The Dangers of Familiarity Can you handle the truth!

“It is fantastic that we have wooden pallets.”

Now there is an opportunity for a statement to be taken out of context by the wooden pallet sector that states the MD of The Alternative Pallet Company Ltd loves wooden pallets. Well, I think love is a slight exaggeration and I couldn’t eat a whole one. (For starters, I do not quite have the constitution of Monsieur Mangetout – I could however over time eat a Pallite® as it is only made from paper and PVA glue.).

The reality is that wooden pallets got here first and everyone is completely comfortable with the benefits and limitations. Or are they? The trend is changing and some of the downsides are becoming more prevalent and pressing. Availability, sustainability, weight in transit and also the simple task of trying to handle a 20-25KG lump of wood and nails. This final point is a prime example of an unseen cost that is now getting a rise in profile across the USA through the Work Unions themselves and the desire to protect their members.

Injuries and time off work through the handling of pallets is not insignificant, but perhaps correct handling would mean less risk when using wooden pallets or any other material.

We want things faster and cheaper, but there has to be a tipping point. Corners are cut and risks increase. Whether you are taking your driving test and then getting into “bad habits” or taking your forklift test and then “learning the tricks of the job”, there is a point where the demand for “cheaper and faster” compromises and I really believe that time is here. Safety of individuals and the product must remain the constant. It is time to work smarter and not necessarily quicker and hence our consistent message of challenging businesses to look to understand the best solution for your logistics rather than the familiar one.

I am tempted post my re-read of this short piece to change the “it is fantastic we have wooden pallets” to “I am ok with wooden pallets”. I must emphasize that this is not a witch hunt. I am stating the obvious when acknowledging that they are really important in our sector, as are plastic pallets, metal pallets and (as our many customers believe) Pallites®. What I do ask however is that you don’t get too familiar, as we all know what familiarity breeds …and that can be dangerous.

Tel: 01933 283920

Email: marketing@pallite.co.uk

www.pallite.co.uk