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VOL. 41 NO. 6

6

18

Cover Story

Industry News

By: Eileen Mozinski Schmidt

20

Safety solutions systems, products and education are keeping workers safe

People News

12

21

Warehouse Solutions

SalesLeads

By: Emily Newton

Why should you test your packaging quality?

24

By: Mike Quimby

Three lessons for material handling, borrowed from fleet management

Safety Zone

INSIDE

Safety First

24

Marketplace

26

Advertiser Index

What is Warehouse Safety?

Don't miss our next issue: Battery and charger plus

Feature Story

Deadline:

By: Carlo Sheen Escano

Material Handling Network's Directory

A Nervous System for Robots - “Making Robots Feel Better”

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Product Showcase

Business Management

By: BeBop Sensors, Inc.

June 2022

Material Handling Network

JUNE 2022

Wednesday, June 15th

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Material Handling Network (ISSN #21551685) is published monthly serving the material handling industry.

Editorial opinion expressed herein are the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Material Handling Network.

Material Handling Network assumes no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors or advertising content and reserves the right to reject or cancel any advertising for any reason, at any time.

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Cover Story

Safety solutions systems, products and education are keeping workers safe have new regulations regarding safety. While a similar regulation push has not been as evident in the U.S., Rickard believes the market will likely increase safety standards and protocols before regulators put them into official practice, especially given the labor shortage.

As the material handling industry moves forward at a quick clip, the pursuit of safety is shifting, too. Advancing technology, the need to attract and retain workers in a tight labor market, and in some cases updated regulations are all driving changes within operations.

‘The solution is there’ One industry leader says the global markets are moving at somewhat different speeds on the issue of safety. “It’s interesting to see the different markets and how they respond,” said Derek Rickard, director of sales for North America at Cimcorp. The company is a global supplier of intralogistics automation, manufacturing, and integrating material handling systems for the tire industry as well as robotic solutions for order fulfillment and storage in the food and beverage, retail, e-commerce, fast-moving consumer goods, and postal service sectors, according to the website.

From Rickard’s vantage point, the Canadian market is particularly focused on ergonomics in the industry. “In Canada now the companies are really paying attention to not just how much employees are lifting, but also how much over the course of a shift,” he said, noting some European countries 6

June 2022

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“Facilities are having a lot of trouble these days,” Rickard said, noting that the labor shortage in warehouses and distribution centers was already occurring before the pandemic. “COVID just exacerbated it. Now if you try to find employees willing to lift 10 or 20 pounds over their head, they will say, ‘Yeah, I don’t want to do that job,” Rickard said.

An example of how Cimcorp helps address such concerns is evident in the baking industry, where large commercial operations can have loads of trays stacked up to nine feet tall in some facilities, according to Rickard. “Workers have to go over their head and sometimes stand on their tippy-toes with 15 or 20 pounds over their head, trying to pick from one stack and go to another,” he said.

The tall queues, however, are needed to stack the trucks efficiently. “If you were only building them six feet tall, it would cost a fortune in trucking,” Rickard said. So automated solutions like those

by Cimcorp able to accommodate the high end of such stacks are of interest to such companies.

Cimcorp works on systems designed to keep workers from having to lift over their shoulders or below their needs, as well as other solutions like pick-by-light systems that can simplify operations, according to Rickard. The grocery retail industry is particularly interested in adopting automation in cold storage facilities, according to Rickard.

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Cover Story continued

alone in a chiller or a freezer on a third shift,” he said, noting some companies are now looking at building cold warehouses that are fully automated.

The tire companies Cimcorp works with have similar concerns. “Tires are big, awkward to handle, heavy,” said Rickard, who said Cimcorp has designed systems to automate parts of the whole process so “an employee barely has to touch a tire,” Rickard says he encourages companies to think long term when considering automation advancements to certain jobs in the warehouse.

“The solution is there,” he said. “Think about 10 years from now. Are you really going to have workers doing those things?”

Lighting the way At Phoenix Lighting, the focus of the dock light line is all about safety. “We work really closely with the loading dock manufacturers, OEMs,” said Melissa De Jesus, strategic sales manager.

“The whole focus is safety,” she said, noting the incorporation and integration of the company’s lighting products to increase safety in the dock and around the warehouse.

“Think about any area not lit very well,” she said, noting how illuminating such areas are essential for ensuring the safety of an operation’s dock workers.

There are other benefits, as well. “You’re going to avoid damage to your cargo, so you’re lowering the risk of costs and damage on your dock. It increases the flow and efficiency for the business,” De Jesus said. The dock lights themselves are “pretty standard,” according to 8

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De Jesus. “It mounts to the wall and has a pivoting arm. It allows you to rotate it into the truck,” she said. “There’s usually plenty of lighting within the warehouse. But as soon as the truck pulls up it’s just a black rectangle. “The lighting equipment can beam to illuminate the shape of the whole truck, De Jesus said.

Some of the OEM partners Phoenix Lighting works with have systems that lock the truck or open and shut based on truck engagement and De Jesus said the company’s lighting products can be integrated into such systems. De Jesus believes dimming features will be among the lighting technology trends of the future, based on accommodating worker vantage points. “It’s one of the areas that is starting to take off and will take over soon,” she said.

Within warehouses, blue lights on equipment are a newer feature that Russ Niedzwiecki has been seeing around the market. “There’s a light that can be placed on the back of a forklift that shines a kind of beam like a spotlight on the floor 13 to 16 feet out,” said Niedzwiecki, corporate safety trainer with TrainMOR, whose parent company is Morrison Industrial Equipment. “It warns operators and pedestrians that there’s a forklift in the area. That’s been a fantastic aftermarket item,” he said.

While there are not currently OSHA regulations in place for lighting inside of trucks, De Jesus said any future regulations should include voices from around the industry. “It’s important that the entire market has a say in what ‘safe’ is,” she said. But what she is certain of is that there are quite a few lost dollars in dock space each year due to lack of lighting. “There’s plenty of room for growth,” De Jesus said. “It’s a simple reason that you need it.”

Guarding safety solutions At Wildeck, Inc. a variety of products help ensure safety, according to Cory Thomas, products manager of guarding products. Wildeck is a

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Cover Story continued

subsidiary of Holden Industries and is a U.S. manufacturer of industrial steel work platforms, vertical lifts, rideable material lifts, safety guarding products, industrial ladders, crossovers, and more, according to the website.

Noting the large increase in requests for Wildeck safety products in recent years, Thomas said he envisions demand will remain strong as people change warehouse layouts and updates are installed.

“There’s always going to be a market for this and “Wildeck has three different levels of protection,” it definitely is going to continue to grow,” he said, said Thomas in describing the company’s guard rail noting that safety budgets have been increasing and that as e-commerce and larger warehouses grow, the gate systems, noting an LT line, an MT Medium Duty line, and an XT Heavy Duty line. The heavy- need will expand. “It’s a super important aspect of every company that is becoming more of a focus duty XT line offers a 13,000-pound impact rating at 4 miles per hour, the MT is 10,000 pounds and point,” Thomas said. the LT is like a visual barrier.

Education and training Wildeck also offers dock safety gates, which Thomas said are helpful for companies as the weather warms and some opt to leave gates open.

“We’re still in the middle of the big change,” he said, noting changes from old systems of painting or taping safety guides on the floor to implementing newer tech. “I think people are still in the middle of the big shift to get actual guardrail protection up,” Thomas said.

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Others in the industry are working to educate and train on the subject of safety.

The Propane Education & Research Council offers a variety of safety suggestions when using propane. They include: wearing protective gloves, keeping open heat, flames, and ignition sources away from cylinders while refusing, handling cylinders with care, and using proper lifting techniques when transporting. “The only thing more important than keeping employees productive is keeping them safe,” said Joe Calhoun, director of off-road business development for PERC. He noted local propane suppliers can be of assistance. “Suppliers have hours of safety training and can teach your crew safe handling practices and how to properly connect a cylinder to a forklift,” Calhoun said.

At TrainMOR, which offers forklift training in any class of truck as well as a scissor and boom lift training program, options to train in person and online are both currently in use. Niedzwiecki said this flexible system allows companies to train on a regular basis, rather than thinking about how long a time span is required between training. “Even though there are lots of advances, it still boils down to the operator being trained,” he said.

Eileen Mozinski Schmidt is a freelance writer and journalist based in the Greater Milwaukee area. Email Networkeditorial@MHNetwork. com or visit eileenmozinskischmidt.wordpress.com to contact Eileen.

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Material Handling Network

June 2022 11

Warehouse Solutions

Why should you test your packaging quality?

Packaging is an essential consideration for any shipping business. While you likely already compare various types of packaging materials and styles to provide the greatest protection and value, some companies may not test it – but they should.

Packaging quality tests offer the confidence you need to assure customers of their order’s quality and safety.

As e-commerce and shipping grow, packaging quality assurance becomes all the more crucial.

Logistics providers can’t afford to overlook packaging tests. Here’s a closer look at why and how to perform these inspections.

Why Is Packaging Quality Testing Important?

Businesses and consumers shipped 20 billion parcels in 2020, a figure that has only risen in the past five years. With such high demand, it can be tempting to focus on fast service instead of taking the time to stop and test packaging. However, so many packages changing hands every day also raises the likelihood of damage.

Here are a few reasons why it’s important to test your packaging quality.

• Customer Satisfaction The most prominent reason for quality testing is maintaining high customer satisfaction. Without testing, you can’t know for sure whether your packaging is strong enough to prevent damage in transit. If you promise secure deliveries and goods arrive broken, it could severely compromise your reputation and affect your bottom line.

The returns process is expensive. Roughly $1 million in returns can counteract $500,000 in profit, and that doesn’t even include losses from reputational damage. Disappointed customers will be less likely to use your services again and may tell others not to use them, either.

These satisfaction considerations apply to both B2C and B2B markets. Even if you don’t sell the goods themselves, you carry at least partial 12

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responsibility for shipping damage. Consequently, clients may choose to use a different logistics provider if they receive customer complaints about damaged goods.

• Safety In some situations, the types of packaging materials you use and their strength can be a matter of safety. While any broken product will disappoint customers, those made of metal, glass, ceramic, or hard plastic could injure them.

Some products could break into pieces with sharp edges if their packaging doesn’t keep them safe.

This damage may not be evident from outside the package, so customers may reach in unknowingly and accidentally cut themselves. While these incidents are unlikely to cause significant injury, you still don’t want to hurt customers in any way.

Alternatively, some packages may carry products that pose hazards if they leak out of their containers. Pressurized aerosols, cleaning supplies, and flammable liquids must all stay safely in their containers to prevent illness or injury. Punctures or spills that occur during shipping could jeopardize that.

• Shipping Damage Frequency If nothing else, it’s important to test the quality of different types of packaging materials because shipping damage is common. These other factors wouldn’t be as pressing if shipping-related breakages were rare. Unfortunately, they happen fairly frequently.

Buyers return at least 30% of all e-commerce orders and 20% of these returns are because of damaged goods. Poor packaging quality could also cause an item to deteriorate in transit, so even if it arrives without damage, it may not be in top condition. Consequently, packaging concerns may account for more than that 20% of returns.

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Material Handling Network

June 2022 13

Warehouse Solutions continued

if everything else remains the same. The rising demand for fast, affordable shipping may also cause breakages to be even more common. It’s easier to break something when you’re focusing on going as fast as possible.

• How to Test Packaging Quality Thankfully, businesses have several options for improving their packaging quality. Different types of packaging materials offer various levels of protection that companies can choose to meet their needs. Fiber interior packaging, in particular, is highly resistant to damage and made of recycled materials, so it’s eco-friendly.

After selecting the right material, businesses should consider the design to find the right balance between protection and ease of handling. Even after choosing a design, it’s important to test it to ensure it provides enough protection. Here’s what that entails.

• Strength Tests Packaging quality assurance should involve several strength tests. The most well-known of these is the edge crush test, which measures compression strength to see how packages hold up in stacks. The burst strength test is similar but applies pressure to the package’s side to provide a more general picture of the package’s strength.

Puncture tests are also important in measuring how easily an edge, finger, or sharp object can break through a package. Vibration tests evaluate how the package will hold up over rough patches of road, which can also be helpful. Businesses should also perform drop testing, where they drop a package to see how well it protects its contents.

Companies can perform these tests themselves with minimal tools. Alternatively, you can send your package to a quality-assurance lab for more precise, instrument-measured testing. Some packaging providers may also test their own products.

• Environmental Tests While strength tests are the most straightforward way to gauge packaging quality, businesses should go further. Environmental hazards like extreme weather conditions can cause unwanted damage to packages and their contents, so it’s important to test these factors, too.

Temperature and humidity are the two most important environmental factors to test packages against. These tests are more advanced, often involving placing packages in environmental conditioning chambers, so they require sending products to a testing lab.

Environmental tests should place packages in the temperature and relative humidity of their destination and any conditions they may face while in transit. That includes cold, low-humidity environments for refrigerated shipments or those traveling through cold areas in the winter.

• Ensure the Highest Packaging Quality for Customers Choosing the right types of packaging materials and designs helps ensure goods arrive safely. As fast deliveries become more common, this assurance will become increasingly crucial for success in the logistics industry. Businesses must ensure packaging quality throughout transport, and the only way to do that reliably is with testing.

Package quality testing should be a standard part of operations for logistics businesses. When you perform these tests before using a package, you can assure customers their orders will arrive without damage.

Emily Newton is the Editor-in-Chief of Revolutionized Magazine. She has over four years of covering stories about warehousing, logistics, and distribution.

For more Warehouse Solutions visit www.MHNetwork.com

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Material Handling Network

June 2022 15

Business Management

Three lessons for material handling, borrowed from fleet management One thing is universally clear about the pandemic: its ripple effects are impacting every facet of our business landscape, including our supply chain.

One of the many outcomes of the last two years is a strapped and challenged material handling industry. The movement, protection, storage, and control of materials and products throughout manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution - known collectively as material handling - is an arduous undertaking, even in the best of circumstances.

But the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been at best a frenzied game of catch-up for most manufacturing businesses. New vendors and products are chosen based on what’s available, not based on what’s optimal for the business. Staff turnover and exhaustion mean follow-up assessment is nonexistent, asset management and maintenance are done only intermittently if at all, and technological tools and systems are rarely up to date or fully utilized. In short, the materials handling business is suffering badly, and the consequences are felt up and down the national supply chain.

This is where experts in fleet management, with their weathered experiences of managing complex, interconnected networks of over-the-road trucks and commercial vehicles can bring hard-won lessons to bear for their brothers and sisters in material handling. I’ve spent a career in the fleet management world and I see a few areas of synergy between these two groups, and think distribution facilities who are struggling in the pandemic should take a page from the book of fleet managers who are doing it right. Specifically, I see three lessons material handlers can take from fleet managers: 1. Save yourself time, money, and headaches by making the right choices from the get-go Comparison shopping for the best available over-the-road equipment, then making the right 16

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choices for titles, licenses, fuel options, and drivers - it’s a lot of upfront work to complete when fleet managers would rather just make a gut decision and get the trucks moving. However, best-in-class fleet management groups understand that this upfront time spent speculating, comparing and weighing options is integral to the future efficiency of the fleet. Material handling groups should be setting themselves up for success in the same way, by taking the time to very carefully vet and select the best possible vendors, partners, resources, and products for their supply chains. And once procurement decisions are made, there’s still more upfront work to do. The best fleet managers will take a new asset and design a comprehensive follow-up plan for that asset, including a recurring investigation into the asset’s operational efficiency, a strategy and execution plan for planned maintenance and servicing, and a system for data collection over the life cycle of the asset. This may sound overcomplicated, but it’s one of the biggest keys to saving on costs down the road - not to mention the time and headaches that come with failing or poorly monitored products.

2. Regular maintenance takes time, but the safety payoff is well worth it As we just mentioned, establishing a planned maintenance system for all assets is essential to conserving costs down the line. Perhaps more importantly, it also has a significant impact on safety outcomes. In fleet management, it’s widely accepted that better-maintained vehicles are safer vehicles. This is simply common sense, and the exact same is true for material handling equipment like forklifts, tuggers, and reach trucks. When planned maintenance is executed on a routine basis, facility safety numbers grow over time. The correlation is clear.

In addition, supply chain disruptions are extending new forklift shipment dates by

Business Management continued

6-18 months, meaning the need for planned maintenance is more pronounced than ever.

3. Investing in modern business processes enabled by technology can take the burden off your team and boost morale Finally, there’s a lesson to be learned regarding the use of technological tools and solutions. As we know, the manufacturing landscape - like every other business in America - has been transformed in recent years through the development and implementation of advanced technology—Industry 4.0. Our company is well versed in this topic, as we’ve created a proprietary technology platform that delivers a “one-stop-shop” for material handling readily available at your fingertips. But even without choosing our specific solutions, most companies can do more to leverage modern technology to improve their businesses’ efficiency and operations. Fleet management groups around the country already benefit from hightech dashboards and other systems integrated into their practices - yet many material handlers

continue to lag behind in this area. This is a missed opportunity, especially as the right fleet management technology and business processes will virtually run your equipment decisions for you.

When material handling is managed the right way - utilizing smart acquisition, regular maintenance, and modern technological solutions - we’ll begin to see the same optimization and outcomes in our manufacturing supply chain that we’ve seen in the fleet management practices of top organizations.

With optimized material handling, we’ll see better forecasting, better resource allocation, smarter production planning, more efficient flow and process management, better inventory management and control, increased safety and improved labor morale, and stronger customer relations.

Mike Quimby is the Chief Operating Officer for TFS & OnPoint Capital. Over the course of his career in transportation management services, logistics and finance, he gained leadership experience at Ryder System where he worked for 15 years in roles of increasing responsibility, ultimately becoming the Vice President of Sales & Marketing.

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June 2022 17

Industry News Concentric, LLC acquires Mesa Technical Associates, Inc. Concentric, LLC, has announced the acquisition of Mesa Technical Associates. This acquisition supports the continued expansion of Concentric’s geographic footprint as a leading critical power provider in New York and the Northeastern U.S. Joining Concentric, Mesa’s personnel, and their expertise will further enhance Concentric’s capabilities in serving customers across the electric utilities, telecommunications, and energy storage systems space. www.concentricusa.com www.mesa-tec.com

innovative learning studio that incorporates Toyota equipment to elevate immersive engineering education to an entirely new level. The Forklift Learning Studio will be built and developed during the summer with the goal of officially launching it to Cornell engineering students at the start of the fall semester in August. www.toyotaforklift.com www.engineering.cornell.edu

SRSI announces integrator with DEMANTIC SRSI (Slate River Systems, Inc.) and Dematic signed an integrator relationship agreement. SRSI will now be a certified integrator of all Dematic equipment.

SRSI is known for its strong customer relationships and quality of work, and with the experience of industry experts at Dematic, looks to further grow its offerings. Dematic designs, builds, and supports intelligent automated solutions empowering and sustaining the future of commerce for its customers in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution.

Flow-Rite trades workstations for construction site A team of FlowRite employees recently traded their office and manufacturing workstations for a construction site www.GoSRSI.com www.dematic.com when they volunteered for a Habitat for Humanity project. Together, the group of eight worked Tompkins Robotics partners with primary to help a local Grand Rapids, Michigan family sight to expand local presence of AMR pursue their dreams of attaining safe, clean, and affordable housing. Flow-Rite is a manufacturer of Market in Australia & New Zealand Tompkins Robotics injection-molded battery watering and fluid control has partnered with components, and related IoT devices.

Primary Sight www.flow-rite.com to bring a local presence to Australia and New Zealand markets. Tompkins Robotics’ awardToyota and Cornell Engineering winning primary AMR solution, tSort, sorts a wide announce partnership on innovative range of items and parcels to consolidation points, forklift learning studio optimizing client distribution performance and capabilities. Recently, Kmart Australia deployed Toyota Material Tompkins Robotics tSort mobile automation to Handling (TMH) and support its distributed logistics network in the Cornell University’s height of spiking demands.

College of Engineering have announced a unique www.tompkinsrobotics.com partnership dedicated to the development of an www.primarysight.com.au 18

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Coming next month in Material Handling Network

Chain Reaction Industry expert Bill Denbigh will kick off a new monthly column called Chain Reaction. It is a

special column in which industry pros will provide insights and perspectives on major themes around supply chain innovation and automation.

Want to know a little more about Bill?

Bill Denbigh Bill Denbigh started working in supply chain software some 30 years ago; his entire career has been laser-focused on designing and building pragmatic supply chain solutions that address the real problems that customers are facing in their supply chain operations. Bill has worked on virtually every aspect of software in the supply chain, gaining insight into the innerworkings of some of the industry’s most complex challenges; Bill, however, tackles those challenges with a no-nonsense levelheadedness that has earned him great repute both internally and among customers.

Material Handling Network is where you will find expert industry columns, news, products, and ideas on Warehouse Efficiency and Automation Strategies in every issue in print or online.

To advertise your company, call Kip Krady at 563 557-4493 or email him at kip.krady@MHNetwork.com

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Material Handling Network

June 2022 19

People News MiR appoints Mark Joppru VP of Sales for the Americas Mobile Industrial Robots (MiR) has announced that Mark Joppru has joined the autonomous mobile robot (AMR) first mover and global market provider as the vice president of sales for the Americas. The former VP of ABB USA’s Consumer Segments and Service Robotics division started May 2nd. Prior to joining MiR, Joppru worked at ABB USA, starting in 2017 as the lead for ABB Motors and Mechanical sales team in the US before being tasked as VP of sales for the Consumer Segments and Service Robotics division in 2020. www.mobile-industrial-robots.com

AMT Founder Michael Jacobs receives the Engelberger Robotics Award for Leadership Applied Manufacturing Technologies (AMT), has announced Founder and CEO Michael P. Jacobs has been named to receive the Joseph F. Engelberger Robotics Award for Leadership by Association for Advancing Automation (A3).

Named after the late Joseph F. Engelberger who was known throughout the world as the founder and driving force behind industrial robotics, the Engelberger Robotics Award is the world’s most prestigious robotics honor. It is presented to individuals for excellence in technology development, application, education, and leadership in the robotics industry. www.AppliedMfg.com

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Young joins Felling Trailers as SouthCentral Regional Sales Manager Felling Trailers Inc. has named Mike Young as a regional sales manager to serve the South-Central territory. He will be responsible for all sales development, activity, and dealer support within Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana.

As the regional manager for the south-central territory, Mike’s primary responsibilities will be to achieve region market share objectives with the existing dealer base and develop new dealers in the assigned territory, providing training and product support. www.felling.com Gorbel® CEO Brian Reh appointed Vice President of MHI Gorbel® Inc. announced that Gorbel CEO Brian Reh has recently been elected to serve as Vice President of MHI. In this role, Reh will be a vital part of solidifying the organization as the authoritative resource for material handling. Reh has been involved at MHI in various capacities for more than 15 years and has been a key participant in recent initiatives to set the direction for the organization. www.gorbel.com Wildeck hires Chris Horn as VP of Engineering Wildeck, Inc ,is committed to ensuring the development and implementation of efficient operations and cost-effective systems. To fulfill this need, Wildeck is thrilled to welcome Chris Horn as the new Vice President of Engineering. Chris will plan, direct, coordinate, and oversee activities in the Engineering Department. www.wildeck.com

Distribution and Supply Chain planned Industrial Project Report Data provided by SalesLeads 170 New Planned Distribution and Supply Chain Industrial Projects Identified - April 2022 Industrial SalesLeads, IMI, announced today the April 2022 results for the new planned capital project spending report for the Distribution and Supply Chain industry. IMI tracks North American planned industrial capital project activity; including facility expansions, new plant construction and significant equipment modernization projects. Research confirms 170 new projects in the Distribution and Supply Chain sector. distribution center in CHINA GROVE, NC. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for Summer 2023.

The following are selected highlights on new Distribution Center and Warehouse construction news.

Distribution and Supply Chain - By Project Type • Distribution/Fulfillment Centers - 43 New Projects • Industrial Warehouse - 161 New Projects Distribution and Supply Chain- By Project Scope/Activity • New Construction - 83 New Projects • Expansion - 45 New Projects • Renovations/Equipment Upgrades - 43 New Projects • Closing - 4 New Projects Distribution and Supply Chain - By Project Location (Top 5 States) • Florida - 14 • Texas - 13 • California - 11 • Indiana - 10 • Ohio - 10 Largest Planned Project During the month of April, our research team identified 7 new Distribution and Supply Chain facility construction projects with an estimated value of $100 million or more.

The largest project is owned by VinFast Auto US, who is planning to invest $4 billion for the construction of a manufacturing and distribution facility in MONCURE, NC. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for 2024.

Top 10 Tracked Distribution and Supply Chain Project Opportunities PENNSYLVANIA: Specialty chemical company is planning to invest $1.1 billion for the construction of a processing, warehouse, and storage facility in POINT TOWNSHIP, PA. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Construction is expected to start in Fall 2022, with completion slated for Fall 2024.

NORTH CAROLINA: Department store chain is planning to invest $584 million for the construction of a 1.4 million sf

WISCONSIN: Real estate development company is planning to invest $300 million for the construction of a 1.57 million sf warehouse and hydroponic greenhouse facility in JANESVILLE, WI. Construction is expected to start in Fall 2022, with completion slated for late 2023.

ALABAMA: Automotive mfr. is planning to invest $300 million for an expansion and equipment upgrades at their warehouse and manufacturing facility in MONTGOMERY, AL. TEXAS: Custom corrugated paper products mfr. is planning to invest $200 million for the renovation and equipment upgrades on a recently leased 1 million sf distribution and manufacturing facility on S. US-67 in CEDAR HILL, TX. NEW YORK: Warehousing and logistics provider is planning to invest $130 million for the construction of a 2 million sf warehouse and distribution complex in HORSEHEADS, NY. Construction will occur in phases, with the completion of the first 461,000 sf warehouse and distribution facility slated for early 2023.

ARKANSAS: Flexible packaging products mfr. is expanding and planning to invest $80 million for the construction of a manufacturing and distribution facility in SEARCY, AR. They have recently received approval for the project.

TENNESSEE: Global shipping company is planning to invest $60 million for the construction of a 58,000 sf warehouse at 2900 Democrat Rd. in MEMPHIS, TN. They are currently seeking approval for the project.

TEXAS: Waste recycling service provider is planning to invest $47 million for the construction of a 200,000 sf processing, warehouse, and institutional center in SAN ANTONIO, TX. They are currently seeking approval for the project. Completion is slated for 2024.

KENTUCKY: Aviation service provider is planning to invest $40 million for the construction of a 150,000 sf warehouse, office, and maintenance hangar at Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport in HEBRON, KY. They have recently received approval for the project.

Since 1959, SalesLeads, based out of Jacksonville, FL has been providing Industrial Project Reports on companies that are planning significant capital investments in their industrial facilities throughout North America. www.MHNetwork.com

Material Handling Network

June 2022 21

Product Showcase LiftWise® introduces high-capacity Hydraulic Lift Table The new LiftMaster 7000 from LiftWise allows users to lift or lower a variety of parts into position for maintenance or other needs. Featuring a high lift capacity with a compact and maneuverable design, the hydraulic lift table provides easy operation for some of the most demanding operational tasks. The LiftMaster 7000 has a lift-off capacity of 5,500 pounds and a full capacity of 7,000 pounds. www.lift-wise.com Interroll presents new plug-and-play conveyor platform for automated production environments With the new Light Conveyor Platform (LCP), Interroll is expanding its range of products with a platform-based materialflow solution that significantly increases the productivity of manufacturing processes. Designed as a plug-andplay modular system, the LCP allows all system integrators to implement scalable belt conveyor sections very easily in order to quickly meet customer-specific automation requirements for material flow. www.interroll.com

The new UltraGlide™ wheels by Hamilton deliver more push, cush, and staying power Hamilton has introduced their newest UltraGlide™ wheel series. It’s Hamilton’s latest modular solution designed to reduce the amount of energy needed to move loads in manual or powered applications. Designed for ergonomic and AGV applications, the new UltraGlide™ still features independent swivel surfaces that eliminate scrubbing, making it much easier to turn. It still has split outer raceways to minimize friction that provides low startup and maintains forces. www.hamiltoncaster.com New DENIOS Lithium-Ion Battery Stations provide safe storage and transport Lithium-ion batteries are becoming increasingly popular for their ability to deliver power from a compact size. DENIOS, a designer and manufacturer of storage containers for hazardous materials, introduces LithiumIon Stations. Designed specifically for storing lithium-ion batteries, they are ideal for storing new, questionable, damaged, defective, or End-ofLife lithium-ion batteries typically found in small handheld devices. www.DENIOS-us.com

Seegrid AMRs transform material handling for Sumitomo Drive Technologies Seegrid Corporation announced that Sumitomo Drive Technologies has selected Seegrid’s mobile automation solutions for its expanding manufacturing operations. The power transmission component manufacturer chose Seegrid’s Palion™ AMR fleet and Fleet Central™ enterprise software to support the autonomous hauling of parts and equipment between its existing 250,000 assembly facility and its new 100,000 square foot warehouse. www.seegrid.com

22

June 2022

Material Handling Network

www.MHNetwork.com

Product Showcase StayLinked supports Zebra Technologies ground-breaking WS50 StayLinked, a market provider in terminal emulation (TE) solutions for the supply chain industry, has announced its support for Zebra Technologies’ newly released WS50, the world’s smallest enterprise-class wearable Android mobile computer. The ultracompact, fully functional mobile computing device with a built-in barcode scanner can be worn on the wrist, across two fingers, or on the back of the hand as a ring scanner. www.staylinked.com Stretch Wrap supplier introduces ribbed film for extra heavy-duty Pallet Wrapping Orbital wrapper manufacturer TAB Industries, LLC, Reading, Pa., has introduced the TWT-20120 Ribbed Stretch Wrap. The strongest grade in the company's TAB line of stretch wraps, the Ribbed Stretch Wrap features patent-pending, Power Band technology that integrates thick ribs of plastic material within the stretch wrap at regular intervals to provide extra strength, durability, and tear resistance for heavy-duty pallet wrapping. www.tabwrapper.com

Emerson introduces environmentally Robust Control Stations and Tumbler Switches

NexSys® iON Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries and NexSys® PURE Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) batteries are engineered to maximize productivity and minimize operational costs, while simultaneously reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and water consumption. EnerSys® also displayed its proprietary EnSite™ modeling software and range of power management tools, designed to right-size lift truck battery and charger fleets, reveal operational data for performance improvement. www.emerson.com/appleton

JLG Financial® expands Retail Lending Program JLG Industries, Inc.announces the growth of its JLG Financial® retail lending program, now available to an expanded range of equipment buyers, including end-users and contractors, as well as rental houses and equipment distributors, in the United States and Canada. The program offers financing for purchases of $3,000 or more on new or used equipment (most makes and models, including competitive brands, reconditioned and certified equipment), attachments, accessories, and parts www.jlg.com

Discover the customized BSLBATT - 48V Lithium Forklift Batteries Whether your forklift is in a port or a warehouse, powering the equipment is essential to your fleet operations. This 48V 560Ah power lithium battery can continuously output 28.672Kwh (two minutes) from a single battery and provides higher peak discharge, which means you only need one BSLBATT lithium battery for two or even three shifts class applications and still have plenty of power left. BSLBATT Industrial Lithium Batteries are specially designed to meet the power and energy requirements of port and warehouse applications, providing unparalleled dynamic power. Also, all BSLBATT Lithium batteries allow you to use 100% capacity regardless of discharge rate. www.lithiumforkliftbattery.com www.MHNetwork.com

Material Handling Network

June 2022 23

Marketplace ASSOCIATIONS

ENGINES ✓ Remanufactured engines ✓ Engines in-stock for same day shipment

Your direct connection to the Material Handling Industry’s hottest trends, newest products, best management training workshops & represents a wealth of resources for all material handling businesses.

www.mheda.org

—

847.680.3500

BATTERIES

FIND IT. SELL IT. ENJOY IT.

✓ Quality assured workmanship from people who know the business!

Toll Free 877-303-LIFT • 440-943-9546 • FAX 440-943-9547

www.all-industrial.com

ERGONOMIC HOLSTERS

forklift-international.com

DECKING

PROVEN SOLUTIONS

ONE SOURCE

DACS inc.

Punch Deck ® & Punch Deck Plus®

Open Area Rack Deck

FlueKeeper ®

Keeps Flue Spaces Open

Fire and Heat Barriers

Racking / Shelving Mezzanine Decking Solid Rack Deck

800-909-4937

24

June 2022

dswanson@dacsinc.com

Material Handling Network

www.MHNetwork.com

For more articles, news, products and more visit

www.MHNetwork.com

Marketplace FORKLIFTS

TIRES

FIND IT. SELL IT. ENJOY IT. forklift-international.com

At Tires International Corp., we offer a variety of solid tires for forklifts, telehandlers, skid steer loaders as well as larger loaders and other construction equipment. If you don’t see the tire you need on our website or need help in making your selection, call us. We’re always ready to help! “We ship our solid tires nationwide!”

(800) 818-1139

WWW.TIRESINTERNATIONAL.NET

FORKLIFTS

PA

PA Industrial Equipment, Inc. Delivering Quality Since 1977

USED FORKLIFTS & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT FORKLIFT

PARTS RENTALS

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CONTACT: ROY BRAMM 610/369-9778 www.PAIndustrial.com 215 S. Washington St. Boyertown, PA 19512

Interested in this space?

Next Deadline: June 15 www.MHNetwork.com www.MHNetwork.com

Material Handling Network

June 2022 25

ADVERTISER INDEX American Industrial Transmission, Inc.......... 5, 26

Forklift-international.com......................... SAF 14

Phoenix Lighting.............................................. 10

www.aittransmission.com

www.forklift-international.com

www.phoenixlighting.com

Amigo Mobility International....................... SAF 5

Hader Industries Inc......................................... 13

www.myamigo.com

www.haderind.com

Bristol Manufacturing...................................... 11

Indoff................................................................. 7

www.bristolsteel.com

www.indoff.com

Clark Material Handling Co....................... SAF 16

Joseph Industries, Inc...................................... 26

www.clarkmhc.com

www.joseph.com

Thombert, Inc................................................... A2

Collision Awareness.................................... Insert

Mac Rak Inc............................................ SAF 8, 9

www.thombert.com

www.save-ty.com

www.macrak.com

CombiLift Ltd.......................................... SAF 2, 3

Mezzanine Safeti-Gates Inc....................... SAF 15

www.combilift.com

www.mezzaninesafetygates.com

Dyna Rack....................................................... A4

MHEDA............................................................ 15

www.dyna-rack.com

www.mheda.org

Flight Systems Industrial Products (FSIP)........... 3

PFlow Industries, Inc........................................ 17

Wy'East Products...................................... SAF 13

www.fsip.biz

www.pflow.com

www.clearcap.com

PowerFleet Inc............................................ SAF 7 www.id-systems.com Superior Engineering....................................... A3 www.superioreng.com

Trelleborg Wheel Systems Americas, Inc... SAF 10, 11 www.trelleborg.com Wildeck Inc........................................................ 9 www.wildeck.com

The advertisers’ index is an extra service to the advertisers. The publisher does not assume liability for errors.

Remanufactured Transmissions, Engines, Torque Converters, Steer Axles, Overhaul Kits and Aftermarket Parts for:

WE KNOW

TRANSMISSIONS

• Material Handling • Construction • Agricultural Equipment

• TRANSMISSIONS • REBUILD KITS • DIFFERENTIALS • DRIVE AXLES • STEER AXLES • TORQUE CONVERTERS

American Industrial Transmission Inc. 800-588-7515 sales@aittransmission.com www.aittransmission.com 26

June 2022

Material Handling Network

800-321-9983 www.joseph.com sales@joseph.com Authorized Distributor

www.MHNetwork.com

Authorized Distributor

Authorized Distributor

Authorized Distributor

Authorized Distributor

Let pedestrians and operators know if someone is just around the corner with our New LOOK-OUT ™

• Avoid Forklift Accidents • Alert Workers & Pedestrians • Warehouse, Yard and Office Applications • Reduce Liabilities • Increase Up Time

Alert Employees of Dangerous Collisions BEFORE They Occur!

LOOK-OUT™

Currently, we have 42 standard package offerings, ranging from one-way to fourway intersections. These units can be mounted to racks, walls, or ceiling hung for the large units.

Additionally, our new DUAL USE series consists of units that can be used INDOORS and OUTDOORS. Our units are Essential for Traffic Control.

Our LOOK OUT™ product line offers a versatile line of safety sensors that will alert workers and pedestrians if a forklift or other moving object is approaching just around the corner. Our sensors are great for any traffic area and are quickly becoming a standard for warehouse traffic control.

Avoid accidents and potential liabilities to your facility. We have LOOK OUT™ products for just about every safety application for your warehouse, yard, or office needs. Additionally, if you need a custom solution, we will work with you to assure that your safety needs are met to complete satisfaction.

Protect your employees, visitors, and guests from dangerous collisions with forklifts or heavy equipment while walking through your facility. Safety and caution should be an automatic response to your implemented systems.

We offer both interior and exterior sensors on our systems that can be mounted anywhere. They help control traffic concerns and communicate that someone is approaching from a spot that may not be otherwise visible.

When the sensors detect motion in blind spots around a corner or a door way, it begins to flash a warning to the pedestrian or operator who is approaching that intersection.

Additionally, sensors will signal the lights on either side of the unit to flash as to indicate someone is approaching the same intersection. Thus, everyone approaching that intersection is informed of movement and will know to proceed with caution.

The sensors may be adjusted to specific angles and lengths that will meet the needs of your facility. Signals are sent via bright flashing red LED lights on each visible side of the units.

LOOK OUT 1 R

AVOID DEADLY AND COSTLY FORKLIFT COLLISIONS As workers juggle more projects and deadlines with shorter time constraints, safety can become jeopardized. As this happens, so do accidents.

40% of all forklift fatalities are caused by an individual being struck or run over by a forklift. Many of these accidents and fatalities can be avoided by warning pedestrians and forklift operators of approaching danger.

Our LOOK OUT™ sensor alert warning system allows for quick and easy recognition of possible hazardous situations. Why take chances of liabilities when you can avoid accidents and protect your most valuable assets: your employees!

LOOK OUT 3 R

LOOK OUT 2 R

LOOK OUT 4

Sensor detects up to 35 feet away,24 hours a day

Shown: Hall Door Monitor Basic

Blind spots, corners, and dangerous intersections can cause series accidents. Wouldn’t it be great if someone was always there to alert you of oncoming traffic? Despite Safety Supervisors efforts, they cannot always be there to prevent collisions.

Thankfully, our units are there to scan traffic areas and alert 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• The Look Out units cover 2, 3, and 4-way intersections.

• The Hall Door and Overhead Door units cover hallways and overhead doors.

• The Basics detect on one side and alert on the other.

• The Dual Use series of units can be used for interior/exterior applications.

Examples of these units are shown below.

LOOK OUT 4

70’ 130’ 200’

35’

50’ Standard

10’-15”

OVERHEAD DOOR 4

T R A F F I C

The ‘FIT’ Height Awareness Sensors TRAFFIC

TRAFFIC

The Fit height Awareness Sensors alert truck drivers of overhead obstacles that may be in the line of an elevated mast. When the sensor beams are broken, the ‘FIT’ lights and audible alarm continuously alert the driver of potential danger.

T R A F F I C

OVERHEAD DOOR BASIC— DOUBLE

DUAL USE 12 EXT DOD Sensor

SensorInterior SensorExterior

DOOR

Double Alert

Exterior Double Box DOOR TRAFFIC

• Choose from 70’, 130’, and 200’ options for distance between sensors.

• Sensors and selectable audible can be used for interior or exterior applications.

• Great for protecting overhead sprinklers, heaters, lights, and storage; ceiling fans; loading dock awnings and industrial canopies; overhead bridge cranes; interior doorways; and parking garages.

MADE in the U.S.A.

TRAFFIC

Interior Double Box

Toll FREE: 888-324-1920

www.CollisionAwareness.com

Sales@CollisionAwareness.com

e

ad M n a

The Superior Turret Advantage

ic

er Am

Why the Superior Turret?

• Save Money by Increased Storage Capacity • Not Difficult to Use like the Others • Work Both Sides of the Aisle • Versatility - Rack to Truck • Limit the Learning Curve • Simplicity in Design • Low Maintenance • Multiple Options • Electric or LP

www.superioreng.com

800-359-3052 A3

Customized designs are considered!

Portable Stacking Racks • For storing or transport, these long-wearing racks save space & time.

• Utilize vertical storage space by safely stacking these racks up to 5-high.

• Forklift portable for easy handling of loads up to 4000 lbs & more.

• Rugged construction features stand up to heavy industrial requirements.

• Save time by moving more material with fewer moves.

• Store product up and off the floor preventing product damage.

• Racks store easily with little storage space required when not in use.

• Standard rack designs/sizes can be changed to meet your specific needs.

“Ideal for your customer’s material handling needs.”

Call for assistance.

800-939-3962 www.dyna-rack.com sales@dyna-rack.com Made in the USA

A4

THE

SAFETY ZONE

JUNE 2022

Supplement insert for Material Handling Network

THINK SAFE | WORK SAFE | BE SAFE

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Save up to 50% more storage with Combilift

Before you invest in upgrading the infrastructure of your warehouse, find out how Combilift can increase your storage by up to 50%. With over 21 years’ experience in volume optimization, our team of warehouse planning experts know how to make your space work harder for you.

Contact us today to arrange a site survey! Our warehouse design consultancy service is FREE and without obligation.

www.MHNetwork.com 20/05/2021 10:02:11June 2022

3

Safety First

What is Warehouse Safety?

Warehouse safety is a set of regulatory guidelines and industry best practices to help warehousing personnel ensure a safe work environment and reinforce safe behavior when working in warehouses. For sustainable warehouse operations, health and safety should be prioritized as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revealed that the fatal injury rate for the warehousing industry is higher than the national average for all industries.

Importance Warehouses can be dangerous places to work in.

It is important to understand common warehouse dangers and hazards because they can cause injuries and in extreme cases death. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an average of 16 fatalities every year in the U.S. warehousing and storage sector and a reported injury and illness rate of 5 out of every 100 warehouse and storage workers.

Hazards and Controls Here are eight of the most common warehouse safety hazards and safety tips and resources to help you identify and control them: 1. Forklifts Forklifts are critical pieces of equipment used in warehousing and storage facilities. However, when operated incorrectly can cause serious damage to operators, nearby workers and property. Unsafe use of forklifts is the most often cited hazard in warehousing operations by OSHA. Below are a few basic warehouse safety tips to follow in forklift use: • Ensure all forklift operators are competent and have completed certified training. Perform regular refresher training and evaluation when an operator is observed operating the vehicle in an unsafe manner.

• Perform daily pre-start forklift equipment inspections to check for controls and equipment damage.

2. Docks One of the worst accidents a worker could suffer when working in a warehouse is being pinned or crushed between a forklift truck and the loading

dock. This typically occurs when a forklift runs off the dock and strikes a person. Follow the tips below to ensure the safety of workers: • Forklift operators must be attentive and drive slowly on dock plates, make sure dock edges are clear and safe to support loads.

• Always ensure that warning signs and mechanisms are in place to prevent people from getting near docks.

3. Conveyors Conveyor equipment is commonly used in the transportation of goods from warehouse to warehouse. However, conveyors pose serious dangers to workers including getting caught in equipment and being struck by falling objects. To ensure warehouse safety, it is important to do the following: • Ensure proper safeguarding equipment between the conveyor and the worker to protect against the entanglement of clothing, body parts and hair.

• Follow proper lockout tag-out procedures during conveyor maintenance and repairs.

4. Materials storage Improper stacking of loads and storage of materials on shelves can result in unintended slip and trip hazards for nearby workers.

• Keep aisles and passageways clear and in good condition, this prevents workers from slipping, tripping, or falling.

• Loads should be placed evenly and properly positioned, heavier loads must be stacked on lower or middle shelves. Always remember to remove one load at a time.

5. Manual lifting/handling The most common cause of physical injuries in warehouse and storage facilities involves improper manual lifting and handling. Failure to follow proper procedures can cause musculoskeletal disorders, especially if done with awkward postures, repetitive motions, or overexertion. Warehouse safety during manual lifting or handling can be ensured by doing the following:

4 June 2022 Material Handling Network Safety Supplement

Dex Pro+

Speed / Fault codes

Burden carrier

Battery gauge

Throttle levers Optional strobe light

Adjustable speed

Horn button

Padded backrest

Comfort grip rectangle steering wheel

Customizable, detachable trailer

24-volt battery system

Durable foam filled tires

“The Amigo material handling cart is invaluable from a safety and ergonomic standpoint.

Pulling and tugging on carts with 1,000 lbs. was an extreme risk from an ergonomic standpoint. The Amigo has eliminated that threat from our facility. I would suggest safety professionals from all industries take a close look at this product.”

Ernie Fryer, Safety Manager, Boride Abrasives

Learn more about Amigo Mobility’s midsize motorized material handling line at myamigo.com/industrial

www.MHNetwork.com June 2022

5

Safety First continued

• Plan ahead and determine if the need for lifting can be minimized by applying good engineering design techniques.

• Observe proper ergonomic posture when carrying or moving loads. If products are too heavy, ask assistance from a co-worker. Learn more about the principles of ergonomics in the workplace.

6. Hazardous chemicals When handling hazardous chemicals in your warehouse or storage facilities, a hazard communication program should be implemented.

Your hazard communication program should cover effective training on identifying chemical hazards; proper handling, storage, and disposal of chemicals; and the use of appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment). It is imperative that workers and management teams be knowledgeable in conducting better safety inspections and proper handling and storing of hazardous chemicals to ensure warehouse safety.

7. Charging stations Charging stations in warehouse facilities are used to refuel or recharge all powered equipment to function. Units may be powered by gasoline, liquid petroleum gas (LPG), or battery. If warehouse safety guidelines are not followed, fires and explosions can occur.

• Charging stations should be away from open flames. Smoking should be prohibited. Fire extinguishers should be available and in good working condition in case of fire.

• An adequate ventilation system must be installed to disperse harmful gases. Proper PPE should be worn. Eye-washing and shower facilities should be present should employees get exposed to acids and chemicals.

8. Energized equipment A Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) program must be implemented in all warehouse operations to ensure that all energized equipment is properly shut off and to prevent employees from being caught between mechanical parts or being electrocuted.

All affected workers must be trained on LOTO procedures and how to apply and remove LOTO devices after performing maintenance to ensure warehouse safety. Check out this collection of digital LOTO checklists to learn more.

Tips and Best Practices Depending on the type of business, there are specific safety rules to be followed due to hazards that are also specific to the type of work people do.

However, there are also warehouse safety rules that should be adhered to by workers in any warehouse.

Below are a few general tips to follow to ensure warehouse safety, regardless of business or industry.

• Reinforce proper ergonomics at all times.

Warehouse employees do a lot of heavy lifting, and it is important that they are trained in the proper lifting procedures so that they avoid hurting others and themselves. Your warehouse safety program should cover ergonomics in the workplace. Aside from proper lifting and operation of lifting tables, remind employees to maintain proper posture in general. If they have to do manual lifting, train them in the proper techniques that will help protect the back and knees from injury.

• Ensure that all fire hazards are minimized and that appropriate fire safety measures are in place.

If you have an operating warehouse facility, you probably have all the necessary fire alarms, extinguishers, and sprinklers as required by safety regulations in your area. While this is all well and good, it won’t matter if the people in the warehouse aren’t trained in their proper use. Schedule regular training and inspections to ensure that all employees are knowledgeable in fire safety processes and that all fire safety measures are in place and functioning as required.

• Minimize cutting dangers and enforce safe handling of sharp objects.

Workers in a warehouse environment handle a lot of packing and unpacking tasks; they constantly use a lot of corrugated, metal, and plastic straps and plastic pallet wrappings. This is why it’s vital that they use proper PPE and safety knives to avoid serious injury or death. Safety knives should retract automatically, limit the exposed cutting surface, and not require too much sharpening. All workers should also be trained in the proper cutting techniques to ensure warehouse safety at all times.

Carlo Sheen Escano is a contributing writer for SafetyCulture based in Makati City, Philippines. Sheen has experience in digital marketing and has been writing for SafetyCulture since 2018.

6 June 2022 Material Handling Network Safety Supplement

PowerFleet’s Pedestrian and Vehicle Warning System empowers our customers to manage and control vehicle operations effectively, efficiently, and safely. It uses advanced artificial intelligence to help prevent accidents and avoid damage to industrial vehicles such as forklifts. The AI camera solution quickly alerts operators of potential hazards and imminent danger–without the need for wearable tags or apparel.

Contact us today to find out how you can save money, reduce risk, and improve fleet safety and compliance.

www.powerfleet.com/mhn | +1 813.877.4500

www.MHNetwork.com June 2022

7

RACK REPAIR RACK GUARDS #1 IN USA LIFETIME WARRANTY ENGINEERED

Mac Rak is the number one manufacturer of engineered pallet rack repair kits in the USA. All products are exclusively manufactured at our facility in Missouri. In addition, our extensive dealer network allows us to serve customers across the entire USA from coast to coast.

All products are manufactured to exceed the highest industry standards. Stamped engineering approval available. Mac Rak products are backed by the best impact warranty in the industry.

We provide a complete solution from inspecting your site to component design, manufacturing, and installation.

8 June 2022 Material Handling Network Safety Supplement

CONTACT US MACRAK.COM 815-723-7400

#1 In The USA When lives, time, and reputations are on the line, Mac Rak is the #1 choice for engineered pallet rack repair and protection solutions.

• • • • •

Leading manufacturer in the USA Engineered to exceed RMI specs Lifetime warranty Maximizes value in your budget Turnkey service

Protect your warehouse efficiency, your team’s safety, and your reputation with Mac Rak.

Mac Rak is the number one manufacturer of engineered pallet rack repair kits in the USA. All products are exclusively manufactured at our facility in Missouri. In addition, our extensive dealer network allows us to serve customers across the entire USA from coast to coast.

All products are manufactured to exceed the highest industry standards. Stamped engineering approval available. Mac Rak products are backed by the best impact warranty in the industry.

Call (815) 723-7400 Visit MacRak.com

We provide a complete solution from inspecting your site to component design, manufacturing, and installation.

www.MHNetwork.com June 2022

9

PS1000. Increas Boost yo

THE MOST INNOVATIVE PR TRELLEBORG PIT STOP LINE TO

ProTex: unique non marking compound featuring electrically conducting properties.

www.trelleborg.com/wheels/us 10 June 2022 Material Handling Network Safety Supplement

ProHD: specialized compound for higher load carrying capacity.

ase your efficiency our results.

RESS ON TIRE, INCLUDING THE O ENHANCE TIRE LIFE AND SAFETY.

Non marking: designed to keep floors clean from tire marks.

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www.MHNetwork.com June 2022

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Feature Story

A Nervous System for Robots - “Making Robots Feel Better” Humanoid Robots -- a World Designed with and for Humans The Census Bureau predicts that for the first time ever, there will be more Americans over the age of 65 than under 18, with Japan having the oldest population with 30% over 65. In addition, “The Great Resignation” shows no sign of slowing down, with record numbers of people leaving the work force. Human-like robots are stepping up to this urgent need, augmenting humans in the BeBop Sensors, Inc. www.bebopsensors.com, the workplace, hospitals, and homes; with roles in world leader in smart fabric sensor technologies, healthcare, as domestic help, in manufacturing, announced today the BeBop Sensors RoboSkin distribution, biohazards, and even in entertainment line of skin-like coverings for tactile awareness and companionship roles. A human shape ensures for humanoid robots and prosthetics. A true a robot should be able to perform any human task; nervous system for robots at less than 1mm thick, to fit through any door and use every human tool.

RoboSkin is the only technology that fits all robotic Robots do not need to have the environment made body parts: limbs, fingers, feet, head, and torso, around their needs -- robots can do jobs humans to make robots “feel” better. RoboSkin’s advanced want to avoid. fabric-based sensor skin can be shaped to any Founder Keith McMillen said, “I have been working surface allowing quick tailoring to fit any robot, with roboticists refining our RoboSkin for 10 years. We with spatial resolution and sensitivity that exceeds are pleased we can make this important contribution human abilities for a true partnership between to the worldwide effort to bring humanoid robots into humans and their robot helpers. our lives to help people live longer, healthier, and more The Missing Component to Make Robots More enjoyable lives.”

Human – the Sense of Touch

Advances in robotics, such as vision and listening, are missing a key element -- the sense of touch, essential for practical human/robot interaction. As robots are quickly becoming part of our world, they need to interact and learn by sense of touch and feel. Flexible, reliable, and highly proprietary, BeBop Sensors’ RoboSkin provides this essential touch factor, with technology based on BeBop’s fabric sensors, with millions of sensors in daily use throughout the world and over 30 U.S. and international patents.

RoboSkin is available immediately for a variety of applications in robotics and prosthetics.

BeBop Sensors

BeBop uses smart fabrics to create elegant sensor solutions for OEMs. Where things or people interact, BeBop Sensors comprehends force, location, size, weight, shape and presence across any size, resolution and geometry. BeBop technology is robust and proven with millions of sensors in daily use. Based in Berkeley, California, BeBop Sensors makes things knowable for product designers and visionaries. www.bebopsensors.com 12 June 2022 Material Handling Network Safety Supplement

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