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Pallet Trucks UK has urged firms using forklift drivers to ensure the safety of their workers, after two businesses were recently fined hundreds of thousands of pounds for the heart-breaking deaths of two of their employees.

Derbyshire-based firm Vinyl Compound Ltd was fined £450,000 earlier this month after 19-year old forklift driver Ben Pallier-Singleton was tragically crushed to death in 2015.

A £300,000 fine was also levelled at Vacu-Lug Traction Tyres Ltd in Grantham this month after forklift driver Stephen Woollas was killed October 2014, leaving behind a daughter.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Pallet Trucks UK, said: “The fact that the deaths of these two employees could have been avoided by enforcing proper safety regulations makes them even more terrible for everyone involved, and should serve as a reminder to all firms using forklifts to enforce proper safety procedures.

“A young man with his life ahead of him and a father with a child has died because of a lack of care to worker safety. These enormous fines, £450,000 and £300,000 respectively, will have a detrimental effect on the two companies; I urge any business using a forklift or who buys our forklift products to consider their procedures and training.”

19-year old Singleton was found to have not been wearing a seatbelt at the time of his death, hadn’t been told about the on-site speed limits and hadn’t been trained properly to use a forklift.

Mr Woollas died because the requirement for him to reverse his forklift in wasn’t enforced, and as a result of this he drove over a tyre which toppled his forklift and crushed him to death.

Phil added: “Aside from procedure and training, it’s also vital that drivers are equipped with the right length of fork extensions for the job; lifting a load weighing multiple tonnes with forks that are too short could also result in the vehicle and the load toppling over.”

Pallet Trucks UK offers a wide variety of forklift truck extensions in different lengths to ensure a safe lift for the forklift driver and those working in the vicinity. All forklift extensions purchased through Pallet Trucks UK are made with high-grade, hardwearing materials that further guarantee worker safety.

In addition to forklift extensions, Pallet Trucks UK also stocks a huge array of pallet trucks, stackers, lift tables, sack trucks and a host of materials handling equipment available at affordable prices.

Pallet Trucks UK, one of the UK’s leading manual handling equipment providers, has warned warehouses over the UK that Brexit could lead to a shortage of staff in the period leading up to Christmas.

“The pound has fallen lower and lower against the Euro, and overseas workers simply don’t want to work in the UK anymore,” said Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Pallet Trucks UK. “Plenty of temporary warehouse staff that are taken on for the Christmas rush are from overseas, and a lack of workers could mean that Christmas this year grinds to a halt.”

Last year, 73% of customers bought online for the Christmas season. All those orders had to be picked, packaged, and sent out; naturally, the rate of returns was also higher, and those items had to be sorted through too.

It seems that every year Christmas sales increase online, and with fewer workers brands and warehouses will find it difficult to get everything packed on time. No brand wants to be accused by an angry customer of “ruining” their Christmas, but at an emotionally fraught and busy time, mistakes are made. There’s the chance this year that the mistakes will be more and more common, leading to angry customers and plunging profits.

“Warehouses have the chance to put a plan into action now about how they will deal with staff shortages, before their competitors do,” added Phil Chesworth. “They could offer more benefits, extra training, or more guaranteed jobs after Christmas, but those who don’t do anything will feel the strain.”

With the news that prime rents for warehouses in Scotland have jumped three times faster, year on year, than the rest of the UK[1], Pallet Trucks UK have warned that the problem won’t go away without help.

“Space in Scotland may be cheaper than space in England at the UK,” said Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Pallet Trucks UK. “But it’s still growing faster than England’s, and the risk is that people will start losing staff because they can’t afford to keep them as well as the storage space—which will mean slower picking—and fewer sales.”

The Glasgow area is the place that people are most concerned about, because it’s losing out on space to accommodate manufacturing growth as well as the ever-expanding retail delivery and distribution factions.

Focusing on growing the business means spending more, which will ironically mean that firms will have less money to spend on hardware for the warehouses—such as pallet trucks—as well as stock, and workers to pick the stock.

If the trend picks up in England to the same extent, it’s possible that demand for warehouse space will drop off when it gets too high—and some warehouses with plenty of storage space will stand empty as no company wants to pay that much for space.

“Rents rising too sharply is never a good thing for anyone except the landlord,” added Phil Chesworth. “New warehouse space needs to be built and made affordable, or companies will find themselves entirely priced out of their specialist area.”

[1] http://www.shdlogistics.com/news/warehouse-rental-space-demand-in-scotland-soars

With a fire striking a huge warehouse in Bradford[1], causing 15 crews to battle the blaze, Pallet Trucks UK has called for warehouse owners and managers to carry out regular fire safety tests to ensure their premises meet safety standards.

“Not only did the fire crews have to fight the flames till dawn, they were also attempting to stop the surrounding areas from catching fire too. It’s a good chance to remind all warehouse owners that fire safety is crucial, especially in the warmer months where things are drier,” said Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Pallet Trucks UK.

As one of the UK’s leading names in manual handling equipment, Pallet Trucks UK sells analogue and electrical equipment for use in warehouses. Although it’s not yet known how the fire started, Pallet Trucks UK recommends managers, owners and workers all have a responsibility to assess if any equipment is still fit for purpose before using it.

“It can be tempting to use older equipment if something new needs mending,” adds Phil Chesworth. “However, in those cases workers are much better going for something manual instead of electric while the problem is investigated.”

Fire safety checks are mandated by the government for all kinds of businesses, and fire fighting equipment should also be present. Regular fire checks combine working with fire alarm systems as well making sure emergency lighting is working and any faults are recorded and reported. Fire drills are also important so workers are not hurt leaving the building in case of a real fire.

[1] http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/fire-fighters-across-west-yorkshire-13456666

In light of recent events including a Kent warehouse being used for an illegal rave[1], Pallet Trucks UK, one of the UK’s leading names in manual handling equipment, has warned warehouse operatives to keep an eye on their security.

“Warehouses are big buildings, and with wide open spaces and equipment that can lift people high in the air, they can seem perfect for partiers,” said Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Pallet Trucks UK. “However, these raves are illegal, and unlicensed use of warehouse equipment can be dangerous.”

Illegal raves can often be a headache for warehouse owners, who are frequently left with large bills after damage is caused by partiers and who can even have stock and equipment stolen during the party.

Warehouse equipment such as pallet trucks are good value for money for all the work they do but expensive and time-consuming to replace, as warehouse workers often rely on the exact number of pallet trucks within a warehouse fleet for their work.

Pallet Trucks UK recommend having secure lock-ups for expensive warehouse equipment such as electric static lift tables, and improving security on warehouse entrances, as well as installing and using decent intruder alarms and sensor-based spotlights.

“Unfortunately, warehouses will always be attractive spots to hold illegal parties,” added Phil Chesworth. “But warehouse owners and workers can make them much less inviting by adding in tough security to get past and making sure that any equipment that could be stolen or damaged is locked away.”

[1] http://metro.co.uk/2017/08/07/ravers-filmed-running-away-after-police-break-up-illegal-warehouse-party-6833785/?preview_id=6833785

With the news that Amazon have filed a patent for underwater warehouses[1], Pallet Trucks UK, one of the leading names in manual handling equipment, has warned workers not to neglect the current state of the warehousing market in favour of an uncertain future.

“Towards the end of last year, Amazon said they would deploy airships as warehouses,” said Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Pallet Trucks UK. “While that may become a reality in a number of years, there are so many things to consider than the design of the ship or how an underwater warehouse would work.”

The dangers and potential mistakes inherent in having airships positioned above prominent cities, or dropping items into pools of water, are apparent, but they are typically ignored when reported on because of Amazon’s contributions to the warehousing industry.

Warehousing must not get carried away by a potential future when it has so much going on in the present; workers are still the backbone of logistics, and while airships and pools theoretically sound like good ideas, there is always the chance that they will break. If humans are discounted from the process entirely, there is a good chance that the mistake will not be noticed for some time.

The present of the warehousing industry lies in good workers and good tools which are up to the job, and not in a potential future that discounts workers entirely.

“Employers have to ensure that they treat their workers with the same respect with which they treat potential Amazon products,” added Phil Chesworth.

[1] https://www.dezeen.com/2017/07/10/amazon-files-patent-underwater-warehouses/

One of Britain’s leading suppliers of pallet trucks to the warehouse trade, Pallet Trucks UK, have advised employers to keep an eye on productivity as the summer holidays begin. As schoolchildren begin the long break that will see them off school until September, employers have to be aware of the demands this can make on their business.

“Having fewer staff available in summer isn’t a problem as long as the workload is flexible,” advises Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Pallet Trucks UK. “The key for employers is to be thinking a few weeks ahead and being able to prioritise jobs before they become time-sensitive.”

For many in the supply chain industry, the introduction of next-day delivery and rising consumer expectations have made their jobs more fast-paced. But employees are entitled to time off, especially in the summer when childcare becomes a more pressing issue.

By keeping the needs of employees in mind, businesses can work past the summer slump. Clear instructions and prioritised jobs mean that both employers and employees know what is expected of them, and a degree of flexibility on both sides means that navigating a good balance between work life and home life is not only possible but likely.

Making sure that all employees are trained in equipment needed for warehouse work such as electric lift tables and forklift trucks also means that no one employee has work that only they can do. This increases efficiency all round and means that workers are kept up to date with the rest of their team.

Pallet Trucks UK have plenty of warehouse equipment that can ease the strain on workers. From basic hand pallet trucks to more specialised equipment such as platform lifts, they’re proud to make life easier for workers up and down the country.

One of the industry’s most recognizable names in manual handling equipment, Pallet Trucks UK, have today officially launched their summer sale. With hundreds of high quality models and makes of warehouse favourites in stock, they’ve offering over £100 off some items.

“We have to make room for new stock,” says Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Pallet Trucks UK. “We’re determined that all our customers should get a great deal, so we’re discounting some models significantly to give them a chance to get a great piece of equipment at a fantastic price.”

Some of the deals on offer include the ACX10M Manual Scissor Lift Pallet Truck. With a lift height of 800mm and a capacity to carry 1000kg, it can be used as a lifting table, work bench or a standard pallet truck. With a single cylinder pump design, meaning less maintenance for the owner, its price has been reduced by £80.

For workers who will have to cover rocky ground, the Rough Terrain Lift Truck is on sale with a reduction of over £100. With a mammoth 1200kg capacity, adjustable fork width and pneumatic tires, it’s a great choice for construction sites and garden centres.

One last deal is for those who like to work big. The 500kg Extra Large Lift Table is two-wheeled and constructed of heavy duty steel, boasting a table top size of 1600mm x 810mm. The foot operated hydraulic lift can raise the table from 290mm to any height up to 915mm. Descent is controlled with a hand operated lever in the handle.

The world of pallet trucks can seem confusing – but with PalletTrucksUK, it doesn’t have to be. The experts in all things materials handling has offered business leaders and managers advice on choosing the correct pallet truck to suit their needs.

With so many options available, it’s all about planning ahead – according to the experts. Thinking about what companies will need not just in the immediate, but the future, will ensure they choose the ideal pallet truck for them. Whether it be plans to expand, increase their offering, or indeed change direction, looking to the future will ensure the pallet truck/s they choose will serve them well for years to come.

When it comes to picking the correct model for the job in hand however, it can be more complex. Regular hand pallet trucks are the most universal model and can aid with moving items swiftly from one point to another. A staple in workplaces all over the world, they make light work of manoeuvring heavy and large objects.

Wide hand pallet trucks on the other hand may look just like traditional pallet trucks, but they provide much more stability for larger items. Designed with larger pallets in mind, they are tough and robust for workplaces that handle large items.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of PalletTrucksUK, said, “There’s a common misconception that pallet trucks are all the same, but this is simply not the case. Pallet trucks are designed to make life infinitely easier, and with that comes options in order to meet unique requirements. It really is all about being armed with knowledge.”

Heavy duty hand pallet trucks are another variant. Designed for heavy items, they are smooth and quiet, ensuring items are stable at all times – and of course are able to be moved with ease.

Long pallet trucks are not as common as the above, but are often missed by those companies who don’t invest in one. Longer than traditional pallet trucks, they make it easy to move long items, such as leisure equipment and other machinery – without fear of damage or injury.

Other models include, mini pallet trucks, pallet trucks with a brake, and easy roller pallet trucks. “All coming with their own unique benefits, it really is down to leaders to think about that they need, why, and of course when, to ensure they are prepared,” added Phil.

Working in a warehouse or factory means machinery is probably part and parcel of daily life. But more often than not, there’s a gap in fleets. PalletTrucksUK, one of the leading online suppliers of pallet trucks and warehouse equipment, has explained why a rough terrain pallet truck could be the missing key for businesses.

The experts have worked with businesses of all sizes and in all sectors, so knows how to meet the needs of their customers. And rough terrain pallet trucks, although many businesses often think they don’t need them, come in handy, leaving many business leaders surprised at how useful they turn out to be.

Designed to be used on rough or uneven surfaces, rough terrain pallet trucks are often found on construction sites and in garden centres. But as warehouses often boast a lot of outdoor space which is not always level and even, rough terrain lift trucks provide added peace of mind that work can be carried out. Really coming into their own during busy periods, rough terrain trucks make light work of carrying and moving stock, where traditional lift trucks and pallet trucks simply cannot.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Midland Bearings, said, “Rough terrain lift trucks are often overlooked by business owners as they think they simply don’t need them. However they’re not just for the traditionally rocky areas like garden centres; they can in fact come in handy in almost any setting, completing fleets of equipment and machinery to ensure continual operation.”

Coming complete with all the same features as traditional pallet trucks, they are robust and reliable thanks to a tough steel frame and long-reaching forks. Generally fitted with pneumatic tyres for added stability and strength, they glide over any surface with ease. Whether it be mud, stones, or a pothole-ridden flooring, managers can rest assured that productivity will be kept up at all times.