Ensuring worker safety in warehouse operations during COVID-19
- Hussain Ziniya
- Apr 8
- 2 min read
Keywords Used:
forklift manufacturers in India.
electric forklift
electric stacker.
electric reach trucks
diesel forklift
The COVID-19 outbreak has caused a complete shutdown of all major services, excluding essential ones. The Indian government, as well as state governments, have made clear exemptions under essential services, due to which, a running warehouse is needed 24x7 that also includes the use of material handling equipment like a diesel forklift. The following are the main essential services granted permission to run uninterrupted;
Groceries
Bakery and dairy items
Fruits & vegetables
Agricultural machinery (including its supply chain)
Medical supplies
As these services run, they require full-fledged manpower in warehouses to do various material handling tasks like dispatch operations, supervising inventory and running the material handling equipment, like an electric forklift or reach truck. This puts them at the risk of catching the virus and possibly infecting hundreds of people in the entire supply chain.
Creating a safe working environment
Creating a safe working environment requires a plan that is rooted in every facet of the material handling operations; from floor operations to machine operations like driving a forklift or an electric stacker. To ensure maximum safety of everyone present in the warehouse and the entire supply chain, we have created a list of guidelines to follow. Some of them are highly recommended by major forklift manufacturers in India.
Safety guidelines for workers during COVID-19
On-site
Compulsory masks and gloves for all handling goods and equipment
Avoid group formations or discussions
For food breaks, designate special areas for every worker
Keep sanitizer dispensers at convenient locations
Implement cleaning of hand tools and toolkits before usage
Implement cleaning vehicles like order picker or electric tow trucks
Mandatory temperature checks before entry
On-field (making deliveries)
Maintaining distance from the customer
Avoid offering electronic devices or paper to the customer for signing. It can be done by the worker.
Wear masks at all time.
If possible, inform the customer beforehand and deliver the package at either the first checkpoint (Guard office) or the building office.
Wash or sanitize hands after every delivery.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Use of Personal Protective Equipment compulsory for workers coming in contact with perishable items
All types of PPE must be:
Properly fitted and periodically refitted
Consistently and properly worn
Regularly inspected, maintained, and replaced,
Properly removed, cleaned, and stored or disposed of, as applicable, to avoid contamination of self, others, or the environment.
Linde India is a global leader in material handling equipment. Linde offers a wide range of equipment like order pickers, electric reach trucks and forklifts, along with a comprehensive network of spare parts and after-sales service units. If you are looking material handling equipment dealers or prices in India, you should check out our website- www.lindemhe.com
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