SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS
SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES & STAFF SHORTAGES: SIX HANDLING EQUIPMENT ESSENTIALS TO MAXIMISE EFFICIENCY WITHIN YOUR BUSINESS
S
upply chain issues have affected businesses in every industry, both across the UK and
globally. Some experts predict the continuation of backlogs and shortages for up to at least another year as the impact of volatile global markets continues to have an effect. Most recently, industrial action at the UK’s largest container port in Felixstowe threatens further delays in the movement of goods. Adding more pressure to this are the labour
shortages that have hit businesses across the public and private sectors, with 75% of companies struggling to hire staff according to recent research by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC). The hospitality industry has been particularly badly hit, with a recent joint survey by UK trade bodies finding that 45% of operators have had to cut capacity and trading hours due to staff shortages, costing them £21 billion in lost revenue. The right labour-saving and handling
equipment is vital to help overcome these delays and staff shortages. Manual handling jobs are made easier and quicker to complete, therefore keeping your business running smoothly. Not only this, but under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 it is your legal obligation to minimise manual handling in the workplace where possible. There are many different kinds and categories
of handling equipment, but here are some of the most essential across different industries.
1. HAND-OPERATED TRUCKS Hand trucks and platform trucks are among the most common types of hand-operated trucks, made up of a frame, platform, and wheels. They are also one of the most versatile pieces of labour- saving equipment and can be applied for many different uses. From the capacity, to the style, material or
even wheel type, hand and platform trucks come in a variety of specifications according to the setting they are intended for and what needs transporting. Trucks with swivel wheels, for example, can easily navigate tight corners in offices and school buildings, those with larger weight allowances may find more use in industrial settings. In such settings where heavy items need moving around, the space around a site or existing machinery might not always be appropriate for electric or drivable trucks. In this case, the varying features of pallet trucks can prove useful in allowing your staff to do more without overexerting themselves. Foldable platform trucks are also available for
facilities or areas short on space, keeping the floor neat and clear of hazards when they’re not in use. In 2021, 19% of all workplace accidents were
related to lifting and handling, so using the right equipment is an important health and safety matter as well. This is especially true in industries that involve the manual handling of heavy items. In the construction industry, for example, there tends to be higher rates of reported
musculoskeletal disorders than in any other similar industry. Using the correct handling equipment ensures a
working environment where the risk of back strain or other injuries is minimised.
2. SHELF AND CONTAINER TROLLIES
In the hospitality industry, lifting and handling-
related injuries are the second-most common workplace injury, so it’s important to make sure you’ve got the right equipment to minimise the physical effort of staff. Shelf and container trollies are a very efficient way of moving items to where they need to go. Hotels and other accommodations, for instance, rely heavily on quick turnover when it comes to housekeeping. This can be even more difficult in the face of the severe staff shortages mentioned above. Making the routine processes as easy and swift as possible is of the utmost importance for the well-being of your people. Container trucks and trollies can be used to move heavier items around such as food and beverage deliveries and bed linen. Shelf trollies, meanwhile, can be used to easily move smaller items like cleaning equipment and room supplies. The healthcare industry is another sector
which can benefit from the versatility of trollies. Moving objects and equipment throughout the facility, hospital, health centre, etc. safely and securely is paramount. This can be aided by the use of trollies specifically designed to house hazardous materials or transport medical equipment like oxygen cylinders.
3. PALLET TRUCKS Pallet trucks or pallet jacks are another important piece of equipment where goods are primarily transported on pallets, such as in warehouses and distribution centres in the logistics industry. They feature two forks to grip onto the pallet
and a hydraulic system which means they can be used by hand and with minimal effort, moving large quantities or heavy loads around different areas in a time-efficient way. Electric-assisted pallet trucks can offer an even easier way for workers to move large loads.
12 MARCH 2023 | FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62
