Mazzella Companies

Will AI replace warehouse integrators anytime soon? The answer is no, but AI is already changing how customers research and interact with providers. From layout planning to inventory tracking, warehouse solutions experts are already seeing this AI-driven shift firsthand. Customers are now using AI platforms to do tasks in seconds that would normally take a specialist much longer to complete. To help understand these sudden changes and how warehouse integrators can use AI to their advantage, read this article from Stephen Johnson, Mazzella’s Vice President of Warehouse Solutions. Learn more: https://hubs.li/Q03G4Mzm0

Ever skip a “should” in a safety standard because it’s not a “shall”? That might cost you — especially if OSHA shows up.   In ASME standards, the word “shall” indicates a mandatory requirement, while “should” implies a strong recommendation. But here’s the catch:   If an incident occurs, and OSHA investigates, they may still cite you under the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act). This allows them to reference:  • Industry consensus standards (like ASME or ANSI)  • Manufacturer recommendations  • Even your own company’s written policies   So, even if something is phrased as a “should,” OSHA can still use that as the basis for a citation — especially if failing to follow it contributed to a hazard.   Bottom line: If a standard says “should,” treat it like a “shall” because in an investigation, it likely will be.   Want more rigging myth-busting? Watch the full safety video: https://lnkd.in/eXvmtZYz   Shop for Straps and Web Slings here!   ► https://lnkd.in/eEhmF4v4   Use This Tool To Determine Which Sling Is Best for Your Lift!   ► https://lnkd.in/eceZQT35 Legal Disclaimer: Any advice, graphics, images, and/or information contained herein are presented for general educational and information purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal, medical, or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate industry professionals. The information herein should not be considered exhaustive, and the user should seek the advice of appropriate professionals.

Everybody wants a safe crane until they see the price tag. So, which features really matter, and what happens when they’re left out? Laser-marked danger zones, no-touch rigging tools, and remote control systems. These safety features save lives, but they often get cut to decrease the final price. In this episode of Safety Factor, hear from Mazzella’s crane experts as they discuss why safety features get cut, how production pressures drive decisions, and what near-miss data can reveal about the true cost of cutting corners. Whether you’re specifying cranes, selecting safety systems, or building a CapEx case, this episode offers grounded advice on how to prioritize safety, even when budgets tighten. 🎧: https://hubs.li/Q03D_hcY0

“If the red thread is still hidden in your nylon sling, it’s safe to use.” Right? ❌ No. That’s a myth.   The red thread in a nylon sling is not a wear gauge. It’s an overload indicator. The red thread is made from a different material than the sling itself. If you see it that means your sling has been overloaded and needs to be removed from service. However, if you don't see it, that does not mean your web sling is good to go.   Before use, you still need to inspect that sling for cuts, tears, holes, abrasion, etc. All the removal criteria listed in ASME B30.9 Slings. Looking for that red thread should just be a part of your daily inspections.   Bottom line: The red thread does not replace a proper sling inspection.   Refer to ASME B30.9-2021, Section 9-5.9.5 for full removal criteria.   Watch the full video for an in-depth explanation. ► https://lnkd.in/eXvmtZYz Legal Disclaimer: Any advice, graphics, images, and/or information contained herein are presented for general educational and information purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal, medical, or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate industry professionals. The information herein should not be considered exhaustive, and the user should seek the advice of appropriate professionals.

When you’re investing in a new overhead crane, there’s one critical decision that often gets overlooked—whether to choose a crane built with proprietary parts or one designed with commercially available components. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) often design cranes with proprietary parts to secure long-term service contracts. By locking customers into their ecosystem, they ensure recurring revenue on maintenance, repairs, and replacement parts. Commercial parts, however, are sourced from common industrial manufacturers and are used across multiple crane brand, giving you more control and flexibility on how to repair and maintain your cranes. Our article will dive into: • The differences between proprietary and non-proprietary components • What you risk when you're locked into a single source • Why part availability should factor into your buying decision • How you can evaluate crane and hoist component flexibility Read the full article here: https://hubs.li/Q03CWr6P0

The McKay Bay Waste-to-Energy facility is responsible for powering over 15,000 homes in Tampa, Florida. The problem? Their overhead cranes were outdated by at least 20 years. With their old cranes malfunctioning, it became increasingly difficult to find parts to repair them. With no easy way to access the cranes—as the facility had a concrete roof that couldn’t be taken off, and below that was a 30’ deep pit filled with garbage—fixing them was an engineering and logistics nightmare. However, the folks at McKay Bay now enjoy: - Semi-automated cranes that increase ease-of-use - Shorter cycle times - Safer working environments for employees - Decreased mechanical failures and downtime Learn more about McKay Bay’s success story in our latest case study: https://hubs.li/Q03CFxJn0 No matter how challenging your next project is, Mazzella has the tailored solutions and expertise to help you get it done. Contact a team member to learn more: https://hubs.li/Q03CFv_Q0

Day 2 of the Marketing team’s team-building adventure was one for the books (literally)! We kicked things off with dim sum and delicious Chinese food at Li Wah, then rolled up our sleeves at the CLEVELAND KIDS' BOOK BANK. Sorting books in a warehouse with no A/C? Let’s just say we earned our sweat equity 😅   We were pumped to hear they’re moving to a climate-controlled space this fall—next visit = less sweat, more sort! And we’ve got our eyes on their Sip and Sort nights…sounds like the perfect excuse to bring coworkers and their plus-ones for a little sorting and a lot of fun🍷📚   Cheers to great food, giving back, and growing stronger as a team. Sad to see our out-of-towners head home—come back soon! Not pictured but sorely missed were Mike Close and Steven B.! #TeamBuilding #DimSumAndService #ClevelandEats #GiveBack #VolunteerDay #BookBankLove #WorkCulture #TeamBonding #SharedServicesStrong #ClevelandKidsBookBank

Cotter pins on bolt-type shackles. Annoying? Yes. Optional? Absolutely not. The cotter pin on a bolt-type shackle isn’t just there for looks or legal coverage — it’s a critical safety component. Without it, the nut can slowly back off under vibration or load shifts, causing the pin to come loose and potentially drop the load. In short: no cotter pin = no positive retention = no compliance. According to ASME B30.26, all components of a shackle must be properly secured and used as intended by the manufacturer. If the cotter pin is missing, you are no longer meeting the standard. ASME B30.26-1.9.4 Rigging Practices (b) If a shackle is designed for a cotter pin, the cotter pin shall be used and maintained in good working condition. Watch the full video for an in-depth explanation. ► https://lnkd.in/eXvmtZYz Legal Disclaimer: Any advice, graphics, images, and/or information contained herein are presented for general educational and information purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal, medical, or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate industry professionals. The information herein should not be considered exhaustive, and the user should seek the advice of appropriate professionals.

Think all shackle pins are interchangeable between brands? That’s a dangerous assumption. According to ASME B30.26, Section 26-1.8.5, replacement parts like shackle pins must meet or exceed the original manufacturer's specifications. If you mix pins between manufacturers — even if they fit — you are no longer operating within certified tolerances or maintaining the original Working Load Limit (WLL). Why? Different manufacturers may use: • Slightly different thread pitches or diameters • Varying materials or heat treatments • Different tolerances or design factors Only exception: Some manufacturers, like Columbus McKinnon, allow interchangeability within their own product lines — but this is not universal and only valid when explicitly stated. Bottom line: Mixing shackle pins between brands voids compliance and introduces real safety risks. Always match your pin to the shackle’s make and model. 🎯 Don’t want to mix your shackle components by mistake? Download this free Shackle Identification Guide to identify Crosby, CM, and Green Pin components by their markings: https://hubs.li/Q03Byw1T0 Legal Disclaimer: Any advice, graphics, images, and/or information contained herein are presented for general educational and information purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal, medical, or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate industry professionals. The information herein should not be considered exhaustive, and the user should seek the advice of appropriate professionals.

Are you about to invest in an overhead crane? Before you do, listen to this podcast. Too many companies make the same mistake: they buy based on price instead of performance. Consequently, they end up paying for it with costly downtime, frequent repairs, and production headaches. In this episode of Safety Factor, our crane experts break down: - The real cost of buying cranes on price alone - Why specs, not price tags, should guide your decision - How to compare quotes the right way - What serviceability means for your uptime and ROI - And more! Don’t buy a crane that won’t last. Listen now: https://hubs.li/Q03Bk3F00