Ensuring worker safety in warehouse operations during COVID-19
The COVID-19 outbreak has caused a complete shutdown of all major services, excluding essential ones. The Indian government, as well as state governments, have made clear exemptions under essential services, due to which, a running warehouse is needed 24x7 that also includes the use of material handling equipment like a diesel forklift . The following are the main essential services granted permission to run uninterrupted; 1. Groceries 2. Bakery and dairy items 3. Fruits & vegetables 4. Agricultural machinery (including its supply chain) 5. Medical supplies As these servic e s run, they require full-fledged manpower in warehouses to do various material handling tasks like dispatch operations, supervising inventory and running the material handling equipment, like an electric forklift or reach truck . This puts them at the risk of catching the virus and possibly infecting hundreds of people in the entire supply chain. Creating a safe working environment Creating a safe working e