Why Material Handling in F&B is so important

Stop Kicking the Can Down the Road – Why is Material Handling in F&B So Important?

The consequences of poor material handling in the food and beverage industry can be devastating. Beyond financial losses from damaged stock, poor handling can lead to serious health risks, including food poisoning, allergic reactions, and even life-threatening illnesses.

Food plants must adhere to strict protocols and requirements to ensure the safety and hygiene of their products. Proper material handling is crucial to prevent cross-contamination and maintain the integrity of food items throughout the production process. This involves meticulous attention to every step, from raw material handling to final product packaging.

Material handling is vital for several reasons:

• Safety, Hygiene and Sanitation: Proper handling processes are essential to maintain the safety and hygiene of food products. Unsafe handling can lead to foodborne illnesses or food poisoning, posing significant health risks to consumers. The more removed humans are from this transportation, the less likely of cross-contamination.
• Efficiency: Efficient material handling systems streamline operations, reducing the time and effort required to move products through the production line. This boosts productivity and lowers operational costs.
• Product Quality: Maintaining the integrity and quality of food products is crucial. Proper handling prevents damage and contamination, ensuring that products reach consumers in optimal condition.
• Compliance: Adhering to strict health and safety regulations is mandatory in the F&B industry. Effective material handling helps companies comply with these regulations, avoiding fines and reputational damage.

Worker Safety in Material Handling

Worker safety is a paramount concern in the food and beverage industry, where the physical demands of handling heavy or awkward items can lead to a variety of workplace injuries. Ensuring the safety and well-being of employees not only protects them from harm but also enhances overall productivity and reduces operational costs related to injury and illness.

Common Risks and Injuries

Manual material handling in the food and beverage sector often involves repetitive lifting, bending, and reaching, which can result in:

• Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
  Strains and sprains affecting the back, shoulders, and knees are common due to the repetitive nature of the tasks.
• Slips, Trips, and Falls
  Workers not being able to see where they are going as they are carry large object in food processing areas increase the risk of accidents.
• Cuts and Bruises
  Handling sharp objects or heavy items can lead to minor or severe injuries

Types of Material Handling Equipment

The selection of material handling equipment depends on the type and characteristics of the materials being handled. Here are some common types of equipment used in the F&B industry:

– Storage Vats, Vessels, and Tanks: Used for storing liquid food materials.

– Pallets and Bags: Ideal for solid-form storage.

– Silos and Bins: Used for bulk storage of grains and other dry materials.

– Pumping Systems: Essential for transporting liquids.

– Conveyors and Trucks: Used for moving products along the production line.

Advances in Material Handling Technology

In recent years, technological advancements have significantly improved material handling processes. Modernisation is not just an option; it is inevitable and necessary for the sector. Resisting change will lead to greater difficulties for your business and is not in the best interest of the consumer, especially when modern alternatives offer higher sanitation standards than manual methods.

The adoption of mechanical equipment has become more prevalent, enhancing both safety and efficiency. Automated systems reduce the need for direct human contact with food, minimising contamination risks and increasing productivity.

One notable advancement is the introduction of vacuum lifting solutions specifically designed for the food and beverage sector. These vacuum lifters enhance the safety and efficiency of material handling by allowing operators to move heavy or bulky items with ease, reducing the risk of injury and contamination.

TAWI’s Commitment to Consumer & Worker Safety

In the ever-evolving environment of a food plant, having a solution that can adapt to market demands and shifting consumer habits is crucial. TAWI is committed to enhancing worker safety and maintenance of hygiene and sanitary standards in the food and beverage industry with our innovative material handling solutions. Our multifunctional lifter, made from stainless steel for hygienic lifting, exemplifies this commitment. Capable of handling up to 270kg (600 lbs) with ease and requiring just one operator, it significantly reduces the risk of injury. TAWI solutions are designed to be versatile, efficiently managing both raw materials and packaged goods, providing the best of both worlds.

Material Handling in F&B made Simple with TAWI

Material handling and packaging are integral to the F&B industry, ensuring the safety, quality, and efficiency of food products. As consumer demands and regulatory requirements evolve, adopting advanced material handling and packaging solutions is essential for staying competitive and meeting industry standards.

By investing in the right equipment and technologies, food and beverage companies can enhance their operations, reduce costs, and deliver high-quality products to consumers. Our innovative range of vacuum lifters, lifting trolleys, and attachments ensures that lifting becomes not only possible but also safe and efficient. Whether handling delicate meats or robust sacks of potatoes, our stainless steel solutions provide the assurance needed.

For more information on how our vacuum lifting solutions can benefit your F&B operations, reach out to our team today.