Houston, home to the wonders of the Astrodome and NASA’s Mission Control, is more than just revolutionary sports stadiums and space traffic control. The economy is always growing in Texas and booming right along with it is Houston forklift training.
The city has the fourth most people in the United States, a fact that is not well-known. With all that population, you know there are going to be great hidden pockets to live, work, eat and play. With the city limits spread out over nearly 600 square miles, the density is not intense, making it a perfect place if you want the advantages of a big city without feeling like you are living on top of everyone else.
There are approximately 1 Million Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklift) operating in US Companies today. According to the latest Census data there are 1.5 Million Forklift Operators operating Forklift equipment. Due to the increasing role the US is taking as the biggest Distribution Center in the world, the Warehouse, Logistics and Distribution industries are growing exponentially every year. Due to the large population of Forklift Operators working in the US, unfortunately Forklift accidents are occurring too often. There are some shared responsibilities between the employer and the employees when a Forklift Accident happens. The main reason for Forklift accidents is the lack of proper Forklift Training and lack of Forklift Certification given by the Company. There are still many companies allowing Forklift Operators drive the equipment without a Forklift License or a proper Forklift Training.
Whether it’s after a day off, a vacation, or coming back after being ill–going back to work conjures up a mixed bag of feelings for most folks.
During COVID-19, many employees have had an extended time off, either on their own accord or as dictated by their organization.
Going back to work, is not easy. But there are a few things you can do to help ease the path back.
Get Your Zzzzzzzs Sleep. It’s been widely reported that many people have had their sleep interrupted during these stressful times. It is important to get back on track before it is time to return to the office. Getting yourself on a regular schedule is helpful for many reasons, but most importantly, it will help ensure that you are well-rested to do your job safely and effectively.
H20 Hydration. We all know that we need water to live. However, many people do not drink the recommended 64-ounces a day. Taking in water became even more difficult over the past two months, while we were all juggling so many things at home. The simple act of staying hydrated fell to the wayside. Give your body the love it needs when it comes to water. This will keep your energy, cognitive abilities, and recuperative powers at their peak.
Chill Out Anxiety. Stress seems to be at an all-time high for so many people. (Keep in mind that the aforementioned sleep and hydration will help!) Have you talked to anyone lately about your feelings? Whether it’s a loved one, a friend, or a therapist, getting those feelings out can be a freeing purge. Also, guided meditation is not just reserved for court Buddhist monks! Consider a daily practice to help you cope with the difficulties that everyday life throws us.
Tech Talk Technology. Are you caught up with the latest technological changes at the workplace? Check with your supervisor and employer to see if anything new has been deployed so that you have an optimal comfort level. From the way forklifts operate to the systems you use to punch in/out of work, the digital landscape always marches on.
The 411 Policy changes.Much like the technological aspect, you will want to completely understand what is expected from you when you return to work. Will there be a daily temperature check? A form you need to fill out on a weekly basis? Make sure you have read the latest human resources information so that you are not caught off guard.This includes any social distancing/mask-wearing policy your company has put into place.
Ask Questions Your company will undoubtedly have questions for you before you return to work–but do you have any questions for them? For instance, have they conducted a hazard assessment that is OSHA compliant? Does COVID-19 currently impact any active employees? Make sure the dialogue runs both ways.
Change is our one constant, but that doesn’t always make it easy. Returning to work is a challenge, but hopefully, with these tips in your back pocket, you are up to the task. Work smartly and safely!
Electric pallet jacks and forklifts both make lifting and moving objects more manageable, and while they each offer their own set of benefits, what are the actual differences–and which should you get certified to operate?
About Pallet Jacks
Think of the pallet jack as a simpler version of the forklift. Both allow operators to lift and move heavy items; however, forklifts are generally larger and heavier and have a broader use case.
Pallet jacks are mostly limited to loading, lifting, and moving stacked pallets within a warehouse. Compared to forklifts, the compact size of an electric pallet jack makes them conducive to moving materials around in smaller spaces. Plus, a pallet jack will not lift items as high off the ground as a forklift–usually, just high enough to transport.
Also, a smooth warehouse surface makes pallet jack operation easier than if traversing over rough terrain.
Operating an Electic Pallet Jack
The pallet jack is steered by an operator who will stand on the vehicle’s footings or directly on the ground in the surrounding area (called a ‘walkie’). The forks are carefully placed under the stacked pallets, and a handle is used to lift the pallets off of the ground. With a maximum lift weight around 7,000 lbs., these simple-yet-mighty lifts can help clear a warehouse floor relatively quickly.
Pallet Jack Growth
The advent of the electric pallet jack has been a game-changer for owners and operators. Gone are the diesel fuel fumes and messy fuel fill-up tactics. Instead, maintenance-free batteries and built-in chargers that plug directly into standard outlets have created prolific growth for electric pallet jacks. This has led to increased usage at companies across America and a new wave of available jobs. With an ability to swiftly navigate narrow aisles and tight corners, electric pallet jacks are a great choice for any indoor storage and distribution center. Plus, in many cases, they have a longer life expectancy than their gas-powered counterparts.
How Do I Learn to Operate an Electric Pallet Jack
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires specific training and eventual certification in order to operate or work with pallet jacks. The good news is that you can learn how to become a proficient operator in a single day.
Much like Tesla has taken the electric car market by storm, there is no doubt that gas-free vehicles are on the rise–in all applications–particularly in the freight and storage space.
The bottom line is that there has never been a better time to learn how to operate an electric pallet jacks safely; you will instantly expand the number of job opportunities you are qualified for.
It is a difficult time in our country as the economy swings back-and-forth like a pendulum. Unfortunately, many people have found themselves out of work, some for the first time in a very long time.
Whether it has been decades or years since you have updated your resume, use these tips to make sure you are putting your best foot forward during your job search.
Resume Length Many people agonize over the length of a resume. The reality is, one page is best, however, it is not necessarily the best length for all job seekers. If you are loaded with experience, it is OK to go beyond a single-page resume if you must. But be certain that clarity is king! You will want to put the salient points front and center, with your true successes quantified.
Resume Privacy Be sure to keep all personally identifiable information off your resume, especially if you plan to use it online. There is no need for an employer to see your home mailing address–this is an old style. If you feel that location gives you an advantage, use your town and state, but avoid the numeric address. Safeguarding your personal information in the Data Era is more important than ever.
Resume Dates Whatever you do, be sure you have your dates of employment correct. Potential future employers might not contact your previous boss or even your references, but they will use automated programs to double-check the dates you have worked in many cases. You will want to make sure these are accurate, as anything that can be conceived as lying on your resume, will certainly take you out of the running.
Resume Actions Administered; Accelerated; Transformed; Mobilized. These are just a few examples of the types of action verbs that human resources, and HR-based filtering programs, seem to love. Strong and compelling, this language takes a creative and forceful approach to show what you can accomplish.
Resume Numbers It is key to quantify your experience by supporting your words with numbers. If you reference people or money, be sure to assign a digit to it. For example: Maintained upkeep of a vehicle fleet should be replaced with “Maintained upkeep of 17 vehicles.” Even better, add in a numerical value for the worth of the vehicles, displaying the level of trust your previous organization had in you.
Keep in mind that resumes were designed to filter you out of a job, so you want to make sure you don’t give anyone a reason to put you in the “no” pile before even meeting you.
If a professional resume writer is not in your budget, you should still have a friend or family member give it a once over for grammar, spelling, and clarity.
Remember, the goal of the resume is to land an interview. Be sure not to give away the entire story of your career, but be sure to share enough facts that pique any potential employer’s interest.
