As one of the busiest industries in the COVID-19 era, the logistics sector has faced its fair share of challenges. Record highs in e-commerce orders have seen more pressure on the industry than ever, and unfortunately alongside increased demand can come accidents.
So, as responsible businesses, what can we do to improve safety in logistics? From people power to packaging, we can work together to make this figure zero and are proud members of EUMOS, the European Safe Logistics Association. EUMOS are aiming to reduce the number of fatalities in the logistics cycle to Zero by 2050 instilling safer working practices throughout the supply chain and have created standards which are industry recognised.
Invest in training
Moving vehicles accounted for some of the biggest risks in the latest HSE reports. Investing in proper training and refresher courses for forklifts, large goods and heavy goods vehicles will prevent accidents and assure legal compliance.
Use safer equipment
The logistics industry is innovating all the time, from warehouse automation to last mile delivery. While some innovations improve efficiencies, others focus on safety. One such innovation is the Samson Nano Slingshot, which replicates the inertia of a vehicle and whether the load will potentially displace. The machine can initially test at 0.1G and work up to the EUMOS standard of 0.8G. From the pallet data entered, the maximum deformation of the load is calculated to create a pass or fail.. By using the Samson Nano Slingshot, Samuel Grant Packaging can guarantee compliance with the EUMOS:40509 2020 safety standards.
As the only pallet stabilisation technology approved by EUMOS in the UK, the Slingshot captures frame by frame images which highlight any weak points in the load. This detailed analysis helps to improve pallet stability and bring fatalities down to zero. Samuel Grant’s Samson Nano pallet wrapping system ensures pallet stability by using a specialised stretch film, which is pre-set to stretch only to its optimum tension.
Keep all machinery maintained
Another risk as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic is underused equipment. Tools that have been idle are at risk of malfunctioning, so inspections are essential. This is not only a matter of safety, but legal compliance.
According to the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998, as well as the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, equipment should be inspected every 12 months. Any machinery that is carrying personnel, such as forklifts, must be inspected every six months.
When clients use the Samson Nano pallet wrapping system, all updates, servicing and maintenance are included in a fixed price per wrapped pallet. This takes the headache out of ensuring pallet wrap machinery is maintained – one less thing to think about!
Make your logistics operations safer with the Slingshot and Samson Nano
The Samson Nano is the proud holder of the 2018 Queen’s Award for Innovation. If you’d like to find out more about how Samuel Grant Packaging’s Nano and testing from the Slingshot can revolutionise your workplace, get in touch today.