It's 2021 and here we are again, looking at another tough Christmas for the Logistics sector. The pressure of COVID may have abated but a shortfall of around 90,000 HGV drivers has prompted concerns over supply chain disruptions as we enter the holiday season. The challenges of bringing in new and temporary staff make safety precautions more important than ever. Here’s a few things to bear in mind
Validate certificates and experience
Check the validity of training certification and the operational capability of temporary staff before they begin to use any type of forklift truck. When workers have been trained overseas, foreign certificates and licences may offer no certainty of training provision or capabilities – so proper assessment is a must.
Don’t limit training to drivers
Don’t limit safety training to the drivers. It is not only forklift and vehicle operators that need adequate training but managers, supervisors and colleagues on foot. Safety awareness is essential for everyone – two thirds of workplace transport accident victims are pedestrians.
Build in training wriggle room
In the run-up to Christmas, factor in enough training and briefing time into the hiring cycle.
Don’t Cut Corners
Don’t let pre-shift handovers and safety checks fall by the wayside. During the Christmas period it will be long days for everyone and a lot of pressure to get deliveries out on time. It’s tempting to cut corners but the huge increase in warehouse traffic and temporary staff make these failsafes more important than ever.
Tracking the Racking
Keep an eye on your racking. Tight deadlines and temporary staff will increase the number of minor racking scrapes and bumps so keep an eye out for any structural weaknesses.
Don’t Get COVID Complacent
COVID is still out there and has the potential spread and hamstring your workforce. Stay vigilant in implementing safer ways of working - social distancing and directional signage, cleaning regimes and easily accessed hand sanitiser facilities.
SG World offer a number of pre use safety inspection solutions for forklifts, MHE and racking. The simple checklist format gives temporary workers a clear procedure and a hi-vis yellow Pass/Fail tag. Keep your business safe and on the move when the going gets tough over Christmas.
Tags: Logistics