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
After 100 Years, BILCO Poised for More Success
NEW HAVEN, CT -- As it enters its second century in business, the long-term horizon for BILCO, a manufacturer of metal products and basement doors, promises a renewed emphasis on growth, modernization and expanded market presence.
Carrier Debuts Generative AI in Assistant App
KENNESAW, GA -- Carrier Abound has introduced “Tell Me More,” its new generative AI–powered feature within its Abound Insights Assistant application that provides additional context and actionable guidance for building operations teams.
Relay Resources Names HR Vets to Executive Team
PORTLAND, OR -- Relay Resources, a nonprofit committed to advancing disability inclusion in janitorial, landscaping, and floor care services, has added two senior leaders to its executive team.
Vac-Con Names Enviro-Clean for Colorado Sales
GREEN COVE SPRINGS, FL -- Vac-Con, a manufacturer of industrial vacuum and sewer cleaning equipment, has named Enviro-Clean Equipment as its newest dealer in Colorado.
Essity’s Buy of Feminine Care Biz Finalized
STOCKHOLM – Essity, a hygiene and health company, has completed its acquisition of Edgewell Personal Care’s feminine care business for $340 million.









