Safety Standard- the prime concern of Material Handling Industry

All over the world, economies are resuming their growth. It will be far too soon to declare that the pandemic is over, but even COVID-19 can't keep the manufacturing wheels clogged for long.

For industrial settings, COVID-19 poses a number of special problems. Across the world, billions of people depend on reliable supply chains and prompt distribution of vital goods. Warehouses and factories cannot be shut down forever. What steps are warehouses taking to reopen with workforce welfare as their top priority is the prime question.

Why is having a safety standard in material handling important for efficient operation of the warehouses?

Material handling is the process of transporting, handling, and storing goods in a warehouse with the support of manual labor, worker-operated machines (forklifts), semi-automated equipment, and automatic machinery (conveyors).

While it might seem that material handling does not entail any hazardous work, this is a very risky presumption to make. Workplace injuries are common, particularly when workers carry hefty materials like lumber or using equipment like cranes, forklifts, and conveyors. Even workers who are not equipped for this kind of work environment put themselves and their co-workers in extreme danger.

In the material handling industry, the following are typical hazards:

●      Manually moving heavy and large items can cause back injury, strains, and sprains.

●      Things that fall as a consequence of poorly stacked materials or machinery

●      Collisions with materials result in fractures and/or bruises

●      Fractures and/or bruises as a result of being stuck between materials or inside "pinch points"

How do workers keep themselves safe while using material handling machines?

Personnel who are certified to use mechanical machinery to transport, carry, and stock inventory can perform their jobs much more efficiently in the material handling industry. This material handling machinery, on the other hand, raises the risk of occupational accidents. As a result, workers should exercise extra care while using this machinery.

In addition, workers should follow the following guidelines:

●      By keeping the load close to the mast, you can reduce the chance of machinery tipping or debris collapsing.

●      In no conditions can you counterbalance an overloaded forklift.

●      Be sure the load is arranged in the lowest position when transferring machinery.

●      Always read and obey the equipment's operating instructions.

●      Cross-tier and/or pile packed loads wherever possible.

What additional precautions should be adopted in view of this current pandemic?

The number one goal in warehousing is to keep operations running while still keeping workers safe. However, with the need to keep the virus at bay by incorporating an additional layer of precautions, has taken on much greater importance.

Any Covid-19 protection plan must be built around three primary areas: location, equipment, and individuals, with steps in place to ensure social distancing and cleanliness.

●      Adopt practises to modify the location as per covid standards

●      Follow the equipment usage and handling guidelines along with strict cleaning regime

●    Conduct regular health-check ups and issue personal protective equipment for the workers

●      Formulate social distancing protocols and hygiene and material handling procedures

As a warehouse operator, you can reduce the risk of Covid-19 to your company and employees by implementing these above steps. Warehousing and logistics are the core of the supply chain and efficient operation of the same is integral for the recovery of the economy.