In light of Back Care Awareness Week, Southgate Global, a leading supplier of packing equipment and consumables, is urging organisations within the logistics sector to invest in proper safety equipment to protect their workforce. The call to action comes amid concerning statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), indicating that over 20% of non-fatal injuries among transport and storage workers from 2020 to 2023 were linked to manual handling activities.
As one of the UK’s largest employment sectors, logistics accounts for approximately 8% of the nation’s workforce, highlighting the importance of maintaining a safe working environment for employees. Southgate Global is committed to addressing these safety concerns by providing essential equipment designed with ergonomics in mind, thereby minimising the risks associated with manual handling.
Phil O’Driscoll, Head of Innovation and New Product Development at Southgate Global, emphasised the significance of focusing on areas within warehouses that pose potential risks. He noted that loading bays are particularly hazardous, with an estimated 25% of all warehouse accidents occurring in these spaces. The rise of e-commerce and the demand for next-day deliveries have intensified pressures on the logistics industry, making safety more critical than ever.
“Investing in the correct warehouse infrastructure is vital for promoting safe manual handling practices,” Phil said. “Our engineering design team prioritises ergonomics in all our product designs, ensuring that safety is a fundamental consideration.”
Southgate Global’s approach to safety includes designing carts with adjustable handle heights tailored to the average operator’s 95th percentile and optimising handle angles to reduce stress on the body. For instance, their Irregular Sized Sortation Trolley features a raised base that minimises bending, enhancing parcel movement efficiency.
The company also offers a bespoke three-tier cart, allowing heavier items to be placed on the top tier, which reduces unnecessary lifting. Its innovative braking system helps to alleviate strain by controlling inertia as the cart moves around the warehouse, crucial for operators handling heavy loads.
Furthermore, Southgate’s design team has addressed safety concerns associated with loading goods from warehouses into vehicles. With the growing use of smaller vehicles for last-mile logistics, the need for effective loading bay solutions has increased. Southgate’s Dock Levelling Ramp facilitates access for vehicles up to the C1 7.5-tonne classification to full-sized loading docks. This ramp incorporates anti-slip coatings, handrails, and safety tape markings, complying with all relevant ISO safety standards and UKCA regulations.
Phil added, “These solutions are essential for reducing risks at loading bays, and we can provide bespoke designs to meet specific customer requirements. As we observe Back Care Awareness Week, it’s crucial to consider the importance of integrating safety measures into warehouse operations.”
As an international leader in packing equipment and logistics solutions, Southgate Global serves over 3,000 clients across more than 20 countries, focusing on boosting productivity and efficiency in the sector.
For organisations looking to enhance health and safety practices in their warehouses, Southgate Global offers a range of services and expertise.
