cadbury-12-1-2009-1.jpgIn a turbulent market, competition becomes fiercer and ultimately, though unpleasant, weaker companies will fail. Consolidation and efficiency are paramount as companies endeavour to maintain their position by focusing on efficiencies and maximizing productivity. This strategy has two potential pitfalls; the total supply chain is only as strong as the weakest supplier and increased efficiency may affect employee safety.

Are you in safe hands?
Much of the equipment you invest in during the coming year should still be in operation 10 or even 20 years hence, so you need to be sure that your suppliers are reliable, stable and financially sound, in short, safe to do business with.

Employee welfare has a tremendous effect on efficiency and a significant impact on business performance. When investing in equipment to ensure higher volumes and shorter turnaround times, make sure the equipment is safe and ergonomic to use, complying with EN349, EN619 and EN280 regulations.

Visionary business people have already begun to gear up to meet the challenge of stormy weather ahead, implementing strategies to create more value with fewer resources.

A safe and sound partnership
If you are considering new capital projects, you need a partner with a long and successful track record; a company that has proved it is capable of withstanding headwinds. Assessing the risk in relation to a customer has become standard practice. However, few consider the financial position of their suppliers. Failure to check the D&B rating of potential partners could leave your company in an extremely exposed position.

Perhaps you also need to consider whether your supplier’s organisation is able to match your own. This is of particular importance in relation to quality service support.

Maximum utilisation of facilities
It takes one person between 2 and 4 hours to empty a 20 ft container, depending on the size and quantity of the boxes. This turnaround time is typically halved when a telescopic boom conveyor is installed. Using any machine increases the risk of injury, so make sure that the equipment you use complies with relevant legislation such as EN349 and EN619. Your staff must not be exposed to chains or other areas with a risk of pinching, crushing or trapping. Ideally, the boom should be fully under-guarded with a single drive controlling a double chain system for extension and retraction. If the booms you use are equipped with operator platforms, these should minimum comply with EN280. Type approval gives added reassurance.

Balancing efficiency with employee safety
Often the quest for improved efficiency means increased strain on personnel. A Fit for Work, Fit for Life, Fit for Tomorrow survey (Fit3), carried out in 2007, concluded that musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are the most common health and safety risk reported by British employers. A Labour Force Survey commissioned by HSE, concluded that an estimated 2.1 million people suffered from work-related ill health during a 12-month period in 2007/8. 26% of these self-reported illnesses were due to MSD, typically affecting the back and upper limbs. The transport sector (SIC I) is unfortunately strongly represented in these statistics.

Today, vacuum lifting systems, designed specifically for use with telescopic boom conveyors, are available. These provide ergonomic working conditions so that a high level of activity can be maintained throughout the shift without risking repetitive strain injuries and importantly, maintaining the manual throughput.

For information about Caljan Rite-Hite’s extensive range of telescopic boom conveyors and safety equipment, please contact Sanjay Ghei on
tel: 07970 454953 or e-mail: sghei@caljanritehite.com

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