For operations like oil and gas that involve hazardous processes, change management can be a matter of life and death. Operational failures resulting from insufficiently planned changes can result in catastrophic events.

As the world population reaches 9.2 billion by 20401 and the global GDP likely to double over that same period₂, demand for goods and energy is increasing as living standards continue to rise. To meet these needs, the industrial sector has been facing mounting pressure to quickly increase production.

Safety circuits used in machine guarding applications incorporate devices such as sensors and relays to de-energize equipment if any hazardous condition is detected. These conditions normally involve a machine guard not being closed, a presence sensor detecting personnel in an unsafe area or the triggering of an emergency stop function.

Occupational slips, trips, and falls on the same level (STFL), have been a severe problem in the workplace for decades. Some of the most recent data about their financial impact on business comes from the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index.

Americans are living longer and working longer, resulting in an unprecedented transfor-mation of the workplace, according to the United States Senate’s Special Committee on Aging.

Let us step back and reflect on the sweat, blood and tears that built this great nation. Think about the men and women that gave their lives. Labor Day is the day for us to remember these great workers. We should celebrate their lives, accomplishments, learn from their mistakes, and hold them in great regard every day of the year.