FLX Frontline Focus
?Electric Semis Are Definitely Cleaner. But Are They Safer?
Diesel trucks enjoy a well-earned reputation for being the dirtiest vehicles on the road today. They account for almost a quarter of automotive emissions, despite comprising only 5% of the fleet. The environmental case for electric semis is open and shut. Less noted, however, are the considerable safety advantages…
Lower center of gravity. Because the batteries are mounted on the underside of the carriage, they lower the weight distribution and make the truck less likely to flip.
Better torque control. Electric motors accelerate and decelerate more smoothly, which improves ride stability and lowers the risk of jackknifing.
Anti-jackknifing technologies. Several models also offer technologies to prevent the trailer from swinging out from behind the cab on a slick surface. The Tesla Semi, for example, uses individual motors for each wheel and can actually sense weight distribution and accelerate or brake to correct for changes without driver intervention.
Advanced traction control. Those same electric motors can redistribute power away from wheels that are slipping to those with a more stable grip.
Regenerative braking. Many electric semis use truck’s own motors to slow the vehicle and generate electricity that pumps back into the system. The technology reduces wear on the brakes and lowers the chance of a brake malfunction.?
Quieter cabs. The standard diesel semi engine produces 100 db of cabin noise, which is comparable to a chainsaw or a rock concert. Electric semis produce 70 to 80 db, which is considerably less likely to do hearing damage.
Better air quality. Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust causes respiratory and cardiac issues and even cancer. Electric semis produce no such effects on the driver. In fact, proponents point out that the air quality benefits extend to the people living along trucking routes as well.
To make the most of these benefits, having up-to-date training materials and skills development are essential. Solutions like FLX Systems make it easier for drivers and maintenance crews to keep these vehicles on the road and in service.
Bernie Sanders Says Amazon Prime Week Causes ‘Outrageous Levels’ Of Warehouse Injuries
Citing a report from his own Senate investigative committee, Senator Bernie Sanders decried what he callednbsp; ‘outrageous levels’ of injuries caused by Amazon Prime week. The report states that during Prime Week 2019, nearly 45 out of every 100 warehouse workers were injured. Sanders opened the investigation amid reports of high injury rates, poor working conditions, and inadequate safety measures in Amazon warehouses. Amazon denies the allegations.
Workplace safety starts with effective training. Mobile-based training can improve employee safety by pushing timely updates and reinforces the behaviors and actions that make work safer for everyone.
领英推荐
The Future of Warehouse Safety: Harnessing Technology to Protect Workers in Automated Facilities
Automation can’t perform every job a human can, but the most dangerous work can be strikingly easy to automate. Many employers are already moving in this direction with 70% of logistics businesses employing some kind of a robot. Heavy lifting, picking boxes from high shelves—these are the sorts of simple, predictable tasks that automation does well. Robots also introduce new perils into the workplace, however, which makes effective training and communication more important than ever.?
Once again, the NSC Congress and Expo will bring you the latest and most advanced safety technologies from around the world from September 13 to 19. Be sure to visit FLX Systems at booth #562. Additionally, catch me at the TechLearning Conference on September 18, where I’ll be speaking about leveraging immersive tech in high-risk environments. We’re excited to connect with you at these pivotal events—see you there! ?
Benchmark Study for Frontline Employees
FLX Systems is conducting a crucial study to gather insights on best practices that directly impact frontline employees, and we have opened up a 10-minute survey about key practices regarding:?
You can access the survey here if you’d like to participate and be entered for a chance to win one of three $100 gift cards.?
That’s it for this week!
Take care,
John Thompson