Plant & Works Engineering Magazine October/November 2025

Handling & Safety Matters Focus on: Handling & Storage When materials handling equipment is involved, this can become more complex. Operational environments with corrosive fluids can affect food safety, equipment, and productivity, causing downtime. Food contamination from non-grade food lubricants could be both dangerous and litigious for food producers. Here, businesses can opt for materials handling equipment with food grade lubricants to help minimise risk around incidental contact causing food contamination and resultant product recalls. Lithium-ion also offers a clean technology for battery powered machines. It eliminates tailpipe emissions, and factors like fumes and acid are eliminated around food handling. The OCR also encourages the use of modern technologies to enhance traceability and visibility. This includes digital record-keeping, electronic reporting systems, and other technological solutions to track and trace products throughout the supply chain. Here telematics, such as Yale Vision, help optimise traceability, all while driving greater fleet efficiency. Telematics may also support operational safety in other ways. For example, Yale Vision only allows operators with the correct training credentials to access and operate equipment. It provides impact monitoring, alerts, and incident data, which may help with route optimisation and reinforcement of desired behaviour. It can also track training updates needed. This is of particular importance in food processing where labour shortages abound for warehouse staff and materials handling equipment operators. Less experienced employees may lead to risks around damage or food safety. Physically difficult and fatiguing work can lead to recruitment challenges and high staff turnover. Which also makes catering to operator comfort more crucial. At the same time, companies must adhere to local regulations around operational safety for employees. Such as supporting operators to avoid musculoskeletal injuries or physical injuries. Failure to do so could lead to incidents, fines, and unplanned downtime. Selecting equipment that optimises operator comfort is key. Unlock performance in food processing In conclusion, the food processing industry is navigating a complex landscape of challenges. However, by adopting robust fleet management programs, integrating lithium-ion battery technology, and compliant practices within safety and traceability, companies can be empowered to thrive in a competitive industry. For further information please visit: www.yale.com 1 https://www.fooddrinkeurope.eu/ resource/data-trends-of-the-european-food-anddrink-industry-2021/ 2 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/ reports/food-processing-market-8588 3 https://www.export.org.uk/insights/ features/the-real-cost-to-business-of-foodinflation/ 4 https://www.harvestfoodsolutions.com/ therising-costs-of-raw-materials/ 5 https://www.oliverwyman.com/ourexpertise/insights/2022/jan/sustainabilitystrategy-in-food.html 6 https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-wedo/our-insights/perspectives/food-industrymarket-analysis-green-recovery/ 7 https://www.startus-insights.com/innovatorsguide/food-processing-industry-trends/ 8 https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-wedo/our-insights/perspectives/food-industrymarket-analysis-green-recovery/ 9 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2017/625 combilift.com UNLOCK EVERY INCH OF YOUR STORAGE SPACE! ENHANCE THE SAFETY, STORAGE & EFFICIENCY OF YOUR LOGISTICS WITH COMBILIFT Our pioneering product range of multidirectional, articulated and pedestrian forklifts, straddle carriers and container loaders allows you to manoeuvre long loads safely, reduce aisle widths and increase the amount of space available for storage. For 25 years, Combilift has been revolutionising the way companies handle and store goods. We help companies of all sizes and from every industry to maximise the capacity, safety and efficiency of their warehouse and storage facilities. CONTACT US TODAY To find out how Combilift can help you unlock every inch of your storage space. 2

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