February 2026

Inside the February Issue

 

 

Rethink How to Move Material: How Material Handling Carts Support Safer Operations
BY EMILY KEINATH

Workplace-related injuries cost U.S. companies more than $58 billion in medical expenses and lost wages, according to Liberty Mutual’s 2025 Workplace Injury report.

Overexertion is the number one cause of those injuries, largely due to manual material handling, accounting for $13.7 billion in costs.

“There are upwards of 62,000 injuries per year related to material handling equipment,” said Samantha Taylor, product manager at Amigo Mobility, a developer of motorized material handling cars. “It’s kind of scary when you think about it, because you want to ensure that your employees are safe, that when they go to work, they’re able to do their, job not only efficiently, but that they’re not going to hurt themselves.”

As the safety manager of Boride Engineered Abrasives, Ernie Fryer needed to eliminate the risk of pulling and tugging extremely heavy manual carts, but he needed a solution that is compact and maneuverable in a 22,000 square-foot manufacturing facility.

Because Amigo’s material handling carts are smaller and lighter than other carts or large industrial trucks, they’ve had a significant effect on material movement efficiency and safety in the facility.

“Pulling and tugging 1,000 lb. carts was an extreme risk from an ergonomic standpoint, and the Amigo cart has eliminated that threat from our facility,” said Fryer.

Amigo uses a stand-up design intended to improve visibility for the operator and for others working nearby. Full story »

 

 

today's news

ABC Applauds Trump Speech; Seeks Merit Shops For Fed Contract

BSM Staff | 02.25.26

WASHINGTON – The Associated Builders and Contractors, an industry trade association, lauded the President’s focus on the economy in his State of the Union Address Tuesday night and strongly urged the president to restore government neutrality in federal contracting.

Full article »

ABCO Shares Tips for Facilities to Spring Clean

BSM Staff | 02.25.26

MIAMI -- To help facilities stay ahead of increased foot traffic in the spring travel season, ABCO Cleaning Products, a provider of sustainable cleaning tools, is sharing practical tips for maintaining clean, welcoming spaces during peak travel.

Full article »

ISSA Charities Honors Sardone via Scholarship

BSM Staff | 02.24.26

ROSEMONT, IL -- In recognition of its 20th anniversary, the Cleaning for a Reason Debbie Sardone Scholarship was established by ISSA Charities to honor the visionary leadership, enduring influence, and profound impact of the organization’s founder.

Full article »

Swiss Invest in SwiftConnect Access Control

BSM Staff | 02.24.26

RUMLANG, Switzerland -- SwiftConnect Inc., a developer of IT systems for physical access management, has announced a strategic investment by dormakaba, a Swiss access and security company.

Full article »

Aero Velocity’s Drone Service to Clean Exteriors

BSM Staff | 02.23.26

MINNETONKA, MN -- Aero Velocity Inc., a provider of commercial drone operations and aerial robotics, has initiated a strategic alliance with SoftWash Systems, a pioneer of environmentally responsible exterior cleaning solutions.

Full article »