As governments react to COVID-19, it is interesting to see different interpretations of essential services. In Australia, the forklift industry body is lobbying to have materials handling classified as 'essential' to ensure that it can continue to serve the supply chain as more sectors of the economy are closed down. In the UK, the industry is celebrating that classification - although it has not prevented a halt to production for at least one manufacturer.
Meanwhile, from Austria, we hear about a racing driver who is putting his driving skills to work with a forklift as part of his military service, with soldiers deployed to keep the supply chain operating.
These may be difficult times, but most in materials handling are ready to play their part to keep things moving - and we salute their efforts, alongside those of health professionals and others called on to preserve our health and safety.