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Tag: warehouse safety

Pedestrian Awareness Camera added to Forklifts

Posted on by David Priestman

Yale Lift Truck Technologies has announced a new pedestrian awareness camera solution, the latest addition to the Yale Reliant™ portfolio of active alert and assist technologies, which are designed to boost operator awareness and help support overall warehouse safety. The pedestrian awareness camera system can accurately identify pedestrians at ranges up to 6 metres through a 120-degree field of view and provides automatic alerts to the lift truck operator when a pedestrian is detected.

“Operator awareness is a foundational element of lift truck and pedestrian safety, and the Yale Reliant technology portfolio is designed to provide a helping hand for warehouses facing an increasingly transient labour pool and inexperienced lift truck operators,” says Daniel Heap, Manager, Product & Commercial – Technology & Connected Fleet, for Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “We’re continuing to target the challenges of real-world warehouse environments with research and development, and the pedestrian awareness camera solution offers the capability and configurability real-world warehouse environments need.”

Operations can get the camera system with audible and visual alerts only, or take advantage of a third type of notification with the addition of optional traction alerts. Upon pedestrian detection, an audible tone and a light indicates which zone the pedestrian is in, shown on the truck-mounted operator LED Display. Traction alerts go a step further by providing the operator with a perceptible alert through truck deceleration. While the operator remains in ultimate control of the equipment, this deceleration effect is intended to get their attention and encourage action to avoid the detected pedestrian by slowing down, steering away or both.

The pedestrian awareness detection system was developed using extensive amounts of real-world photographic data. It adapts to low light conditions and various environments. The system is optimised for travel speeds of 8 km per hour or less (though higher speeds are available). This gives operators ample time to identify alerts, and to react to avoid contact. The camera is mounted to the rear, forks-trailing side of the lift truck. The audible and traction alerts stop as the truck travels away from the detected pedestrian, and they are no longer in view of the camera.

The pedestrian awareness camera marks the latest addition to the award-winning Yale Reliant lineup of operator assist technologies, which take input from the work environment and equipment to alert operators of potential hazards and adjust lift truck performance. Yale Reliant initially launched globally in 2021, and has since accumulated over 24 million hours of run time on more than 8,300 units deployed in the field.

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https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/transport-distribution/cold-chain-logistics/yale-on-point-with-pedestrian-awareness-lights-2/

 

Podcast: Pedals & Pallets – Safety in the Saddle & Aisle

Posted on by David Priestman

In this ‘cycling podcast’ episode of Logistics Business Conversations, host Peter MacLeod speaks with Jim Ryan, founder of Sentry Protection Products, in a discussion that creatively draws parallels between cycling and warehouse safety. Ryan, a lifelong cycling enthusiast, uses his passion for the sport to illustrate key lessons in business strategy and safety innovation. He compares the forward momentum required in cycling to the need for constant progress and innovation in business—stopping, he says, means falling behind.

His long-distance cycling trips, particularly a cross-country ride with his brother, serve as a metaphor for planning in business, emphasizing the importance of having a main goal, a stretch objective, and a fallback option to manage unforeseen challenges.

The conversation explores the origins of Sentry’s signature product — an energy-absorbing column protector — and its evolution into a broader range of warehouse safety solutions. Ryan explains how initial resistance, particularly in European markets like Germany, gave way once competitors adopted similar concepts, validating the market need and helping push safety standards forward. He also discusses the role of collaboration, even with competitors, to advance industry-wide safety improvements.

Cycling Podcast

A major theme of the episode is the balance between speed and safety. Drawing comparisons to motorsports and modern cycling safety gear like radar-based lights, Ryan highlights the importance of infrastructural safety systems like Sentry’s Collision Sentry, which uses sensors to warn of potential collisions at blind corners. These tools, he notes, function similarly to how radar alerts cyclists to approaching vehicles, enhancing awareness and preventing accidents.

Ultimately, Ryan underscores that workplace safety is not just a regulatory requirement or added cost — it’s a vital investment in people. He argues that safer environments lead to higher productivity, improved morale, and greater business resilience. Just as cyclists must remain vigilant and equipped for changing conditions, businesses must combine the right tools, training, and culture to protect their most valuable asset: their people.

Click here to listen

In recent years, we’ve taken great interest in the products brought to market by Sentry, who are expert at identifying areas of danger and coming up with seemingly simple solutions to reduce or eliminate warehouse accidents. But after many conversations with James Ryan, the founder of Sentry Protection Products, only now do I fully comprehend the design and manufacture challenges
that lie behind ‘simple’ solutions such as its Column Sentry rack protectors, and the lead time it takes to conceive, test, trial and manufacture, and then bring to market such a solution. Not to mention the various international standards to which it has to conform.

Given enough time, anyone could come up with a complicated solution to solve a problem. But real genius lies in the ability to develop a solution that is both brilliantly effective and brilliantly simple, the “why didn’t I think of that” type of product.

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Bicycle Association addresses logistics challenges

 

eBook on Asset Protection and Warehouse Safety

Posted on by David Priestman

Logistics Business magazine, in association with Sentry Protection Products, have produced a new digital issue / eBook about asset protection and warehouse safety. In this 6-page special, Editor Peter MacLeod interviews Sentry’s CEO and Founder Jim Ryan and details the company’s products and applications, including the Collision Sentry Multi-Zone warning system.

Read the eBook here now

Innovative safety solutions are transforming warehouses. Discover how collision warning systems and modular protectors enhance safety and efficiency, including the Column Sentry FIT System and Collision Sentry Multi-Zone for high-traffic areas.

In recent years, we’ve taken great interest in the products brought to market by Sentry, who are experts at identifying areas of danger and coming up with seemingly simple solutions to reduce or eliminate warehouse accidents. But after many conversations with James Ryan only now do I fully comprehend the design and manufacture challenges that lie behind ‘simple’ solutions such as its Column Sentry rack protectors, and the lead time it takes to conceive, test, trial and manufacture, and then bring to market such a solution. Not to mention the various international standards to which it has to conform.

Given enough time, anyone could come up with a complicated solution to solve a problem. But real genius lies in the ability to develop a solution that is both brilliantly effective and brilliantly simple, the “why didn’t I think of that” type of product.

A year ago, Ryan showed me a prototype of the Collision Sentry Multi-Zone product, a development of an existing collision warning device that operates around internal and external warehouse doors. This is now fully introduced to the market, and Sentry will be promoting this at the forthcoming LogiMAT trade show from its booth in Hall 1. “It’s starting to solve some problems in high-traffic areas that we just could not in the past,” says Ryan. “We never expected it to be the high volume product that we see with our corner products, but it’s really nice to create a warning system for those other difficult areas where people can have accidents.”

Asset Protection and Warehouse Safety

Sentry Protection Products is a leading provider of innovative, impact resistant products for industrial applications. Manufactured in the United States and Europe and sold worldwide, the award winning, patented product line includes Column Sentry®, Rack Sentry®, Concrete Wrap™, Park Sentry®, Corner Sentry™ and Collision Sentry®. Sentry is headquartered in Lakewood, Ohio, USA.

Read a previous eBook here:

eBook on Warehouse Impact Protection

National Forklift Safety Day 2024

Posted on by David Priestman

National Forklift Safety Day is one of the UK material handling sector’s most significant initiatives, aiming to spread awareness about the importance of operator training and the safe use of forklifts. Beginning on June 11th, this year’s online campaign is supported by the theme ‘Prevent – Manage – Learn’. This succinct tagline reflects the UK Material Handling Association’s (UKMHA) ambition to educate people about what to do in the event of an incident.

Commenting on the campaign, David Goss, the UKMHA’s Technical Director, said: “National Forklift Safety Day provides us with an ideal opportunity to reinforce the importance of safe working practices for those who work with material handling equipment. The UKMHA is committed to helping companies and operators to uphold the highest standards of safety, and this initiative goes a long way towards achieving that goal”.

National Forklift Safety Day 2024 will focus on the 7 stages of the forklift incident cycle. The UKMHA will be releasing impactful content relevant to each stage of the cycle across the following dates:
• Prepare: Tuesday 11 June
• Respond: Wednesday 10 July
• Investigate: Thursday 8 August
• Report: Friday 13 September
• Restart: Saturday 12 October
• Learn: Sunday 10 November
• Prevent: Monday 9 December

Each stage represents a specific strategy for dealing with a forklift incident. By spreading our campaign over different days across 7 months, we hope to fulfil our ambition to ‘make every day National Forklift Safety Day’. The first stage, Prepare, delves into the preparatory steps that should be taken to minimise the chance of a forklift incident becoming a forklift accident. We will be releasing various resources to support this part of the campaign, including compliance checklists, animation videos, and real-world case studies.

The National Forklift Safety Day initiative has been raising awareness about the safe use of material handling equipment since its launch by the US counterpart, the Industrial Truck Association (ITA), in 2014. In 2019, the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA) took up the campaign. BITA eventually merged with the Forklift Truck Association (FLTA) to create the UKMHA, the trade association that has organised the UK’s version of National Forklift Safety Day ever since.

Dedicated to promoting safety standards across the entire material handling industry, the UKMHA invites everyone to participate in National Forklift Safety Day 2024.

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UK Material Handling Association Appoints New CEO

 

Overcoming Challenges in Warehouse Safety and Efficiency

Posted on by David Priestman

New research from Watco has highlighted the challenges faced by facilities management (FM) professionals in the warehousing and storage sector, and how they impact the ability to run safe and efficient operations

The research revealed that more than half (57%) have seen an increase in their workload over the past year. On top of this, over a third (38%) regularly go over budget on urgent repair work to remove hazards.

Despite these pressures, respondents from the warehousing and storage sector revealed that almost two thirds (61%) have had their budgets cut by up to 25% in the past year and a further fifth (21%) said that theirs had been cut by 26-50%. Worryingly, a third (33%) said that these budget cuts had posed a safety risk to their facility.

Scott Saunders, technical service manager at Watco, commented: “For FMs in this sector, large workloads are making it hard to conduct regular site inspections and carry out repairs, meaning small repair jobs are often deprioritised. However, minor surface damage can quickly grow into a much larger hazard when left to deteriorate. This increases the risk of accidents, but also the time and materials required to carry out the repair, which takes it over budget. Although difficult to implement in the short term, enforcing a structured approach to maintenance and repairs among the FM team with rotas and checklists will help to break the cycle. By prioritising those tasks, surface damage can be spotted and repaired at the earliest opportunity, reducing the hazards in the facility and eliminating time-consuming, expensive repair jobs.”

However, budget cuts are a contributing factor, rather than the risk to safety itself. Respondents revealed that the largest risks to health and safety within their business were:

  • Time constraints
  • Having to meet changing standards and legislation
  • Fire safety
  • Incorrect installations
  • Faulty or damaged materials handling equipment

As well as featuring in the top five risks to health and safety, 43% of respondents revealed that the use of materials handling equipment (MHE) had resulted in an accident or near-miss at their business in the last year. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported the main causes of accidents in warehousing and storage, including work at height; vehicles in and around the warehouse; and moving or falling objects.

Scott Saunders, technical service manager at Watco, continued: “Facilities managers cannot impact how changing legislation affects their responsibilities. Therefore, their time is best spent addressing the risks that they can control. Materials handling equipment that is damaged or being misused is incredibly dangerous because of the range of accidents it can cause. As highlighted by the HSE, accidents in this sector are commonly caused by the unexpected movement of objects and vehicles, which are strongly linked to the use of MHE. Using signage and line marking allows FMs to map out the warehouse with pathways and highlight hazardous areas which helps employees avoid hazards and increases efficiency.”

Almost half (46%) of respondents in the sector say it is difficult to find good employees and 30% often worry that there is a skills shortage. However, it’s clear they want to invest in overcoming skills gaps with 71% of respondents stating that they want to do more professional development.

The top five areas they would like more training and development are:

  1. Sustainability practices
  2. Product/technical
  3. Recruiting the right people
  4. Changes to industry legislation
  5. Risk reduction

Scott concludes: “Building teams with the skills and knowledge required in the sector today will significantly impact the safe and smooth running of warehouse and storage facilities. The research indicates that FMs understand this but finding the time and the budget to do so is proving a challenge. Those in the sector must lean on external support for this e.g. using third party resources to upskill the workforce on sustainability and legislation changes, sourcing documents to help with core FM tasks around repairs and maintenance or requesting expertise on products to make the facility safer and more efficient.”

For more information on the challenges facing the warehousing and logistics sector and tips from the experts, download Watco’s free one-page report here.

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eBook on Warehouse Safety & Innovation

eBook on Warehouse Safety & Innovation

Posted on by David Priestman

Logistics Business magazine, in association with Sentry Protection Products, have produced a new digital issue / eBook about racking impact protection, warehouse safety & innovation. In this 6-page special, Editor Peter MacLeod interviews Sentry’s CEO and Founder Jim Ryan and a key USA customer about the company’s products and applications, including the Collision Sentry Multi-Zone warning system, that has undergone a successful trial.

Read the eBook here now

“I’m looking forward to getting more of those in the facility because so far it’s been very successful in a very high-traffic area,” the American customer concluded.

Warehouse safety solutions provider Sentry Protection Products is going from strength to strength. Peter MacLeod, the editor of Logistics Business magazine, spoke to its founder, Jim Ryan, to hear about its growth plans. Sentry Protection Products is a company that always catches the eye at trade shows around the world. In an age when a lot of attention is focused on digital solutions, its deliberately conspicuous range of yellow warehouse column protection products certainly stand out. They serve as a reminder that, despite what the headlines might lead you to believe, not all personnel in warehouse jobs have been replaced by robots, and that the forklift truck is still very much a workhorse without which no logistics facility can operate.

As the industry strives to do everything faster, better and cheaper, we must never take our eyes off workplace safety. Sentry sees the business of safety growing, and long may that be the case.

Warehouse Safety & Innovation

Sentry Protection Products is a leading provider of innovative, impact resistant products for industrial applications. Manufactured in the United States and Europe and sold worldwide, the award winning, patented product line includes Column Sentry®, Rack Sentry®, Concrete Wrap™, Park Sentry®, Corner Sentry™ and Collision Sentry®. Sentry is headquartered in Lakewood, Ohio, USA.

See the previous eBook here:

eBook on Warehouse Impact Protection

Safety Survey for Warehouse Line Marking

Posted on by David Priestman

A new service has been launched by inotec UK – a free safety and maintenance survey for the appraisal of warehouse line marking. This complimentary service will be available for both internal and external line marking. It has been designed to offer advice on essential health and safety requirements of new line marking, upkeep of existing line marking as well as replacement lines should they be necessary.

The importance of keeping warehouse operatives away from moving handling and storage equipment cannot be underestimated. It can be achieved effectively by line marking that clearly segregates pedestrians from vehicle traffic. In today’s busy warehouse environments, however, regular appraisals to check the condition of existing line markings of walkways and crossings often take a back seat. A key reason for this has been the cost of involving a specialist third party.

By launching this free service, inotec is taking a proactive role in supporting companies to ensure compliance with the law. The company’s durable and highly visible line marking solutions help separate vulnerable pedestrians from fast moving truck traffic.

David Stocker, sales director of inotec states, “Any warehouse which already has line marking or is considering new line marking should be looking at periodic safety and maintenance checks.

“Over time walkways and crossings become damaged by heavy forklift truck traffic and the harsh chemicals that are used for cleaning. This can result in impaired visibility of line markings leading to potentially serious accidents. At inotec we’re here to keep your warehouse staff safe. Contact us to take advantage of one of our experts who will perform a free safety and maintenance survey to appraise your line marking.”

Yale Add-ons Help Optimise Warehouse Safety

Posted on by David Priestman

Yale Lift Truck Technologies has launched two specially engineered operator assistance options to support warehouse safety and intralogistics operations. Available via its Special Products Engineering Department (SPED), the Reverse Speed System and Dynamic Pedestrian Awareness Lights, can be fitted to selected Yale® electric lift truck models and may help to optimise operational safety and efficiency.

“Yale Lift Truck Technologies is focused on producing technology-enabled lift trucks for warehouse and intralogistics operations that support productivity, efficiency, and reduced costs,” says Robert O’Donoghue, Vice President Marketing and Solutions EMEA, Yale Lift Truck Technologies. “Intralogistics operations can stay competitive, by adopting the latest technologies. The new forklift add-on solutions provide a way for warehouses to specify reliable equipment that is designed to meet their application and operators’ requirements.”

The patent-pending Reverse Speed System is available for Yale electric lift trucks, which are well suited to indoor warehouse operations. As an operator assistance option, it is suitable for use in warehouses across many industries, such as food distribution, beverage manufacturing, or auto parts distribution. However, it may be particularly useful where high numbers of temporary or agency staff are employed, such as in retail and e-commerce warehouses, or third-party logistics (3PL) operations.

The system includes a sensor next to the rear drive handle, which detects when a hand is positioned on the handle. When the sensor is activated, it allows the truck to reach full reverse speed. If the sensor is not activated the reverse speed is limited to 2 km/h. Holding the handle encourages the operator to look in the direction of travel whilst reversing which is standard practice and important for keeping clear of pedestrians and objects in the path of travel. When the sensor is activated, the forward speed is limited to 8 km/h to minimise operator bypass of the system.

“Warehouses may find that the Reverse Speed System can help to enhance efficiency and productivity, keeping lift trucks and the operation moving, whilst supporting safety,” says Robert. “Certain operations may also benefit from the new Dynamic Pedestrian Awareness Lights option.”

These compact LED lights can be front and/or rear mounted on most Yale electric forklifts, and are direction activated. They work in a similar way to ‘spot’ pedestrian lights, except that they display a dynamic, repeating, “progressively flashing” blue arrow pattern on the floor. This pattern provides visible indication to nearby pedestrians or truck operators that a lift truck is approaching, as well as indicating what direction it is approaching from.

“Fast paced intralogistics operations may have a high number of pedestrians who could potentially benefit from this solution,” says Robert. “Equally, it may be useful in warehouses where there are blind corners, cross aisles, or unloading operations with sub-optimal visibility conditions.”

This option may also support operational efficiency as it helps minimise the risk of disruption due to potential incidents. It may also help minimise the risk of damage to stock and infrastructure, and the associated costs.

For intralogistics operations and warehouses that operate lift trucks outdoors, either in loading or storage areas, Dynamic Pedestrian Awareness Lights can also be supplied with selected Yale internal combustion forklifts. However, operations must take into account the fact that LED lights can be completely invisible in brightly lit conditions, such as in daylight.

“Yale Lift Truck Technologies is continually responding to ever-changing market conditions and demands,” adds Robert. “This is one example where we have provided solutions for the differing needs of our warehouse customers.”

Yale and its network of Dealer Partners are focused on customer success and supporting productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in the fast-changing intralogistics industry. Both new add-ons are available to order from independent Yale dealers internationally.

Elokon Hires New Chief Operating Officer

Posted on by David Priestman

ELOKON, a leading provider of forklift telematics and safety systems, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Ute Filippone as the company’s new Chief Operating Officer. With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Ute Filippone brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team.

Prior to joining ELOKON, Filippone served in executive roles at a leading, NASDAQ quoted, US company in our industry, where she oversaw operations of the company’s European subsidiaries and international expansion. Her extensive experience in both operations and internationalization make her a perfect fit for ELOKON as the company continues to expand its global presence.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ute to ELOKON,” said Alexander Glasmacher, CEO of ELOKON. “Her deep industry expertise and proven track record in driving operational excellence will be invaluable for our plans for ongoing growth. As COO, she will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of ELOKON’s operations, including manufacturing, supply chain management, and customer service. She will work closely with the rest of the executive team to realise the company’s strategic vision.”

“ELOKON is a leader in its industry and I am looking forward to being part of this talented team to help drive its success as we continue to innovate and increase our offering on the global market,” said Ute Filippone.

ELOKON is a specialist in forklift telematics and safety systems, providing cutting-edge solutions to help customers enhance safety, efficiency, and productivity in their warehouses and logistics operations. Founded in 1986, the company has offices in Germany, the US, and in Poland, and serves customers in over 40 countries worldwide.

eBook on Warehouse Impact Protection

Posted on by David Priestman

Logistics Business magazine, in association with Sentry Protection Products, have produced a short digital issue or eBook about impact protection and warehouse safety. In this 6-page special guide Editor Peter MacLeod interviews Sentry’s CEO and Founder Jim Ryan about the company’s 25th anniversary and its new product launch – the Collision Sentry Multi-Zone.

Read the eBook here now

In 2023, Sentry Protection Products celebrates 25 years in business. A quarter century of quality and innovation in manufacturing and marketing impact resistant equipment and collision warning systems for industrial applications. It’s a significant milestone that only a minority of companies achieve.

Founded on providing solutions to customers’ needs, the company formed in 1998 to manufacture and market the original, patented Column Sentry® – a column protector for steel columns needing repair or replacement due to forklift collision damage. Twenty-five years, thousands of installations, and many award-winning products later, Sentry is recognized as a world leader in its field.

“it’s been quite a journey,” said James Ryan, president of Sentry. “A journey made possible through the efforts and support of employees, manufacturing reps, distributors, vendors, and customers. They have played a huge part in our success and we value our longstanding relationships. We look forward to many more years of doing business together.”

The industry is constantly evolving, and Sentry has continued to evolve with it. More solutions followed column protection – protection for rack uprights, concrete columns, building corners, parking structures, and a collision warning system for preventing accidents at blind corner intersections. All innovative, effective, high-quality solutions to challenges faced by our customers. New products are always on the drawing board.

“Sentry products are safety products; built like safety products should be built,” continued Ryan. “The materials we use, the manufacturing process, and rigorous testing ensure a quality, efficient, and reliable product. Safety is something you can’t cut corners on. Sentry products are “Always on Guard”. Like a Sentry that stands watch at the gate, Sentry products stand guard 24/7 to protect facilities, equipment, and people.”

Sentry Protection Products is a leading provider of innovative, impact resistant products for industrial applications. Manufactured in the United States and Europe and sold worldwide, the award winning, patented product line includes Column Sentry®, Rack Sentry®, Concrete Wrap™, Park Sentry®, Corner Sentry™ and Collision Sentry®. Sentry is headquartered in Lakewood, Ohio, USA.

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