putting safety first for staff welfare and competitive differentiation

Businesses globally are more committed to employee safety today than ever before. Yet staff still experience both physical and mental risks every day. The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show a 28% increase in worker injuries year on year and a steep rise in ill health compared to pre-pandemic levels. What’s more, stress, depression, and anxiety now account for 51% of work-related ill health cases.

In a world where recruiting and retaining employees remains extremely difficult, companies recognise the need to create a working environment that meets fast-increasing employee expectations. However, it remains extremely difficult to balance escalating operational demands with safeguarding staff. This is especially true in highly manual environments such as loading and unloading bays. These areas are hard places to work. In hot weather, temperatures can become intolerable, while trailers used for the cold chain are sub-zero. Add in the noise of forklifts moving goods on and off pallets, and the pressure on space, and it is little wonder that companies can struggle to recruit and retain employees in this area.

Not only is this a potentially unpleasant job, but it can also be fraught with danger. The risks associated with forklift trucks operating alongside individuals walking and physically loading and unloading items are well established.

Between 2017 and 2022, 34% of deaths were classified as struck by moving vehicles. The economic cost of workplace injuries is also very significant: in the UK alone, the total cost of workplace self-reported injuries and ill health in 2019/20 was £18.8 billion.

By using Automated Loading Solutions to remove hazardous, unpopular tasks, companies can improve the workforce experience, enhance safety, and reduce the deadline pressures that can affect mental well-being. Indeed, while the physical risks associated with manual unloading and loading are clear, companies must also consider the knock-on effect of manual process failures on other departments.

For example, goods that arrive damaged at production lines can lead to both delays and internal conflict, especially within industries such as the automotive industry that depends upon incredibly specific and sophisticated just-in-time processes. Automating manual processes and integrating activities such as loading and unloading into the rest of the business provides complete, end-to-end visibility. It allows employees to identify and address problems, minimising the stress associated with a lack of control that can contribute to ill health.

An automated unloading and loading process makes the whole operation safer and more reliable. Goods move quickly through the loading docks, with no need for forklift trucks. Processes are more efficient, ensuring deadlines are hit and reducing pressure on staff. Space can be better optimised throughout the facility and the noise associated with manual processes is eradicated, creating a far calmer, low stress environment. Furthermore, with the entire process requiring far fewer people, scarce resources can be relocated to other, more interesting jobs, improving well-being and, as a result, improving retention.

We've partnered up with over 30 global distributors to offer a helping hand to have experts in local standards. This is precisely why around the world, we’re known as the number one for loading and unloading solutions. 

Subscribe to our newsletter to have the latest industry news and updates delivered straight to your inbox.