows as Labor Uncertainly Continues

The amount of cargo moving through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach was down slightly in July as retailers braced for a possible strike by dockworkers this fall. The ports were bustling in May and June as retailers rushed to shore up their inventories in preparation for back-to-school shopping. But by July, the … Read more

Frommelt Safety Is Out; Rite-Hite Machine Guarding Is In

Starting next week, the company known as Frommelt Safety Products will be known officially as Rite-Hite Machine Guarding. Company officials said the name change is part of an overall initiative to further strengthen and focus the Rite-Hite brand, which owns the Frommelt Safety Products line. While the name will change, the product line will remain … Read more

Robots Continue their Quest for World Domination

The North American robotics industry showed its largest growth ever during the first half of this year, according to statistics released recently by the Robotic Industries Association. A record 14,135 robots, worth $788 million, were ordered from North American robotics firms from January until June. That’s an increase of 30% in units and 16% in … Read more

Moving Rollers, Conveyors Present Hazards to Workers

The conveyor belts and rollers that make production lines and manufacturing facilities run efficiently also present a potential to hazard to workers. Even slow-moving conveyors or rollers can catch clothing, fingers and even limbs inside their moving parts, often resulting in crushing or mangling injuries. But a UK engineering firm has designed a new roller … Read more

Driver Shortage Causing Concern among Trucking Companies

The number of truck drivers in the US is rapidly diminishing, which is causing some trucking companies to consider something they have long avoided: Paying higher wages. Some of the nation’s biggest trucking firms — including Swift Transportation, Con-way Truckload and US Xpress — are offering higher wages in an effort to secure more new … Read more

Forklift Thief Leads Pursuers in Low-Speed Chase

In what could be considered a slowed-down Australian version of “The Dukes of Hazzard”, an apparently intoxicated man driving a stolen forklift led pursuers on a slow-speed chase for several miles before jumping off the vehicle and being captured by police. The incident began Sunday, August 10, when Chris  Ruane was visiting a friend in … Read more