“Elevated Safety” on Masonry Construction Sites: The Value of EZG's Hog Guard and Hoist Hog

Words: Allyssa Costanza

In the bustling world of construction, safety isn't just a priority—it's a foundation. Nowhere is this more crucial than on masonry sites where block structures rise skyward. Each day, workers navigate scaffolding, maneuver materials, and tackle tasks that demand precision and protection. Enter EZG Manufacturing, a stalwart in construction equipment innovation, with their game-changing solutions: Hog Guard® and Hoist Hog.

  

Enhanced Safety with Hog Guard®
EZG's Hog Guard® stands tall as a beacon of safety innovation on scaffolding assemblies. Designed to fortify against potential fall risks, Hog Guard® effectively blocks openings like door frames and window allowances. The modular design features interchangeable components such as the End Guard Assembly and Center Rail Assembly, ensuring a custom fit tailored to each site's unique needs. Moreover, the system is designed for easy expansion or adjustment—if a wider opening requires protection, simply add additional center rails and guard boards. "When it comes to jobsite safety, every detail matters," affirms Steve Wheeler, Sales Manager at EZG Manufacturing. "Hog Guard® seamlessly integrates into existing scaffold systems, offering unmatched protection without compromising efficiency. Its expandable and adjustable nature makes it an indispensable tool for diverse construction environments."

Key Features of Hog Guard®:
  • Interchangeable components for customized safety solutions.
  • Ready-fit design for straightforward assembly and breakdown.
  • Steel construction for durability and reliability.
 

Streamlined Material Handling and Secure Storage with Hoist Hog
Beyond scaffold safety, EZG's Hoist Hog redefines efficiency in material transport. Engineered for versatility and safety, these cages and carts facilitate secure vertical and lateral movement of bricks, blocks, and other materials. The Hoist Hog is available in two sizes, designed to accommodate various construction needs. These cages are tested and certified for load-bearing capabilities, ensuring seamless integration with pallets, carts, or tubs, thereby enhancing workflow efficiency and safety on congested job sites.
The robust design of both the Hoist Hog and Hog Cart provides secure job site storage, significantly reducing the risk of material theft—a common concern in construction environments. The Hog Cart, sold separately, is constructed to work seamlessly with Hoist Hog block and brick cages. However, model HHBLS can also be used independently, offering flexibility in material handling. Built to withstand even the most rugged job sites, the Hog Cart moves bricks, blocks, or Hog Trough® effortlessly. The Hog Cart features include forklift pockets and safety brakes, along with corner pockets for 2" × 4" handle use. Its centrally located, oversized wheels with safety brakes are designed for easy maneuverability on scaffolds, ensuring secure and efficient material transport even in tight or elevated spaces. This design not only improves efficiency but also enhances safety, particularly in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, minimizing the risk of accidents on congested sites.



Key Features of Hoist Hog:
  • Available in two sizes for versatile use.
  • Load tested and safety certified for peace of mind.
  • Configured for brick and block transport, accommodating diverse construction needs.
  • Adjustable design for left or right door swing, optimizing accessibility.
  • Secure storage solution to prevent material theft.
  • Safe transport of materials, especially in areas with pedestrian traffic, minimizing the risk of accidents in congested sites.
The combination of the Hoist Hog and Hog Cart ensures that material handling on construction sites is not only efficient but also safe and secure, addressing both operational and security concerns effectively.



The Importance of Safety on Construction Sites
Construction sites are inherently hazardous, with falls and falling objects being among the most common causes of accidents. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the three major sources of falls from height in the construction industry include roofs, unprotected edges, holes, and openings. Fatalities caused by falls from elevation continue to be a leading cause of death for construction employees, accounting for 395 of the 1,069 construction fatalities recorded in 2022. Additionally, falling objects pose significant risks, causing injuries and fatalities to both workers and bystanders.

Protecting Your Most Valuable Assets
In construction, success hinges not only on skillful execution but also on safeguarding every worker and asset involved. EZG's commitment to innovation and reliability shines through in products like Hog Guard® and Hoist Hog, setting new benchmarks in safety and efficiency. Whether preventing falls with Hog Guard® or enhancing material handling and security with Hoist Hog, EZG empowers construction teams to build confidently, knowing their safety is fortified from the ground up.

Conclusion
As the construction industry evolves, so too must its commitment to safety. EZG Manufacturing leads this charge with forward-thinking solutions that elevate standards across masonry sites. From safeguarding against fall risks to optimizing material transport and storage security, EZG's Hog Guard® and Hoist Hog prove indispensable in creating safer, more productive construction environments. For more information on EZG's comprehensive range of safety solutions and equipment, visit EZGmfg.com and discover how innovation meets reliability on every job site.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SOURCES:
(1) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Training Institute, Construction Focus Four: Fall Hazards Instructor Guide; OSHA Directorate of Training and Education April 2011).

(2) Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data— https://www.osha.gov/stop-falls#:~:text=FALLS%20ARE%20THE%20LEADING%20CAUSE%20OF%20DEATH%20IN%20CONSTRUCTION.

NOTE: All supplied Hog Guard location images were captured on location in Woodruff South Carolina, where Cherokee Masonry is constructing a new school in the Woodruff school district. (Woodruff High School)

About: MAP Partner
Masonry in the Media: Fenway Park, Trim Castle, & More
February 2026

The settings of films influence the atmosphere of a scene and immerse the viewers in their movie-going experience. From Parisienne train stations to Boston baseball parks, these four masonry-made structures set the scene in the films they were featured in

Lily Burger
Masonry in the Media
Read More
Outreach Outlook: Celebrating CTE Month and the Madness of Masonry
February 2026

As we settle into February, the masonry industry turns its focus to a celebration that lies at the very heart of our mission: National Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. For the Outreach & Education Division, this isn't just a date on the calen

Robert Melgaard
Outreach Outlook
Read More
Stop Juggling: The Best Way to Master Your Masonry Job Sites
January 2026

You’re in the business of building structures that will stand for generations. Yet, too often, the process of managing the job site feels built on quicksand. Every construction project manager knows the feeling: the constant, fra

Erin Koets
Technical Talks
Read More
Laying It Straight: Line-Holding Accessories for Masons Who Demand Precision
January 2026

When it comes to laying brick, block, or stone, nothing replaces a good line. A tight, true mason’s line is the backbone of straight courses and clean elevations, and the hardware holding that line is every bit as critical. Bon Tool’s lineup of Line & Lin

Paul Bender
Technical Talks
Read More