Forklift design for a workforce-driven warehouse

THIS BECOMES even more important when it comes to building an inclusive workforce. As warehouses increasingly look to diversify their labour pool to meet skills shortages, strategic lift truck design and technologies are levers that operations can pull to support the integration of different employees into their workforce.

As long as safety standards for visual, auditory, physical and mental abilities to safely operate equipment are observed, warehouse roles can be made available to under-represented groups, expanding the available potential labour force.

When incorporated into training and day-to-day operations, the right forklifts, warehouse equipment, and technology solutions can help improve productivity by making warehouses more accessible to the entire workforce.

Here are some of the ways that customer-centric lift truck design and technology from Yale can make a difference.

Forklift Telemetry

Telemetry, such as Yale Vision, provides real-time feedback on individual lift truck activity and location. It enables operations to identify operators in need of more training and support. It also identifies impact-prone areas of the warehouse so that the layout can be better optimised for all operators.

Ergonomic design

For workers with physical disabilities, features like lower steps, cushioned floors and ergonomic controls can be the key to allowing them to perform the duties of their job. Warehouse equipment with seats or perch seats can also be helpful for older workers and those with physical challenges that prevent them from standing for long periods. The Yale® rider pallet truck is a great example.

Electric power

Electric lift trucks are quieter than their internal combustion engine counterparts and do not emit fumes. Warehouses using electric forklifts, such as the Yale Series N or MXLG forklift models, can provide a more pleasant working environment that can also be more sensory-friendly.

Forklift lights and alarms

Depending on the application, use of pedestrian lighting and audible alarms may help support members of the workforce in maintaining visibility to and awareness of lift trucks in their proximity, especially in loud or visually dense facilities.

Operator assist technology

Some lift trucks can be equipped with operator assist systems that apply automatic interventions to help maintain overall stability and minimise the potential for tip overs.  Such as the Dynamic Stability System (DSS) on the Yale Series N forklifts.

Other solutions help support pedestrian awareness and provide timely intervention, helping prevent incidents before they occur.

With a 110-degree field of view and detection range of up to 5 metres, the Yale pedestrian awareness camera system offers all operators support in indoor warehouses when manoeuvring counterbalance trucks.

Creating a safe environment

Successful warehouses already have comprehensive safety plans and practices in place. Adapting those plans to help integrate workers with different abilities and challenges is generally a matter of adapting existing systems to support additional safety needs. Taking this approach can prove beneficial to the entire workforce.

Reinforcing a culture of help and mentoring in the workplace also adds a welcome layer of support for warehouse employees, alongside the right warehouse equipment fleet and added technology solutions.

For more information, visit www.yale.com 

01276 538500