As the Spring season ushers in increased consumer demand, warehouses and storage facilities nationwide are experiencing the usual uptick in activity. Pallet Truck Shop, the UK’s largest supplier of manual handling equipment such as pallet trucks is speaking up about the critical need for appropriate equipment and comprehensive training to safeguard workers during this bustling period.
Recently released statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reveal that in the 2023/24 period, 138 workers were fatally injured in work-related accidents. Notably, 11 of these fatalities occurred within the transportation and storage sector, which has a fatal injury rate approximately twice the average across all industries.
Beyond these tragic fatalities, many non-fatal injuries afflict warehouse workers annually. Common ones include overexertion injuries – stemming from lifting, pulling, carrying, and lowering heavy objects – which can lead to back and neck damage, muscle strains, and joint pain.
Additionally, repetitive stress injuries are prevalent among workers performing monotonous tasks over extended periods, resulting in conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and chronic muscle strain.
Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Pallet Truck Shop, said, “The surge in orders during Spring places additional pressure on warehouse operations. It’s imperative that businesses invest in high-quality manual handling equipment to handle great weights, and ensure their teams are adequately trained. These proactive steps are essential to prevent injuries and maintain operational efficiency.”
To mitigate these risks, Pallet Truck Shop advocates for the integration of ergonomically designed equipment tailored to reduce physical strain. For instance, electric pallet trucks and adjustable lift tables can significantly decrease the manual effort required from workers, thereby reducing the likelihood of overexertion injuries.
Comprehensive training programs are equally important. Ensuring that employees are well-versed in the correct usage of equipment and understand best practices for manual handling can drastically reduce the incidence of injuries. Regular refresher courses and assessments can help maintain high safety standards, especially during peak operational periods.
Chesworth added, “Safety is a shared responsibility. While employers must provide the right tools and training, employees should remain vigilant and adhere to established safety protocols. Cooperation is the cornerstone of a safe and productive workplace.”
Pallet Truck Shop remains committed to supporting businesses in keeping their workers safe.