The Complete Guide to Warehouse Distribution Assessments and Training
Late last year, US warehouse vacancy reached a record low of 3.6%, or basically zero. There was no space for new shipments coming in.
It was a direct result of the supply chain crisis that saw a backlog of shipping containers at many ports. A problem exacerbated by already inefficient warehouse and distribution operations.
US warehouses can avoid these issues by conducting an assessment of current operations. Warehouse managers need to know why and how to conduct a warehouse operations assessment.
Knowing this can help them use relevant tools. This includes a warehouse assessment checklist. It can help to ensure all workers have proper OSHA warehouse certification.
But this is only the start. This article will provide answers to many pertinent questions. These include – How can you improve performance in distributing and warehousing? and How do you assess a warehouse? Read on to learn the answers.
How Can You Improve Performance in Distribution and Warehousing?
You’ll first need to know what your shortfalls are. The best way to determine this is by doing an assessment. Doing this will help you to identify the areas that need improvement.
How Do You Assess a Warehouse?
The warehouse assessment process should evaluate four key areas. These key areas include:
Labor
This is usually the area you’ll spend the most on. Evaluating labor entails looking at its cost as well as overall productivity levels. Your turnover rate will affect both, as well as your investment in training.
This should also include warehouse safety training. This helps to reduce injuries and worker downtime. It’s also good to assess the current labor market.
Facilities
Is your space adequate for your needs? Evaluating your facilities will help determine this.
Your cost to occupy the building, and how effectively you use the space will also play a factor. Use is also affected based on seasonality.
Systems
An effective warehouse management system can provide optimal flexibility and functionality for your facility. This can help you to better manage your inventory. This includes packing, tracking, and replenishment.
Procedures and Workflows
Improvements in these areas are usually easier to make. It measures the number of steps during product handling. The aim is to lessen these where possible.
Why and How to Conduct a Warehouse Operations Assessment
There are many benefits of warehouse assessments. Increased productivity is a major one. It will also help you use your space more effectively. It means getting products to customers faster.
An operations assessment will involve:
Observing operations
Gathering information
Interviewing key members of staff
Analyzing current service and productivity levels
Using external benchmarks to determine potential areas of improvement
You must use companies close to your own for realistic benchmark comparisons.
Warehouse Assessment Checklist
One of the tools you can use to do this is an assessment checklist. It should cover specific areas to ensure your company adheres to OSHA regulations and standards. This includes up-to-date safety training for workers.
Proper Training for OSHA Warehouse Certification
How can you improve performance in distribution and warehousing? Now you know the answer.
An inefficiently run warehouse can cost you a lot of money. If left unattended it could even lead to you losing your business.
You can avoid this with a warehouse assessment. This article provides you with the answer to How do you assess a warehouse?
It even delves further into why and how to conduct a warehouse operations assessment. There are many tools you can use, including a warehouse assessment checklist. This will also help to ensure up-to-date training of staff for OSHA warehouse certification.
You can meet these requirements with training by experienced personnel from Phase Associates. We help all types of companies in various industries. We can help your company too! Contact us to learn more.
In 2020, forklift accidents resulted in over 7,000 injuries. Seventy-eight of these were fatal. Most were due to operator error.
OSHA estimates that about 70% of all forklift accidents are preventable. It starts with the implementation of standard safety measures. Training and continuous evaluation can help to reinforce these measures.
When it comes to forklift operator performance evaluation, how often it’s done usually depends on the organization. However, OSHA has specific guidelines.
There’s also an OSHA forklift operator evaluation form that companies should use. This can also will help to ensure your forklift training meets OSHA standards.
If you’re new to evaluating operator proficiency read on. You’ll also learn what the forklift operator evaluation checklist entails.
OSHA Forklift Operator Evaluation Form
Wondering how to evaluate a forklift operator? Most companies use a forklift operator evaluation form. It outlines the type of equipment operated. It also details the activities involved in operating it.
The evaluator uses it to rate the operator on how to use a forklift. The main areas evaluated include:
Pre-use checks
Picking up a load
Traveling with the load
Putting down the load
Parking
Battery Recharging and fueling
The evaluator determines if the operator successfully completes the evaluation. If they have, he/she will sign the form indicating this.
Companies may send operators who don’t demonstrate the competence required for further training. During this time they may need to operate the forklift under direct supervision.
This means they must always be in the supervisor’s line of sight and hearing. Another evaluation can then take place upon completion of the refresher training.
Forklift Operator Performance Evaluation – How Often It Should Be Done
OSHA’s guidelines indicate the frequency of operator evaluation should be once every three years. However, most companies will conduct routine forklift operator evaluations.
Often they base this on the need to ensure higher safety standards. This helps to reduce the number of forklift accidents.
It can also determine the training needs of the operators. There are also many other benefits to having regular refresher training courses.
The Importance of Forklift Training
The benefits of forklift training may be obvious. But they’re often overlooked. Here’s a reminder of its importance:
It reduces the chances of accidents occurring
It increases the forklift’s lifespan
There’s less property damage
More proficient workers
Cleaner facilities
Less downtime
Increased productivity
Although training is a financial investment it provides long-term benefits. This includes fewer accidents. Operators also handle the forklifts better leading to timely completion of deliverables.
Making Your Forklift Operator Evaluation Checklist Work for You
When considering forklift operator performance evaluation, how often depends on the company. Most companies conduct more evaluations than the guidelines set by OSHA.
However, they use the OSHA forklift operator evaluation form. This ensures they meet the safety standard requirements.
It guides evaluators on the forklift activities they should rate operators on. They can then determine if the operator has the competence to operate a forklift or not.
These measures help to reduce accidents and increase safety awareness. Regular training can also reinforce them. There are companies you can hire to assist with your training needs.
Phase Associates forklift training can keep your operators proficient and safe. We can also help you with your forklift operator evaluation checklist. Contact us to learn more!
The CDC estimates that 5 million workers in the U.S. must wear respirators for their jobs. Respirators are a critical piece of protective equipment for working in hazardous conditions. Since 1990, they have been part of the federal HAZWOPER standard.
Complying with HAZWOPER is important for workers and employers. It keeps employees safe and helps employers avoid costly penalties. HAZWOPER respiratory protection training is one part of becoming compliant.
Learn more here about HAZWOPER respiratory protection training. You’ll see how you can start protecting your employees and your business.
What Is HAZWOPER?
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) contains guidelines for worker safety. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) administers these regulations. The HAZWOPER standard protects workers who could be exposed to hazardous substances.
HAZWOPER Training
HAZWOPER training is available in a 40-hour, 24-hour, or 8-hour course. Someone working with hazardous materials for the first time needs the 40-hour course. The 8-hour course is enough for experienced workers who need their yearly refresher.
All three courses include respirator training.
Who Needs HAZWOPER Respiratory Protection Training?
The HAZWOPER standard covers several groups of employers and their employees. It includes workers who handle, store, or transport hazardous materials. It also covers workers responsible for cleaning up or disposing of hazardous substances.
OSHA Definition of Hazardous Substances
OSHA defines a hazardous substance as one that could negatively affect workers. The definition includes materials that pose a health or safety hazard. Some examples are:
Substances that cause cancer
Corrosives
Chemicals that are combustible, flammable, or explosive
Materials that damage the lungs, skin, or eyes
Liquids, solids, gases, and other forms of material can all be hazardous.
Training Based on Worker Exposure Levels
HAZWOPER regulations have three levels of training. The levels are based on an employee’s potential level of exposure. The three training levels are:
Emergency response
General site cleanup
Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) treatment, storage, and disposal facilities
Workers who earn their HAZWOPER certification must complete a yearly refresher course. The refresher keeps the certification valid.
HAZWOPER Respiratory Protection Training
Workers must wear respirators to protect against environments with insufficient oxygen. Respirators also protect against harmful substances.
HAZWOPER respiratory protection training teaches workers how to use respirators properly. Correct use of the right respirator is essential for getting full protection.
HAZWOPER respiratory protection training covers topics such as:
Hazardous substances in the workplace
Classes of respirators
Choosing the right respirator
How to use the respirator
OSHA regulations for HAZWOPER respirator protection
Workers and supervisors in many industries will benefit from respiratory protection training. This training is important even if employees use respirators voluntarily.
PHASE Associates HAZWOPER Respiratory Protection Training
PHASE Associates offers the quality HAZWOPER respiratory protection training you need. We understand OSHA regulations for respiratory protection and HAZWOPER.
Our expert professionals will evaluate your current practices. We’ll develop a protection program and a program to test how well your respirators fit.
PHASE Associates provides customized hands-on instructor-led training. Our expert instructors offer supervisory, 40-hour, 24-hour, and 8-hour courses. These OSHA-based courses comply with federal, state, and local regulations.
Protect Your Workers with HAZWOPER Respiratory Protection Training
You can rely on PHASE Associates HAZWOPER respiratory protection training. Your workplace will be safer. We’ll help ensure you comply with OSHA regulations.
Contact us today to learn more about our training options. Start giving your workers the protection they need.
The Benefits of Using a Qualified Asbestos Surveyor
Did you know that there are over 3,000 products that contain asbestos? And those are just the products we know about! The trouble is that this material, widely used in construction materials for all types of infrastructures, including homes, commercial, industrial, warehouses and more, is harmful to human health.
Before we discuss the benefits of using a qualified asbestos surveyor, let us explain what asbestos is, where it can be found and the dangerous effects it has on human health
What is Asbestos?
There are two groups of asbestos “fiber” based on its chemical and physical properties: amphibole and serpentine. Amphibole fibers are stiff and straight, which limits their commercial use. Serpentine fibers are curved, flexible and extended and are the main types used in manufacturing.
Where Asbestos Can Be Found
Before 1990 asbestos was primarily used for insulating homes and buildings against noise, cold weather and fireproofing. Because it is resistant to fire, heat, chemical and biological breakdown, asbestos was used in products such as:
Building materials: ceiling and floor tiles, house siding, roofing shingles and sealants, and cement and plaster products
Industrial heating systems such as furnaces
Electrical, heat and sound wrappings and insulation
Packing materials, coatings, gaskets and linings
Thermostat reinforcement
Textiles and fabrics
Human Health Effects of Asbestos
When asbestos is dry, it can crumble, pulverize and powder. In addition, its tiny fibers can release into the air as dust. Therefore, inhaling asbestos is a significant health concern.
The human health effects of long-term asbestos exposure include asbestosis and changes in the lining of the lungs (pleural abnormalities). In addition, all forms of asbestos have shown to cause lung cancer and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can occur in both the linings of the lungs and abdomen.
For these reasons, it is crucial to hire an expert asbestos surveyor to test and assess the entire space thoroughly.
So, let us now take a look at some of the benefits of hiring a qualified asbestos surveyor.
An Asbestos Surveyor Helps You Identify Asbestos
It is hard to know if a material contains asbestos by merely looking at it unless it has a label stating it contains asbestos.
An inspection and assessment carried out by a trained and accredited asbestos surveyor will be able to identify any asbestos-containing materials. And depending on the results, they will be able to offer you a safe and effective asbestos removal solution.
Asbestos Surveyors Provide Written Documentation
A well-qualified asbestos surveyor will provide you with a written assessment. The assessment will describe the exact location and extent of the asbestos. In addition, it will also offer the best recommendations for elimination.
This document is essential, so the asbestos removal team knows where to focus their efforts and what steps to take.
They Help You with Follow-Up Procedures
A professional asbestos surveyor will keep in contact and follow up with the asbestos removal professionals to ensure the project is completed safely, correctly and efficiently. In addition, they can recommend frequent post-remediation checks to ensure the area remains safe.
Get Started with an Asbestos Surveyor Today
Working with an asbestos surveyor can be the difference between a healthy environment and a dangerous one.
Do not wait! Contact an asbestos surveyor to keep your residential, commercial, industrial and other spaces safe and healthy for those who live in or visit.
Let’s help you to get started with a thorough asbestos inspection. Get in touch with Phase Associates to learn more about us, our asbestos survey services, and book an inspection today.
The Phase Associates asbestos surveyors service the states of New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Delaware.
NYS Mold Testing: Why It’s Important to Hire a Licensed Mold Assessor
Mold is a type of fungi that is commonly found in indoor spaces. Because mold has the potential to cause serious health problems, health experts stress the importance of eliminating it entirely.
If you own a home or commercial property in New York, mold testing services are vital in determining if there is mold. In addition, residences and businesses must always be safe places to live and work.
Having your space tested for mold with a licensed mold assessor has many benefits if it is found and remediated. First, the indoor air quality will get better, which will result in eliminating health issues. In addition, it will stop moisture problems, and the mold will no longer be.
Keep reading to see why New York State mold testing from a reputable and qualified expert is best for you!
NYS Mold Testing and Your Health
Mold is the cause of many health problems, such as sore throat, skin rash, coughing, and burning eyes. When mold lurks in your home or business, the harmful indoor air quality can cause various health issues. As a homeowner, property manager, real estate agent, or any other type of property owner, it is critical to eliminate mold from the property.
A licensed mold assessor can provide efficient mold testing services that are highly effective in finding the mold for commercial and residential properties. In addition, the mold assessor will outline the proper mold remediation plan if mold is found. Once mold remediation is completed, you can have peace of mind as a homeowner, a property manager, a real estate agent, and others. In addition, mold remediation will eliminate coughing, itchy red eyes, and the asthma symptoms that mold triggers.
In conclusion, mold testing by a licensed mold assessor ensures the health of the family, pets, guests, employees, owners of businesses and more. Without the sickness that goes hand in hand with mold, everyone will be more productive and healthier.
Floods, leaky faucets, and cracks in your foundation can cause water problems, creating moisture. When moisture is present, mold that reproduces tiny spores finds these surfaces a suitable place to land, grow, and multiply. Mold thrives in wet, damp and humid conditions. Conversely, if there is no moisture, there will be no mold.
Mold can be hiding whereas not visible to the human eye. Ceiling tiles and drywall are a few places. By hiring a NY licensed mold assessor, you can rest assured they have the tools and experience to locate all mold. One example of its importance is if you are a real estate agent. You may not be aware of mold hiding in a new home you are about to sell. Not so good for the new owners to find and leave that bad review you do want.
Keep Mold From Spreading
As we mentioned above, when there is moisture, mold can spread quickly, resulting in significant damage to ceiling tiles, drywall, and even furniture in many cases. In addition, when water is present, they can grow just about anywhere.
When mold spreads to other surfaces, it can cause significant damage. In many cases, you’ll have to remove carpets, drywall, ceiling tiles, or even furniture. However, mold can also decay floorboards and wooden studs in the wall beyond this. Damages can be severe enough to cause collapsed ceilings and walls.
Of course, the more damage, the more costly it will be to fix. However, a NY licensed mold assessor’s residential and commercial property mold testing can save you from stress and a ton of money over the long run.
Benefits of NYS Mold Testing
Mold going unnoticed is a severe issue in many ways, as we have discussed.
Hiring a NYS mold testing company to come into a residence or business has extreme benefits to the health of all persons who share the space. In addition, mold testing finds water damage and moisture buildup, which can result in severe structural damage if not found.
Protect your family, friends, pets, employees, customers and others who visit. Protect your investment and your reputation!
Contact Phase Associates, a NYS licensed mold assessor, to learn more about our mold testing services. We help residential, commercial businesses, property management companies, real estate agents and development companies and more.
