YOKE Strengthens Safety and Compliance Through Training and Digital Product Passports

30 Second Takeaway

YOKE, a global supplier of lifting and rigging hardware, is combining advanced product technology with structured training to improve safety, traceability and regulatory compliance. Alongside its range of Grade 80 and Grade 100 hardware, YOKE has equipped its products with Digital Product Passports (DPP) and expanded training initiatives to help customers prepare for the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).

Safety, Skills and Digital Compliance

As lifting operations become more regulated and traceability requirements increase, the industry is placing greater emphasis on training, inspection transparency and digital documentation. In high-risk sectors such as oil and gas, offshore and wind energy, traditional paper-based inspection records are increasingly viewed as inadequate due to inspection frequency, labour costs and the need for accurate lifecycle data.

Against this backdrop, manufacturers are expected not only to supply certified hardware, but also to support customers with knowledge, digital tools and compliance-ready systems.

Hardware Portfolio and Digital Integration

YOKE supplies a comprehensive range of lifting and rigging hardware, including:

• Grade 80 and Grade 100 lifting chain fittings

• Swivel hoist hooks

• Shackles

• Angular contact swivels

• Wire rope clips

• Lifting points

In addition to mechanical hardware, YOKE offers its award-winning SupraNano digital chips, which can be embedded directly into steel products or retrofitted to equipment such as snatch blocks using tags.

According to the company, YOKE’s entire lifting and rigging product range is now equipped with Digital Product Passports (DPP), aligning with the European Union’s ESPR requirements.

Training as a Core Business Pillar

Beyond hardware and technology, YOKE places significant emphasis on training as a means of reducing incidents and improving operational safety.

Steven Hong, President of YOKE, said the company’s training philosophy is centred on

eliminating accidents and incidents.

“Lifting in many cases looks simple but safety always hinges on important behind-the-scenes details, like sling angles, load distribution, hardware selection, and inspection criteria. Without proper knowledge, incorrect operation can lead to equipment failure or even serious injuries.”

Hong added that training directly supports professionalism and customer confidence.

“Training is the backbone of professionalism and trust. Customers feel more confident when they know how to use the equipment properly. Training boosts their skills, improves real-world performance, and strengthens their trust in YOKE as a reliable partner.”

YOKE’s training programmes are LEEA-accredited and support both hardware and digital product applications.

Digital Training and Asset Traceability

As a stakeholder in global energy markets, YOKE positions its training programmes as a tool to help channel partners meet regulations and reduce operational risk.

In industries with strict operating standards, YOKE notes that paper-based inspection records are no longer sufficient. To address this, YOKE’s BlueSupra digital chips integrate with RiConnect Inc.’s Asset Management Platform, enabling comprehensive asset tracking and lifecycle management.

Hong explained the intent behind this digital approach:

“Asset Management, through RiConnect, is aimed at customers who require comprehensive asset tracking and management.”

Preparing for ESPR Compliance

A Digital Product Passport (DPP) records a product’s lifecycle data, including material composition, energy performance, maintenance guidelines and recycling methods. This supports transparency, compliance and circular economy objectives.

The EU’s ESPR will introduce mandatory DPP requirements for selected product categories, requiring manufacturers to provide digital documentation and sustainability data.

To support this transition, YOKE offers a DPP-ready solution designed to simplify compliance while reducing manual workload.

“Meanwhile, our DPP-ready programme is for manufacturers, focussing primarily on meeting regulatory requirements. These two approaches combine with our training ethos to help customers understand how digital tools improve safety, inspection transparency, and operational efficiency.”

Supporting Industry-Wide Digital Adoption

YOKE has advocated for wider adoption of digital chips and Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions within the lifting industry for many years. The company states that its ongoing investment in training and digitalisation is aimed at simplifying compliance processes while improving safety outcomes across the supply chain.

About YOKE

YOKE Industrial Corp. is a global supplier of lifting and rigging hardware and digital solutions for industrial and high-risk environments. The company offers Grade 80 and Grade 100 lifting components, digital asset identification technology and LEEA-accredited training programmes, supporting safety, compliance and traceability across global lifting operations.

Visit website: https://www.yokecorp.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What products does YOKE supply?

YOKE supplies lifting and rigging hardware including chains, hooks, shackles, swivels, wire rope clips and lifting points.

What are SupraNano digital chips?

SupraNano chips are digital identifiers that can be embedded in steel or retrofitted to equipment, enabling asset traceability and lifecycle tracking.

What is a Digital Product Passport (DPP)?

A DPP is a digital record of a product’s lifecycle data, supporting regulatory compliance, transparency and sustainability goals.

Why is training important in lifting operations?

Proper training reduces risk, improves equipment use and helps prevent incidents caused by incorrect load handling or inspection practices.

How does YOKE support ESPR compliance?

YOKE offers DPP-ready products, digital tools and training programmes to help manufacturers and operators meet ESPR requirements.