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Tag: safety

Many couriers and delivery drivers feel unsafe

Posted on by David Priestman

One in five (20%) home delivery professionals have been attacked or threatened by members of the public, while over a third (35%) feel at risk while they are out working alone, especially at night or when in isolated locations. These are the key findings of a survey conducted by lone worker protection specialist Peoplesafe that was completed by over 500 UK couriers and delivery drivers.

“These are hugely alarming statistics that highlight the dangers faced by home delivery operatives every day,” explains Naz Dossa, CEO of Peoplesafe. “These essential workers, who play such an important role within the UK’s supply chain – particularly throughout the pandemic and national lockdowns – deserve peace of mind that they are safe from any threat when they are working, but should the worst happen, someone is on hand to come to their aid.”

More than 20% of respondents are taking conscious steps to protect themselves while they are out on their delivery routes. Although most are relying on common sense to stay safe – locking doors, being aware of surroundings, varying routines and keeping in touch with people – others are using some form of safety equipment, such as mobile, alarm or camera devices.

“There is significant anecdotal evidence that suggests that couriers and delivery drivers have faced growing threats during the COVID pandemic, with well documented examples of hijackings, attempted thefts and road rage incidents. With this added risk they are feeling increasingly vulnerable when they are out making deliveries, so it is important that they have access to appropriate personal safety and smart PPE solutions,” concludes Dossa.

Peoplesafe is the market-leading lone worker service, trusted by over 2,500 organisations in the UK to protect their at-risk employees. The company’s solution provides drivers with peace of mind that support is on-hand if they are attacked, threatened or injured, whether they are inside or outside of the vehicle. On average, raised alerts are answered by a controller at Its 24/7 Alarm Receiving Centre in under six seconds.

Stanley and Asda launch powered stair climber

Posted on by Keith McKinley

To help further improve the efficiency of its grocery home shopping service, Asda has become the first UK supermarket to introduce a powered stair climber, in collaboration with materials handling specialist, Stanley.

Following a successful trial of Stanley’s ultra-lightweight stair climber, Asda has introduced 270 machines as part of its urban delivery fleet. These will work alongside conventional trollies and reduce the need for manual handling when making deliveries to properties with stairs.

Weighing 13.5kg with the capacity to carry up to 85kg, the stair climber’s caterpillar tracks enable Asda colleagues to deliver groceries safely and quickly to customers living in flats and properties where access is difficult. This is expected to result in a reduction in time spent at the doorstep, while improving the overall customer experience and reducing the risk of manual handling injuries.

Asda has invested in its fleet and delivery vans due to the growth in demand for its home shopping service, which has seen the supermarket increase capacity from 400,000 to 850,000 slots per week since the start of the pandemic.

Simon Gregg, Vice President of Online Grocery at Asda, said: “We know that our drivers are making an increasing number of deliveries in urban areas where many customers live in flats and apartments, which often require access up several flights of stairs. Through collaboration with Stanley, we have been able to create a powered stair climber that suits the needs of our drivers and growing online operation, which in turn will see us reduce time at the doorstep and improve the customer experience.”

Commenting on the contract with Asda, which includes a bi-annual service and certification programme over five years, Graham Sharp, Stanley’s Managing Director, said: “Increasing home delivery capacity whilst reducing the risk of injury to personnel are two areas of focus for ‘last mile’ grocery teams. We are delighted that Asda has recognised the proven benefits of improving delivery times and colleague safety through the use of specially designed, lightweight powered stair climbers and in doing so, has become the first UK supermarket to introduce these machines.”

 

12 Security Camera System Best Practices

Posted on by Keith McKinley

Eagle Eye Networks, a leading cloud services security camera company, has published a White Paper authored by its CEO, Dean Drako.

Security camera systems are increasingly internet connected, driven in great part by customer demand for remote video access. The systems range from cloud-managed surveillance systems, traditional DVR/VMS/NVRs connected to the internet, and traditional systems connected to a local network which in turn is connected to the internet.

With cyber-attacks accelerating, physical security integrators and internal support staff must keep up-to-date on cyber security attack vectors which can impact the video management systems they sell and/or support. These systems require the same level of protection from cyber security vulnerabilities given to traditional IT systems.

The White Paper focuses on the best practices for internet-connected security camera systems. Many of these practices may be also applied to other physical security systems.

To download a PDF of the White Paper, please follow this link:

https://www.een.com/security-camera-system-cyber-best-practices/

FLTA: Safety is a journey, not a destination

Posted on by David Priestman

The Fork Lift Truck Association, part of UKMHA, is once again reminding businesses around the UK to take a hard look at safety on site, and asks: Are you doing as well as you should be?

Creating a lasting safety culture — where best practice behaviours and actions are embedded in day-to-day operations — should be the top priority of any site.

UKMHA Chief Executive Tim Waples explains: “Safety requires commitment. It’s that simple. If management is seen to act, and implement change, a workforce will be reassured and inspired to do the same.

“Investing in safety is an investment in the business and its future. You are more likely to see financial gains if you have a strong safety culture in place. Safety is not just common sense, it’s good business sense.

“A prime example is our 2019 FLTA Safe Site Award winners Kellogg’s. They invested hugely in making an old and complex site safer, but recognised that toolbox talks, staff meetings and constant engagement were what really made the difference.”

Here are just a few suggestions and tips for kickstarting a journey towards a better safety culture:

Set positive goals: Instead of focussing on lagging indicators, i.e. what businesses don’t want to see, think about leading indicators, which are the things a company wants to see more of. Set targets then make them happen.

Don’t be complacent: Smart organisations look for areas of improvement and risk, then put controls in place to resolve issues before serious problems occur.

Involve and inform staff: In great safety cultures, every employee has a working knowledge of health and safety topics, and they know their roles and responsibilities.

Have an open-door policy for reporting issues: Create an environment where constructive criticism is welcomed, and where reporting is not merely guilt-free but praised. No-one should fear they will be ignored or — worse still — punished for coming forward, and nothing should be swept under the carpet.

Continue to communicate: Keep safety alive through every channel available and make sure that safety is top of the agenda when new recruits are inducted. Achieving high participation rates will provide encouragement and momentum for future initiatives.

To support the industry in improving safety standards, the FLTA created the Safe User Group. Members receive access to invaluable tools, exclusive resources, case studies with actionable tips, and advice on easy, affordable site improvements. For more information on joining SUG visit www.fork-truck.org.uk/safe-user-group

CFTS warns of need for post-lockdown inspections

Posted on by Keith McKinley

CFTS, the body behind the national standard for Thorough Examinations, has confirmed that any equipment that was out of action (stood down or left idle) for a prolonged period during the latest lockdown is due an inspection before it is recommissioned for service.

Owners and users of work equipment have a legal responsibility to arrange Thorough Examinations, in line with LOLER and PUWER regulations.

CFTS Chairman Geoff Martin says: “The HSE is very clear on the importance of ensuring regular Thorough Examinations throughout the pandemic. Equipment can be dangerous and cause an accident if it’s faulty. The risk is even higher if the equipment has been stored for a long period of time, such as during this latest lockdown. A Thorough Examination will determine if there has been any deterioration over recent weeks and will confirm whether equipment is safe to use.

“It is important to remember that equipment owners do not have to use the inspection provider offered by their insurance company. For example, they are free to choose a local CFTS-accredited examiner, who will assess parts such as the steering, brakes and tyres, in addition to the lifting components, ensuring that the truck is fully fit for purpose.”

Once the work equipment has received a Thorough Examination, it can be recommissioned for service. Owners should refer to the operator’s manual for guidance on the requirements for testing and servicing.

“CFTS-accredited providers are available now and have remained open throughout the pandemic to ensure that all work equipment stays up and running,” adds Geoff Martin. “This third lockdown has been no different, and we encourage all owners and users to get in touch should you have any queries about getting operations going again.”

To find a local CFTS-accredited provider, visit www.thoroughexamination.org/find-an-accredited-examiner

Information on Thorough Examinations and working safely during the pandemic can be found at www.thoroughexamination.org, or call 01344 623 800.

 

No-Cheat Seat Belts on Forklifts Introduced

Posted on by David Priestman

No-cheat seat belts on forklifts is a new feature by Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks which may be a game changer in avoiding deaths in potentially tragic forklift truck incidents.

According to the latest figures from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, tipping accidents are the single most common cause of operator fatalities (42%) among forklift operators. In almost every case, the driver was ‘mousetrapped’ between the truck and the ground, causing massive trauma to the head or upper body.

According to Stewart Gosling of Red Diamond Distribution, exclusive importers of Mitsubishi forklift trucks: “These accidents occur because, as a forklift tips over, the operator’s overwhelming instinct is to try and jump clear. Seemingly, no amount of training or experience can overcome the flight instinct..with fatal consequences. Sadly, if the operator was to stay in place, they would walk away with bruising and little more.

“However, actually keeping them seated has proved an insurmountable challenge… until now.”

Many operators simply can’t be bothered to buckle up, especially in on-off applications. At the same time, supervisors tire of reminding staff to comply. Even where safety systems are fitted, operators routinely attempt to trick them by fastening their seat belts permanently behind them.

Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks has overcome this issue on its latest range of EDiA electric trucks with a seat belt compliance feature: a switchable option that allows the employer to ensure wearing a seat belt is mandatory.

“Sometimes, the simple stuff can have the greatest impact,” sums up Stewart Gosling. “We may not be able to change an operator’s natural instincts but now we can make a life-or-death difference by no-Cheat seat belts to ensure they are worn.”

Last year a fleet of Mitsubishi EDiA electric forklift trucks was selected by Essential Supply Products Ltd (ESP) as part of the company’s commitment to greener initiatives – click here for more information

ELOshield Selected by Mondi Ascania for Improved On-Site Safety

Posted on by David Priestman

Mondi Ascania, has made the decision to further reduce any risks of accidents by fitting ELOKON’s ELOshield assistance system on its fleet of Toyota forklift trucks.

At Mondi’s manufacturing facility in Germany, four 50m long production lines operate around the clock, with the fabrics coming off the conveyor belts on large bales. Whilst the production process is to a large extent automated, other operations such as taking the bales to the packaging and storage areas, preparation for despatch and quality management involve the use of forklifts and manual labour.

Excellent safety track record

There has not yet been a single serious accident involving collisions between personnel and vehicles on site, thanks to Mondi’s stringent implementation of occupational health and safety measures. The forklifts circulate mainly in a relatively confined area of just 300m² between the packing stations, so there is little room to manoeuvre. Add to this very limited visibility and a constant stream of pedestrian traffic between the halls and this makes for a challenging environment for the truck drivers.

Maik Roemhold, SHE Coordinator at Mondi said: “We are proud of our excellent track record so far, but we were aware that unless we constantly review and enhance our safety measures it was possibly only a matter of time before an accident occurred when 25 trucks and 120 employees are working closely together. This is why we commissioned a demo of ELOshield on-site, which proved that the system’s ability to send visual, acoustic and haptic warning signals would add an extra layer of safety for our workforce.”

Radio technology protects the workforce

ELOshield automatically recognises when a person enters the danger zone of an operating forklift truck, by means of two modules which communicate with each other via radio signals. The forklift module is installed in a clearly visible position in the driver’s cab whilst the personal module, around the size of a smartphone, is worn by the pedestrian.

Constant transmission of radio signals measures the distance between the two modules in real time, and if this falls below a certain threshold the system triggers alarms. The driver receives visual and acoustic notification that a person is within the danger zone of the vehicle and the pedestrian is alerted by means of vibration and acoustic alarms, which also coincide with the truck being automatically brought to a standstill.

Happy employees, satisfied management

“Our employees really like this system”, said Roemhold. “They feel safe and protected when they move around the production lines. Initially some of them had to get used to the trucks slowing down automatically and thought that this could impact on productivity, but this was just perceived, and our analyses proved that this was not the case at all. Installation went very smoothly and the ELOKON technicians were quick to react with solutions to any feedback we had, such as slightly repositioning the antennas to improve the trucks’ steering.”

Compatible with all OEM products

ELOshield was installed on a number of the Toyota models, and going forward Mondi plans to fit all its new trucks with this system. In common with all of ELOKON’s safety and assistance systems, it is  compatible with any forklift brand as the radio signals can be adapted to be received by any truck, and it can also be retrofitted to existing fleets.

ELOshield won a gold award at the annual “Engineering Awards in Manufacturing” event at the ProMat trade show in Chicago.

Flexible Workforce Management

Posted on by David Priestman

While most logistics employers have been moving towards adopting more modern workforce management tools, none had expected to make so many profound changes quite so quickly. Eric Paulsson, Logistics and Warehousing Specialist at Quinyx, explores the lessons learned.

The effects of the pandemic across the industry have been varied. Aberdeen Standard Investments talks about a two-speed market, where industrial estates, trade parks and ‘big box’ assets supplying retail stores are vulnerable to weaker consumption, particularly in the event of a more severe and prolonged consumer recession. It commented: “The most resilient subsectors are fringe-city and urban logistics, which are closely tied to the phenomenal surge in demand for online retail. Some estimates suggest that online retail sales volumes have been catapulted five
years into the future in the space of just a few months.”

And that’s just retail. The impact on connected businesses such as freight has also been significant and unexpected, as the movement of goods has shifted between methods of transport depending on demand and the dictates of individual regions and countries on what is permissible. Despite a few high profile missteps, the logistics industry has been a leader in the adoption of safety and hygiene measures for staff and suppliers. It is also embracing the benefits of workforce management solutions that aim to provide both employers and staff with the capabilities they have been seeking for some years, now accelerated by the pandemic.

Flexible Scheduling

The keywords for the future will seem contradictory but they are ‘flexibility’ and ‘predictability’; employers want to know that they have the right people and resources for the tasks at hand, but at the same time, know they can respond to demand fluctuations that have been so common over the last six months and which look set to continue. For instance, as the source of orders has changed, some warehouses have moved to create dual pick faces for retail and ecommerce; they want to retain the flexibility to ramp up and down depending on how demand changes by channel in the future.

Already this has seen some warehouse staff having to move between roles and tasks more often. This has put pressure on conventional staff scheduling tools that not only lack flexibility for employers but are also unable to provide schedule choices for staff who have needed to incorporate unusual requirements. These include having to work around elderly and vulnerable family members or needing to take on greater workloads to compensate for family members who may be on furlough or have even lost their jobs. Scheduling tools now need to be able to optimise
scheduling, forecast shifts to improve productivity, and control costs as well ensure compliance with regulations on hygiene and social distancing. Read the whole article here.

Partnership Drives Growth and Success

Posted on by David Priestman

Paul Roehricht, UK strategic account manager for Brandsafe, considers the critical role aftersales care and partnership plays in delivering the highest standards of safety and protection in the warehouse and logistics environment.

It should really go without saying that taking care of your customers once you have provided and installed products is best practice and the number one priority for any supplier. But too often in the scramble to deliver and look for new customers, it can be to easy to fail to follow through or appreciate that active aftercare can be beneficial for business. Indeed, aftersales care and support reflects a genuine insight into customer needs as well as an opportunity for a supplier to secure additional business in future: it’s been estimated that margins generated by post-sales activities can be several times higher than those of initial product sales.

Good customer service does not stop once a purchase has been made, installed and your team has left the building. It’s only right that customers investing significant sums in safety and impact protection systems – indeed, any products – deserve the highest quality service, fast and effective resolution of problems or queries, as well as a touch of added value.

Understanding demand and managing the supply chain efficiently to secure product stock levels, supported by the deployment to customer sites of skilled, well resourced service teams, who understand the nuances and critical issues on the ground when it comes to onsite installation of systems and products, are key ingredients in a recipe for getting things right first time, every time. For example, if you cannot supply customers with the right part or product when they need it, and then install properly, they will go elsewhere.

Positive experience

Customers will be far more satisfied if they see your demonstrable focus on service and aftercare support, too. They’re more likely to purchase from you in the future if they have a positive experience of your company and project management capabilities – they may even recommend the brand to other potential customers as a result. For most companies, better service and aftersales support boosts revenue, delivers greater profitability and inevitably creates a powerful competitive advantage for the brand. Simply put, it’s good business.

Undoubtedly, the current pandemic is re-shaping the way many organisations conduct business. And this can be reflected in the role partnership plays in areas such as project management – and how sector suppliers such as Brandsafe go the extra mile.

Suppliers and customers who adopt a partnership approach can see rewards and reap significant benefits; particularly in the warehouse and logistics industry, which has been prone to accusations of unwillingness to share best practice and engage collaboratively on safety matters to drive wholesale improvements for the benefit of all sector operators.

Supply chain collaboration has a lot to offer. Relying on your supply partner to effectively project manage critical installations, for example, can reduce costs while improving quality and service levels. As we see online sales surge as a result of the pandemic seemingly without end, many retailers and distributors are peddling fast to re-organise and invest to either upgrade or redevelop existing warehouse infrastructures, or build new multi-complexes and international distribution hubs to accommodate strategic growth and expansion.

Operators may be rightly concerned about investing at a time when managing the bottom line is crucial but, with so much current change in consumer behaviour and purchasing decisions, there is no time for businesses to rest on their laurels.

Indeed, online sales in 2020 are expected to grow 19% year-on-year, up from pre-pandemic estimates of 11%, rising from a total of £66bn in 2019 to almost £80bn this year. Some forecasters suggest UK e-commerce will grow in value by as much as £5.3bn by the end of the year. Supermarket supply chains are also seeing big surges in demand, placing additional pressure on their distribution and supply chain infrastructure.

Partnership delivers

Skilled labour, which should be utilised effectively, is a resource in short supply, whose use must be effectively deployed. Many businesses in the warehouse and logistics sector might not be able attract or retain all the skills they require to support their capital investment and redevelopment plans, or may need these skills on a more flexible basis. Working in partnership with your supplier, who will have the requisite experience and expertise in place and available for use, will add even more supply chain value and allow people to benefit from skilled resources.

Innovative approaches can be shared throughout our sector, opening up advantages and delivering benefits for all. Partnership can make things a lot easier, quicker and cheaper, helping to support your health and safety commitments as you move into new geographical areas, expand operations or enter markets to access new customers and opportunities.

It will unquestionably facilitate new dynamics in the supplier/customer relationship, paving the way to mutually beneficial commercial and operational advantages. So in a sector that constantly evolves to meet the ebb and flow of changing consumer tastes and faces challenges around keeping people safe and secure while maximising productivity, surely there’s no better time to explore partnership with your suppliers and the role it plays in delivering the highest standards of protection?

Up to 20% of Ex-Forklifts Potentially Unsafe

Posted on by David Priestman

Up to 20% of explosion protected lift trucks (ex-forklifts) in operation may not pass an Annual Safety Audit, reveals Pyroban.

“When a lift truck leaves our facility, we can be confident that its safety systems are working as they should to help prevent ignition in a potentially explosive atmosphere,” explains Darren Boiling, Materials Handling Sales Manager for Pyroban. “However, it’s important to check that it stays that way, particularly after a few years’ of heavy use.”

“The Annual Safety Audit, known as an Ex-ASA, is recommended to thoroughly inspect all safety critical components and systems of Ex-forklifts,” Darren continues. “During these inspections, we see around 20% of trucks present issues that could pose real and immediate dangers.”

Among the most common reasons for failing a Pyroban Ex-ASA are issues with fork cladding and earth straps, worn tyres, DC motor insulation resistance, poorly maintained batteries and even seat cushion wear. Badly maintained or worn “D” shut-off valves are also a common reason for Ex-ASA failure on diesel forklifts.

On occasion, Pyroban’s audits have found serious problems where the motors have been repaired or altered by unqualified engineers with no experience of explosion protection. This compromises the integrity of the whole safety system and could render elements of it completely useless.

“An unqualified person making any change to an explosion protected truck could prove disastrous, so it’s important that only correctly trained CompEx engineers work on Pyroban converted lift trucks,” says Darren. “That said, any of the issues highlighted – from worn seats to battery issues – could potentially result in a horror story. Keeping up with preventative maintenance is an ideal way to avoid danger and make sure systems function correctly,” he continues. “But ensuring that equipment is regularly audited for safety provides extra reassurance and should be a priority for any operation with trucks operating in ATEX Zone 1, 2, 21 or 22 areas.”

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