The system that works
By Raymond A. Kulwiec -- Modern Materials Handling, 4/1/1999
Recently I spotted a copy of the Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx on an economics student's bookshelf, and started reading it out of curiosity. In it, Marx stated that the economic system then taking the world by storm, capitalism, carried with it the seeds of its own destruction. He predicted that just as capitalism was overthrowing the old system of feudalism and nobility, so in turn would capitalism and private property be replaced by the communist system. In fact, he argued that the only way workers would receive just rights and hope of well-being was through radical, violent revolution.It is interesting, some 150 years later, to see how healthy and thriving is the free-enterprise system, and to see worker safety and well-being as top priorities in industry.
Certainly continuous improvement of conditions is necessary. That's why the new regulations on lift-truck operator training from OSHA are so welcome. Senior editor Tom Feare's article on the subject is part of this issue's Industrial Truck Report. Proper training is sure to reduce injuries and fatalities caused yearly by lift-truck accidents.
Ergonomics is another area that is part of the lift truck designer's agenda. Trucks are continually updated to provide a safe, productive work environment with more user-friendly controls and comfortable work areas.
Another area involving industrial trucks and the well-being of employees is air quality, which is affected by exhaust emissions from IC-engine-powered lift trucks. An update on trends in EPA and California Air Resources Board (CARB) requirements is included in this month's Industrial Truck Report.
Other topics include fleet management guidelines and a roundup on reach trucks. Rounding out our coverage is a source selection guide matching lift-truck suppliers with the categories of trucks they make.
Many of the companies in this selection guide compete with each other. That's what makes our system work so well compared to the one espoused by Mr. Marx. Competition spawns not only efficiency, but also innovation. And innovation leads to better and safer products at lower cost. The winner is the end user or ultimate consumer.
As I placed the book back on its shelf, I decided that the only loser in our era has been the system that Mr. Marx advocated. In the long run, it couldn't compete.
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