MHI Solutions - Volume 3, Issue 5 - (Page 83)

SOLUTION SPOTLIGHT Improving Loading Dock Safety and Productivity BY STEPHEN MURDOCH L oading docks are busy areas. There is a constant flow of trucks, pedestrians, lifting devices and a plethora of other equipment. It is important to identify common causes of loading dock mishaps as manufacturers ensure the loading dock area of facilities are more accessible and safer when it comes to the movement of goods. Jeff Schulze, vice president of national accounts with MHI member Systems Inc., knows firsthand of the importance of the installing the right loading dock. "The right loading dock can help productivity by providing an efficiently positioned bridge between the warehouse and the truck being loaded or unloaded. This starts with a piece of equipment that is easy to operate and able to be interlocked to safety equipment at the dock to provide the safest route between the truck and building. Productivity and energy efficiency can be provided equally when a loading dock is properly applied," Schulze said. The 19-year industry veteran has seen his share of new innovations through the years. "Air powered levelers on our McGuire, DLM and Poweramp lines that run completely off of compressed air are growing in popularity. No electricity is needed in the pits, but the unit is still completely powered and push button activated. A majority of companies are getting away from their older, higher maintenance mechanical levelers and replacing those units with powered equipment. Since most of the older buildings with mechanical dock equipment don't have the electrical infrastructure to support powered dock equipment, we introduced a leveler that only requires compressed air." In 2016, loading dock manufacturers will continue to introduce new products to market. "Cart guard, a specialty designed door guard that prevents door damage caused by carts and pallets being pushed into overhead doors, will be in demand. This specific unit was designed by Poweramp and is able to be interlocked to the dock leveler. This unit can be positioned before the overhead door is down to protect the door from damage," Schulze concluded. David Schwebel, MHI manager, Solutions & Product Groups, expects to see a large number of companies spending money on improving their loading docks systems. "You will see a continued push for greater loading dock safety. I expect companies from coast-to-coast to spend resources on uplifting their warehouses. There is demand for the newest products in lock out protection and product lines that provide greater integration of signaling uses within warehouses," Schwebel explained. Schwebel believes companies that house loading docks will continue to look for greater energy savings. "Let's face it, the loading dock can account for tremendous energy loss, both from heating and cooling escaping through the doors and fuel consumption as trucks wait idle due to mismanaged www.mhi.org * MHI SOLUTIONS 83 http://www.mhi.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of MHI Solutions - Volume 3, Issue 5

CEO Update
Ensuring Supply Chain Supplier Sustainability and Transparency
Energy Savings in the Supply Chain
The Future is Now
The Internet of Things: Connecting Supply Chains to Sustainability
Sustainable Supply Chains Requires Effective Supply Management Capabilities
The Changing Face of the Supply Chain: Under 35 and on the Rise
Building a Sustainable Supply Chain Workforce
Industry Focus: Apparel
MODEX 2016 Preview
Industry Trends
Economic Market Analysis
Education
“It was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen!”
Safer Handling
Solutions Group Update
Fulfillment Update
Solutions Spotlight
Scholarship Winners: Where Are They Now?
MHI News
Calendar
Index of Advertisers

MHI Solutions - Volume 3, Issue 5