July/August 2018 - Ongoing and consistent safety training puts best practices at the forefront of workers’ minds, ensuring they don’t become complacent with the everyday use of tools—because that’s when accidents can happen. But keeping up with training can be tough, so Metabo Corp., West Chester, Pennsylvania, a manufacturer of professional-grade cordless and corded handheld power tools and accessories, is helping out its busy customers with a fleet of mobile safety training/job-site trailers.

The program started in 2017, and the company is rolling out additional trailers this year due to customer demand. Currently, all three trailers are booked six to nine months in advance.

“We saw a need for a higher level of engagement with our end-using customers,” says Larry Pecht, national end-user account manager and safety trailer central for Metabo. “We felt the best way to accommodate that need was to take Metabo directly to them.”

The multipurpose trailers are wrapped in graphics and, inside, feature high-definition television and sound systems. They are staffed by Metabo’s S.E.A.L. team (Safety, Education, Application and Leadership). These safety experts visit industrial work sites, union halls and other training facilities.

“Our trailers are self-contained,” Pecht says. “We have representation of each tool category we sell in the form of permanent display tools on the doors, supported by a duplicate set of demonstration tools. We have a media focus in the form of a 70-inch-screen TV driven by a Microsoft Surface Pro that allows us to make Power Point presentations, play product application videos and present event-specific materials. We also have onboard power for remote location events.”

Relationship building

Part of the safe use of tools is ensuring workers have access to equipment that is appropriate for the job at hand. Pecht says that customers have pointed out that in addition to Metabo’s safety training, “getting to see the true breadth of the Metabo product line is very enlightening.”

The trailers also “help the distributor add value and build stronger relationships with end users as a solution provider,” Pecht says. “Often, the distributor already has a business relationship with the end user and may even have an integrated supply contract, which requires them to generate savings each year. In addition to the training and introduction of tools with built-in safety features that prevent injuries, we can also demonstrate time and labor-saving tools and techniques. This can actually help distributors meet their contract requirements.”

Customers can contact Pecht directly to schedule a visit from one of the trailers, and the S.E.A.L. team is able to customize the presentation to address specific concerns.

Positive reinforcement

Pecht says that once training has taken place, it’s important to consistently reinforce the lessons learned by reviewing company policies, guidelines and OSHA regulations on a regular basis. In addition, companies can implement peer checking, review by supervisors and safety managers.

Taking time to visit sites around the United States in person also has given Metabo insight into its customers’ needs. Pecht says the team has found there is a lot of confusion and misconceptions about OSHA’s new silica regulations, which were put in place in 2016 and began to be enforced in late 2017. Although the regulation specifically cites the effects of respirable crystalline silica on construction workers, Pecht says much of the confusion comes from the trickle-down effect the regulation has on other trades.

“For instance if a fabricator also installs the item they have manufactured and it requires anchoring/fastening it to concrete, they are then affected by the new silica laws as they must comply with the standards.”

Being on-site allows Metabo to help customers decode the standard as well as educate them on the company’s dust-free technology and solutions—all while the end users keep to their tight order schedule.

“Our end users fortunately are very busy right now, and time away from the job is at a premium,” Pecht says. “Since Metabo is mobile, we can come directly to them and eliminate valuable travel time, making that time available for actual training. It allows the training to take place for those on a very tight schedule.” 

Metabo Corp.
West Chester, Pennsylvania
800/638-2261