2020 is right around the corner, and in the last year, our industry has seen countless technological advances, pushes for sustainability and diversity, and increasing importance placed on streamlined supply chains. From new technologies in lighting to women driving change in the construction industry and industry-leading webinars to digital transformation technologies, the WESCO Blog highlights timely topics to help you and your business keep up with industry trends. Spanning multiple industries and topics, here are our top 12 most popular articles from 2019. How Big Data Will Impact the Utility Industry This Year Tapping into big data will help those in the energy and utility industries provide better service, improve communications, and resolve issues in a timely manner. Bringing the IoT and AI into the world of big data is a trend expected to grow in the next few years. Read the article. Why Electrical Workers Are the Unsung Heroes of Dangerous Jobs When thinking about dangerous jobs, electrical work is one that may not always be top of mind. In reality, electrical work is one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States. The NFPA-70E, developed at OSHA’s request, provides detailed information on safe work practices. Brush up on the safety practices outlined in NFPA-70E to make sure everyone goes home at night. Read the article. 8 Reasons to Invest in a Lighting Retrofit Upgrade Upgrading to LED lighting reduces energy consumption and typically shows a rapid return on your investment. When considering a lighting retrofit for your facility, there are several benefits to keep in mind. Improving site safety and enhancing aesthetics are just a few. Read the article. The Need for Nitrile Gloves in the Fight Against Fentanyl Anyone working in law enforcement or emergency medical services should be aware of the potential dangers of fentanyl exposure. Proper protective equipment, including nitrile gloves, can help ensure that first responders are protected in the fight against opioid overdoses. Read the article. How Women are Driving Changes to PPE in the Construction Industry As the construction industry sees an increase of women on job sites, making sure that women in the trades have properly fitting PPE is critical. Think about hard hats, fall protection harnesses, gloves, and steel toe boots. It’s important for everyone to consider diversity when it comes to safety products. Read the article. Video Security Cameras and 5GHz Networks – Growing Up Together Wireless technology has played a role in connecting video security cameras since the first IP cameras came on the scene, from standard definition to HD and ultra HD. The future of video security will continue to call for greater resolutions and frame rates like 8K and 60fps. The good news is that 5Ghz and mmWave wireless technologies can handle it and more. Read the article. 8 Unexpected Places You Can Find Cable Ties Cable ties may seem like an everyday household item. Did you know that they’ve been used under the sea, on a Mars rover, and in the engine of a race car? From Earth to space, here are eight surprising places you can find cable ties. Read the article. How Distribution Can Benefit Contractors With Prefabricated Electrical Solutions Electrical prefabrication is like putting together pieces of a puzzle. Prefabricated parts come to your job site already assembled and ready to be installed. Learn why prefab is valuable to commercial contractors and some considerations to keep in mind when using it. Read the article. Natural Disasters: Planning for the Unexpected When disaster strikes, it’s critical to have a predetermined plan in place. How are you protecting your people, data and business infrastructure? From making sure that employees understand safety signage to easily find an emergency shelter, to having a defined response protocol for critical systems, each step helps improve your response to a disaster. Read the article. Boost Plant Productivity With Automation and Digital Transformation Technologies Using automation and new digital technologies, companies can leverage data from across their operations to identify issues. This helps plant managers make smarter, faster business decisions. Every company’s digital transformation journey is unique, but they all follow four main steps. Read the article. 7 Simple Strategies for Effective Construction Material Management Improve construction project efficiency and keep workers on task with these strategies. Tools like inventory optimization, project planning, wire management, and kitting reduce costs across construction projects. Read the article. WESCO Expert Webinar Series By partnering with electrical and technological experts, the WESCO Expert Webinar Series provides up-to-date information to help you stay at the top of your field. 2019 saw 10 new webinars added to our library with topics ranging from IoT to healthcare infrastructure and 5G to intelligent buildings. View the on-demand webinar library. Be sure to subscribe below to see what’s in store for 2020!
Read MoreWe’ve covered a lot on the WESCO blog this year! Whether it's industry updates and perspectives, new products and technologies, or informative case studies and whitepapers, the WESCO blog is packed with information for you. We hope it has been an asset to you and your business this year. Across our industries and topics, here are our top 11 most popular blog posts from 2018. 7 Simple Strategies for Effective Construction Material Management Profitable construction projects are the result of a successful blend of labor, material and equipment management. Here are seven basic strategies that will improve construction project efficiency and keep workers on task. Read the post. Live Line Work: Does Your Day Start With Luck or Safety? The utility industry is filled with risks and hazards that other lines of business do not experience. So how do we encourage workers to follow procedures, maintain a focus on safety, and avoid shortcuts? The answer isn’t by leaving it up to luck. Read the post. 6 Essential Elements of Lockout/Tagout A typical lockout program can contain over 80 separate elements. Keep these tasks manageable by identifying the essential components of your lockout/tagout safety and use this base to continuously improve your program. Here are six key elements to help get you started. Read the post. 8 Ways to Step up to Ladder Safety (Infographic) Since 20 percent of occupational fall injuries involve ladders, falls are a serious concern for both employers and employees. Here are eight ladder safety tips to help workers stay supported while getting the job done. Read the post. 4 Ways Campus Lighting Can Help (or Hinder) Students A big determinant of campus success is lighting. For students working long hours underneath classroom lights, ensuring the right brightness is critical. These are four ways lighting can either help or hurt students on campus. Read the post. What You Don’t Know About USB Charging In the relationship between a smartphone and a USB charging port, it’s the phone that has the power. Yet many people believe it’s the USB port that’s in control. That’s just one of the common misconceptions surrounding USB charging. Another is the amount of power a device needs to charge. Read the post. 3 Unique Industries Finding Creative Uses for Solar Energy In 2018, switching to solar is a trend that's gaining momentum in unexpected places. Here’s how three industries are taking advantage of solar opportunities and transforming the way they do business. Read the post. Streamline Lighting Projects With Kit, Staged-and-Stored Solutions Efficiency on a lighting project is critical to profitability. Contractors seek ways to save time and money — particularly on labor costs — to ensure maximum profitability from every job. Here are some challenges that lighting installations present and how partnering on a staged-and-stored solution will streamline the process. Read the post. Power over Ethernet: An IoT Intelligent Building Platform Modern buildings require a scalable intelligent network cabling infrastructure for all IP enabled building systems including wireless, security, video and lighting. Designs should provide capacity beyond current requirements to simplify future upgrades and better support the fully converged building of the future. Read the post. 5 Ways Security Cameras Can Improve Manufacturing Beyond traditional security and surveillance applications, video cameras in manufacturing and assembly environments are tools used to improve personnel management, maintain safety, reduce liability and optimize efficiency. Read the post. Predictive Maintenance and Analytics in Mining With a growing need to run safer, more efficient operations, the mining industry in particular has a lot to gain by leveraging Digital Transformation technologies. Savvy mine operators and leaders have seized the opportunity to make better decisions that improve overall operational productivity as well as safety. Read the post. Be sure to subscribe below to see what’s in store for 2019!
Read MoreElectricians often perform repetitive motions, twist their bodies in awkward positions, and handle heavy materials. To protect their field workforce from strains, sprains, and career-inhibiting injuries, many of today's top electrical construction firms are focusing on ergonomics. By investing in ergonomic tools and properly training their electricians on safe work methods, contractors are maximizing their workers' productivity as well as their safety. Firms can prevent workers' repetitive strain injuries, minimize electricians' fatigue and discomfort, and help avoid long-term injuries through ergonomics. While today's electrical contracting firms are not legally required to follow specific ergonomics rules and procedures, it does not preclude them from following safe work practices. Experts advise electrical contractors to make sure that its electricians are properly trained and equipped to handle any task in a safe and efficient manner. What exactly is ergonomics? Ergonomics is the science of designing a job to fit the worker, rather than forcing the worker's body to fit the job. It's the process of developing workplaces and systems that fit the individuals who use them. Ergonomics aims to improve the workplace's space and environment to minimize injury on the job. How Ergonomics Impacts Health Electricians are constantly exerting force to perform a task or to use a certain tool. They are working in positions that may cause tension on the body, such as: Bending Stooping Twisting Overhead Reaching In addition, stressful conditions can reduce awareness of proper work techniques. Small injuries may cumulate to become larger disorders. Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs) can develop from gradual injuries or stress. Other names for these types of issues include repetitive stress injuries or repetitive motion injuries. According to the Department of Labor, in just four years nearly $10 million in employee compensation claims from the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) were connected to ergonomics. If an electrician is developing a CTD, symptoms may include pain, numbness, swelling, aching, tingling, burning, or loss of strength. Hands-On Training for Electricians To drive home the importance of ergonomics, electrical construction companies must offer training sessions for their electricians — not only in the classroom, but also out in the field. "We are firm believers in hands-on training," advises one expert. "You need to do more than just stand in front of a group and tell them how to do this or that. You need to actually go out into the field, give the electricians the equipment, and demonstrate the proper use. If you show them rather than just tell them, they will listen and learn more." To be successful, companies should consider training their electricians in small groups. "If I have 10 to 15 electricians, I know that I'll have two or three workers that are just in the class to kill time," the expert says. "If I have six to 10, I know my training will be effective and it will involve all of them." Tools and Technology Training electricians is a key part of a company's ergonomics program, but firms must also consider investing in the proper tools and equipment. Some firms require electricians to bring their own basic hand tools, while other's provides most of the equipment to the field workforce. Over the last decade, many companies have focused on swapping out corded tools with battery-operated products. As the technology of these tools has improved, so has the battery life. In the past, electricians usually only had one battery option for their tools: a 12V battery. Now, the electricians can use 14V and 18V batteries in their tools and use on-site recharging stations to power them up. On every job site, nearly every tool is battery operated now, and that has really enhanced the industry," the expert says. "Workers can now get a lot more done in a shorter period of time." Battery-operated tools have two significant advantages. First of all, electricians no longer have to face the hazard of tripping over cords on the job site. Second, electricians can set the torque on battery-operated tools to prevent injury. Get the Job Done Safely by Understanding Ergonomics Electricians are constantly doing work that can push the limits on their body. Ergonomics is important to understand to ensure that the job at hand is completed efficiently without causing harm. And remember, it’s all about making the job fit your body, not the other way around. Recommended Categories
Read MoreIt’s been a big year for the WESCO blog! From construction and industrial to government and utility, we’ve covered a lot of new technology, industry trends and standards updates. Whether it’s increasing safety, becoming more productive, improving processes, or increasing profitability, we hope the WESCO blog has been an asset to you and your business. Covering a variety of topics and industries, here are our top 9 most popular blog posts from 2017. A Visual Guide to NEMA Ratings for Enclosures (Infographic) This infographic will help you choose the right electrical enclosure to keep electrical equipment protected from the elements. Whether it’s dust, water, ice, chemicals or oil, your equipment can be sheltered. Read the post. Arc Flash Safety: A Five-Point Plan to Compliance Few hazards are more dangerous to electrical workers than an arc flash. Give your workers the tools and support they need to avoid a potential catastrophe with this five-point plan to compliance. Read the post. Is LED right for your facility? (Infographic) You may be aware of some of the benefits of LED lighting. But is this type of lighting really right your facility? Ask yourself these questions from our partners at Current, powered by GE to see if you should choose LED. Read the post. Why All Businesses Should Embrace Lighting Retrofits LED technology is quickly evolving. No longer is it just a way to illuminate buildings and streets – smart lighting can increase safety and productivity. While the initial cost may seem restrictive, lighting retrofits often pay for themselves. Learn why you don’t need a limitless budget to upgrade. Read the post. How Construction Can Become a More Efficient Industry By changing daily habits, the construction industry can “Lean up” and eliminate some common inefficiencies. Using vendor-managed inventory, job trailers and job carts can keep your business profitable. Engage with experts to go Lean. Read the post. Electrical Safety: 6 Steps to Staying Grounded Staying safe while working on a line is critical. A line could be energized instantly, creating a dangerous situation for a lineman. Follow OSHA and ASTM requirements to promote a safe work zone and reduce the chance of an electrical hazard. Stay grounded by following these six steps to electrical safety. Read the post. Datacom and Security Expert Webinar Archive Watch free, on-demand webinars on datacom and security topics. Subjects covered in 2017 include cloud computing, data center design, cable management, PoE lighting, high density fiber and more. Learn from our industry-leading supplier partners: APC, Berk-Tek Leviton, Cisco, CommScope, Corning, CPI, Siemon and Panduit. Read the post. Why Category 6A Should Be Your Cable of Choice Category 6A is quickly becoming the popular choice for network infrastructure. Consumer demands are increasing, and Category 6A brings many benefits to the table. Here are five reasons why Category 6A should be your cable of choice from our partners at Panduit. Read the post. 3 Unique Industries Finding Creative Uses for Solar Energy Solar installations are expected to increase by 2 million next year. As solar gains momentum, some industries are taking advantage of solar opportunities and transforming how they do business. Here’s what’s new in solar for the U.S. military, sports teams and schools. Read the post. Be sure to subscribe below to see what’s in store for 2018!
Read MoreIn the days leading up to making landfall in Florida on September 10, Hurricane Irma was already making history as one of the largest, strongest, and most devastating storms ever recorded. WESCO’s Utility Group recognized that it would take an all-hands-on-deck approach for its Florida utility customers to restore power to millions of people when the storm was over. Like they have done with hurricanes Harvey, Matthew (2016), and Sandy (2012), the Utility Group was ready to serve. WESCO Increases Inventory and Employee Resources To Support Utilities On September 1, Irma’s forecasted track indicated that the Category 4 hurricane would hit Florida. The Utility Group began their storm preparations. Anticipating customer needs, WESCO immediately increased the inventory of storm recovery items at the Orlando branch. This nearly doubled the regular inventory of those items at the branch. The inventory was increased again when the utilities realized they would most likely be dealing with complete rebuilds in some areas versus only restoration events. To manage the influx of inventory and respond quickly to the emergent customer orders they expected, the Utility Group recruited 18 employee responders from 15 states across the Utility Group to support Florida utilities. “The Utility Group made a commitment to serve our utility customers as a first responder. We harnessed all of our resources locally and nationally and we upheld that customer commitment in a big and powerful way,” said Russ Reynolds, Florida Regional Manager for the WESCO Utility Group. Irma Makes Landfall and Restoration Begins “The path that Irma took was the worst-case scenario. More than 4.4 million people were without power on Monday, September 11. Over the next 36 to 48 hours every utility in the state of Florida was impacted,” said Russ Reynolds, Florida Regional Manager for the WESCO Utility Group. “Florida utilities made arrangements for an estimated 40,000 to 45,000 additional resources from other states to help. This became the largest deployment of additional resources in the history of the utility industry.” WESCO’s Utility Group was ready to serve Florida utilities and help restore power to the region. Looking back on the timeline of events, Reynolds recalls, “The storm made landfall in the Florida Keys on Sunday, September 10, and on Monday, when the winds were reduced to 35 mph, the Orlando branch was operating with a skeleton crew.” The branch was fully operational on Tuesday. Even though the majority of the Orlando team did not have power to their own homes, they dedicated their time to supporting the utilities. On Wednesday, the first wave of out-of-town responders arrived. For 12 days, the Orlando branch operated from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. with two shifts supporting its customers’ material requirements. In total, 49 truckloads of material were shipped to customers in affected areas. One WESCO Approach Key To WESCO Meeting Its Commitments “Because of our pre-planning and our actions to increase the inventory prior to storm landfall, we were able to fill more than 90 percent of all customer shipments in the first pass — meaning, we had the majority of the material in stock at the Orlando branch,” said explained Todd Conte, Regional Director for the WESCO Utility Group. Of WESCO’s nearly 500 branches, more than 40 are dedicated to serving the utility industry. This national footprint gives WESCO the ability to leverage additional resources, inventory, supplier support, and corporate resources to deliver whenever and wherever a utility needs it. “WESCO is viewed by our utility customers as first responders with an obligation to serve,” said Reynolds. “Our collective actions and performance supporting the Irma restoration efforts have demonstrated that we live up to our commitments.” Learn more about WESCO Utility and how WESCO can be a partner for investor-owned utilities, public power, and utility contractors.
Read MoreThe National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP) Annual Meeting is a place for procurement colleagues from schools large and small, public and private, across the country. But this year’s event also provided an opportunity for conference attendees to give back. WESCO sponsored two community service projects at NAEP 2017 to benefit the local community of Reno, NV. Many children, adults, seniors, and veterans in the greater Reno area are in need of basic care supplies. Local communities need help to provide essential, day-to-day hygienic items to the homeless population. Help was also needed to assist “doubled up” homeless citizens who are unemployed or financially-troubled and living with other family members. Providing the Essentials to Citizens of Reno, NV WESCO partnered with the NAEP to lend a helping hand to the Reno community. Working shoulder to shoulder, WESCO and NAEP conference attendees assembled over 300 hygiene kits so that local community members were guaranteed essential items. The kits assembled at the NAEP 2017 included everyday items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, Band-Aids, deodorant, comb, razor, soap, and tissues. Some kits also included bedding and towels. After speaking with many non-profits in the Reno-Sparks area, WESCO was honored to be selected to sponsor the service project and help provide a solution to one of the biggest areas of need in the community. In addition to building hygiene kits, the second service project included a coat drive. WESCO collected coats from attendees and donated them to a local shelter in Reno. Kits were assembled on-site at the conference and the coats were presented to a representative from a local homeless shelter. Learning and Volunteering at the NAEP As excited as we were for the education and networking opportunities available at the NAEP annual conference, we especially enjoyed that this event provided an opportunity to give back. The 96th annual meeting of NAEP took place in Reno, NV, from March 26-29. Join us next year for NAEP 2018 in Orlando, Florida, at Walt Disney World from April 8-11. To stay up to date on trends in the education sector, be sure to subscribe to WESCO Insight, the state, local, and education magazine. Read the latest article here.
Read MoreGiving back feels good all year round, but there’s something special about helping others during the holidays. Earlier this month, WESCO partnered with a local charity to do some good. One of WESCO’s own, Madison Murchak, is on a mission to help veterans. In addition to being a trade show specialist, Madison is the founder of Fleece Connection, a Pittsburgh-based non-profit. Her organization provides fleece blankets to troops and veterans in Veterans Association hospitals and veterans homeless shelters. Charity at the GPN Summit WESCO’s fourth annual Government Partner Network (GPN) Summit partnered with Fleece Connection for an event that took place from Nov. 2–4. Networking, golf and donations happened throughout the event in Scottsdale, AZ. The GPN Summit, an exclusive network of WESCO strategic government customers, brought more than 60 participants together. In addition to the GPN partners, 21 WESCO suppliers were involved and helped sponsor the event. Attendees were proud to raise money in support of Fleece Connection’s cause. Lee Osterman, WESCO Government General Manager, said, “Each year we look for ways to support U.S. veterans in any way we can.” He added, “The work that WESCO’s Madison Murchak has done to create a non-profit that provides blankets to the troops is to be commended. We’re proud that we could use this opportunity to help her charity do more for our veterans.” Around Veterans Day and the holidays, it’s great when people come together to give back. This year’s GPN Summit brought our government team expertise, networking and charitable opportunities. We’d call that a company, and a community, success. Read more about Fleece Connection’s amazing mission here. Follow Fleece Connection on Facebook and Instagram, or email fleececonnection@gmail.com for more information.
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