Calls for packing industry action to attract staff

President of the European Federation of Wooden Pallet & Packaging Manufacturers (FEFPEB), Rob van Hoesel (pictured), has called on the wooden pallet and packaging sector to update its businesses and communication to ensure it can attract and retain high quality staff for the future.

The head of the organisation said the industry must adapt its operations to provide rewarding careers and personal development, and communicate its strong ethical characteristics to potential employees, to give it an advantage in an increasingly competition jobs environment for companies. Large numbers of staff have left positions across many sectors since Covid, while younger people coming into the market have new priorities to cater for, he added.

“Similar to those in many other industries, pallets and packaging businesses are facing a recruitment challenge, which we only expect to increase in the years ahead,” said van Hoesel. “People are no longer just looking for financial rewards, they are looking to work for businesses that give them flexibility and opportunities to learn and develop, which have ethically sound operations and make a positive difference to society. We need to make sure we tick all these boxes in order to attract the highest calibre staff.”

He added that the wooden pallets and packaging industry already had many of the ethical credentials today’s employees were looking for. “The wooden pallets and packaging business is inherently ethical, based on a raw material that is endlessly renewable, and manufactures, repairs and reuses its products until they are recycled at the end of their useful life. With a majority of wood from managed, sustainable sources, the industry encourages tree planting, which helps remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It has care for the environment at its heart and, as illustrated during the pandemic is an industry that is essential to the smooth running of the global economy,” he said. “These are just some of the attributes which make it an exciting place to work and attractive to the younger generation, and we need to make sure we communicate this well to potential employees.”

He added that companies in the industry needed to keep up to date with technological developments, to help them attract staff and compete well into the future. The subject of attracting and retaining staff will be one of those addressed at the 70th FEFPEB congress, which will be held on September 28-30 in Florence, Italy. Other topics will include sustainability, reforestation and the future of the pallets and packaging sector. The event will include a one-day tour around some of Italy’s leading pallet and packaging businesses.

Calls for packing industry action to attract staff

President of the European Federation of Wooden Pallet & Packaging Manufacturers (FEFPEB), Rob van Hoesel (pictured), has called on the wooden pallet and packaging sector to update its businesses and communication to ensure it can attract and retain high quality staff for the future.

The head of the organisation said the industry must adapt its operations to provide rewarding careers and personal development, and communicate its strong ethical characteristics to potential employees, to give it an advantage in an increasingly competition jobs environment for companies. Large numbers of staff have left positions across many sectors since Covid, while younger people coming into the market have new priorities to cater for, he added.

“Similar to those in many other industries, pallets and packaging businesses are facing a recruitment challenge, which we only expect to increase in the years ahead,” said van Hoesel. “People are no longer just looking for financial rewards, they are looking to work for businesses that give them flexibility and opportunities to learn and develop, which have ethically sound operations and make a positive difference to society. We need to make sure we tick all these boxes in order to attract the highest calibre staff.”

He added that the wooden pallets and packaging industry already had many of the ethical credentials today’s employees were looking for. “The wooden pallets and packaging business is inherently ethical, based on a raw material that is endlessly renewable, and manufactures, repairs and reuses its products until they are recycled at the end of their useful life. With a majority of wood from managed, sustainable sources, the industry encourages tree planting, which helps remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It has care for the environment at its heart and, as illustrated during the pandemic is an industry that is essential to the smooth running of the global economy,” he said. “These are just some of the attributes which make it an exciting place to work and attractive to the younger generation, and we need to make sure we communicate this well to potential employees.”

He added that companies in the industry needed to keep up to date with technological developments, to help them attract staff and compete well into the future. The subject of attracting and retaining staff will be one of those addressed at the 70th FEFPEB congress, which will be held on September 28-30 in Florence, Italy. Other topics will include sustainability, reforestation and the future of the pallets and packaging sector. The event will include a one-day tour around some of Italy’s leading pallet and packaging businesses.

Showcasing Innovation at IMHX Birmingham

The biggest week of the year for British logistics professionals is almost here. IMHX is the UK’s largest logistics exhibition and meeting place for those involved in the handling, movement, and transportation of goods throughout the supply chain process. IMHX will open for business at the NEC, Birmingham, on the 6th – 8th September.

“Preparations for our stand are almost complete,” comments Mike Barton, Managing Director at B&B Attachments. “Future technology will be a central focus on B&B Attachments stand this year. The stand will include the latest forklift truck attachment innovations from B&B and our handling partner; KAUP – shown together on one stand.” Comments Mike. The forklift attachment manufacturer will exhibit new technology set to transform handling operations throughout supply chain. “Everyone is talking about electric handling solutions. Energy-efficient attachments without hydraulic functions is the future of the industry.”

One such attachment is the electrically operated and electronically controlled, KAUP Electric Fork Positioner T160BE. This attachment completely removes the requirement for hydraulic operation. A PLC with CAN-Bus-interface opens new communication possibilities between the attachment and fork truck. The KAUP Electric Fork Positioner improves safety and productivity by ensuring precise position of the forklift forks, set by the internal control panel. “You can come and test the operation controls for this attachment on B&B’s stand at IMHX, by using a specially created control unit which provides a first-hand experience of how the forks electrically operate,” Mike enthuses.

Another attachment B&B are excited to unveil is its latest solution in layer picking and de-palletising. The open centre LayerMaster attachment is specifically designed for the produce industry, it offers the same exceptional layer picking and de-palletising performance as the standard LayerMaster. However, the open centre version also assists with full pallet replacements, rebuilding pallets, stacking, and building mixed pallet loads.

Mike continues, “damage free handling is more important than ever. Product damage during the handling process will become a thing of the past due to steps forward in innovatory sensor handling. The KAUP Smart Load Control (SLC) is the only system for appliance clamps on the market that functions autonomously and without intervention in the forklift hydraulic system.” This patented, intelligent SLC system regulates the clamping force of appliance clamps depending on the load. “SLC is already impressing the industry. It fundamentally changes the way the industry handles appliance loads, ensuring only the necessary clamping force pressure is applied to the load,” Mike adds.

“Always one to attract visitors is the Push-Pull attachment” Mike continues. “This cost-effective solution ensures optimum performance and maximum productivity when handling materials on slip sheets. The Push Pull was developed to help unload containerised products that are not on pallets. It enables safe, productive handling of pallet-less materials in applications such as beverage handling, general cargo handling, bagged goods, fruit, and corrugated box handling.”

Showcasing Innovation at IMHX Birmingham

The biggest week of the year for British logistics professionals is almost here. IMHX is the UK’s largest logistics exhibition and meeting place for those involved in the handling, movement, and transportation of goods throughout the supply chain process. IMHX will open for business at the NEC, Birmingham, on the 6th – 8th September.

“Preparations for our stand are almost complete,” comments Mike Barton, Managing Director at B&B Attachments. “Future technology will be a central focus on B&B Attachments stand this year. The stand will include the latest forklift truck attachment innovations from B&B and our handling partner; KAUP – shown together on one stand.” Comments Mike. The forklift attachment manufacturer will exhibit new technology set to transform handling operations throughout supply chain. “Everyone is talking about electric handling solutions. Energy-efficient attachments without hydraulic functions is the future of the industry.”

One such attachment is the electrically operated and electronically controlled, KAUP Electric Fork Positioner T160BE. This attachment completely removes the requirement for hydraulic operation. A PLC with CAN-Bus-interface opens new communication possibilities between the attachment and fork truck. The KAUP Electric Fork Positioner improves safety and productivity by ensuring precise position of the forklift forks, set by the internal control panel. “You can come and test the operation controls for this attachment on B&B’s stand at IMHX, by using a specially created control unit which provides a first-hand experience of how the forks electrically operate,” Mike enthuses.

Another attachment B&B are excited to unveil is its latest solution in layer picking and de-palletising. The open centre LayerMaster attachment is specifically designed for the produce industry, it offers the same exceptional layer picking and de-palletising performance as the standard LayerMaster. However, the open centre version also assists with full pallet replacements, rebuilding pallets, stacking, and building mixed pallet loads.

Mike continues, “damage free handling is more important than ever. Product damage during the handling process will become a thing of the past due to steps forward in innovatory sensor handling. The KAUP Smart Load Control (SLC) is the only system for appliance clamps on the market that functions autonomously and without intervention in the forklift hydraulic system.” This patented, intelligent SLC system regulates the clamping force of appliance clamps depending on the load. “SLC is already impressing the industry. It fundamentally changes the way the industry handles appliance loads, ensuring only the necessary clamping force pressure is applied to the load,” Mike adds.

“Always one to attract visitors is the Push-Pull attachment” Mike continues. “This cost-effective solution ensures optimum performance and maximum productivity when handling materials on slip sheets. The Push Pull was developed to help unload containerised products that are not on pallets. It enables safe, productive handling of pallet-less materials in applications such as beverage handling, general cargo handling, bagged goods, fruit, and corrugated box handling.”

Workforce Wearables: Comfort and Mobility

A few years ago, Matthew Marino of HeroWear worked with a warehouse stocker named John who had injured his back and was looking to get back to full duty. John’s job was important to him because he had a family to support. Working as a morning stocker, he was on his feet for 8 hours, pushing and pulling pallet jacks full of goods, constantly lifting, bending, and reaching, to stock his aisles before heading home to help his son. It’s no surprise that John became one of millions of Americans who missed time at work because of back pain.

John agreed to try using a back-assist exoskeleton while on modified duty. Matthew trained and supported him throughout his transition from modified to full duty. He used the exoskeleton until he no longer had any work restrictions from his doctor, and he was approved for full-duty work. He said he could feel the exoskeleton reducing strain in his back when he was bending and lifting. The assistance truly worked. Then one day John gave back the exoskeleton. Even though he said it worked, he didn’t want to use it anymore. Why?

While there was no doubt that the exoskeleton helped, John said it prevented him from doing his job and moving the way he wanted. He couldn’t get close to the items he needed to reach because the exoskeleton interfered. He couldn’t move in tight spaces and in between pallets because the exoskeleton stuck out too far around his body and got caught on shrink-wrap.
It helped relieve back strain, but that didn’t matter. Because it got in the way, John was done with the exoskeleton.

John’s story is a powerful lesson: if you are thinking about adopting new technology or new wearables for your workforce, physical assistance is not the only important factor. Whether it’s an exoskeleton that provides physical support or sensors that promote a safer workday, if wearables prevent workers from doing their job how they want to, adoption will be an uphill battle. That’s why comfortable workforce wearables that don’t restrict freedom of movement are more practical for many industries, especially fast-paced logistics environments. Logistics and warehouse workers need to be able to quickly adapt to any challenges they face to get their job done, which means they need full mobility, and zero distractions.

Lightweight, soft exosuits that are built to comfortably fit any body type and be worn all day have incredible potential to help workers who frequently bend and lift. Those are also the kind of workers that need protection. The wear and tear from the frequent forces and awkward postures their spines must endure during all that bending and lifting really adds up physically – not only over the course of a single day, but over the course of a career.

The good news is there are many new wearables for logistics companies wanting to find ways to protect their employees without sacrificing production. Companies have started using workforce wearables, including rigid exoskeletons or “soft-shell” exosuits, to lower the forces that increase the risk of chronic pain. Geodis began using passive exoskeletons for back support in 2017 and DHL published a report saying that soon delivery people “will be using exoskeletons to safely lift heavy weights.”

These companies and many others are using exoskeletons and exosuits that are already on the market and have been scientifically proven to reduce back strain, fatigue, and risk of injury from bending and lifting. But as we learned from John’s story, it’s critical that they are comfortable and don’t restrict freedom of movement. Thankfully, there are exosuits being implemented that are specifically designed to provide assistance without impacting mobility or comfort.

When it comes to the sensor side of workforce wearables, Walmart and Toyota are testing devices that alert workers who are engaging in risky movements. These devices collect data to give employers insights into which jobs, tasks or workers have the highest levels of injury risk, so that workplace design or equipment changes can be made to improve worker safety. They also provide feedback to workers to train them to avoid risky postures and movements. The testing found a reduction in injury risk across North America using the sensors.

But while exosuits must give user’s freedom of movement to be adopted, sensors have their own user-adoption hurdles: the “creepy factor” that some workers may feel toward data collection – including privacy and workplace-surveillance concerns. These challenges are being addressed by sensor providers and companies through privacy features, proper training, and awareness among workers.

The rise of workforce wearables is exciting because they could help fight a major problem: work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). OSHA said WMSDs are frequently the cause of lost or restricted work time and the annual cost from back pain domestically is $253 billion, according to the Bone and Joint Initiative. Amazon has started to direct financial resources to combat WMSDs with its WorkingWell program and Jeff Bezos has said that the company needs to tackle workplace injuries. They had reason to emphasize warehouse safety: Amazon recorded 5.6 injuries per 100 workers in 2019, while the (still-too-high) national average for the warehousing and storage sector was 4.8.

Workforce wearables can help protect workers who may be at-risk of suffering WMSDs, which could turn into chronic pain. But a major hurdle in the “War on WMSDs” is enthusiastic buy-in from the workers to properly use the wearables. We’ve learned from stories like John’s that buy-in is going to be a whole lot easier if the wearables are comfortable and maintain mobility. To enjoy the assistance of workforce wearables, workers must be willing to wear them. When they feel comfortable using a wearable and quickly see the difference it makes by improving their quality of life, the way physical work is done can change forever.

Workforce Wearables: Comfort and Mobility

A few years ago, Matthew Marino of HeroWear worked with a warehouse stocker named John who had injured his back and was looking to get back to full duty. John’s job was important to him because he had a family to support. Working as a morning stocker, he was on his feet for 8 hours, pushing and pulling pallet jacks full of goods, constantly lifting, bending, and reaching, to stock his aisles before heading home to help his son. It’s no surprise that John became one of millions of Americans who missed time at work because of back pain.

John agreed to try using a back-assist exoskeleton while on modified duty. Matthew trained and supported him throughout his transition from modified to full duty. He used the exoskeleton until he no longer had any work restrictions from his doctor, and he was approved for full-duty work. He said he could feel the exoskeleton reducing strain in his back when he was bending and lifting. The assistance truly worked. Then one day John gave back the exoskeleton. Even though he said it worked, he didn’t want to use it anymore. Why?

While there was no doubt that the exoskeleton helped, John said it prevented him from doing his job and moving the way he wanted. He couldn’t get close to the items he needed to reach because the exoskeleton interfered. He couldn’t move in tight spaces and in between pallets because the exoskeleton stuck out too far around his body and got caught on shrink-wrap.
It helped relieve back strain, but that didn’t matter. Because it got in the way, John was done with the exoskeleton.

John’s story is a powerful lesson: if you are thinking about adopting new technology or new wearables for your workforce, physical assistance is not the only important factor. Whether it’s an exoskeleton that provides physical support or sensors that promote a safer workday, if wearables prevent workers from doing their job how they want to, adoption will be an uphill battle. That’s why comfortable workforce wearables that don’t restrict freedom of movement are more practical for many industries, especially fast-paced logistics environments. Logistics and warehouse workers need to be able to quickly adapt to any challenges they face to get their job done, which means they need full mobility, and zero distractions.

Lightweight, soft exosuits that are built to comfortably fit any body type and be worn all day have incredible potential to help workers who frequently bend and lift. Those are also the kind of workers that need protection. The wear and tear from the frequent forces and awkward postures their spines must endure during all that bending and lifting really adds up physically – not only over the course of a single day, but over the course of a career.

The good news is there are many new wearables for logistics companies wanting to find ways to protect their employees without sacrificing production. Companies have started using workforce wearables, including rigid exoskeletons or “soft-shell” exosuits, to lower the forces that increase the risk of chronic pain. Geodis began using passive exoskeletons for back support in 2017 and DHL published a report saying that soon delivery people “will be using exoskeletons to safely lift heavy weights.”

These companies and many others are using exoskeletons and exosuits that are already on the market and have been scientifically proven to reduce back strain, fatigue, and risk of injury from bending and lifting. But as we learned from John’s story, it’s critical that they are comfortable and don’t restrict freedom of movement. Thankfully, there are exosuits being implemented that are specifically designed to provide assistance without impacting mobility or comfort.

When it comes to the sensor side of workforce wearables, Walmart and Toyota are testing devices that alert workers who are engaging in risky movements. These devices collect data to give employers insights into which jobs, tasks or workers have the highest levels of injury risk, so that workplace design or equipment changes can be made to improve worker safety. They also provide feedback to workers to train them to avoid risky postures and movements. The testing found a reduction in injury risk across North America using the sensors.

But while exosuits must give user’s freedom of movement to be adopted, sensors have their own user-adoption hurdles: the “creepy factor” that some workers may feel toward data collection – including privacy and workplace-surveillance concerns. These challenges are being addressed by sensor providers and companies through privacy features, proper training, and awareness among workers.

The rise of workforce wearables is exciting because they could help fight a major problem: work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). OSHA said WMSDs are frequently the cause of lost or restricted work time and the annual cost from back pain domestically is $253 billion, according to the Bone and Joint Initiative. Amazon has started to direct financial resources to combat WMSDs with its WorkingWell program and Jeff Bezos has said that the company needs to tackle workplace injuries. They had reason to emphasize warehouse safety: Amazon recorded 5.6 injuries per 100 workers in 2019, while the (still-too-high) national average for the warehousing and storage sector was 4.8.

Workforce wearables can help protect workers who may be at-risk of suffering WMSDs, which could turn into chronic pain. But a major hurdle in the “War on WMSDs” is enthusiastic buy-in from the workers to properly use the wearables. We’ve learned from stories like John’s that buy-in is going to be a whole lot easier if the wearables are comfortable and maintain mobility. To enjoy the assistance of workforce wearables, workers must be willing to wear them. When they feel comfortable using a wearable and quickly see the difference it makes by improving their quality of life, the way physical work is done can change forever.

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