Importance of Workplace Safety
In manufacturing, it is important that we never grow tired of refining our process and maintaining safe practices. Safety is the cornerstone of manufacturing engineering, as it both protects workers and enhances efficiency. Oftentimes, solutions to unsafe problems are band-aided with the easy answer of “more training.” While the importance of training cannot be understated, many are unaware of the great solutions that have been developed for common issues that arise in manufacturing. By incorporating tugging and automation, you can optimize your workflow and refine your processes to achieve maximum efficiency and safety.
Common Causes of Accidents
Alarming statistics reveal that 10% of forklifts are involved in accidents each year. In 2023, forklifts were responsible for over 40% of all workplace fatalities in manufacturing alone. Forklifts really have no business being in populated areas of facilities anymore. Today, there are safer and more efficient alternatives than ever before, such as reliable tugger-cart systems or autonomous mobile robots.
As for heavy lifting, there are over half a million injuries related to lifting in manufacturing every year. Utilizing cart options (such as Turn-Table carts & Kit Carts) can guide workers in proper lifting techniques. The implementation of ergonomic solutions combined with training programs can significantly reduce the frequency of heavy lifting injuries.
Jobs often have deadlines, yet many workplaces do not implement the best processes to ensure both safety and efficiency. In a hurry, training tends to go out the door, and employees are apt to lift improperly and risk injuring themselves. It is so important to empower employees with the proper tools to get work done both safely and on time.
Proven Solutions to Consider
The Tugger Cart System
Efficiency is all about getting the job done in the most simple, straightforward, and successful way possible. Tugger cart systems provide a practical solution to the redundancy of forklift transportation by creating an entire train of hitched materials, driven by an AGV or tugging vehicle. Tugger carts provide the option for a single route to drop off (or pick up) multiple loads at once. These systems reduce trips, maximize delivery capacity, and greatly simplify your transport route.
The CarryMore system is a mother-daughter tugger cart system. On top of having the tugger system’s benefits, there are many types of daughter carts to make your work environment safer and more efficient. For example, the Turn-Table cart can spin 180 degrees, allowing workers to pick from whichever side is most ergonomically efficient. Also, the Kit Cart allows for organized and ergonomic part storage, and more.
Autonomous Carts
Equipped with an array of sensors, AMRs and AGVs are able to perceive their environment in real-time. Using this sensory data (from LiDAR, cameras, and proximity sensors) they create detailed maps of their surroundings and identify obstacles, pathways, and reference points. In doing this, they are able to make decisions to avoid obstacles and optimize routes, safely and successfully delivering your material while adapting to changes along the way.
Autonomous carts, such as the CarryMatic product line are the safest and most efficient material transport method on the market. This revolutionary technology prevents countless accidents every day. By determining the best type of AMR and by planning its route, you have a safe and reliable piece of machinery that can always get the job done.
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In Conclusion
At the end of the day, a safe and efficient working environment significantly boosts employee morale. When workers can see the difference they are making, and that they are valued, they are more engaged and motivated. This all leads to higher productivity and safety consciousness. At Jtec Industries, we can help every step of the way as you begin your journey to tugging or automation. To learn more, visit our website or reach out using the form below.