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Do you prefer to be Proactive or Reactive?

8/16/2023

Over the past 16+ years we’ve heard many reasons why facility managers view a proactive maintenance program (PMP) as a smart investment.

Here’s the top 5 reasons why you should transition from a reactive to a proactive approach when maintaining a top-notch facility:

Cost Savings: A PMP can help identify and prevent equipment failures before they occur, saving you money on costly repairs or replacements. It can also help extend the lifespan of your equipment, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Improved Equipment Performance: Regular maintenance can help keep your equipment running smoothly, which can lead to improved performance and productivity. Properly maintained equipment is less likely to break down or cause downtime, which can negatively impact your business operations.
Enhanced Safety: Having a PMP can help identify potential safety hazards and prevent accidents, which can result in injuries or property damage. Regular maintenance can ensure that equipment is functioning correctly and safely, reducing the risk of accidents.
Compliance: Certain industries and businesses are required to comply with specific regulations and standards, such as OSHA, AIB, FDA, USDA. A PMP can help ensure that your equipment meets these standards, preventing fines and legal liabilities.
Reduce Surprises: When your equipment is well-maintained, you can rely on it to perform consistently and efficiently. This can improve your reputation among customers and suppliers, as they can trust that you will deliver products and services on time and to the expected quality.

In summary, a PMP can help save money, improve performance, enhance safety, ensure compliance, and increase reliability, making it a valuable investment for any facility.

Can we help you become proactive?

Do you know the 3 biggest safety risks associated with loading docks according to OSHA?

8/14/2023

We recently sat down with our OSHA Specialist to learn what their data says about the three biggest safety risks associated with loading docks.

Falls: Loading docks are raised platforms that can be several feet above the ground, and workers can easily fall off the edge, leading to serious injuries or fatalities. Falls can occur when loading or unloading materials, when workers are distracted, or when they fail to use appropriate safety equipment.
Struck-by Accidents: Workers on loading docks are at risk of being struck by forklifts, trucks, or other equipment used for loading and unloading. These accidents can occur when drivers are not paying attention, when loads are not secured properly, or when workers are in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Early Truck Departures: Trucks departing away from the loading dock too early can cause serious injury to your employees. Truck drivers often assume that the unloading process may be complete and pull away too soon. Putting in the safety measures such as lights to communicate with truck drivers will ensure that they know when it is safe to depart from a loading dock and minimize risks at your facility.

Here's what OSHA recommends to prevent accidents and minimize risks:

Implement safety measures such as providing appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment), training workers on safe practices, and enforcing traffic patterns and other safety rules on the loading dock.
Employers should also ensure that workers are properly trained to operate machinery and equipment and that they follow established safety procedures.

What are employees looking for when they work in an industrial or commercial facility?

8/14/2023

We asked this question of hiring leaders to better understand the challenges our clients face when maintaining top-notch talent in their operations.

Here’s what they shared:

Safety: Employees want to work in a safe environment and expect their employer to take appropriate measures to ensure their safety. This includes providing safety equipment and training, implementing safety protocols, and regularly inspecting equipment and facilities.
Comfort: Employees want to work in a comfortable environment that is well-lit, clean, and free from excessive noise or distractions. This can help them focus on their job duties and feel valued by their employer.
Fair compensation: Employees want to be compensated fairly for their work, including competitive wages, benefits, and opportunities for advancement.
Opportunities for growth and development: Employees seek an employer that can provide personal development opportunities, including training, mentorship, and career advancement.
Recognition and appreciation: Employees want to feel valued and appreciated for their contributions to the company. This can include recognition programs, bonuses, or other incentives that reward hard work and dedication.

In summary, employees working in a facility with loading docks and doors are looking for a safe, comfortable, and supportive work environment that values their contributions and provides opportunities for growth and development.

Best of luck to you and your team!

Can hydraulic levelers reduce your risk and operating costs?

1/13/2023

Yes! Cost is a real factor when replacing or repairing equipment in your facility. The upfront cost of a hydraulic leveler or a hydraulic conversion will exceed the cost of a mechanical leveler or parts replacement type of repairs. However, the cost of ownership is reduced, and the overall lifetime cost of a hydraulic leveler is LESS than a mechanical leveler. Why?

Fewer moving parts
Easier to clean out dock pit, reducing maintenance costs
More dependable, therefore decreased downtime
Eliminate below dock service range issues, aka stump-out which can cause the leveler to self-destruct
Reduce wear and tear on forklift as hydraulic dock is dead weight and reduces bounce of leveler when driving on or off the leveler
Less energy loss with both heating & cooling, as hydraulic levelers seal better than mechanical levelers

Besides cost another factor to consider is risk, when making decisions on equipment. A few ways hydraulic levelers or conversions can reduce risk:

Easier and consistent to operate, less likely to have a workman’s compensation claim
Ability to interlock with other equipment such as doors or dock locks for added safety and reduced risk for equipment damage
Improved security over mechanical levelers
Safer to service or maintain as it is more difficult to disable or lock out spring energy than electricity

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Do you prefer to be Proactive or Reactive?

Top 3 Questions we get from Clients

Do you know the 3 biggest safety risks associated with loading docks according to OSHA?

What are employees looking for when they work in an industrial or commercial facility?

Can hydraulic levelers reduce your risk and operating costs?

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