In episode 489 of The New Warehouse podcast, Mark Stanton, President and General Manager of Elokon Group, joins to discuss improving warehouse safety management. Elokon Group, with over 38 years of experience, specializes in enhancing safety for material handling equipment (MHE) and fire safety systems. This episode explores the integration of safety tech, the balance between passive and active measures, and the challenges of demonstrating ROI in safety investments.

Integrating Safety Tech in Warehouses

Mark emphasizes the significance of combining passive and active safety measures in warehouse environments. While passive measures, such as signage and barriers, are crucial, they often need the support of active technology. He noted, “You can have all the best tech in the world, but if you don’t implement the protocols and procedures and the management and supervision around that tech, there’s no guarantee that it’s going to work or improve anything.” Elokon’s safety solutions, such as the ELOshield system, utilize proximity detection to alert operators and pedestrians to potential hazards, enhancing real-time decision-making and reducing accident likelihood.

The Role of Data in Elevating Warehouse Safety Management

Data collection and analysis are pivotal in improving warehouse safety management. Elokon’s ELOfleet system exemplifies this by offering comprehensive fleet management through access control, safety checklists, and monitoring operator behavior. There’s so much data just floating around within a warehouse, but how do you take action on that? How do you use that to make better decisions? Stanton believes, “If we can give that human a little bit more information in a timely manner so that he or she can make a better-informed decision, the likelihood is you will get to or close to a zero-incidence operation.”

By capturing near-miss incidents, companies can prevent future accidents. Stanton adds,“Whether that event is just a near miss or something more significant, people want to come in with 10 fingers and 10 toes, and they need to leave with the same quantity, you know. And anything we can do to improve and drive that on a daily, weekly, hourly basis and really push that envelope.” Analyzing data helps identify high-risk areas and implement targeted interventions, fostering a safer work environment.

Overcoming ROI Challenges in Safety Investments

One of the significant challenges in adopting safety technology is demonstrating a clear return on investment (ROI). Stanton shared insights on navigating this challenge, emphasizing the value of pilot programs and peer networking. He explained, “You haven’t had an incident at this point, so go and spend 50 grand, 100 grand just in case. They’re going to come back and say, ‘Well, that seems a little unnecessary.’”By implementing pilot programs, companies can evaluate the effectiveness of safety systems in real-world settings. Additionally, learning from the experiences of other organizations can provide valuable insights and build a compelling case for safety investments.

Key Takeaways

• Combining passive and active safety measures is crucial for comprehensive warehouse safety.
• Data-driven insights help identify high-risk areas and guide targeted safety interventions.
• Pilot programs and peer networking can effectively demonstrate the ROI of safety technology investments.