Bright, long lasting NITEGLOW® photoluminescent epoxy filler is free of hazardous and radioactive substances, extends uniformly throughout the filler. A high content of aluminum oxide abrasive provides traction and long service life. Available in lengths to order, some to a maximum 8’0”. Clean architectural lines ensure aesthetic appeal. StairMaster® is ideal for use on all types of stairs and landings.

StairMaster® renovation safety tread includes a mill finish extruded aluminum base, with a beveled edge, and countersunk holes as standard. Anchors available include Tapcon screws, Wood Screws, Machine Screws or Expansion Screws. Anti-slip filler includes approximately 65% virgin grain aluminum oxide/silicon carbide abrasive. Photoluminescent epoxy binder is a fully cured resilient epoxy with a filler ratio of 16% minimum for enhanced cleanability.

About Wooster

Wooster Products is the industry leader in anti-slip stair treads and walkway products. They have been manufacturing anti-slip products for new construction, renovation, marine and OEM applications since 1921 from their Wooster, OH facility. Long respected for quality and innovation, their products include cast aluminum (Alumogrit®), extruded aluminum (Spectra, Supergrit®, Stairmaster®, and Flexmaster®), pressure sensitive adhesive tape/deck covering (Flex-Tred®), and coatings (WP-70, Walk-A-Sured®, and Safe-Stride®), as well as photoluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) nosings and treads (NITEGLOW®).

“The Carolina Star Program represents the highest standard of workplace safety in our state,” explained Farley. “Companies like Muratec USA demonstrate that investing in safety pays dividends — fewer injuries, lower costs, and stronger employee morale. Muratec’s leadership sets an example for manufacturers across North Carolina.”

Safety Certification Underscores Industry Leadership

Carolina Star certification represents the culmination of Muratec USA’s safety journey in 2025 and serves as a springboard into 2026 under the leadership of Keiji Yuasa, who assumed the role of President and CEO in October 2025 with a clear vision to embed safety as a fundamental pillar of enterprise integrity.

“Safety is a cornerstone of Muratec’s vision for operational excellence. Earning Carolina Star certification reflects the dedication of our employees and leadership to create one of the safest workplaces in North Carolina, while upholding the same high standards across all Muratec facilities in North America,” said Mr. Yuasa. “This achievement builds on Muratec’s 90-year legacy of automation innovation and strengthens our ability to deliver exceptional value to customers through reliability, quality, and trust.”

Murata Machinery USA, Inc., a subsidiary of Murata Machinery Ltd., founded in 1935 in Kyoto, Japan, is a global leader in industrial automation and reliability. As the sole manufacturer of the Muratec brand, the company delivers innovative solutions in high-speed automated turning and fabrication, logistics and material handling systems, clean factory automation, and textile machinery.

With a long-standing history of pioneering advancements in North America, Muratec USA has introduced groundbreaking technologies that are often the first of their kind, the only ones available, or the fastest in the world, supported by comprehensive sales, service, and technical expertise. Through its commitment to safety and operational excellence, recognized by the North Carolina Department of Labor with Carolina Star certification, Muratec USA sets a benchmark that influences industry standards and reinforces its position as a trusted leader in manufacturing automation.

The Carolina Star program, a state initiative modeled after the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) Voluntary Protection Program (VPP), recognizes employers that excel in five critical areas: management commitment, employee involvement, hazard identification and control, comprehensive safety training, and safety and health management systems.

What It Takes To Be A Safety Leader

To achieve Carolina Star certification, Muratec USA underwent a rigorous and lengthy evaluation process by NCDOL experts to demonstrate excellence in five core areas:

• Management Commitment and Leadership — Embedding safety into every decision while prioritizing it as a core value through clear expectations, resource allocation, and continuous improvement.
• Employee Involvement and Participation — Employees actively engage in hazard identification, reporting, and shaping safety programs through committees and collaboration to sustain a strong safety culture.
• Hazard Identification and Evaluation — Implementing robust systems to proactively detect, assess, and eliminate potential hazards before they affect operations.
• Hazard Prevention and Control — Implementing effective measures such as engineering controls, administrative practices, and PPE to eliminate or minimize risks.
• Safety and Health Training — Providing comprehensive training to ensure employees understand hazards and know how to work safely.

Full Carolina Star certification requires performance excellence, as demonstrated by injury and illness rates that are consistently below industry averages and supported by documented programs and regular audits.

Delivering Value Through Safety Excellence 

Carolina Star certification delivers measurable benefits to Muratec’s customers and the marketplace by ensuring a safe, well-managed environment that reduces downtime, minimizes operational risk, and guarantees reliable delivery of high-quality products.

As one of the elite manufacturers to hold this distinction, Muratec sets a benchmark for safety and operational excellence, reinforcing its position as a trusted partner and industry leader, explained Muratec USA Safety Specialist Ken Dake.

“Carolina Star is not the finish line for Muratec but part of a commitment to continuous improvement. Our safety initiatives in 2026 will focus on strengthening employee engagement, enhancing hazard prevention systems, and leveraging best practices from across the industry. This recognition validates the hard work of our team and sets the tone for the year ahead,” said Dake.

About Murata Machinery USA, Inc.

Murata Machinery USA, Inc. is a subsidiary of Murata Machinery Ltd., a pioneer and world leader in high-speed, automated turning and fabrication, logistics & material handling automation, clean factory automation, and textile machinery. Established in 1935, Murata Machinery is the sole manufacturer of Muratec brand machinery and systems that support North American manufacturing and logistics companies across regional and global supply chains, accelerating their competitive edge through integrated automation. Manufacturing for half a century with thousands of installations worldwide and first-to-market innovations, Muratec is trusted by leading global brands and suppliers. Each solution uses time-tested technology and is customized to meet customers’ exact needs with flexibility and personalized support provided for the life of the system.

Challenges in narrow aisles: minimal clearance, limited visibility

HUBTEX multidirectional sideloaders are frequently utilized in narrow-aisle warehouses. To maximize storage capacity, these vehicles operate within guidance systems with very limited safety clearance, often with less than 4 inches on each side. This increases space efficiency but restricts the driver’s visibility. It becomes particularly critical when long goods are stored at an angle or when neighboring loads are inadvertently moved during retrieval. Parts may protrude into the aisle and aren’t always seen by the driver until it is too late, especially on the engine side. This can lead to contact issues and costly damage to the chassis, battery, cabin, or rack system. In the timber, metals, and general industrial trade, with hundreds of moves per day, this scenario is commonplace.

Patented solution: monitoring with laser-based sensors

To reduce these risks, HUBTEX has developed the Clear Aisle Assist, which oversees the vertical danger zones along rack systems and reacts automatically if needed. The system utilizes Lidar sensors to assess vertical planes in the vehicle’s environment. Sensors are mounted at suitable positions based on vehicle configuration and scan both forward and in reverse. This ensures early detection of protruding loads, whether the sideloader enters the aisle forward or backward. The monitored area dynamically adjusts to key parameters, with speed, lift height, and configuration determining the size of the protective zones. This allows for precise, needs-based detection of potential collision zones without burdening the driver with additional tasks.

Classification: The Clear Aisle Assist does not replace personal protection technology but supplements it with collision protection for loads protruding from the rack system.

Now available for the PHOENIX series

If the system detects an obstacle, it issues a warning first. If necessary, the system automatically reduces speed to avoid contact or minimize its consequences. The goal is an assistance system that effectively enhances the driver’s focus and maintains material flow in tight layouts. “Our aim was to develop an assistance system that actively supports the driver without adding extra burden,” states Michael Röbig, Head of Product Management at HUBTEX. “The Clear Aisle Assist recognizes dangerous situations early and, if needed, can not only warn the driver but also automatically reduce the vehicle’s speed.” The system is now available for the PHOENIX series and complements existing personnel protection scanners by providing protection against goods protruding into the aisle.

received the Ryan-Willson Service Award of Excellence at the International Safety Equipment Association’s (ISEA) 2025 Annual Meeting in Washington, D.C., recognizing decades of boundary pushing leadership that elevated both ISEA and the PPE (personal protective equipment) industry at large.

ISEA Board Member and Ergodyne President Greg Schrab, who presented the award, highlighted Votel’s enduring impact on the association. “Tom’s passion for worker safety and for this industry is unmatched. He showed up, he spoke up and he stood out. His influence is everywhere in this association, and he has inspired countless people, myself included.”

“The best part is that Tom’s not done,” added Schrab. “His voice remains an active, grounding force in our work… pushing us to think bigger, act smarter and stay relentlessly committed to worker safety.”

Votel has held nearly every leadership position on ISEA’s Board while guiding committees and initiatives that expanded the association’s scope and sharpened its influence at a pivotal moment for worker protection.

ISEA leadership reinforced the significance of his contributions. “Tom Votel represents the very best of this industry and of ISEA,” said ISEA President Cam Mackey. “Over decades of service, he has brought a rare combination of vision, integrity and practical leadership–helping shape the direction of our association and advancing the safety equipment industry as a whole. We are grateful not only for what he has already contributed, but for the continued perspective, innovation, and steady leadership he will continue to bring to our work.”

Humor, Candor and a Call to Action 

Accepting the award, Votel blended wit with a pointed reminder about the seriousness of ISEA’s mission.

“Receiving an award for service is a bit like being congratulated for flossing–necessary, often overlooked, and if you neglect it, things get ugly fast. To be recognized for what I consider table stakes–showing up, caring deeply, and refusing to accept ‘good enough’–is both surreal and profoundly meaningful.”

He pointed to the dramatic evolution of ISEA in recent years–an expansion from its PPE roots toward a broader, future-facing definition of safety.

“If you want to stay relevant, you have to keep disrupting yourself. And in my experience, the best way to drive change is to surround yourself with people who aren’t afraid to challenge you. We have that kind of spirit and drive at ISEA, and it has propelled this association into a new era–one our founders could scarcely imagine 92 years ago.”

Votel closed with a charge to the safety community: “ISEA’s mission to advance safety is too important–and frankly, too unfinished–for any of us to sit it out. Workers of the world are counting on us. Safety isn’t just a profession; it’s a promise–a sacred oath.”

History of ISEA Ryan-Willson Service Award of Excellence 

Established by the International Safety Equipment Association Board of Trustees in October 2019, the annual Ryan-Willson Service Award of Excellence is the highest award given by the North American industry and honors those who have not only had distinguished careers within a member company but also have provided their talents to improve the broader industry.

The award is presented in memory of J.T. Ryan (MSA) and Thomas Willson (Willson Products), ISEA’s first and second Chairmen respectively.

About Ergodyne

Since 1983, Tenacious Holdings, Inc. (dba Ergodyne, a Klein Tools Company) has pioneered the development of products that Make The Workplace A Betterplace. What started with just one product has grown into a line of top flight, battle-tested, Tenacious Work Gear®; all precision crafted to provide protection, promote prevention and manage the elements for workers on jobsites the world over. The current lineup is extensive and constantly growing: ProFlex® Hand Protection, ProFlex® Knee Pads, ProFlex® Supports, Skullerz® Head & Face Protection, Skullerz® Eye Protection, Trex® Traction, KREW’D® Skin Protection, Chill-Its® Cooling Products, N-Ferno® Warming Products, GloWear® Hi-Vis Apparel, Squids® Lanyards, Arsenal® Gear and Tool Storage, and SHAX® Portable Work Shelters.

SCRUBS® Hand Cleaner Towels combine an advanced cleaning formula with a strong, dual-textured towel to thoroughly clean hands and surfaces ANYWHERE, ANYPLACE, ANYTIME!® The clean, citrus-scented formula loosens and dissolves industrial soils while leaving hands free from dryness and irritation. The Rough Touch® blue towel locks in soil to prevent it from transferring back onto hands and surfaces. Hands are left feeling clean with no sticky residue and no rinsing required.

The newly available SCRUBS® Refill Pack is designed to reduce plastic waste by 83%! This refill pack not only supports your sustainability efforts but also helps lower disposal fees.

FEATURES

• Tamper Proof Torque Mark
• Safe for most surfaces
• Highly visible- blue, yellow, red, green, and orange colors are fluorescent under blacklight
• Excellent adhesion
• Visually detects loose nuts & bolts
• Provides warranty protection
• Meets BOEING Specification, BMS8-45 Type II

Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, a leading worldwide manufacturer of Miller^® brand arc welding equipment, announces the release of a new line of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed specifically for women in welding and related trades. The launch marks a step forward in creating jobsite gear that prioritizes function and fit, helping all workers perform at their best without the discomfort posed by oversized or ill-fitting PPE.

Contrary to its compact size and relatively lesser cost and capacity, the Sky Hook proves to be a formidable tool. It has the ability to effortlessly handle heavy loads which are commonly associated with hazardous lifting injuries, thereby setting new standards in safety measures. This humble tool makes light work of seemingly hefty tasks, proving that size isn’t always directly proportional to effectiveness.

Every workplace, whether it’s a bustling shop or a rugged job site, frequently encounters the issue of lifting materials, parts, and tooling that fall well outside the safe lifting capacity of an operator. Addressing this issue has seen the emergence of an entire industry, which, while providing multiple solutions, often overlooks niche requirements in material handling applications.

A primary area that seems to have been dismissed too quickly is the operator’s need to lift loads that surpass their personal lifting capacity. This often falls into a grey area, somewhere between what an individual can manage and the extreme capacity of a multi-ton overhead or jib crane. The Sky Hook elegantly fills this gap, enabling the operator to carry out tasks such as moving a 150 lb. tooling from a storage shelf onto a CNC mill table without risking an injury.

Traditional lifting tools like overhead and jib cranes pose their own set of challenges. Their high costs, complex installation requirements, and mandatory certified personnel for operation often make them less than ideal for many settings. The Sky Hook addresses these concerns while providing the required lifting capacity for most day-to-day operations.

For half a century, Syclone ATTCO Service has committed itself to the creation of an enhanced lifting product, one that fits snugly into the demanding landscape of the ergonomic material handling industry. Their initial product, launched in 1969, was the Sky Hook. In the heart of the manual machine shop industry, this tool quickly garnered attention, becoming an essential choice for lathe and mill operators requiring a safe method to handle heavy chucks and tooling.

This family-run enterprise has witnessed an evolutionary journey. Over the past decades, Syclone ATTCO has consistently adapted and refined its product based on customer feedback and emerging needs. This relentless pursuit of excellence has resulted in an all-inclusive, application-driven lifting solution that effectively bridges the gap between operator limitations and large industrial lifting equipment.

The Sky Hook distinguishes itself by offering a superior lifting solution. Its defining features are its mobility, compactness, light weight, and independence from an external power source. Despite costing a fraction of its larger counterparts, it is perfect for executing simple, single-operator lifts of awkward, hard-to-reach loads up to 500 lbs.

The Sky Hook’s design is a marvel in itself. From its sturdy base to its versatile boom, every aspect is specifically crafted to enable the precision handling of loads within a wide range of 50-500 lbs. Even the lightest model, weighing just 26 lbs., can be easily relocated across a work site while retaining the capacity to lift loads equivalent to four to five people.

However, don’t let the Sky Hook’s small stature deceive you. It is a tool of surprising versatility, capable of handling a wide variety of lifting tasks. Recognizing the varied needs of different settings, Syclone ATTCO Service has developed an array of models. These include devices that bolt to the floor, mount to a table, navigate narrow aisles, slide under equipment, or feature counterweighted bases to reach over and into machine cabinets. The company has adopted a customer-focused approach, demonstrating a commitment to provide unique solutions for each of their clients. They have the ability to design and build custom models based on specific requirements, ensuring that every customer receives a lifting solution perfectly tailored to their needs.

Standing at the height of an average person, the Sky Hook is designed to operate right where the user is. This thoughtful feature significantly mitigates the risk of dangerous and costly back injuries. The Sky Hook not only prevents lifting-related injuries but also becomes a valuable asset in saving time and money. Mark Spencer, a satisfied client from the Spencer Corporation, testifies to this, exclaiming how the Sky Hook has exceeded expectations and become an indispensable tool in their daily operations.

The Sky Hook product line offers a breadth of choices to meet various application requirements. It is available in both Chain and Cable models, and you can opt for either our Premium LoadLock clutch brake system or the simpler Economy Friction Brake. Each of these models offer specific advantages to the user. Premium Models boast upgraded casters and our unique LoadLock clutch brake for easy operation. Economy Models, on the other hand, feature a friction brake mechanism for secure load holding, offering a cost-effective yet reliable option.

Manufactured entirely in the USA, the Sky Hook is an embodiment of quality, safety-focused design and a long-standing history of success. Over the past 50 years, it has proven its worth across nearly every industry. As a family-owned and operated company, Syclone ATTCO Service maintains a close relationship with their customers, working with them to provide solutions tailored to their exact needs.

The Sky Hook is a testament to the fact that revolutionary solutions often come in simple packages. Its user-friendly design, coupled with the outstanding support and customization offered by Syclone ATTCO Service, makes it an unparalleled solution in the realm of lifting devices. If you are in search of a versatile, reliable, and cost-effective lifting solution, your search ends with the Sky Hook. Get in touch with Syclone ATTCO Service today to secure your precision Sky Hook lifting solution!