Workplace Safety – CAB Worldwide

4 Forklift Safety Tips For Warehouses

CAB Worldwide — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 12:00:59 +0000

4 Forklift Safety Tips For Warehouses

It seems like at least once a week we see a headline about a forklift accident that resulted in an injury or fatality. In fact, 1 out of 6 workplace fatalities can be linked back to a forklift. Because this equipment is so common in the warehouse environment, many people become complacent about proper protocol when operating a forklift, or just working in the same space as one. In an attempt to lessen the number of forklift related accidents, we’ve come up with some safety tips when working with forklifts and other heavy machinery.

Check the License

Only licensed forklift operators should have access to the equipment. Period. This seems like a given, yet many accidents are caused by untrained workers who think they can perform a certain job, even though they have no experience. Make sure all forklift operators are properly trained and licensed.

Perform Regular Maintenance

Even the best-trained operator will be at a severe disadvantage if the forklift malfunctions in some way. Many companies require daily equipment checks to ensure all controls are working properly and the machine itself is in good shape. This is a great model to follow, but even in those companies where daily checks are required, they’re not always enforced. Be sure to follow all guidelines, and make sure forklifts are appropriately maintained. The last thing you want is for the brakes to fail while you’re carrying a heavy load across a crowded warehouse.

Buckle In

Remember the driver’s ed. ritual of buckling yourself in, checking all of your mirrors, and adjusting the seat as needed? You should still be doing that, and that includes in the forklift. Oftentimes a forklift will have a few different operators in any given day, so it’s important that all of the controls and safety features are tailored to you every time you get inside. And you should never neglect or remove the seatbelt – if a forklift starts to tip, many people will respond by jumping out. But the safest place to be is inside the forklift. Jumping out could result in you getting pinned against or crushed underneath the forklift. Always remain in the seat.

Post Safety Information

Typically, forklifts are supposed to remain within a certain operating area. In addition to educating staff, post specific signage that indicates where equipment can be operated, how it should be operated, and by whom. Also include information on load requirements, height clearances, speed limits, etc. Even the best trained operators can have an off day or become complacent. Having the rules posted in high-traffic areas can avoid a possible mix-up.

These are just a few tips that warehouses can follow to improve forklift safety. There are numerous other resources online, and it’s important to stay updated on the latest recommendations and workplace regulations. There are far too many forklift accidents, and we hope to help in bringing down those numbers.

Is Your Company At Risk From Hackers And Ransomware?

CAB Worldwide — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 11:36:12 +0000

Is Your Company At Risk From Hackers And Ransomware?

It seems that every week, another major brand or organization is hit by hackers stealing consumer data. In fact, you may have had your own close calls or had to change your credit card number after visiting prominent retailers that ended up getting hacked. But these companies are major targets and are known globally; do smaller companies have anything to worry about? Absolutely.

Cyber predators are not just targeting major corporations – they’re also going after individuals and small businesses. Criminals are increasingly using “ransomware,” to extort people and companies. Just as the name would suggest, this is a software that is able to hold your computer and/or files up for ransom until you send through the demanded payment. The software is usually sent via email, so anybody with an email address is at risk.

What can companies do to minimize hacking risk?

Educate employees about best practices – ransomware is often spread via email. Encourage employees to double check all file names before downloading anything, and to check all links carefully before clicking to open them. If anything looks strange or out of place, best to err on the side of caution.

WeLiveSecurity also offers the following tip for protecting employee emails:

“If your gateway mail scanner has the ability to filter files by extension, you may wish to deny mails sent with “.EXE” files, or to deny mails sent with files that have two file extensions, the last one being executable (“*.*.EXE” files, in filter-speak). If you do legitimately need to exchange executable files within your environment and are denying emails with “.EXE” files, you can do so with ZIP files (password-protected, of course) or via cloud services.”

Back up all necessary data frequently – these cyber criminals bank on the fact that you need the files they’ve encrypted. But if you already have everything stored in an external hard drive, they’ll have little hold over you. Make sure you back up all files regularly on an external drive, and then disconnect the drive from the computer to prevent malware from spreading. If you can keep files stored in more than one location, all the better.
Consider cloud based storage – even if you have an external hard drive, it’s a good idea to have your most important files stored in more than one outside location. Hard drives themselves can be corrupted or damaged. Using a cloud based storage option like Google drive can help you access files from any location (which is especially helpful if your entire computer is locked and out of commission).
Keep anti-virus software updated – your first line of defense should always be your anti-virus software, and it can only work efficiently if it is regularly updated. Also keep up to date with operating system patches and browser plugins. New software releases and system updates can help catch malware that’s been identified in the past.

Though it’s nearly impossible to remove the risk of ransomware, by following the above steps, your company’s data will be better protected. Make sure you’re aware of any new security updates, and pass along any and all information to your employees. Even if you know better than to open a suspicious link, it won’t make a difference if your employees are unaware of best practices. Get everyone up to speed, and don’t take cybersecurity for granted.

Selecting The Right Forklift For Your Needs

CAB Worldwide — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 11:00:30 +0000

Selecting The Right Forklift For Your Needs

Selecting the Right Forklift for Your Needs

Forklifts are among the most common equipment you’ll find at manufacturing shops, distribution centers, retail centers, and more. Any place that regularly needs to move heavy, difficult to lift materials will often have at least one forklift on hand to assist in the process. But with so many different uses, it’s crucial to find the right type of forklift for your needs.

Know Your Surroundings

The first step to picking a forklift is taking a look at where it will be operated, and what type of load it will be transporting. Forklifts come in a range of sizes, with different types of wheels and other materials depending on the environment it will be used in. So take a look around, figure out what materials need to be moved where, and the type of location the forklift will be primarily operated in.

Lift Height and Load Capacity

While each of these factors can easily be listed separately, it’s important to consider them together to ensure safe operation of a forklift. Any time the mast is raised, and especially if it’s carrying a load, it’s critical to know how much weight can safely be carried and the optimal speed at which the machinery must move to prevent tipping. If you regularly need to move products to or from very high points, you’ll obviously be looking for a forklift that can meet those height requirements. But always take into account the maximum load that may be required, even if your typical needs are not that heavy. You never know when you might need to move an unusually heavy pallet, and using a lift that is not built to carry such weight is extremely dangerous.

Ideal Power Source

Choosing an electric, gas powered, or diesel powered forklift is a big decision. Again, this depends a lot upon the environment in which it will be operated. While a diesel powered unit is very powerful and reliable, and quite affordable to maintain, they require a large open area with plenty of ventilation to keep workers safe and the area clean. There must also be adequate space to store excess fuel, or access to a nearby filling station.

Similarly, gas powered forklifts are relatively easy and cheap to maintain, but again require adequate storage for fuel and ventilation for the unavoidable emissions.

Electric forklifts are touted for their clean-running abilities and low amount of noise. They are ideal for small indoor spaces, however they do have higher operating costs and will take much longer to charge the battery than it would take to fill a gas tank. They are also ill-suited for any outdoor work applications.

Rent or Buy

Duration of need and available funds will often be the deciding factors in choosing to buy or rent a forklift. If you’re moving heavy items while setting up a new business, or are involved in a temporary construction project, the obvious choice is to rent the equipment you need. Purchasing a forklift is a major investment, but if it will be used on a regular basis and is necessary for the daily functioning of your operation, it will eventually pay for itself. Just remember, once you own it, you’ll still need to consider the recurring costs of power/fuel, regular maintenance, and any other related expenses down the road. If you’re new to using a forklift, you may want to rent your preferred model first to make sure it really does meet all of your requirements. If it does, you can always buy that model at a later date.

CAB Worldwide is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise with more than 35 years of experience in pipe flanges, industrial castings, and forgings. We work closely with many forklift manufacturers, in addition to using specialty forklifts in our own business. To learn more about our company and capabilities, please feel free to visit us online or call 1-800-241-7311.

Avoiding Burnout In The Workplace

CAB Worldwide — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 10:34:28 +0000

Avoiding Burnout In The Workplace

Burnout in the workplace is something that can happen to anyone in any industry. According to an article on about health.com, there are more than a few reasons burnout can happen. Things such as unclear or impossible requirements, heavy consequences for failing, lack of personal control, and even lack of recognition can contribute to burnout. Poor communication, insufficient compensation, and poor leadership are other factors. At some point or another, most employees have experienced one or more of these factors.

How do you know if you’re experiencing burnout? Most people are aware of how they feel, but some people who try to cope can often begin to have symptoms. According to officevibe.com, these symptoms can include feeling tired or drained, getting sick frequently, no longer caring about the work, avoiding co-workers, turning to drugs or alcohol, avoiding being at the office longer than necessary, and even lacking a sense of accomplishment. When these symptoms of burnout begin to appear, productivity begins to decline.

According to Mental Health Works, there are ways companies can help their employees in an effort to avoid burnout. Taking a comprehensive approach to interventions is the best way to start. These interventions can include identifying problems and stressors in the company, planning interventions, considering health and wellness programs, and making sure to follow through. After putting new methods of helping employees to avoid burnout in place, it’s just as important to offer review sessions to make sure they are working.

An article in The Washington Post discusses how some companies are already on their way to providing the burnout proof working conditions. Take, for example, the company Evernote. They pay employees a $1,000 stipend to take an entire week off. Although the company offers unlimited vacation, the stipend gets across the message that the company does want its employees to enjoy time away from the office.

Many people may be afraid of losing their job if they feel they take too much time away from the office. Because of this, it’s important that employers understand the need for getting the message across to employees that vacation time is a good thing for both parties. When companies have both time and money invested in employees, it makes more sense to retain good employees instead of having to find, train, and retain new ones.

Forklift Safety Tips For Distribution Warehouses

CAB Worldwide — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:32:33 +0000

Forklift Safety Tips For Distribution Warehouses

Proper safety in a distribution warehouse can mean the difference between life and death for employees. According to the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), there are over 95,000 injuries from forklifts each year, with about 100 of these accidents being fatal. Of these deaths, about 42% are from the forklift tipping over and crushing the operator. The second highest death, at 25%, comes from people being crushed between the forklift and a surface.

To ensure safety at a distribution warehouse here are some safety tips that should always be followed:

Never allow someone to operate a forklift unless they are trained

Federal law mandates forklift operators be a minimum of 18 years old, and those operating a forklift must be trained prior to their use. Proper instruction on how to use a forklift is necessary to ensure the safety of all employees, not just the one operating the forklift.

Always use the right forklift for the job

Forklifts come in different sizes. If you have narrow aisles or other constraints, make sure to use the proper size for the area and the job.

Pay attention when steering, turning, or changing directions

The majority of forklift accidents happen when steering, turning, or changing directions. Steering should be done in a controlled manner at all times. Turning too fast can result in the forklift falling over, potentially killing the operator or any workers too close to it. Changing direction can also cause the forklift to tip over if it’s not properly stabilized.

Properly maintain the forklift

As with all mechanical equipment, a forklift should receive routine maintenance. This is especially true when it comes to keeping the tires properly inflated, as the balance of the forklift is necessary to keeping it from tipping over.

Drive safely

Forklifts should never be driven more than 5 mph. Operators should slow down when other employees are around and when conditions are less than perfect, such as with slippery or wet floors.

Do not haul loads beyond the limits set forth by the forklift manufacturer

Hauling loads that exceed the capacity of the forklift can result in tipping the forklift forward. This is the second most common tipping position, after tipping sideways.

Operators should always wear seatbelts

Seatbelts can save lives, even on forklifts. If a forklift begins to tip over, it’s natural for the operator to want to try and jump out. Wearing a seatbelt can save the operator’s life by keeping them in the safest place possible should the forklift tip over.

Don’t drive a forklift carrying an elevated load

Elevated loads can compromise the stability of the forklift. This can cause the forklift to tip over and drop the contents from the pallet, seriously injuring or killing anyone below. Driving with an elevated load can also hinder the line of sight of the forklift operator.

Proper use of a forklift can translate into safety for all employees and a reduction of costly damage to property. With proper training and attention to these suggested tips, forklift operators can utilize the equipment in an effective, efficient, and safe way for everyone.

WHAT ARE THE 5 WHYS IN ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS?

CAB Worldwide — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 12:59:23 +0000

WHAT ARE THE 5 WHYS IN ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS?

Whenever there’s a problem, an immediate response typically involves asking the question, “Why?” Though this is standard in everyday life, it’s also an important facet of Six Sigma – which features the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control steps. The 5 Whys fit into the Analyze phase of this method. But what exactly does it mean, and how does it help in root cause analysis?

The Purpose of 5 Whys in Root Cause Analysis

The idea is that by asking “Why?” about 5 times, you can get to the bottom of just about any problem and not just a cursory view of a problem. That doesn’t mean that every problem will need 5 Whys, but it’s usually a good place to start.

How the 5 Whys Work

The first step in the 5 Whys process is to document the problem at hand – don’t keep it all in your head – write it down for better clarity and be as descriptive as possible. Make sure the whole team is on the same page in describing the problem.

Next, ask “Why” this problem happened. After you have defined your Level 1 “Why” it happened, then repeat the process, asking “Why” the Level 1 problem occurred, then after answering that Level 1 question, ask why THAT happened, and so on.

If you didn’t find the root cause the first time, ask Why again and write down the answer that follows. Continue asking Why and providing answers until you have found the root cause. You can continue this method as many (or as few) times as necessary to solve the problem.

Toyota Corporation was a pioneer in continuous improvement and they developed what was known as the “Toyota Production System.” One of the components was the 5 Why process and here is an example from their website:

Why #1 “Why did the robot stop”?

The circuit overloaded, causing a fuse to blow.

Why #2 “Why is the circuit overloaded”?

There was insufficient lubrication on the bearings, so they locked up.

Why #3 “Why was there insufficient lubrication on the bearings?”

The oil pump on the robot is not circulating sufficient oil.

Why #4 “Why is the pump not circulating sufficient oil?”

The pump intake is clogged with metal shavings.

Why 5 “Why is the intake clogged with metal shavings”?

Because there is no filter on the pump.

The 5 Why Process may also include the following “Whys” to help further dive into root cause and then move toward corrective action.

Why wasn’t the problem caught earlier in the process?

What wasn’t the problem prevented

Choosing the Right Team

Another important factor in a successful 5 Why process is getting the right team on board. This may not necessarily be a team you normally work with, or that normally works together at all. The goal is to bring a diverse set of perspectives to come up with a range of answers for each question. Getting input from a broad group can offer new ideas that you yourself may not have thought of on your own.

By incorporating the 5 Whys strategy in problem solving, companies can more accurately and efficiently find the root cause of a problem. We’ve been implementing this process in our own operations and have found it to be an effective option in root cause analysis.