Guest: Scott Walker of Powerfleet on new proposed rules to address heat-related illnesses in workplaces: Ports look at green tech; Electric vehicle transition is stuck in the slow lane

Aug 16, 2024

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Our guest on this week's episode is Scott Walker, vice president of Supply Chain Product Management for Powerfleet. Last month the U.S. Department of Labor issued a proposed rule to regulate how employers manage and protect workers in extreme heat conditions – both for indoor work, such as in factories and warehouses, and outdoor work, like in trucking, docks and in yards. The proposals would require each employer with more than 10 workers to have a program in place to address heat-related issues with measures to reduce the chance of heat-related stress and illnesses in the workplace. Our guest explains some of the details of the proposed rules and how employers can prepare now to promote safer workplaces.

The total cost of ownership for battery-electric versions of cargo-handling equipment used in our world's maritime ports is about 1.3 times higher than that of diesel-powered equipment, according to industry estimates, Until those costs come down, battery-electric container handling equipment is likely to remain a small portion of the equipment operating at ports around the world. However, research and testing are underway. We look at two examples of where electric systems are being piloted for port operations.

The adoption of electric vehicles in the United States has been slowed by the lack of a sufficient public charging infrastructure, but that shortcoming is showing small signs of improvement. A survey of almost 10,000 EV drivers found that satisfaction in the nation’s EV charging network increased for a second consecutive quarter. We discuss what is hindering more EV adoptions and the difficulty in finding suitable places to charge them.

Supply Chain Xchange also offers a podcast series called Supply Chain in the Fast Lane. It is co-produced with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. A brand new series of ten episodes just dropped on the "State of Logistics." The episodes provide in-depth looks into the current states of key transportation modes, such as trucking, rail, air, and ocean. It also looks at inventory management, 3PLs and more. All ten episodes are available to stream now. Go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe and to listen to past and future episodes.

Articles and resources mentioned in this episode:

Podcast is sponsored by: Hyster Company

Other links