Marvin OnumonuThe Association of Pallet Networks (APN) has started its annual World Health and Safety at Work week today, 28th April.
The initiative runs until 2nd May and is supported by the UK’s eight major pallet networks, with teams at each network hub focusing on safety best practice and employee well-being.
Educational packs will be given to all hub workers and visiting drivers.
There will also be banners at sites with reminders on topics like safe use of nets, curtains and restraints, loading and unloading rules, wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), and emergency response.
Paul Sanders, chairman at APN, said: “This is one of the most important events of our year, when all the pallet networks join forces to make UK Hubs some of the safest in the world.
“Our health and safety forum, which has safety and operational professionals from every network, has achieved huge gains over the past six years by identifying key risks, analysing the incident data we collect and reinforcing the training we disseminate to all member drivers and our Hub teams.”
This year the message pf the initiative is that staff should always put their own health and safety first before any job.
Material will also cover mental and physical well-being, essential health data, and what to do in emergencies.
During the week, all staff and senior managers will be asked to sign an annual pledge to work safety.
Sanders said: “We try to cover safety from every aspect: healthier, safer employees, good systems, good training, and well-trained responses should something go wrong.
“It is not enough for only first aiders, or only those based at a site to know these things in transport.
“Our hubs have hundreds of visiting drivers every weeknight, and they must all understand how to protect themselves, how to work in the safest possible way and what to do should they have a problem.”
Sanders added that this year’s focus on well-being is relevant, as some groups like HGV drivers are at more risk of health issues.
Sanders added: “People’s health is important in its own right, and HGV drivers in particular can be at higher risk of several physical and mental conditions which can damage their quality of life. However, health is also integral to safer operations.”
In 2024, the sector recorded a slight increase in incidents for the first time since 2018, with the rate up nearly 20% compared to 2023, but at 0.42 per 100,000 pallets, it was still below 2022 levels.
Sanders said the health and safety forum’s focus on best practice and education continues to be crucial.
He said: “We constantly work towards eliminating harm during network operations.
“This is not an easy ask, as network Hubs are probably one of the busiest logistics operations, cross docking tens of thousands of pallets from hundreds of vehicles each weeknight.”
Sanders said the health and safety at work week is a chance for practical reminders and to keep safety at the top of the agenda.
He added: “We are extremely proud of our H&S Forum but also of every member of these teams.
“World Health and Safety Week is about ensuring that everyone takes responsibility and participates in making the workplace the safest possible environment.
“We have built safety cultures in our networks which extend from board level to the individual and this week is when we remind everyone just how precious and vital that is.”
