Our team works with businesses that are proactive about workplace safety, as well as those that need to act quickly due to an accident or mishap that triggers an investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
What Safety Rails and Machine Guards Actually Do
Safety hazards show up every day on manufacturing floors, job sites, and production lines, and the resulting injuries and accidents can be devastating.
According to OSHA, people get caught in, on, or under equipment, leading to nearly 700 fatalities and 1400 amputations each year. So, it’s no wonder OSHA’s fall protection standard and machine guarding standard are incredibly rigorous.
A closer look at how machine guards and safety rails mitigate risk
- Machine guarding is about keeping people away from moving parts, sparks, heat, and pinch points. If a machine rotates, cuts, grinds, or crushes, there’s potential for serious injury, and guarding is the first line of defense. These guards are often custom-built to fit specific machines or configurations, and many need to be removable for maintenance access while still meeting OSHA standards.
- Safety rails serve a different but equally important role: They create visual and physical barriers around walkways, elevated platforms, pits, and machinery. A bright yellow rail can stop a distracted worker from stepping somewhere they shouldn’t (or into something they didn’t see coming). They also help protect equipment from accidental contact or damage.
When built to fit the space and installed correctly, both safety rails and machine guards reduce risk, improve workflow, and show a clear commitment to protecting the people doing the work.
Why Choose Macy Industries’ Safety Rails and Machine Guards
Safety rails and machine guarding aren’t side projects for us. We’ve been designing, fabricating, and installing these custom safety solutions for decades, and we’ve built a reputation for getting it done right.
Because everything is handled in-house, from the initial site visit to the final install, we’re able to move quickly, maintain quality control, and adapt when site conditions change. Our team works directly with EH&S leaders, facilities managers, and machine operators to make sure every solution fits the way the space actually functions.
Depending on the site and application, your safety solution might include:
- Polycarbonate guarding for visibility and protection
- Bright powder-coated rails to signal visual boundaries
- Stainless or aluminum builds for wet or corrosive environments
- AR plate for high-abrasion areas
- Fixed or removable systems, depending on access and maintenance needs
Whether you’re guarding expensive machinery or sectioning off an entire area, we’ll make sure the materials, finish, and installation method all support long-term safety and efficiency.
Our Process: From Site Walkthrough to Final Install
When it comes to safety rails and machine guarding, the small details matter. That’s why our process always starts on-site.
We send a qualified fabricator to walk the space, assess the risks, and talk through your safety goals.
We speak with the people who actually use and maintain the equipment. After all, they’re the ones who know where hands reach, how materials move, and what’s really happening during a shift.
From there, we take measurements, create rough sketches, and (if necessary) develop CAD drawings to share with your team.
Every guard and rail is custom fabricated in our New Hampshire facility using high-quality materials and proven welding techniques. Once fabrication is complete, we’ll return to the site for a test fit and final install.
For safety rails, we offer several mounting options depending on the site and the system.
Some rail designs are removable, slipping into brackets with or without hardware, or attaching to side or base plates that can be mounted into wood, metal, or concrete. Fixed systems are typically core-drilled into concrete or stone, with mortar poured flush to the floor level, or welded directly to existing metal structures.
We use lasers and leveling tools to ensure precise alignment. We build with metal for longer lifespans and greater durability, especially compared to systems made from wood or other less resilient materials.
It’s a start-to-finish process handled by one team, under one roof, and designed to minimize disruption and maximize safety.
Helping You Stay Ahead of OSHA
Whether you’re responding to an incident or working to prevent one, safety rails and machine guards are key to maintaining compliance with OSHA standards—and more importantly, protecting your team.
We’ve worked with companies that want to address risks proactively, and we’ve also assisted those that need to respond quickly after an incident.
In one recent case, a large aerospace and defense manufacturer contacted us after an employee was burned while servicing high-temperature equipment. Our team responded quickly, designing and installing a custom guardrail and platform system to prevent future incidents and help them meet OSHA regulatory expectations.
In situations like that, speed and experience matter. But even when there’s no clock ticking, our goal remains the same: to help clients create safer workspaces with practical, code-compliant solutions that fit the way people use the space.
Let’s Talk About Safer Workspaces
When it comes to workplace safety, the proper safeguards don’t just check a box—they protect your personnel, equipment, and operations.
Whether you’re planning ahead or responding to an urgent need, we’re ready to help. We’ll assess your space, recommend the right solution, and handle everything from design through install so you don’t have to juggle vendors or guess at what meets code.
Let’s talk about safety rails and machine guards. A simple fix could make a major difference.