Sheldon Clayton Logistics are always looking to continue to improve services not only for customers but the practices in which drivers undertake daily with deliveries to help ensure all needs are met.
The UK freight industry itself has changed in recent years, with the increase in online shopping and lockdown meaning more businesses operating from home, residential deliveries are on the rise. Through 2020 alone close to 20% of the 27.85million deliveries made were to residential addresses, and pallets of an average weight of 380kgs.
There are many limitations drivers face when making residential deliveries, that also result in higher risks. In line with new RHA and HSE guidance on the use of Tail Lifts, we are looking at making some changes to the way in which the handling of pallets is conducted.
As an employer we have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of all staff and the general public when deliveries are being undertaken, so it is important we look to reduce risk in the best possible ways. In accordance with the law, Sheldon Clayton Logistics already provide drivers with a risk assessment form for all tail lift deliveries in order to document and control the risk of tail lift deliveries as much as possible.
We will also be following guidelines in setting a maximum weight and size for all pallets that need to be offloaded with a tail lift at 1 tonne in weight and up to 1.5m in size either length or width (not both). For any deliveries that require offloading goods over this threshold, we can quote for offload with HI-AB vehicles.
As an employer we have a legal obligation to ensure the safety of all staff and the general public when deliveries are being undertaken, so it is important we look to reduce risk in the best possible ways.
We are hoping this does not cause too much issue to business; however, it is imperative that we act now to help control the way in which home deliveries are conducted and will continue to review these changes to ensure best possible practice.
For more information on this topic please visit hse.gov or rha.uk.net or please speak to a member of our team