Band cutter in action
The construction industry has one of the highest levels of injuries and fatalities. Employers have to be more conscious of keeping employees safer on the job.
Although slips and falls are the biggest problems on many job sites, there are many other ways workers can be injured. One problem is the steel banding and straps that are used to in packaging.
This banding, whether it’s plastic or steel, is tedious to remove and cut up for removal. It’s also very hazardous. Workers can get cut or have their skin torn because of this banding.
Some workers have also received eye injuries. In Australia for example, it’s estimated that around three workers are injured each day due to steel banding. Many times, these injuries are preventable, if the worker was using proper safety equipment and taking the time to make sure all procedures are followed.
Using Band Cutters With Self-Dumping Hoppers
Roura’s self-dumping hoppers can handle all types of materials and come in all shapes and sizes. These hoppers are designed to handle different kinds of materials in a safe manner.
Steel banding should be cut down before being placed in the hopper to save space and prevent more injuries from occurring. Our engineers developed a band cutter which can be placed on the side of the hopper to cut the metal into pieces as it goes into the hopper.
Our band cutters are industrial-strength. It will stand up to the cumbersome, bulky metals and plastics that wrap around bricks or other types of materials.
The band cutter fits on the scrap hoppers and rotator boxes. Workers of any experience can operate the band cutter. The worker just has to position the piece of banding or strapping into the cutter, which is secured on the hopper, then start chopping.
Benefits of Using a Band Cutter
- Productivity increases because the cutting process is faster
- Reduction in serious injuries and accidents involving steel or plastic banding
- Easy to install and use
- Compatible with Roura products
- Durable performance
Band Cutters Are Just One Accessory for Hopper Safety
Self-dumping hoppers manufactured today are safer than ever before. Secure trip lever latches keep the hopper from falling over during transport.
Not only would it create a huge mess that would take an effort to clean up, workers could be injured or killed if the hopper falls. Some of the hoppers have release handles systems that allow workers to release a latch when seated on a forklift or another machine, keeping them out of harm’s ways.
Watertight covers increase safety, allowing for water runoff on the lids. Caster wheels on hoppers should operate smoothly and resist catching, even when rolling over dirt or trash.
Your hopper needs to be maneuverable and safe, no matter where it is. Band cutters are just one more instrument in the arsenal of tools available for safety at a construction site.
Having large slabs of granite or stone in the yard can also lead to a worker being accidentally crushed should one fall in his general vicinity. Massive slabs of rock and stone can be safely and securely stored preventing possible deaths in the workyard. Check out a granite a frame or look into incorporating granite racks into the work space of your adjacent warehouse.
Teach Operators to Put Safety First
An accident at a job site slows down productivity. First, there’s the task of taking care of the injured worker. Once the person is safely out of the way, the job site might have to be shut down for inspection while the equipment is inspected to ensure another accident will not occur.
Other workers might be hesitant to restart work once approval is granted. When employers focus on safety operations and protocols, no matter what deadline might be missed, workers stay safer on the job, saving time and money.
Contact Roura for hoppers and band cutters that meet your needs at your job site. For more than 100 years, we’ve been making hoppers and other products for the material handling industry.