Companies have a responsibility to ensure workplace safety. When evaluating safety options, they need to decide whether to opt for a quick fix from a safety product provider or invest in a comprehensive machine safety solution. While product suppliers may offer a persuasive sales pitch, businesses can easily be misled into purchasing the wrong solution due to a lack of insight and information. Let’s explore why choosing a safety solutions provider is the smarter choice over simply buying safety products.
DIY Install vs. Professional Install
One of the biggest factors that any company should consider when evaluating machine safety equipment is installation. Many businesses familiar with their machines assume they can simply order standard machine guarding and install it themselves. However, before opting for a DIY installation, consider these critical questions:
- Do I know which safety solutions best fit my specific safety needs?
- Will this off-the-shelf solution be compatible with my machine?
- Am I confident in my understanding of OSHA regulations and ANSI standards for compliance?
- Do I know how to properly construct barrier guards, position electronic safety devices, and integrate them into my system?
These questions are often overlooked when purchasing machine guarding solutions. Partnering with a safety solution provider ensures these questions are fully addressed, and validates that your machines are both safe to operate and compliant with industry standards. Attempting a DIY installation means taking on these challenges alone, potentially compromising the effectiveness and compliance of your facility’s machine safety measures.
Installation Time
We often underestimate how long a project will take, especially when it's unfamiliar territory. This is a common challenge for facilities that choose to handle installations themselves. They set aside time to install safety guards, expecting a smooth process. But when unexpected issues arise—such as parts not fitting, incorrect sizing, or incompatibility with the machine—progress is quickly delayed. If the problem isn’t quickly resolved, daily responsibilities take priority, and the installation gets pushed aside. Before long, uninstalled safety equipment sits waiting while operators continue working on unprotected machines, exposed to hazards.
By hiring a safety solutions provider, you get a dedicated team focused solely on completing your machine guarding installation efficiently. With the right tools, experience, and knowledge, we ensure the job is done on time and in full compliance with today’s safety standards.
Price
The most crucial factor when choosing a safety guard provider is looking beyond the upfront cost. At first glance, purchasing safety products directly and figuring out the rest later may seem like the most cost-effective option. However, as we've discussed, relying on a DIY solution to protect your machine operators can leave your business vulnerable to accidents and liability in the long run.
While buying safety products directly may save money upfront, it could lead to costly liability issues down the road.
When evaluating a machine guarding solution for your facility, it's important to consider the full value that a turnkey safety solution provides, which includes:
- Onsite Guarding Review
- Custom Safety Design
- Manufacturing and Assembly
- Nationwide Installation
- Preventative Maintenance
While the upfront cost and convenience of purchasing safety products directly may be appealing, it comes with hidden risks that can lead to future problems. Partnering with a safety solutions provider ensures you get the right equipment, properly installed and fully compliant with today’s safety standards.
Ready to invest in professional guarding solutions? Contact us today to learn how we can help you create a safer work environment with our machine guarding contractors.
