Episodios

  • Crane Buying Mistakes That Cost Millions

    Crane Buying Mistakes That Cost Millions
    Jul 31 2025

    When it comes to overhead cranes, the real cost isn’t always upfront. In this episode of Safety Factor, crane industry veterans share the most common buying mistakes that lead to catastrophic failures, expensive service calls, and constant downtime, and how to avoid them from the start.

    From mismatched duty cycles to proprietary parts and short-sighted procurement strategies, this episode unpacks the traps that cost operations hundreds of thousands—if not millions—over time.

    You’ll hear exactly what to avoid when buying a crane, so you don’t end up with years of breakdowns, ballooning costs, and downtime you can’t afford.

    "You've got cranes that are still in service that have been up for 40 years, and they're still serviceable, they're still solid, good cranes, and those cranes were sold right. You've got other cranes that were sold six months ago, and they're wore out already." - Kevin Brewer, Director of Service, Mazzella

    Episode Highlights:

    • Real-life crane failures and what caused them
    • Why specs—not price tags—should guide your next crane purchase
    • Understanding duty cycle and what it means for your uptime
    • How to compare crane quotes the right way
    • What makes a crane easier and cheaper to service long-term
    • How to explain crane needs to higher-ups or procurement

    Whether you're sourcing a new crane or stuck maintaining one that’s underperforming, this episode is packed with honest insights, technical expertise, and hard-earned lessons.

    This Episode Is Essential Listening For:

    • Operations managers in steel and mill environments
    • Procurement teams evaluating crane proposals
    • Engineers and maintenance leaders
    • Anyone responsible for uptime in a facility with overhead cranes

    Guests:

    • Jim Warren, Director of Steel Segment, Mazzella
    • Tim Gaydos, Crane Specialist, Mazzella
    • Kevin Brewer, Director of Service, Mazzella

    FREE Downloads:

    • Overhead Cranes E-Book: Overhead Cranes From Top To Bottom
    • 10 Things to Consider When Selecting an Overhead Crane for Your Business Checklist
    • Bridge Crane Quote Comparison Tool
    • Overhead Crane and Hoist Service E-Book: A Guide to Upgrades and Modernizations
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    26 m
  • Careers That Lift: Women Building the Industry’s Future #GLAD2025

    Careers That Lift: Women Building the Industry’s Future #GLAD2025
    Jun 12 2025

    In a special episode of Safety Factor, a panel of women leaders in the lifting industry share their diverse journeys and experiences. Discussing their unique backgrounds, from engineering to finance, and how they navigated their careers in a traditionally male-dominated field. They emphasize the importance of safety, innovation, and community within the industry, highlighting the familial atmosphere that keeps them engaged. Addressing the challenges of attracting new talent and the exciting intersection of digital and practical training. Ultimately, they celebrate their roles in making the industry safer and more inclusive.
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    38 m
  • Building on a Legacy: The Next Era of Mazzella Companies

    Building on a Legacy: The Next Era of Mazzella Companies
    Nov 8 2024
    Join us for the second episode in Mazzella Companies’ 70-year celebration series, as we delve into the journey of the third generation of Mazzella family leadership and their vision for the future of rigging, metal roofing, and rollforming equipment. In this episode of Safety Factor, we’re joined by Tony, Matt, and Adam Mazzella, who reflect on their family’s legacy, the core values they’ve inherited, and the exciting growth opportunities ahead for Mazzella Companies."To me, it’s not just the money side of it. It is, you know, how can we accentuate these core values even to another level, even to another level? And ultimately for us to be successful, that's what we have to do. It can’t just be here. It needs to be something that’s scalable. It needs to be something that we take everywhere,”- Adam Mazzella, President of Metals Division, Mazzella CompaniesIn this episode, listeners will hear:Stories of Mazzella’s growth into a national industry leader in lifting, rigging, metal coil supply, and Portable rollforming machineryThe challenges and achievements of the third generation, including expansion into crane manufacturing and metalsReflections on family legacy, work ethic, and the futureInsights into how the Mazzella team honors their foundational values while pushing forward with new technology and industry expertiseThis episode offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at three generations of Mazzella leadership. Hear candid reflections on the family dynamics, competitive spirit, and work ethic that have propelled the company forward. As Tony Mazzella shares, "They both have the grit to get it done."If you're a professional in rigging, lifting, or metal roofing, this episode offers a compelling look at the evolution of a family business and its impact on the industries it serves. Discover how Mazzella’s family legacy continues to inspire innovation, strengthen partnerships, and drive sustainable growth across the rigging and metal sectors.Guests:Tony Mazzella, CEO of Mazzella CompaniesAdam Mazzella, President of Sheffield Metals and New Tech MachineryMatt Mazzella, President of MazzellaBackground Reading & Watching:Mazzella Companies Celebrates 70th AnniversaryMatt Mazzella and Adam Mazzella Named Presidents of Mazzella Companies100th Birthday Tribute for Our Founder, Jim Mazzella, Sr.Complete Lifting & Metals Solutions: Mazzella Companies' CapabilitiesFREE Downloads:Mazzella Capabilities Brochure (English)Mazzella Capabilities Brochure (Spanish)Lifting & Rigging Learning Center Resources GuideSheffield Metals D7 Product BrochureNTM Product CatalogRelated Podcasts:Rigging Through the Ages: Mazzella’s 70-Year Journey as a Rigging Industry LeaderUnveiling AWRF’s Vision for the Future of Rigging Industry Safety and StandardsExploring Career Advancement in the Lifting Industry Through Industrial Training on Global Lifting Awareness DayAdapting to Wind Energy: The Evolution of the Lifting IndustryRaising the Bar: Enhancing Crane Lift Safety with TechnologyContact Mazzella:Schedule Remote or In-Person Rigging and Crane TrainingContact Mazzella's Rigging DivisionContact Sheffield MetalsContact New Tech MachineryDisclaimer: Any advice, graphics, images, and/or information contained herein are presented for general educational and information purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal, medical, or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate industry professionals. The information herein should not be considered exhaustive and the user should seek the advice of appropriate professionals.
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    46 m
  • Rigging Through the Ages: Mazzella's 70-Year Journey

    Rigging Through the Ages: Mazzella's 70-Year Journey
    Aug 13 2024
    Join us for a special episode of "Safety Factor" as we celebrate Mazzella Companies' 70-year journey in the rigging industry. This episode is a tribute to the legacy of innovation, dedication, and excellence that has defined Mazzella's history as a family-owned rigging industry leader.Hear from CEO Tony Mazzella and Co-owner Jim Mazzella as they share intimate details about the company's founding, key milestones, and the core values that have guided its success over seven decades."My dad's mentality of you got to be a lifelong learner. You got to stay with the times. You're either getting better, you're either moving forward or backward, there's no such thing as standing still. That's almost a mantra inside our company. And then the idea of humble, he was a very humble guy. He was hungry, he had a good work ethic, he was smart. And I mean that in his relationship with people. His, the people work for him, the vendors, the customers, that mentality of team. So all those things that we put on the wall today, in my mind, were directly from him. And that's what we grew up around our whole life, and deviating from them, I don't think we're here today." - Tony Mazzella, CEO of Mazzella CompaniesTony and Jim share captivating stories about their father, the founder, Jim Mazzella, Sr., and his groundbreaking contributions to rigging technology. From the invention of the 7-part™ Wire Rope Sling to the development of Mazzella's steel mill program, Mazzella has been at the forefront of industry advancements.Listeners will discover:The humble beginnings and relentless perseverance that laid the groundwork for Mazzella's lasting successKey innovations, including the invention of the 7-part™ Wire Rope Sling, that have shaped the rigging industryPivotal moments in Mazzella's growth, such as securing major steel mill accounts and expanding into new locationsThe core values that have sustained the company through changing times and guided it to becoming a rigging industry leaderInsights into the next generation of Mazzella leadership and the company's vision for the futureThis podcast episode is a must-listen for anyone working in the rigging industry. Mazzella's remarkable story provides invaluable insights into the evolution of the rigging business, from pioneering sling designs to navigating industry-shaping events like recessions and technological advancements. This episode offers a unique behind the scenes look at the history and future of the lifting and rigging industry.Guests:Tony Mazzella, CEO of Mazzella CompaniesJim Mazzella, Co-Owner of Mazzella CompaniesBackground Reading & Watching:Mazzella Companies Celebrates 70th AnniversaryMazzella Lifting Technologies lost a long-time employee on July 20, 2015—James “Jimmy the Jet” Murray. A Tribute to James “Jimmy the Jet” Murray—the World’s Fastest Wire Rope Splicer!Matt Mazzella and Adam Mazzella Named Presidents of Mazzella Companies100th Birthday Tribute for Our Founder, Jim Mazzella, Sr.Complete Lifting & Metals Solutions: Mazzella Companies' CapabilitiesLearn more about these real-world solutions and results! Mazzella Case StudiesFREE Downloads:Mazzella Capabilities Brochure (English)Mazzella Capabilities Brochure (Spanish)Lifting & Rigging Learning Center Resources GuideMazzella 7-Part™ Wire Rope SlingsRelated Podcasts:Unveiling AWRF’s Vision for the Future of Rigging Industry Safety and StandardsSteel’s Sprint From the Safety Stone AgeRaising the Bar: Enhancing Crane Lift Safety with TechnologyHow Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Are Revolutionizing Industrial TrainingContact Mazzella:Schedule Remote or In-Person Rigging and Crane TrainingContact Mazzella's Rigging DivisionDisclaimer: Any advice, graphics, images, and/or information contained herein are presented for general educational and information purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal, medical, or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate industry professionals. The information herein should not be considered exhaustive and the user should seek the advice of appropriate professionals.
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    43 m
  • Exploring Career Advancement in the Lifting Industry on Global Lifting Awareness Day #GLAD2024

    Exploring Career Advancement in the Lifting Industry on Global Lifting Awareness Day #GLAD2024
    Jul 18 2024
    Dive into the world of industrial lifting and rigging as we celebrate Global Lifting Awareness Day. We discuss how the industry has evolved as well as the importance of making your voice heard on Global Lifting Awareness Day. Then, this episode of Safety Factor delves into career advancement opportunities through specialized industrial training programs and features insights from industry experts. "This industry is going nowhere, Ben. I mean, the more you know, the more you grow, right? So the sky is really the limit for the lifelong learner, and the more education they get, the higher they can go in this industry." - JT Farley, Mazzella Customer TrainerEpisode Highlights:Global Lifting Awareness Day Recap: Ross Moloney revisits the highlights of last year's event and outlines the goals for 2024, emphasizing the importance of respecting quality products, maintaining rigorous inspection standards, and valuing industry expertise.Career Advancement through Industrial TrainingKey skills and certifications crucial for career growthIndustrial training programs offered by Mazzella and ITIHow to leverage training opportunities for career advancementThe importance of documented competency and qualificationsExpert advice for those new to the industryWhether you're operating cranes, rigging loads, or managing safety protocols, from newcomers to seasoned professionals, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how industrial training can propel your career in the lifting industry.This episode is essential listening for:Newcomers to the lifting and rigging industryExperienced professionals seeking career advancementSafety managers and trainersCompany owners and executives in industrial sectors#GLAD2024Guests:Ross Moloney, CEO at LEEAAmanda Long, Vice President of Sales at ITIJT Farley, Mazzella Customer TrainerBackground Reading:How Does Global Lifting Awareness Day Promote the Lifting Industry?How Is Technology Changing the Lifting and Rigging Industry?OSHA Inspection Series: How Can Lifting & Rigging Training Help with OSHA Compliance?How Is ITI Incorporating Technology Into Crane Operator Training?Why Pay for Lifting and Rigging Training When You Can Get it for Free?How to Get More Out of Your Rigging Training and Lift Training CoursesCrane Operator Training: Who’s Responsible for Training Your Employees?Ride Along with Al Abel – Day in the Life of a Lifting & Rigging TrainerOSHA Definitions of Competent, Qualified, Designated, & Certified PersonsOSHA, ASME, and ANSI: What They Do and How They’re DifferentFREE Downloads:Lifting and Rigging Best Practices InfographicMazzella / ITI Training Solutions BrochureOSHA Personnel Designations [Guide]Calculating Load Weight Pocket [Guide]Hierarchy of Fall Protection [Infographic]Contact Mazzella:Schedule Remote or In-Person Rigging and Crane TrainingContact Mazzella's Rigging DivisionDisclaimer: Any advice, graphics, images, and/or information contained herein are presented for general educational and information purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal, medical, or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate industry professionals. The information herein should not be considered exhaustive and the user should seek the advice of appropriate professionals.
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    46 m
  • Unveiling AWRF's Vision for the Future of Rigging Industry Safety and Standards

    Unveiling AWRF's Vision for the Future of Rigging Industry Safety and Standards
    Apr 18 2024
    The rigging industry has come a long way in prioritizing worker safety, moving from an era where fatalities were expected to a modern approach focused on rigorous standards and continuous improvement in rigging industry safety and standards. As AWRF members Tim Klein, Emily Wagner, Jeff Ferchen, and Terry Driscoll reveal, the association plays a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry through its technical committees, recommended practices and guidelines, and collaboration with other organizations."We're taking all that information and collecting it in the Recommended Practices and Guidelines. Whether it be the proper proof testing of a chain sling or a wire rope sling or a lever hoist, Swager Safety Guide, we have these documents that we've collected all of this information showing the proper way to do it, and we're continually updating those" - Tim Klein, PE, Senior Director – Structures at WireCoIn this episode, you'll gain insights into AWRF's vision for the future of rigging industry safety and standards, including:Emerging safety trends and the role of personal competencyThe impact of new technologies like load monitoring toolsStrategies for training the next generation of lifting professionalsThe importance of industry consolidation and global economicsOpportunities to get involved and contribute to AWRF's initiativesThis episode of Safety Factor is a must-listen for professionals across the rigging industry spectrum — from veterans to newcomers and from safety managers to CEOs. Whether you're a rigging professional, safety manager, or industry stakeholder, this episode offers a comprehensive look at AWRF's efforts to drive continuous improvement in rigging industry safety and standards.Guests:Terry Driscoll, Regional Sales Manager at MazzellaJeff Ferchen, Director, Business Development at The Caldwell Group, Inc.Emily Wagner, Co-Owner at JAGwire ManagementTim Klein, PE, Senior Director – Structures at WireCoBackground Reading:What Technological Advancements Have Made Lifting and Rigging Safer? How Is Technology Changing the Lifting and Rigging Industry?We are counting down our list of the top ten lifting technologies that are advancing the lifting industry. The Top Ten Lifting Technologies Advancing the IndustryWhat Is a Signalperson Responsible for on a Jobsite? What Are a Signalperson’s Responsibilities, According to ASME B30.2?What Must Be Done During the Operation of a Tower Crane? What Are Tower Crane Personnel Responsibilities, per ASME B30.3?What Does a Crane Operator Need to Do Before, During, and After a Lift? What Are an Overhead Crane Operator’s Responsibilities, According to ASME B30.2?How Important Is Knowing the Center-of-Gravity of a Load? How Do You Safely Lift Off-Center Loads?How To Perform a Lifting Clamp Inspection to ASME B30.20 StandardsWhat Is the BlokCam, and How Does It Make Lifts Safer?What devices can I use to properly secure loads for transport? What Is Load Securement, and What Standards Govern Safe Transport?Why Is Mazzella’s Process for Ordering Crane Ropes so Comprehensive?As a rigger or end-user of wire rope, it's important to understand the types of end terminations that can be used at the end of a length of wire rope. Wire Rope End Terminations: Sockets, Wire Rope Clips, and SplicesA Tribute to James “Jimmy the Jet” Murray—the World’s Fastest Wire Rope Splicer!FREE Downloads:Rigging Gear Inspection Field ReferenceASME B30 Markings and Identification GuideLifting & Rigging Inspection Frequencies & Records GuideSling Inspections E-Book: A Guide to Inspections & Applicable StandardsOverhead Crane / Hoist Operator Daily Inspection ChecklistDisposal of Damaged Rigging Gear GuideLifting and Rigging Best Practices InfographicLifting and Rigging Site Assessment Guide]Contact Mazzella:Schedule Remote or In-Person Rigging TrainingContact Mazzella's Rigging DivisionLegal Disclaimer: Any advice, graphics, images, and/or information contained herein are presented for general educational and information purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal, medical, or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate industry professionals. The information herein should not be considered exhaustive and the user should seek the advice of appropriate professionals.
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    34 m
  • Is Your Rigging at Risk? Experts Reveal Critical Inspection Tips

    Is Your Rigging at Risk? Experts Reveal Critical Inspection Tips
    Feb 29 2024
    Consistent rigging inspections identify damaged equipment before failures occur, preventing accidents and injuries. Not only do they prevent accidents and injuries, but documented inspections are required for OSHA compliance and can help companies avoid costly fines."When you look at the failure criteria for any type of item you're looking at, alloy chain slings, it's obviously written, and it's objective. It tells you a gouge, it tells you a weld burn, it tells you heat damage. But when you start to look at them, it becomes subjective to the person, to the individual actually looking at it. What is a gouge to me, and what is a gouge to you? And how much of a gouge are you going to allow in service? And how much of a gouge am I going to allow?"In this episode of Safety Factor, Inspection Managers Tom Horner and Bryan Holmgren of Mazzella explore the critical role of rigging inspections.Hear alarming stories of dangerous rigging found during inspectionsLearn what rigging inspection regulations and standards requireUnderstand what to look for in an inspection company’s qualificationsDiscover common hurdles to starting an inspection programGet advice on how to build a compliant and defendable inspection processFor EHS leaders, safety managers, maintenance managers, and operations leaders, this episode delivers vital insights on establishing documented rigging inspection programs to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.Guests:Tom Horner, Corporate Rigging Inspection Manager-Rigging Inspection Services at MazzellaBryan Holmgren, Regional Rigging Inspection Manager-Rigging Inspection Services at MazzellaBackground Reading:OSHA Inspection Series: How Important Are Rigging Inspections?At least one periodic inspection of your rigging equipment is required every 12 months (at a minimum) per OSHA and ASME. Learn more about inspection frequencies and the factors that can affect the cost of a periodic rigging inspection. How Much Does an OSHA/ASME Compliant Rigging Inspection Cost?These four simple questions can help make your rigging inspection run as smooth as possible and avoid surprises and extra charges during the course of a third-party rigging inspection. How to Plan and Prepare for a Third-Party Rigging Gear InspectionHow do I know if I received a good rigging inspection that keeps me in compliance with ASME standards? What Signs Will Show if My Rigging Inspection was ASME-Compliant?What to look for when selecting a third-party company to inspect your wire rope, chain slings, roundslings, and rigging hardware. How to Choose a Rigging Inspection Company for OSHA ComplianceSling Inspections, an online Lifting U™ course, is designed for anyone looking to learn how to inspect their lifting slings to OSHA & ASME standards. Mazzella Companies Launches Online Sling Inspection CourseDepending on the severity of the operating environment and frequency of use, your business may choose to integrate a more thorough and more frequent rigging inspection program. How Often Must Slings and Other Rigging Equipment Be Inspected?Identifying and removing unsafe lifting and rigging equipment is critical to a safe work environment and avoiding accidents and costly fines. Do You Know What Damaged and Unsafe Rigging Equipment Looks Like?No matter what the production process is, what’s being moved through the facility, or what type of rigging practices are being used, these are the most common problems we discover during the course of a rigging inspection. The 6 Most Common Problems Found During a Rigging Gear InspectionFREE Downloads:Sling Inspections E-Book: A Guide to Inspections & Applicable StandardsRigging Gear Inspection Field ReferenceLifting & Rigging Inspection Frequencies & Records GuideHarness Inspection ChecklistMazzella Cable SRL Field Inspection Reference GuideSynthetic SRL / Lanyard Inspection ChecklistContact Mazzella:Schedule Remote or In-Person Rigging TrainingContact Mazzella's Rigging DivisionLegal Disclaimer: Any advice, graphics, images, and/or information contained herein are presented for general educational and information purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal, medical, or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate industry professionals. The information herein should not be considered exhaustive and the user should seek the advice of appropriate professionals.
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    42 m
  • Mitigating Risks of Multi-Elevation Cranes

    Mitigating Risks of Multi-Elevation Cranes
    Jan 25 2024
    As steel mills utilize multiple cranes on varying elevations, collisions and injuries remain an ongoing concern. New technologies aim to address these challenges."The steel industry has predominantly been a little bit behind the technology curve, and really, we should be leading the curve. Because this is one of the most expensive downtime-related industries."In this episode, Laser-View Technologies president Steven Lubeck joins Mazzella crane experts Kenny Wright and Mark Shubel to explore crane safety within the steel industry.Hear how multi-elevation cranes are used in steel mills and the associated safety risksLearn about “no-fly zones” and other technologies to prevent collisionsDiscover how these technologies also improve productivity and efficiencyGet perspectives on balancing safety needs with cost considerationsFind out where they see the future of crane safety technology headedFor steel mill safety managers, maintenance managers, and steelmaking leaders, this Safety Factor episode delivers critical insights on emerging crane technologies to enhance safety, prevent downtime, and boost productivity.Guests:Steven Lubeck, President of Laser-View TechnologiesKenny Wright, Vice President of Process Cranes and Modernizations at MazzellaMark Shubel, Director of Crane Service Technical Training & Applications at MazzellaBackground Reading:How Can Collision Avoidance Systems Improve Jobsite Safety? How Do Collision Avoidance Systems Make Overhead Lifts Safer?With modern technologies becoming more readily available and more affordable, the safety features available for overhead crane systems have never been better. Overhead Crane Safety Systems: Modern Features and TechnologiesMany employers don’t understand who is responsible for providing training for employees who operate overhead crane equipment. Crane Operator Training: Who’s Responsible for Training Your Employees?How Does the No Touch® Electrode Handling System Make Steel Mills Safer?Keep Workers Safe With Elebia Automatic Hooks for Steel Mill RiggingWhat Technological Advancements Have Made Lifting and Rigging Safer? How Is Technology Changing the Lifting and Rigging Industry?FREE Downloads:Overhead Crane & Hoist Service E-Book: A Guide to Upgrades & ModernizationOverhead Cranes E-Book: Overhead Cranes From Top To BottomLifting & Rigging Site Assessment GuideLifting & Rigging Best Practices InfographicOverhead Crane / Hoist Operator Daily Inspection ChecklistRelated Podcasts:Steel’s Sprint From the Safety Stone AgeHow To Make Your Overhead Crane SaferHow To Make Your Overhead Crane More EfficientOverhead Cranes 2.0: How Automation is Revolutionizing Crane SafetyHow Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Are Revolutionizing Industrial TrainingContact Mazzella:Schedule Remote or In-Person Rigging TrainingContact Overhead Crane DivisionLegal Disclaimer: Any advice, graphics, images, and/or information contained herein are presented for general educational and information purposes and to increase overall safety awareness. It is not intended to be legal, medical, or other expert advice or services, and should not be used in place of consultation with appropriate industry professionals. The information herein should not be considered exhaustive and the user should seek the advice of appropriate professionals.
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    33 m