10 foreseen challenges due to Coronavirus outbreak

The year started with global leaders and health organizations focusing on the virus outbreak called novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this is a virus that comes from a larger group of viruses that can infect birds, mammals, and even humans.

Currently, the virus has affected more than 20 countries and there is incessant increase of confirmed cases. Mainland China has infections over 34,000 and a death toll of more than 700 casualties.

The assumption

End December 2019, Li Wen Liang notified the public, via social media, about the epidemic that he had seen from the patients where he was working at. This was a simple information to protect his colleagues and people he cares about. Unfortunately, the assumption raised big alarm in China that the police had to reprimand Li and some of his co-workers from spreading “fake news”. The force hid the profession of the informants and they were branded as snitches. Along with this, the government refuted the allegations to keep the public in control. Now suffering from public outrage due to concealing the truth about the pneumonia-like illness.

Where it all began and how it spreads

The outbreak was said to have been started at the wildlife market of Wuhan where rare animal species were marketed for human consumption. There were a couple of animal suspects that were thought to spread the coronavirus to humans. The snakes, bats, and now another potential ‘missing link’ turns out to be the pangolin. Although there are animals that are suspected carriers of this strain of virus, it may still take years to see results like that of the Ebola.

Transmission of virus between humans can be made through respiratory droplets when infected people sneezes or coughs at a short range. These droplets can infect other people when it reaches their mouth, eyes, and face. Touching surfaces where infected people left marks of the virus also assists in the spreading of 2019-nCoV.

There is prevention where people are advised to wear surgical masks, avoid touching of the eyes, face, and mouth, wash hands regularly, and sanitize surroundings and objects that are being used often.

What is Ergonomics? Most people would say it is all about comfort in the workplace. Well, to completely put it, it does result to comfort through great design. For one to accomplish increased employee productivity it is necessary to investigate the things being done by each individual as well as evaluate the environment they work in.

A worker sitting in front of a computer needs an ergonomic chair, a helpful mouse, right desktop brightness, proper lighting and temperature, and so on; whilst a warehouse worker that handles machines 8 hours a day is in dire need of an adjustable platform table, an optimized lifting equipment, workable noise level, edge protectors to avoid injuries.

Here are 5 things to keep in mind for an ergonomic and more productive workplace:

1. Lessen exceedingly repetitive tasks.
   
   

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Musculoskeletal Disorder’s (MSD) underlying cause are repetitive tasks. It is said to be repetitive if the tasks are in a cycle for at least 30 seconds. One simple example is using the computer mouse for long period of time, without resting leads to carpal tunnel syndrome. To prevent MSDs, employers should invest in proper training of their staffs, effectively disseminate ergonomic values in all levels of the organization, and ensure a safe work environment.

2. Lessen high force exertion.
   
   

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Over exertion is grounds for body pain and other grave disorders if not taken seriously. For warehouse workers and office workers, lifting and carrying loads of papers, boxes, files must be avoided for reduced stress – physically and mentally. To have this avoided, it is suggested that employers should invest in equipment that could diminish high physical exertion of laborers. Samples are equipment lifters/forklifts, platforms, automated guided vehicles, and others.

3. Lessen static and awkward postures.
   
   

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Static postures can be seen from warehouse workers as well as office employees – standing or sitting, both leading to fatigue. It is recommended that employers should devote themselves in ergonomic chairs and exercises to loosen up the strained muscles with levied breaks for stretching. At the end of the day, a happy employee makes a happy customer.

4. Lessen risk of injuries and maintain a good work environment.
   
   

Photo by Adam Birkett on Unsplash

For a satisfied employee comes a safe and happy work environment. It is a must that warehouses and offices are imposed with safety precautions and guidelines to work by.

5. Have frequent breaks.
   
   

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash

Staring at the desktop screen for straight 2 hours can result to dizziness and eye strain, it is suggested that you and your employees take 20-20-20 rule. This means that for every 20 minutes passed using the computer, look at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds. A good stretching break will also decrease body pain, take a walk for 5 minutes and let loose for a while.

Being comfortable with what you do is a key for productivity and work satisfaction. So gear up ergonomic design equipment in the workplace and see how it boosts employee engagements and reduce turnover.

For more information on how to add comfort in your warehouse, feel free to e-mail us at support@sal-tech.com and we’re happy to assist you.

EWDalican, Copyright © 2018 Sal-tech,

As known on US customs tax, Mexico, Canada, and Europe are temporarily relieved of added charge in importing of steel and aluminum, since they are in subject for negotiation. However, on May 31, 2018, US denied these allies of exemption on added customs tariff for importing said products – tariff on steel having 25% whilst aluminum at 10%.

Although the sole reason is to keep steel and aluminum produce of US manufacturers stronger, it does not add up to economic ties and has been getting hit backs from their allies which will lead to trade war. Salbæk Technology Group will, as a result of USA and President Trump’s return to the dark ages and there imposing of customs tax on European steel and aluminum, stop using any American product. May this be Coca Cola, Apple I phones or Levis jean’s – these supplier products will be replaced by Non-American products on future purchase.

Gunnar Salbæk, CEO of STG, stated, “…through the years being a big personal fan of the before mentioned American products, so it is with great disappointment, we find it needed to take these so drastic actions, but we cannot just stand and see USA bully the rest of the word around and let their own greed take over common sense and throw away the gains of a free and open world, that has been created through the last centuries”.

Mexico and Canada raised their own pitch for such dangerous policy while Europe are in disagreement. Although US is not excluding all countries and it is informed that other nations could be granted special exception as long as they apply for such and must not imperil national security, economists believes that imposing those import tax does not protect the steel industry. Mirroring 1931 Smooth-Hawley Tariff Act which led to the Great Depression.

Startups and small businesses have tight budget, good thing that companies with higher investments sell their used machines of good condition. Now here, we listed, 10 points needed to consider when acquiring used machines.

• Make sure market or e-commerce site is legitimate
  Purchasers needs to check background of e-commerce site before further stepping up with the purchasing requirements and undergoing payment process. There are tons of ways to secure that the website you’re on is authentic or not, one thing is to review the feedback of others via google review or other sites of relevant value. Also, customer review is most likely active in the company page for the scrutiny of potential buyers and clients.

• Do a background check on specific vendor
  Business Certificate or CVR/VAT number should be examined with the help of reliable sites. CVR number adds up to the relevance of the vendor since it is an assurance that said company is registered in a certain country with legal documents to back them up. Whilst customer review is important, knowing who the clients of the merchant are equally significant.Some websites have partners page, listing out their respective clients big or small. Should doubts arise, you could always send them a formal email to request scanned copies of legal valid papers. Visiting the warehouse or main office is also suggested, though it might cost higher than expected for overseas visits.

• Do a background check on product
  When authenticity of e-commerce site is established, product review should be next. The manufacturer of said machine should be examined along with the components and spare parts availability. If you ever buy the item, do you have sufficient market to purchase spare parts from when needed placement? Do you have reliable market to get components from? For instance, that machine is discontinued or too old of a model, spare parts and components might not be up for procurement anymore and this makes more cost than profit for any company.

• Review Payment Process and check for safe transaction
  It is primarily necessary to review the sales terms and conditions of vendor before going through payment. Check their payment mode –  for online sources, do keep eye on secured payment processes. Do not forget to document your steps, ask for official invoice and put agreement into formal writing. This will give you enough power for claim when needed and assure your transaction is secured.

• Avoid issues on certificate of ownership transfer
  Acquired machine is one thing, but ownership of said machine is another. It is critical to check who the equipment is entitled to so to avoid complications after – such as; balance settlement (if not fully paid by vendor), or other legal extremities.

• Review condition of machine/s
  After securing the legitimacy of merchant, website, and payment process. The examination of machine is next. Upon coordinating with the company selling the equipment, it is important to know when machine was bought, its year of manufacture, and its operating hours. This will give you a rough estimate on the extent of machine usage.

• Test run machine/s
  Visiting the warehouse itself is suggested so to view the product and test it for additional assessment. With this, one could see the signs of wear, it would greatly help if you bring with you your own Technician/Technical Person to help you assess the machine. You may also ask yourself the following questions and see if the machine does reach average score:

1. 1. Rate how the machine looks, in general. (Are there scratches? Bumps? Rust? Is it workable?)
   2. What do fluids look like?
   3. How does the engine exhaust look?
   4. Are there any unnecessary noise?
   5. Does it successfully operate without any concerns during testing?These yields to how well-kept the machine is that is up for sale.

• Scrutinize maintenance records
  When you have seen the current condition of machine, do not forget to check the maintenance record from the maintenance personnel. This will help you have the idea of how the equipment is kept and what were the problems in the past, if ever there is one. You could also ask directly of the complications of machine before, so you will be informed and make forecast or compromise.

• Confirm if software is transferable
  Being able to have the equipment would add up to your efficiency and effectivity. Although if it’s software is non-transferable, then it wouldn’t work as desired and integrated to your production line. Always keep in mind to talk this through with the merchant so you will not have any complications afterwards.

• Review return policy
  Are there any added agreement? Some merchants have added deals when marketing their secondhand equipment. Like having a span of 6 months return policy with about a good percentage of money back guarantee or maybe a supply of needed materials – such as, film or straps. This could increase the value of procurement though it is always better to know that you could deliver back the machine and have your investment reclaimed within a trial span.These are the 10 tips when planning of securing second hand equipment for your warehouse production. Though at the end of the day, it is still of your discretion to make such purchase even without certain warranty – as long as the machine works within intention, is in good shape, and always weigh if it is a good buy or a bad one.