in Steel Fabrication:
Best Practices
Steel fabrication is one of North America’s most steadily growing industries, expanding at an average rate of 1.2% per year between 2018 and 2023. Despite the size of this $45 billion industry, the sector presents inherent risks due to heavy machinery operation, high-temperature processes, and working at heights. At Saskarc, we recognize these challenges and have built a safety-first culture that ensures the well-being of our employees while maintaining the highest standards in steel fabrication.
Safety is at the core of our production operations; it’s our number one value and remains the cornerstone of everything that we do. Our structured safety programs ensure that employees are well-equipped to manage workplace risks. Weekly toolbox meetings bring the production team together to align on key safety protocols, while daily team huddles and start-of-shift Toolbox Meetings reinforce hazard awareness and best practices. These regular touchpoints allow us to address risks in real-time and maintain an efficient workflow without ever compromising safety.
In addition to these proactive measures, we track and communicate all safety-related metrics to the entire Saskarc team during our bi-monthly all-staff meetings. Employees are encouraged to report safety concerns, allowing us to identify trends and implement corrective actions swiftly. Our internal Health and Safety Committee, comprised of representatives from various departments, meets on a quarterly basis to discuss and address any safety-related topics, ensuring a well-rounded approach to workplace safety.
Safety is at the core of our production operations; it’s our number one value and remains the cornerstone of everything that we do. Our structured safety programs ensure that employees are well-equipped to manage workplace risks. Weekly toolbox meetings bring the production team together to align on key safety protocols, while daily team huddles and start-of-shift Toolbox Meetings reinforce hazard awareness and best practices. These regular touchpoints allow us to address risks in real-time and maintain an efficient workflow without ever compromising safety.
In addition to these proactive measures, we track and communicate all safety-related metrics to the entire Saskarc team during our bi-monthly all-staff meetings. Employees are encouraged to report safety concerns, allowing us to identify trends and implement corrective actions swiftly. Our internal Health and Safety Committee, comprised of representatives from various departments, meets on a quarterly basis to discuss and address any safety-related topics, ensuring a well-rounded approach to workplace safety.
The risks associated with steel fabrication are broad-ranging, and we take a comprehensive approach to mitigating them. Some of the most common hazards include:
Moving machine parts can result in severe workplace injuries, including cuts, amputations, and burns. We ensure all equipment is safeguarded and that employees are properly trained in correct machine operation and handling.
Faulty electrical connections can lead to shocks or burns. Thanks to our dedicated Maintenance Team, we are able to prioritize regular equipment maintenance and training, ensuring workers are kept safe.
Steel fabrication processes can sometimes release harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, as well as toxic fumes when welding. Our facility is equipped with ventilation systems, gas detection devices, and proper respiratory protection to ensure worker safety.
Sometimes, fabrication tasks require working on elevated platforms. We implement stringent fall protection measures and employee training to reduce risks associated with elevated working settings.
High temperatures can cause burns and heat-related injuries, which can happen when preforming tasks such as welding, preheating steel, and post-heating steel. We provide protective gear and enforce best practices for working in high-temperature environments to do everything we can to mitigate these risks.
Faulty electrical connections can lead to shocks or burns. Thanks to our dedicated Maintenance Team, we are able to prioritize regular equipment maintenance and training, ensuring workers are kept safe. t
Prolonged exposure to loud machinery can cause hearing loss. We enforce CCOHS-mandated hearing protection protocols and train our team in best-practices when working is such conditions.
The risks associated with steel fabrication are broad-ranging, and we take a comprehensive approach to mitigating them. Some of the most common hazards include:
The Role of Safety Training Programs
At Saskarc, safety is deeply embedded in our continuous improvement culture. We strive to create an efficient and organized work environment through our Lean/5S system while ensuring all staff receive comprehensive training in every process they perform. This focus on training and organization minimizes risks and reinforces safe work practices across all levels of our company.
Our facility is equipped with state-of-the-art automated and robotic equipment, all safeguarded with properly maintained protective measures. Employees are provided with the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and are trained to operate machinery safely. We also ensure that an adequate number of First Aid-trained team members are always present on-site, ensuring we are always able to respond quickly to any incidents.
Key Safety Standards in the Steel Fabrication Industry
Saskarc’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety and quality standards is backed by multiple industry-recognized certifications. Some of our certifications include:
At the heart of our safety commitment is a simple but important goal: ensuring that every team member goes home safely to their family at the end of the day. By fostering a strong safety culture, implementing best practices, adhering to all industry standards, and keeping up clear communication with the whole team, we create a work environment where safety is a shared responsibility.
Another important beneficiary of Saskarc’s dedication to safety is our clients. We know that when safety comes first, everything else follows—efficiency, quality, and reliability for us and our valued customers. Our commitment to workplace safety makes us a leader in our industry, with our safe and streamlined fabrication processes consistently allowing us to deliver projects on time, maintain the highest quality, and reduce project timelines and costs through preventing accidents and incident delays.
At Saskarc, we don’t just meet safety standards; we set them. Partner with us for steel fabrication projects that prioritize safety, quality, and efficiency. Contact us today to learn more about our commitment to safety and best practices.
