Welcome to the first Manufacturing Upgraded of 2019, in which we show you how technology can be both a cause for risks (in some unconventional ways, too…) but mostly a solution. Let’s take a look at what you can do today to tackle modern safety risks.

Online safety in manufacturing

Cybersecurity is one of the biggest modern safety concerns for companies worldwide, and as the attacks get more creative, safety measures need constant revision and updates. Gregory Garrett reports that there’s been a 350% increase in ransomware attacks, a 250% increase in spoofing and a 70% increase in phishing attacks in 2018. This is the challenge for 2019: how can you protect your business against this continuing onslaught? Guarding e-mails is one part, but manufacturing business also has to make sure their information systems and even machinery are safe from attacks. Find out how to protect your business by reading this extensive analysis of EHS Today!

Don’t sit on your phone, trust us

It might seem obvious as to why that’s a bad idea, but it happens more quickly than you think: you have your phone in your back pocket, forget that it’s there, and sit down at your desk or in your car. But an unfortunate soul from Ohio recently had his phone combust in his pocket, leading to some back-side injuries. EHS Daily Advisor reports that this is not an entirely uncommon occurrence for people who always keep their phones in their back pockets. The batteries may overheat, and then the fire is not far away. Finally, there is at least one advantage of women’s trousers with ridiculously small pockets that don’t even fit a credit card! Read the full story here, and keep that phone in another pocket!

E-tools for vehicle safety

EU-OSHA released notes on a seminar they organized, dealing entirely with vehicle-related risks and the e-tools you can use to manage them. All tools they included in their list are free to use and aimed at mitigating risk linked to professional transport, and everything that entails. The list includes risk assessment tools, an e-guide on safety, and some useful road safety tips. Thanks, EU-OSHA! Go check it out here.

Webinar: Supply Chain Visibility

IndustryWeek is hosting a free webinar on the 23^rd of January on managing your supply chain flow end-to-end. The webinar will help you gain insight into your supply chain, take action based on those insights, and identify problem areas as well as opportunities for growth and improvement. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Register here.

It’s been a pleasure, as always, and thank you for reading. Want to find out how 2019 is going to transform manufacturing? Subscribe and you’ll be the first to go on that journey with us. We’re happy to have you!