Fatal injuries in transportation and storage are twice as high as the average across sectors while non-fatal injuries are also statistically significantly higher.

Companies in the logistics sector need to address these risks not only due to their duty of care towards providing a safe working environment but also to avoid potentially expensive lawsuits. 

Fatal injuries

The majority of deaths are caused by a person being struck by a moving vehicle, followed by falls from height and being struck by a moving/falling object. 

Source: RIDDOR 2017/18-2019/20

Non-fatal injuries

In Great Britain, 28,000 workers sustain an injury at work in transportation and storage every year on average.  Just under a third of these cases resulted in absence from work of over 7 days.

Source: Non-fatal injuries reported under RIDDOR 2017/18-2019/20

Risks are always high when large machinery is combined with the human factor. Unfortunately, an infinite number of things can go wrong in this combination. In addition, the road transport sector is a highly competitive one and time pressure can further increase the risk of accidents. Companies in the logistics sector therefore carry a lot of responsibility for a diverse set of stakeholders. 

Main issues to consider:

• Duty of care towards providing a safe working environment

• Reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace for warehouse staff

• Reduce work related road risk for the vehicle driver

• Improve road safety for all other road users and the general public
  While loaders and drivers have defined roles and responsibilities in making sure that the load is secured correctly and transported safely, the company needs to ensure that the right framework is in place. 

The company’s role

•  Provide clear policy, processes and procedures

• Provide training to all employees

• Provide the correct vehicles for the job 

• Provide the correct equipment for the job

• Check equipment at monthly

• Replace defective restraints immediately

• Ensure employees have adequate time to do the job 

• Highlight good practice and learn from bad practice

• Ensure they meet the obligations of their Operator’s Licence 

• Ensure third party practices meet company standards

Webinar

For more information on this topic join us for our webinar, in partnership with DAC Beachcroft, Road Safety Smart and Mike Colborne of Tarmac Cement & Lime, where during the interactive video training session will give you a light touch introduction in to the world of load security.

CLICK HERE  (opens a new window)to register.