Thorworld Opinion: Loading Bay Safety Can Improve Efficiency and Return On Investment

As members of ALEM (Association of Loading and Elevating Equipment Manufacturers) and FEM (The European Materials Handling Federation), Thorworld is proud to work alongside its peers in providing best practice on how to minimise risks.

“Safety is a cornerstone of the FEM Vision & Strategy 2020, the Federation’s manifesto for the future of European materials handling,” says our Managing Director John Meale. 

“The vehicle loading and unloading area is potentially one of the most hazardous areas in any company, warehouse or distribution centre, yet this need not be the case,” he continues.

Investment in several key safety accessories can easily minimise the most common risks in the loading bay, while giving operator’s peace of mind and facilitating a faster and more productive working environment.

John cites in particular the FEM document, ‘Guidance on Safety On / Around a Vehicle Loading Area,’ is a comprehensive guide to the most common hazards.  Available online at http://tinyurl.com/FEM-loading-safety under ‘Free Technical Documents,’ the document is periodically updated as standards and directives change and as any new technologies and products are launched.

Implementing solutions based on the guidance can help loading bay managers fulfil a number of requirements, including legal and ethical ‘duty of care’ considerations, removal of costs associated with accidents in terms of damage and downtime, and longer-term implications such as higher insurance premiums or legal action; thereby resulting in increased efficiency and productivity.  Between these elements, the return on investment is considerable.

Published: 05/01/2016