National Safety Month: Reinforcing Conveyor Safety Best Practices

At Martin Engineering, safety isn’t just a priority—it’s part of our DNA. As we observe National Safety Month, we’re reinforcing a critical, year-round message: a safe conveyor system is a productive conveyor system. 

Whether your operation moves coal, aggregates, grain, or other bulk materials, conveyor systems are the backbone of your production. But with that power comes risk. Unsafe equipment or outdated practices can lead to injuries, downtime, or worse. That's why our mission includes not only making bulk handling cleaner and more efficient, but also significantly safer. 

The Most Common Conveyor Safety Hazards 

Working with customers across different industries for over 80 years, we often see recurring safety issues such as: 

• Unprotected pinch points and moving parts 

• Excessive spillage and dust 

• Inadequate guarding or signage 

• Poorly maintained or outdated equipment 

• Lack of employee training 

These hazards are preventable. Simple, inexpensive, and effective upgrades, as well as enforcing proper safety protocols, can ensure your operation is doing its part to reduce safety risks and improve morale.  

5 Conveyor Safety Best Practices 

1. Guarding is a Must—Not an Option
   Properly installed and maintained conveyor guards protect workers from contact with moving parts. Our conveyor guarding offers a customizable and durable solution that makes inspections easy while keeping safety front and center.
2. Minimize Dust and Spillage
   Airborne dust and fugitive material aren’t just housekeeping concerns—they’re health and fire hazards. Our dust control and skirting systems are designed to keep materials in place, protect the environment, and safeguard your people.
3. Stay Ahead with Preventive Maintenance
   Small issues can escalate fast. Regular inspections and component maintenance prevent failures, keeping employees from having to act fast while in close proximity to conveyor hazards. Our Walk the Belt™ audits help you identify weak points before they become problems.

1. Train Like Safety Depends on It—Because It Does
   Even the best equipment needs knowledgeable operators. Our Foundations™ training programs empower your crew with real-world safety awareness, tailored to your site and materials.
2. Automate the Dangerous Tasks
   Why put workers near moving equipment when you don’t have to?  Our innovative air cannons, vibration solutions, and remote monitoring technology reduce the need for manual intervention and minimize exposure.
   

Safety Culture Starts with Leadership 

We don't just talk the talk, we walk the walk. We’re proud of our internal safety initiatives—from daily check-ins to proactive hazard reporting. We believe that when leaders set the standard, teams follow with confidence. 

This month, and every month, we encourage operations worldwide to take a closer look at their conveyor systems. Are they safe? Are they efficient? Could they be enhanced? 

Let’s work together to make bulk material handling safer for your team, your bottom line, and the future.