Employee safety is an important factor in every industry. According to the International Labor Organization, more than 2.78 million people die as a result of occupational accidents or work-related diseases each year. The organization tracks a further 374 million non-fatal work-related injuries a year, as well.  High-risk applications — where people are operating heavy machinery, maneuvering large loads, or working in confined spaces, overhead or at heights — account for a significant percentage of these injuries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported nearly 200,000 non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses in the construction industry alone in 2018.

Though refractory installation techniques and equipment have evolved over the years to offer increased safety, there are still a number of risks involved with the process. Cultivating a culture of safety on the jobsite is key to making sure every shift ends without incident. To help further on-site efforts, original equipment manufacturers have often been at the forefront of safety initiatives in the refractory industry, providing innovative equipment that addresses the specific risks of refractory installation.