Career Talk Event
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A Career Talk hosted by Belmar Integrated Logistics!
The Forklift & One way to get that job
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Welcome back to Warehouse and Operations as a Career. I’m Marty T Hawkins and I thought we’d talk a bit about forklifts today. And I’d like to get a few questions answered regarding forklifts as well. I’ll tell you what, in a few minutes I’ll share how you can land one of those higher paying forklift positions!
As we all know, forklifts are an essential tool for material handling in warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities. All that being said, lets explore the history of the warehouse forklift and its uses!
The first forklifts were developed in the early 1900s as a way to lift and move heavy loads in warehouses and factories. These early forklifts were manually operated and used a simple lifting mechanism that consisted of a lever and chain. By the 1920s, forklifts had become more common in American warehouses, and manufacturers began developing motorized versions of the machine.
As America’s industrialization continued to grow, the need for efficient material handling equipment became more pressing and more important. The forklift became an integral part of the manufacturing process, and factories across the country began to incorporate these machines into their operations. By the 1930s, the first standardized forklift design had been developed, and the modern forklift was born.
After World War II, the demand for material handling equipment skyrocketed as the economy grew and production ramped up. The forklift became a vital tool for handling the massive amounts of goods moving through American warehouses and distribution centers. In the 1950s, forklift manufacturers introduced new models with higher lifting capacities and improved safety features. These innovations helped to increase the efficiency of material handling operations and improve our safety.
Today, forklifts are used in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and warehousing to construction and transportation. Modern forklifts come in various sizes and configurations, with lifting capacities ranging from a few hundred pounds to over 100,000 pounds. They are powered by a variety of energy sources, including batteries, propane, diesel, and gasoline.
Forklifts are essential for moving goods in and out of warehouses and distribution centers quickly and efficiently. They can be used to load and unload trucks, move pallets of products, and stack and organize inventory on shelves. They are also used in construction to lift and move heavy building materials and in agriculture to transport crops.
The forklift has played an essential role in American industry for over a century now. From its humble beginnings as a manually operated machine to its modern, motorized counterpart, the forklift has revolutionized material handling and improved worker safety. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see further innovations in the forklift design and new applications for this versatile machine.
In the 1960s and 1970s, the development of hydraulic technology led to significant improvements in forklift design. Hydraulic systems allowed for more precise control over lifting and lowering operations, making forklifts more efficient and easier to operate. The introduction of cushion tires in the 1980s also helped to improve the maneuverability and safety of forklifts on smooth surfaces.
While forklifts have revolutionized material handling operations, they can also pose significant safety risks if not operated properly. In response to this, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has established regulations for forklift operators, including requirements for training and certification. It is crucial for employers to prioritize safety training and ensure that their forklift operators are properly trained to operate the machines safely. You’ve heard me preach to never get on a piece of equipment that you’ve not been trained on and certified to operate. Remember how many times you’ve heard me talk about 29CFR1910.178! Ok, I won’t go off on that tangent again! Where was I, I need to make my bullet points bigger! Here it is.
How about all the Innovations in Electric Forklifts: Electric forklifts have become increasingly popular in recent years due to their lower operating costs and environmental benefits. Electric forklifts are powered by rechargeable batteries and produce zero emissions, making them an attractive option for indoor operations where air quality is a concern. Additionally, advancements in battery technology have led to longer operating times and faster charging capabilities, making electric forklifts more practical for even heavy-duty applications.
As e-commerce has grown in popularity, the demand for forklifts has increased as well. Forklifts are essential for moving large quantities of goods in and out of warehouses and distribution centers quickly and efficiently, which is critical for meeting the demands of online shoppers. Additionally, the use of forklifts has helped to improve the accuracy and efficiency of order fulfillment operations, which is essential for meeting customer expectations in the fast-paced world of e-commerce.
Forklifts have come a long way since their early development in the early 1900s. Today, forklifts are an essential tool for material handling in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and warehousing to construction and even agriculture. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see further innovations in forklift design and increased use of electric and autonomous forklifts. However, it is crucial that safety remains a top priority for forklift operators and employers to ensure that these machines are used safely and effectively in the workplace.
As job seekers and applicants, while we’re looking at all the ads, we notice pay rates for forklift operators and of course want those positions! I receive so many calls at the distribution training center regarding the Forklift License, or I need to be certified on the forklift, and questions like, can I come by and buy a Osha card.
Yes, there are people out there that want to sell you that card, they will give you 2 to 3 hours of classroom instruction, demonstrate how the controls work, drive a short course and then ask you to do the same while they observe you.
It hurts my heart to see individuals then hit the streets, card in hand, excited and pumped up about the accomplishment, and are told by prospective employers that they need experience for the position.
I urge people several times each week to not pay someone for that card, your employer is required to give you the instruction and certification for free. That’s right, for free, it’s their responsibility to see to it that you have been trained and certified to operate equipment on their docks.
So how do you get that experience, to get the job? If you’re looking at employment ads you’re seeing a lot of open positions for forklift operators. Experienced drivers. Companies need forklift operators, and they will train you to be one. So how do you get that training? By working for them!
I’ll explain. So, lets figure out how far we are willing to drive to work. Now within that driving range, lets decide what kind of lift we’d like to operate. Maybe a sitdown or counterbalance, or a standup lift or reach lift. If you’re not afraid of heights how about an order picker or cherry picker. Maybe even a turret truck!
Now we have to get our foot in the door. In my experience an unloader, loader, or a sanitation position, even a general labor position, those types of jobs are usually available at most larger warehouses. Accept any of those positions. We’re not going to be working them long, we just have to get on the payroll. Now we’re going to be that employee for a few months. We’re going to be on time for every scheduled shift, help out anywhere we can and whenever we’re asked. After a we’ve proven our commitment to the management team share with them that you’ve always wanted to be a forklift operator. Ask if they could work with you, and give you a shot with the next opening. Companies will train you. They want proven associates and they are willing to train that type of employee. You’ve invested in yourself and they will invest in you. There’s a bit of free advice for you today!
Welp, I’ve ran out of time today and have to get back to work myself. I hope you enjoyed a bit of shared information & I hope you’ll join us again next week. If I can answer any questions please feel free to send an email to host@warehouseandoperationsasacareer.com and I will get you an answer.
What we do can be dangerous, but if we do it right, stay focused on safety, create a culture of safety and demand a safe work environment from ourselves and our peers we’ll have a safe career that can take care of us and our families.
Until next time, I wish you all a productive, prosperous and safe work week ahead.
Taking That Step
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Hello all, Marty back with you at Warehouse and Operations as a Career. Its been busy, but busy is good. The first quarter of 2023 is gone. How’d you do, achieve all you’d planned for?
Lets see, oh, I wanted to say something about the 2nd quarter real quick. Today we’ll be thinking about how hard a little change is and how accepting a little change can pay off for us and our families in a big way.
This year, I know we’re only in week 14 right now, I’ve see or heard of 23 people quitting, no, that’s the wrong word. They all terminated themselves. I won’t waste our time and go through each one. But 19 of them were released for attendance, well, Looking at them it appears that consistently being tardy was the issue.
Quick side story, I know this one large distribution facility that has a weekly attendance bonus program. Out of about 50 people, only 10 or 12 achieve it each week. Now get this though. Scheduled days off do not count against you & you have a 15min grace period at the beginning of the shift.
Enough about that, I have a few opinions there.
Ok, I have a bajillion questions to get to.
A recurring question has been “Is a lead role or a supervisor position worth it” Why would I want that responsibility”, “How can I become a front line supervisor”. I’ll say Absolutely to “Is a lead role or a supervisor position worth it” and then Why would I want that responsibility”, definitely to take care of your family by better earnings, remember we’ve learned over the years that more money comes with more responsibility, And as for how can I become a frontline supervisor, let’s look into it!
Transitioning into a warehouse management role, such as a Supervisor at a distribution facility, can be both exciting and challenging. Lets look at a some tools, tips, and best practices to help you succeed in your new role:
- Learn the operations: We’re always talking about knowing every task that touches ours. Familiarize yourself with the warehouse layout, products, equipment, and processes. Understand the flow of goods from receiving to shipping, and learn about inventory management, order picking, and packing. We’re in this for the long haul and it’ll take time, we’ll need the experiences to understand those roles.
- Develop people skills: A warehouse supervisor needs strong interpersonal and communication skills. You will be working with a diverse team of employees, including warehouse workers, drivers, and office staff. Learn how to motivate, coach, and resolve conflicts effectively.
- Master time management: As a warehouse supervisor, you will need to prioritize tasks and manage your time efficiently. This includes setting realistic deadlines, delegating tasks, and monitoring progress.
- Embrace technology: Leverage warehouse management systems (WMS), barcoding systems, and other technologies to streamline operations, reduce errors, and improve efficiency. Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends and tools.
- Implement safety protocols: Ensure the safety of your team by promoting safe work practices, conducting regular safety audits, and providing necessary training. Familiarize yourself with OSHA guidelines and other relevant safety regulations. Wr’re all familiar with the standard 29CFR1910.178 right?
- Lets see, Develop problem-solving skills: Warehouses are dynamic environments, and challenges can arise unexpectedly. Learn how to analyze problems, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
- Focus on continuous improvement: Constantly review processes, identify bottlenecks, and make data-driven decisions to optimize efficiency and reduce costs.
- In some organizations or facilities we may need to maintain accurate inventory: Accurate inventory tracking is crucial to warehouse management. Implement systems to track inventory levels, conduct regular cycle counts, and address discrepancies promptly.
- Build a strong team: Hire and retain skilled, motivated employees. Foster a positive work environment, provide opportunities for growth, and recognize outstanding performance. Your going to communicate negative things like poor attendance, or errors to them. Its imperative you recognize positives also, a good pat on the back goes a long way.
- Invest in professional development: Stay ahead in your career by attending industry conferences, networking events, and workshops. Pursue relevant certifications in your industry.
By focusing on these areas and consistently working to improve your skills, you’ll be well-prepared to succeed as a warehouse supervisor in a distribution facility.
One of the hardest points for transition from the floor to the front line management team , or at least it was for me was Managing previous friendships and relationships when transitioning to a supervisory role can be challenging. It’s important to strike a balance between maintaining positive connections and establishing your authority as a leader. Here are some tips on how to handle this delicate situation:
- Set clear boundaries: It’s crucial to establish clear boundaries between your personal and professional relationships. Communicate with your friends and former peers about the new expectations and responsibilities that come with your role. Make sure they understand that work-related decisions will be based on professional criteria, not personal connections.
- Be transparent and fair: Ensure that your decision-making is transparent, objective, and fair to all team members, not just your friends. Avoid showing favoritism, as this can lead to resentment and undermine your authority. When making decisions that involve your friends, consult with other managers or HR to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
- Maintain professionalism: It’s important to maintain a professional demeanor in the workplace. Keep work-related conversations focused on tasks and projects, and avoid discussing personal matters during working hours. This will help reinforce the separation between your personal and professional relationships.
- Treat everyone equally: As a supervisor, it’s essential to treat all employees with respect and consistency. Make sure to provide equal opportunities for growth, development, and recognition to everyone on your team, regardless of your personal relationships.
- Be open to feedback: Encourage open communication and listen to feedback from your team, including your friends. This can help you identify areas where you might be unintentionally showing favoritism or bias and make necessary adjustments.
- Adjust your social interactions: This can be an important one, It may be necessary to modify your social interactions outside of work to maintain your professional authority. For example, you might need to limit discussions about work-related matters during social gatherings or avoid discussing sensitive information with friends who are also employees.
- Prepare for difficult conversations: As a supervisor, you may need to have difficult conversations with your friends, such as addressing performance issues or enforcing company policies. Approach these conversations with empathy and professionalism, focusing on the facts and the best interests of the organization.
- Seek support and guidance: Reach out to other managers, mentors, or HR professionals for advice on navigating the challenges of managing friends in the workplace. They may have valuable insights and suggestions based on their own experiences.
By following these tips, you can effectively manage the transition from peer to boss while maintaining positive relationships with your friends in the workplace. Remember that it’s crucial to prioritize your role as a leader and make decisions that benefit the entire team and organization.
All that sounds simple right! It’s not, but it is doable, and can be a great part of our career path. You’ve heard me say a hundrend times, and I honestly believe that it is just fine to be the best at a position you love. Sanitation, being a forklift operator, an unloader, a pallet runner, any warehouse position can be a career, and a good one.
I hope I mentioned something today that sparked a thought or two. If you have any questions please send us a message to host@warehouseandoperationsasacareer.com, maybe even check out our FB or Twitter @whseandops.
Until next time, grow, be productive, prosperous, and above all stay safe.
About the Host
My name is Marty T Hawkins and I will be discussing the many Opportunities in the Warehousing & Operations fields each week, Hosting interviews with those that perform the tasks and talk with members of Management that came up through the ranks and chose Operations as their Careers.
We’ll talk about ways to turn the Job into a Career, how to get started in the field & set a path to succeed!
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