Joshua Feinberg and Pierre Ellow discuss the evolving focus on workplace safety and material handling in data centers.
Pierre highlights that 60-65% of accidents are related to material manipulation, emphasizing the importance of preventing injuries and the social impact of accidents on companies.
He notes that good lifting equipment can improve both productivity and employee satisfaction.
Joshua agrees, pointing out the need for technicians to handle heavy equipment safely, especially with the increasing weight of servers and batteries.
They both stress the significance of ergonomic considerations and the potential liability for companies if employees are injured, underscoring the necessity for proper equipment and training.
This video is excerpted from the podcast Ep. #58 Pierre Ellow, BDM Business Development Manager Data Centre of Pronomic Data Center | Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast.
Action Items
- Incorporate workplace safety and ergonomics as key considerations when selling material handling equipment to data centers.
- Analyze data center technicians' and engineers' specific lifting and material handling requirements, and recommend appropriate equipment that prioritizes worker safety and satisfaction.
- Educate sales teams on the social and HR-related aspects of material handling equipment and the technical and cost-saving benefits.
Outline
Importance of Workplace Safety in Material Handling
- Joshua Feinberg inquires about the interest of risk management and Human Resources in preventing workplace injuries.
- Pierre Ellow emphasizes the growing importance of security in material handling, noting that 60-65% of accidents are related to manipulating materials.
- Pierre highlights the significant impact of accidents on both the company and the individual, including potential long-term absences and social issues.
- The discussion shifts to the social aspect of material handling, which includes equipping technicians with suitable tools to prevent injuries and improve job satisfaction.
Impact of Equipment on Workplace Safety
- Pierre explains that providing lightweight, easy-to-maintain lifting equipment is crucial for technicians' comfort and efficiency.
- He mentions that heavy equipment can cause frustration and reduce productivity if it is difficult to handle.
- The conversation touches on the necessity of robotized systems for moving servers and batteries in data centers due to high investment costs.
- Pierre asserts that good equipment not only enhances productivity but also boosts employee morale and satisfaction.
Challenges in Technician Recruitment and Training
- Joshua Feinberg discusses the physical demands of jobs in data center construction and the need for technicians to be able to lift heavy equipment.
- He notes that technicians and system engineers also need to handle heavy equipment, which can lead to injuries if proper precautions are not taken.
- The conversation addresses the global initiative on diversity in the workplace and the importance of safe material handling to prevent injuries.
- Joshua suggests that there may be different paths for education and pre-sales consulting to address the specific needs of various roles in data center operations.
Resources
Watch the full podcast Ep. #58 Pierre Ellow, BDM Business Development Manager Data Centre of Pronomic Data Center | Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast
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