Our understanding of the unique pressures the logistics industry faces in keeping its workforce safe and well is one of the reasons we are trusted by some of the biggest names in the industry.
With such a wide range of physically-demanding roles, from hauliers, to warehouse pickers and packers, couriers, forklift operators and reworkers, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to preventing injuries.
However, depending on the type of physical activity carried out, there are some simple things employers can implement and encourage to help avoid injuries at work.
THE RIGHT FOOTWEAR
We talk a lot about the importance of ensuring people that need to wear safety boots, shoes or trainers choose safety footwear that is appropriate to the environment in which they will be working. But toecap protection and sole slip resistance are not the only things to consider when purchasing workplace footwear.
Comfort is also of paramount importance, particularly for roles which involve standing for long periods of time, or walking around on hard surfaces all day. As well as causing pain and discomfort in the feet, uncomfortable, unsupportive footwear can cause back, hip and leg pain, as well as contribute to existing musculoskeletal conditions.
APPROPRIATE LIFTING AIDS
There are many different products out there, ranging from PPE to specialist equipment, that can help logistics staff needing to lift heavy loads, or engaged in repetitive lifting tasks. These include gloves that provide extra grip and hand protection, back supports, and compression shirts to support correct lifting technique, as well as pallet trucks to assist with moving heavier loads.
All of these can help guard against injuries that could prove costly to employers in terms of increased absences, lost productivity and potential legal fees.
ENCOURAGE WORKPLACE WELLBEING
Whether you sit at a desk in an office or in the cab of a forklift from 9 to 5, spend all day pounding the warehouse floor picking and packing consignments, or stand still at a table providing value added services or rework, we all know the dangers of staying in one place or repeating a single movement for too long. But still few of us take the regular breaks we know we should to keep our bodies (and our minds) healthy.
We’re not physiotherapists - and staff that experience persistent aches and pains at work should consult a healthcare professional - but we do know that there are simple things people can do to help prevent musculoskeletal issues in the workplace.
Employers should encourage their staff to engage with the importance of their own wellbeing - to not only carry out safe practice but to actively take breaks, stretch out, go for a walk or sit down for a bit - whatever gets them moving in a different way to their typical workplace tasks.
AN EFFECTIVE SUPPLY PARTNER
At iSB Group, we specialise in working with logistics companies to provide them with safety equipment and safety workwear that is proven to help avoid injuries.
All our products are tried, tested and approved by professionals in the industry - and any that don’t make the grade we remove from our range.
Where we work differently from many other suppliers in our industry is that we start with you: the customer, and your needs. If you need something that we don’t have on the website, that doesn’t mean that we can’t find it for you. If it does the job, we’ll add that product to our offering, so it’s a win-win situation for all.
To find out more about how we are raising the bar and could help your business with its supply needs, give us a call on 0121 749 4433 or you can email us.