Progress in occupational health and safety in logistics
We are constantly working to improve the health and safety of our colleagues. Current measures in our logistics operations in Bielefeld and Oelsnitz are good examples of how we systematically identify and implement optimization potential - with our ISO 45001-certified occupational health and safety management system.
Ergonomic workstations in incoming goods
When it comes to ergonomics in the workplace, most people immediately think of height-adjustable desks or individually adjustable office chairs. But in production and logistics in particular, incorrect posture often causes unnecessary physical strain. In the incoming goods department at our logistics centre in Bielefeld, we have taken a big step forward in terms of health protection by purchasing new lifting tables. Such ergonomic, versatile adjustable workstations have already proven their worth at our largest logistics site in Oelsnitz since it opened in 2019.
The height-adjustable work surfaces allow colleagues to individually adjust their working position and thus relieve strain on their backs and shoulders. In addition, all tools are easily accessible, walking distances are short and conveyor belts eliminate the need for back-breaking lifting and carrying.
»"Ergonomic workstations in the company are an important factor in ensuring that our employees stay healthy in the long term. Just like in order processing at our logistics centres in Oelsnitz and Bielefeld."
Automated pallet change
Manual repalletizing, i.e. repacking a load from a damaged pallet onto a new one, is a time-consuming and back-breaking process. In Bielefeld and Oelsnitz, a pallet pushing device for restacking now performs this work automatically and is therefore a great relief for employees. The defective, loaded pallet is placed in the machine. Once the changer has lifted the pallet load, the employees simply replace the pallet. The changer then does the packing - that's it. The system works with all of our standard pallet types made of wood or plastic.
Industrial trucks for improved stability
Another improvement is the new industrial trucks with fixed, enclosed stands. This has enabled us to further increase the safety and efficiency of our logistics processes. The increased stability and load-bearing capacity of the new industrial trucks prevents accidents at work - and at the same time reduces damage to our goods.
Electronic docking support
Our loading stations at the Bielefeld site have recently been equipped with electronic docking aids with signal lights. This intelligent visual support makes work easier for all truck drivers. This is because the demanding approach to the loading stations is faster and more precise. The new systems also increase the safety of all employees in the vicinity of the maneuvering vehicle.
Electronic wheel chocks
To make the workplaces around our loading gates even safer, electronic wheel chocks are now being used in Bielefeld. The main difference to conventional wheel chocks is an integrated sensor that detects the position of the wheels and visually monitors contact with the tire. In this way, the loading gates can only be opened when the sensor signals that the truck can no longer roll away. If the truck is no longer secured, the employees in the loading zone are warned visually and acoustically.
At the Oelsnitz logistics centre, both the docking aids and the electronic wheel chocks have been supporting safe loading since 2019.
We are delighted that we were able to implement these effective measures together with those responsible on site. Another important success in our efforts to create ever better conditions for productive and healthy working.
