As technology changes, it changes how we do things in the warehouse.
While it’s easy to see how technology has affected warehouse inventory management, receiving, and shipping, it may not always be as easy to see how it has affected other areas such as safety. However, warehouses are much safer today than they were even a decade ago, and much of that has to do with the new technology that has been implemented.
Better Security
Warehouse safety begins with who has access to the warehouse. Electronic IDs can grant access to warehouses or parts of the warehouse, helping to keep people out of dangerous zones.
High definition security cameras allow security to see what’s happening in the parking lot, while motion detectors that activate lights can be used to make certain that anyone who enters the warehouse is able to see their surroundings.
Automation
With more and more warehouses adding some form of automation, workers no longer have to do as many dangerous jobs. While many warehouses may not use drones like Amazon does, many have looked at ways of using machines to handle some tasks. These systems can be used to move heavy objects so workers don’t have to, preventing accidents such as pulled back muscles.
Communication
A lack of communication often leads to accidents. It’s a simple fact.
Technology has made it much easier to keep everyone in the warehouse aware of what’s going on. Employees often carry tablets or use smartphones that can be updated at a moment’s notice with alerts and new information.
Smartphones themselves make it much easier to call someone with a question or to request an update.
Better Quality Equipment
While all the technology in the world may not really be able to improve the design of something like forklift ramps, it can improve some pieces of equipment. For example, some warehouses have replaced their older forklifts with green electric vehicles.
These forklifts do not put off any harmful emissions, making them safer to use indoors. Many of these newer vehicles are also designed with extra safety features such as louder backup alerts or are balanced in such a way that they’re less likely to tip over.
Inventory Control
By using tablets and electronic tags, warehouse employees can very quickly keep track of their inventory by scanning each pallet and noting it in a database. When that pallet is needed, it’s easy to call up where it’s stored.
This prevents people from wandering through the warehouse looking for specific pallets. When someone knows exactly what they’re looking for and exactly where it is in the warehouse, they’re more likely to be paying attention to their surroundings as they walk.
Training
When new employees were hired, one of the first things they probably had to do was watch a training video that was very outdated. These videos are common in just about every industry, and they’re also fairly ineffective at actually teaching anything.
Technology has made it possible to create interactive training modules that new employees can work through. These modules evaluate how well the new hire performed and make it easier for managers to tell if their new employee really understands their tasks.
What other ways has technology improved safety in your warehouse? Comment below to join the conversation!
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