Warehouses and logistic firms have been called to invest in the right equipment following Back Care Awareness Week.
According to Health and Safety Executive (HSE), just over one fifth of non-fatal injuries sustained by workers in transport and storage between 2020-23 were caused by handling, lifting and carrying.
As the logistics industry remains one of the UK’s biggest sectors, employing eight per cent of the nation’s workforce, these essential organisations are taking the necessary steps to ensure the health and safety of their employees.
Southgate Global, a specialist in packing equipment, consumables, and servicing for operational logistics and fulfilment, says it is very aware of the ergonomics of its products and ensures, where possible, excessive bending is “engineered out” of its equipment.
To support its logistics customers this Back Care Awareness Week, Southgate Global identified key areas in a warehouse and where the right products can mitigate risk.
According to Phil O’Driscoll, Head of Innovation and New Product Development at Southgate Global, an area that is susceptible to potential risk is the loading bay, where an estimated 25 per cent of all warehouse accidents occur.
This risk has also been exacerbated by the growth of e-commerce and the continued demand for next-day delivery, as well as the overall pressure of “peak” season placing an increased strain on the logistics sector and creating a need for speed in all operations.
Phil said: “There are multiple ways of effectively ensuring safety through investment in the correct warehouse infrastructure to support good manual handling.
"Our engineering design team is highly aware of ergonomics and the need to mitigate the risk of injury; safety is a fundamental consideration in all our product designs at Southgate Global.
“For example, when designing our carts, we consider handle heights at 95 percentile of the average operator, as well as the best handle angles to reduce stress.
"Wherever possible handles should be adjustable, accommodating multiple users of different heights to minimise stooping.
"Our Irregular Sized Sortation Trolley for example has been designed with a raised base to prevent unnecessary bending, as well as to optimise parcel movement.
“We have a proven track record of finding innovative solutions for organisations concerned with the safety of their workforce, and our bespoke three-tier cart is another example of this, as heavier items can be placed on the top tier, reducing unnecessary lifting.
"Its braking systems also reduce strain on the back by stopping the inertia in the device as it moves around the warehouse rather than operatives using their body weight to counter movement.
"This is particularly important for warehouse operators moving heavy loads. We also reduce the force of push-pull by using the most appropriate castors or wheels.”
Loading goods from the warehouse into vehicles is another area of operations in which Southgate’s design team has worked to reduce injury risk.
Historically, loading bays for example were built for 40ft artics, but now smaller vehicles are being used more frequently in last-mile logistics.
While this switch has offered much greater agility and faster delivery times, most docking facilities are not configured to service them.
Phil added: “A Dock Levelling Ramp, such as those provided by Southgate, allows vehicles up to C1 7.5-tonne classification to easily access full-sized loading docks.
"Designed with safety in mind, it includes walkways with anti-slip coating, handrails and full safety tape markings, it also meets all relevant ISO safety requirements and is CE and UK Conformity Assessment (UKCA) compliant.
“These are just some examples of additions which can be made to reduce unnecessary risk when operators are loading and unloading goods at loading bays.
"The skill is in designing-in these solutions into the products. We can even do this on a bespoke basis starting from scratch where a customer has specific needs.
"All of which is important food for thought in Back Care Awareness Week.”