Buy Barriers, Stay Safe, Save Money

Any warehouse manager knows the trials and tribulations of keeping your pallet racking in tact - especially when fork lifts and other warehouse vehicles are in operation around the workplace. But the fact is, accidents happen and sometimes this can be detrimental to not just your pallet racking, but to the health and safety of others too.

To prevent this from happening - and to save a lot of money in the long run - it's worth investing in protective barriers and column guards to stop any major damage from occurring. After all, it's easy to replace a barrier but it's not so easy (or wallet-friendly) to replace a whole bay of racking. Or deal with a serious accident involving a member of your team.

For more information about our barriers and column guards, drop us a line or call 0845 017 8866.

Safety first!

"With great power, comes great responsibility." 

It goes without saying that running your own business, or being in a position of authority within a large and well-known company means that you are responsible for the safety and well-being of your employees.

This means that you are responsible for implementing health and safety regulations within the workplace to ensure that employees do not come to any harm.

Effective Leadership = Safer Workplace

Over the years, many high-profile safety cases have occurred due to failures in leadership. This can not only be dangerous for staff, but it can also be severely damaging to your company's reputation - and in some cases, may even result in prosecution of the person held responsible.

Health and safety law places duties on organisations and employers, and directors can be personally liable when these duties are breached: members of the board have both a collective and individual responsibility for health and safety – it's very important, and can save lives.

Addressing health and safety should not be seen as a regulatory burden and a 'chore' as it offers significant opportunities. 

Benefits of implementing health and safety include:

• Reduced costs and reduced risks – employee absence and turnover rates are lower, accidents are fewer, the threat of legal action is lessened; 
• Improved standing among suppliers and partners; 
• A better reputation for corporate responsibility among investors, customers and communities;
• Increased productivity – employees are healthier, happier and better motivated (you can't argue with that!).

Poor health and safety at work can result in a number of human and financial costs. These include:

• Millions of working days lost due to work-related illness and injury.
• Fatalities caused by occupational diseases. (Did you know a worker is fatally injured almost every working day?)
• Organisations incurring further costs through uninsured losses and loss of reputation.

How Can You Safe-Guard Against Incidents?

As a Director (or a board member), there are a number of things you can do in order to reduce accidents in the workplace. These include:

1. Ensuring that health and safety arrangements are adequately resourced;
2. Obtaining competent health and safety advice;
3. Carrying out risk assessments;
4. Investing in safety equipment;
5. Involving employees in decisions that affect their health and safety;
6. Considering the health and safety implications of introducing new processes; new working practices or new personnel; dedicating adequate resources to the task; and seeking advice where necessary. 
7. Ensuring that boardroom decisions are made in the context of the organisation's health and safety policy. It is important to consider and include for health and safety when implementing change.

How Do Dalvie Systems Safe-Guard Against Incidents?

Being a business that deals primarily with installation work, we know how important it is to keep on top of health and safety. So, we thought we'd share how we deal with health and safety, to give you an idea about how you can adopt similar practices in your workplace:

1. When we go to site (prior to an installation), we carry out risk assessments to ensure that: a) the site is safe to work on for our installation team, and b) that the installation team will be adopting a safe working practice. For example, if they are going to be working at height they will need to have harnesses. Or if they are going to be transporting heavy materials we will need to provide pallet trucks or fork lifts for them to use.
2. Shaun Jones, our Contract Control Manager, will issue risk and method statements to our installation team and our client(s) to ensure that everybody is in the know about our safe working practice for that particular job. 
3. In nearly all cases, safety equipment including hard hats, gloves, protective glasses and steel toe cap boots are worn by our teams to ensure that they are protected from any potential warehouse hazards.
4. In some cases, our clients have induction sessions prior to us working on site to ensure that our installation team are fully aware of their health and safety practices, and how their site operates (signing in and out, fire evacuation procedures, highlighting warehouse vehicle and pedestrian zones etc). 
5. In the unlikely event of a safety breach, we have practices and the relevant paperwork in place to deal with this. 
6. Once a job has been completed, we ensure that our installation team is signed off by the client. This is mainly to ensure customer satisfaction, but it is also to ensure that the client is 100% happy with the installation from a safety point-of-view.
7. As part of our ISO9001 safety accreditation, after a job has finished we send an installation questionnaire to our customers in order to obtain feedback about the work we've completed. Feedback is useful to help us implement change in terms of our general working practices, as well as our safety practices. 

Fork out on safety and prevent serious accidents!

Fork lift truck accidents are on the increase according to a new study conducted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The latest figures released from the organisation reveal a 4% increase in serious forklift truck accidents this year.

HSE suggests that, due to the state of the economy, companies are cutting costs in a desperate bid to save money when it comes to purchasing safety equipment and are cutting corners (sometimes quite literally) when it comes to forklift truck training.

To improve safety in your warehouse, particularly where forklift trucks are involved, check out our top tips:

1) Be visible
The warehouse can be a dangerous place, particularly with forklift trucks moving between the aisles. If you're working in the warehouse on foot, then it's wise to be kitted out with high visibility clothing to ensure that forklift truck drivers can see you.



2) Mark your territory
If you have designated areas for forklift trucks and pedestrians in the workplace, then you are one step ahead. Use floor graphic markers to indicate where forklift trucks and other warehouse traffic can drive, and where pedestrians can walk. This prevents the two from meeting in an unfortunate manner.

3) Smarten up
There are plenty of training providers out there who offer a nominal fee for a certain amount of training sessions. Specialist training is imperative for those who will be driving forklift vehicles within the warehouse so make sure that a training programme is followed. Workforce First Training offer a wide range of training providers who specialise in a whole host of training programmes including forklift truck training and crane operating courses.






4) Protect your racking
When collisions occur between forklift trucks and pallet racking, it's often the racking which comes off worse for wear. And damaged racking can only mean one thing... a large repair bill facing your business. By investing in column guards you can protect your racking from impact caused by forklift trucks and other warehouse vehicles. From £21 per guard, these can offer a much cheaper alternative to a larger repair bill for damaged racking.

 

 

Website: www.dalviesystems.co.uk | Call: 0845 017 8866 | Email: info@dalviesystems.co.uk

Putting An End To Warehouse Tragedies

A Bradford firm has been ordered to pay £140,000 in fines and costs after they admitted safety failures regarding an unsecured racking system which crushed a 61 year old worker to death.

The reason for this incident, as stated in the court hearing, was that the company had no system in place to safely move or inspect racking, there were no load notices indicating maximum load capacities and the staff had limited training in the warehouse.

The collapsed racking which crushed an employee at a Bradform firm

This news highlights the importance of safety in the warehouse, particularly as lack lustre warehouse and safety management can result in injury and even fatality. At Dalvie Systems, we can offer a variety of products and services to ensure that your racking remains in tip top condition, and most importantly to prevent tragedies like this from occurring again.

Our safety services include:
- Annual racking safety surveys and inspections.
- Racking replacements and repair.
- Load notices to attach to racking to notify employees of the maximum loadings which decks can hold. These come FREE as part of our installation package when we install new racking on site.

Our safety products include:
- Column and barrier protection to protect racking uprights from being damaged by fork lifts.
- Anti collapse mesh which prevents objects from falling onto employees.

So, if you think something is amiss with your warehouse pallet racking then don't leave it to chance. Call 0845 017 8866 or email info@dalviesystems.co.uk to arrange a visit to your site and our experienced racking inspectors will source the problem and come up with the best and safest solution.

Website: www.dalviesystems.co.uk | Call: 0845 017 8866 | Email: info@dalviesystems.co.uk

Inspect Your Racking

Racking inspections are carried out to ensure that your warehouse pallet racking is safe to use. An inspection can highlight any damages or problems with your racking which could (if not addressed properly) cause damage to your employees or your goods.

WHY CHOOSE DALVIE SYSTEMS FOR YOUR RACKING INSPECTION?

• Our inspectors are SEMA (Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association) approved
• Our inspectors have achieved the SARI qualification
• Our inspectors are experienced in the fields of warehousing and logistics

WHAT DOES A RACKING INSPECTION INVOLVE?

First of all, a detailed examination of the racking system will take place and any damage will be recorded by location using the SEMA traffic light system. (This system is used for recording risk by ensuring the easy prioritisation of remedial actions.)

The inspection typically looks at:
1) Beams, beam connectors, uprights, bracing members, locking pins, etc.
2) Footplates, securing bolts, column guards.
3) Condition of stored materials and pallets.
4) Floor condition
5) Signage
6) Any other relevant factors relating to specific site conditions

Once all of these areas have been inspected, a summary of damage by item type will then be compiled into a report in order to quote a repair estimation.

In addition to the previous points, the racking inspection will also include:

• Photographs where appropriate
• A review of current internal damage reporting and recording systems
• A review of the damage history with identification of repeat damage and recommended changes to be made (where possible).
• Recommended changes to operating patterns or training if appropriate
• Issue of immediate 'Red Risk' notices during the inspection visit where a seriously damaged equipment is seen. This form of damage requires immediate notice.

Website: www.dalviesystems.co.uk | Call: 0845 017 8866 | Email: info@dalviesystems.co.uk

Product of the week #13 - High Visibility Clothing

High visibility clothing is essential for working on an industrial site or in a warehouse. By making vehicle users aware of your presence you're safety is greatly increased. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) highlight the importance of high visibility clothing in the workplace:

“High-visibility safety clothing is needed if you work when there is low light and poor visibility, especially if you are working around moving vehicles (cars, trucks or other machinery travelling under their own power – e.g. forklifts). High-visibility items allow you to be seen by the drivers of those vehicles sooner and more readily. This fact increases your safety at work. The human eye responds best to large, contrasting, bright or moving objects. Worker visibility is enhanced by high colour contrast between clothing and the work environment against which it is seen.”

With a variety of clothing styles in high visibility such as vests, polo shirts, jackets and trousers, you can be sure to stand out within an industrial environment for all of the right reasons. Call 0845 017 8866 for more information about our reflective clothing or email info@dalviesystems.co.uk. To download our warehouse solutions catalogue, please visit www.dalviesystems.co.uk.

Website: www.dalviesystems.co.uk | Call: 0845 017 8866 | Email: info@dalviesystems.co.uk

Warehouse Safety 101 - Falling objects overhead

Wherever there are objects and pallets above ground, there are risks of falling objects. In some areas, this risk may be greater than in others and therefore it is imperative that the area is clearly indicated and that unauthorised personel do not enter that area.

To prevent items falling from your pallet racking, Tom McKelvie (Director of Dalvie Systems) suggests Anti-Collapse mesh which acts as a safety net for items and prevents accidents whilst handling and storing goods in the warehouse.
We can offer a variety of panel sizes and mesh apertures. In addition to this, various size stand-off brackets are also available.

Anti-Collapse mesh is certainly worth investing in to protect your employees.

For a FREE on site quotation, call 0845 017 8866 or email us.

Warehouse Safety 101 - Vehicles in the workplace

Around the warehouse, moving vehicles need to be carefully managed to reduce the likelihood of accidents. Workplace traffic routes should be clearly distinguished from pedestrian routes so that the two are not likely to cross. HSE.co.uk suggest that the complete separation of the two routes should be considered in order to prevent injury from occurring. But the question is, how can this be achieved?

We have a variety of safety barriers and floor marking equipment available which can improve the separation between pedestrian and vehicle routes around the warehouse.

Safety barriers are constructed from heavy duty, tubular steel and can be mounted on the floor as the base plate comes with pre-drilled fixing holes. The barriers come in bright yellow and are therefore perfect for distinguishing between sections within a warehouse. Please see page 154 of the 'Solutions for the Warehouse' catalogue for more information on the broad range of safety barriers we can provide. Not got a catalogue? No problem, click here to request a FREE catalogue.

If safety barriers are not for you, a quick solution for separating traffic routes lies with PROLine Tape. This self adhesive, floor marking tape is for internal surfaces and is ideal for demarcation of aisles, traffic ways and pedestrian routes. The tape can also be removed from most surfaces without leaving residue.

Call 0845 017 8866 for more information about how we can improve your warehouse safety or email us by clicking here.

Warehouse Safety 101 - A heightened experience

Working at height can be dangerous and therefore should be properly planned, appropriately supervised and carried out in as safe a way as possible.

According to the HSE, falls from height remain the most common cause of workplace fatality. In 2008/09 there were 35 fatalities, 4654 major injuries and a further 7065 injuries that caused the injured person to be off work for over 3 days or more, due to a fall from height.

Our access equipment comes in a variety of shapes and sizes. We can provide you with:
- Kick steps
- Fort steps
- Folding steps
- Aluminium steps
- Multi combination ladders
- Wide step ladders
- Glass fibre folding steps
- Telescopic and extension ladders
- Fort mobile steps (with wheels)

A variety of heights and colours available. These mobile steps can glide easily across the floor, but once body weight is applied they remain firmly in place. Hand rails aid balance. Each step is covered in non-slip rubber tread. Ideal for safety, strength and durability. (Visit page 405 of the 'Solutions for the Warehouse' catalogue for more information.)

Rather than climbing onto a low shelf to reach something, utilise steel kick steps which are sturdy and easy to transport. Kick steps come in five colour options: blue, red, black, grey and green (page 377).

Click here to request a catalogue or phone 0845 017 8866. For more information about the access equipment we provide visit http://www.dalviesystems.co.uk/access_equipment.html

Warehouse Safety 101 - Manual handling made easy!

Lifting heavy items in the workplace can result in lower back pain and neck pain if you're not careful. HSE.co.uk (Health & Safety Executive) suggests that where there is a risk from a manual handling task, you should try to avoid the task first and if the task cannot be avoided, then the risk of injury occurring must be minimised.

In order to minimise the risk of injury, carry out a manual handling assessment which focuses on:
- the task
- the load
- the working environment
- individual capability
- other factors

If, after completing a risk assessment, the risk is still too great then consider using systems to assist manual handling such as trucks and trolleys. At Dalvie we boast a wide range of sack trucks, trolleys and pallet trucks which can not only save you from injury but can speed up the warehouse process drastically.

Sack trucks from Dalvie Systems are perfect for carrying multiple box loads across the warehouse. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours with various specifications dependent upon the load. To see our wide range of sack trucks view page 263 in the 'Solutions for your Warehouse' catalogue. To order a FREE catalogue, click here

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Trolleys are ideal for carrying various goods around the warehouse. From small folding platform trolleys (page 280) to a variety of shelf and tray trolleys (page 302), you are bound to find the solution to your handling needs.

Finally, our wide selection of pallet trucks can make the pallet transporting process much simpler. Go to pages 244-262 of the catalogue to find out about our variety of lifting and handling equipment including fold away pallet trucks, specialist trucks for outdoor applications, scissor lift tables, static lift tables, lifters and van loaders, hydraulic stackers and a variety of strapping and hoist mechanisms. There really is everything you could possibly think of to make warehouse handling safer and easier. 

Warehouse Safety 101 - Slips and Trips

Slips and trips are a serious problem in warehousing and storage. They are seen as trivial health and safety issues however are the most common due to the number of materials which can be slipped on or tripped over.

Items that can be slipped on include:
- Water
- Oil
- Cleaning products
- Dry powders
- Food
- Wrapping
- Label backing
- Plastic bags

Items that can trip you up include:
- Uneven floor surfaces
- Goods stored incorrectly
- Waste packaging
- Banded strap loops
- Pallets

Don't slip - preventative measures

- To prevent liquids from being knocked over and harming individuals, store them in our specially designed COSHH Cabinets. We provide a range of cabinets which are robustly constructed and provide safe storage for flammable liquids and other hazardous materials. All cabinets & bins featured are of welded construction and come supplied with drip trays and warning labels.

- To prevent slips on label backing, packaging and other rogue materials which find their way to the warehouse floor, it is essential that good housekeeping is employed within the workplace and employees are encourage to put waste materials in the bin straight away. We provide a range of bins which can be used within the warehouse or outside. These can be found on pages 446 and 447 in our 'Solutions for the Workplace' catalogue. (Request a catalogue here!)

Don't trip - preventative measures

- To prevent trips in the warehouse it is essential that goods, pallets and other items are stored away correctly. We boast a range of pallet racking, shelving and cupboards which can be used to store items neatly and safely in your warehouse and in turn remove the danger of potential injuries. For a free quotation for a pallet racking or shelving installation in your warehouse call 0845 017 8866 or email info@dalviesystems.co.uk.

Visit our website for a range of specifications regarding our pallet racking, shelving and other products.

Are your pallets living on the edge?

Is your warehouse safe? Does your pallet racking have anti collapse partitioning? To ensure safety in the workplace and prevent injuries or damage to goods, make sure that your racking and shelving is fitted with anti collapse partitioning. This will prevent your pallets or products from tipping over the edge when loading your racking. It also acts as a reinforcement for your shelving and racking meaning it's an investment worth making in your business.

Call us on 0845 017 8866 for more information.

http://www.dalviesystems.co.uk/