COMPRESSED AIR SAFETY FIRST AND LAST I
ndustrial safety regulations are constantly evolving, and technology is keeping pace. But despite a series of recent innovations in the loading bay, accidents still present a challenge. In a major study by the European Union into workplace accidents in 2018, 3,332 employees were involved in accidents in which they lost their lives, an increase (by 60 deaths) on the 2017 figure. In that same year, there were 3.1 million non-fatal accidents that resulted in at least four calendar days of absence from work, 8,137 more than 2017. Local country statistics also show the scale of the challenge. In a four-year period (2015 – 2018 inclusive), France recorded the highest number of workplace-related deaths (2,390) followed by Italy (2,031) and Germany (1,754), with the UK not that far behind (1,041). Even accounting for different sizes of workforce, all would agree that even one fatality was one too many.
The costs attributed to accidents make for sobering reading. One UK study put the total cost to a business of a single accident at £45,000, which
at a margin of 10%, would require additional sales of £450,000 simply to cover what was lost.
HOLISTIC APPROACH All senior executives working in the world of logistics are trying to balance the need for increased efficiencies in and around the loading bay with the uncompromising need for safety. One can never be at the expense of the other. This is driving safety equipment providers such as Rite-Hite not only to look at individual products to address particular concerns, such as vehicle creep or premature drive-aways, but rather to see safety as an holistic issue that needs to be considered at a solutions level.
TOP TIPS TO AVOIDING WORKPLACE INJUSRIES • Secure your vehicles – before loading or unloading, ensure the vehicle is restrained, and keep forklifts away from open bay doors. • Distances – while a vehicle is reversing into
position, make sure the area around the trailer is clear and everyone within the loading bay area is at least three meters from the door. • Highlight danger zones – clearly mark areas of danger with appropriate warning barriers, signs and brightly coloured paints • Clean environments – keep all work surfaces clean and clear and floor spaces similar clear of any unnecessary obstacles • Create a culture of safety – ensure your workforce is respectful of the people around them. Aware of the dangers in their environment, and actively encouraged to report any concerns to their supervisor • Maintenance - ensure all of your equipment is regularly checked and maintained and in good working order before commencing the loading/ unloading process.
Thorsten Mauritz
Marketing Manager Europe Rite-Hite
www.ritehite.com/
P43526.004-RiteHite-EveryAngle-FHS-Jun22-135x195-v1.indd 1
13/06/2022 11:59 FACTORY&HANDLINGSOLUTIONS | JUNE 2022 17
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