Rockford Systems, LLC has announced it will be commemorating National Manufacturing Day, October 6, 2017, with an Open House featuring a machine safety presentation, interactive safeguarding demonstrations, networking with machine safeguarding specialists, participation in the #selfieforsafetycommunity service campaign, refreshments and a free gift bag for attendees. Students, educators, community and business leaders are invited to learn about machine safeguarding and its role in the manufacturing process.
At its Open House, Rockford Systems will be providing visitors with an overview of machine safeguarding, the focus of its business since 1971 when its founders introduced an easy-to-install package that allowed metal fabricators to meet new OSHA regulations safeguarding punch presses, hydraulic presses and press brakes. "The company's focus, then and today, is to help prevent machine operator injuries and deaths," said a company spokesperson. "More than 18,000 injuries occur annually due to a lack of safeguarding equipment on machines and operator error. It is estimated that less than 50% of manufacturing machinery currently in use in the U.S. meets federal safety regulations," said a company spokesperson.
"We are excited to have the opportunity to showcase what Rockford Systems does and how it is contributing to a safer manufacturing work environment across North America," said Carrie Halle, Vice President of Marketing for Rockford Systems. "In addition, it is a great chance for use to highlight the economic importance of manufacturing in general, and to draw attention to rewarding manufacturing careers for students."
Halle wishes to dispel the outdated myth that American manufacturing remains in the dark ages of manual labor: "We want to inspire students by making them aware that modern manufacturing is at the cutting edge of technology. Manufacturing is an exciting, challenging career where the rise of industrial networks, robotics and automation have dramatically altered the workplace in a positive way."
Rockford Systems will be hosting five Open House sessions on October 6, starting at 8 AM and running until 6 PM. Attendees are invited to spend time at the Headquarters Training Center for a machine safety presentation and interactive demo, whereby attendees will learn about machine safety from safeguarding specialists and experience 15 safeguarded metalworking machines operating under power. These machines (including power presses, press brakes, an engine lathe, a Bridgeport drill, a drill press, a grinder, spot welders and a riveter) are equipped with more than one type of safeguarding product so that attendees can see how different guards and devices can be applied and used.
After the presentation, attendees are invited to network with safeguarding specialists and participate in the #selfieforsafety community service campaign, designed to raise student awareness of the importance of machine safeguarding and to help fund the upgrading of safety equipment in the machine shops of several public high schools in Rockford, IL. Attendees are required to wear closed-toe shoes and tie long hair back. Safety glasses will be provided.
For more information contact:
Rockford Systems, LLC
4620 Hydraulic Road
Rockford, IL 61109
800-922-7533
www.rockfordsystems.com
National Association of Manufacturers
www.mfgday.com