Lifting solutions increase safety, workflow and staff satisfaction

Daily lifting, bending and lugging is often unavoidable in logistics. However, this repetitive work in combination with the high work pressure, increases the risk of physical complaints, sick leave and, ultimately, long-term absenteeism. This is why Erkon Tilhulpmiddelen is the partner for a safe and efficient workplace for many warehouses and distribution centers. Their innovative lifting solutions literally take the load off their hands, creating a working environment in which employees can work in a healthy, happy and efficient manner. Interested parties can experience these lifting aids for themselves in the brand new Erkon Experience Center. 

We spoke with branch manager Christian de Kleuver about the role Erkon can play in creating a future-proof logistics shop floor: "Our innovative lifting solutions are developed with an eye for detail and focus on increasing both safety and workflow within the organization. An example of this is our TAWI high frequency lifter, equipped with a one-hand operation. Its comfortable handle allows you to quickly pick up loads with one hand and precisely control the lift height with your fingertips. The lifter picks up boxes of all sizes from both the top and side. Moreover, the squeegee is designed in such a way that tape, straps or dents are no problem at all."

Changing pallets

In addition to moving goods, changing pallets also plays a major role in warehouses. Erkon offers various solutions for doing this safely and in a controlled way, without having to move the load manually. A solution for ergonomically transferring goods to another type of pallet or replacing damaged pallets.

The Payne pallet changer firmly encloses the pallets of goods and then tilts them 180 degrees. "This pallet changer is suitable for loads of different sizes, for example bagged goods," explains De Kleuver. "It is also ideal for loads that are not sliding or for pallets with coarse irregularities, such as nails." With the Payne pallet tipper, all standard pallet sizes can be changed, including the euro pallet and the block pallet. 

For loads that should not be tilted, the PARATUS® pallet changer is very practical. It changes pallets within thirty seconds by sliding them. "This allows you to ergonomically transfer fixed-size goods, such as boxes and jerry cans, to a new pallet." In addition to the CLASSIC version, three other models are available, each tailored to specific logistics needs. The MOBILE type, for example, is a flexible pallet changer that is easily movable. The MULTI model has a high throughput because it can change multiple pallets simultaneously. While the LIFT model changes pallets and stores them in the automatic pallet dispenser.

Pallet dispenser

The physical strain of stacking pallets can also be taken out of the hands of personnel. This is because the PalletMaster® pallet dispenser stacks or unstacks pallets at the push of a button.

Suitable for all common pallet sizes, this dispenser not only takes heavy work off your hands, but also contributes to an organized and safe warehouse environment. "The PalletMaster® ensures a stable stack and an orderly warehouse because the pallets are always at a fixed point. And because you can take the empty pallets in and out of the dispenser with a pump truck, forklift traffic is reduced on the shop floor. In addition, the dispenser prevents employees from manually removing a pallet from the stack, which often results in splinters and damaged pallets."