In 2024 alone, the e-commerce market is estimated to have grown by 10.5 per cent, with last mile accounting for 53.3 per cent of this.[1] This has been compounded by the expectation of speed in delivery services, with one in four UK shoppers now expecting next-day delivery.[2]
Given this growth, it’s never been more pressing for organisations across the supply chain, from production to delivery, to take all the necessary steps to ensure they’re operating as efficiently and safely as possible to meet increasing customer expectations.
In response to this, Southgate Global, a leading operational logistics and fulfilment equipment, consumables and technical services supplier, is outlining the ways organisations can keep warehouse operators, delivery drivers and delivery riders safe during periods of increased customer demand.
Dan Brasier, CEO at Southgate Global, said: “When looking at the safety of those at a warehouse it’s important to remember this involves everyone who visits the site.
“Delivery drivers are visiting premises daily which are controlled by others, but this should not mean their safety hasn’t been carefully considered. The responsibility falls to the owner of the site to ensure that all drivers are entering into a space which has been designed to meet health and safety standards.”
One area that is susceptible to potential risk is the loading bay, with an estimated 25 per cent of all warehouse accidents occurring at the loading dock.[3] One of the most effective ways of ensuring safety is through investment in the correct warehouse infrastructure and design at the dock.
Historically, loading bays were built for 40ft artics, but since the growth of e-commerce and the demand for next-day delivery, smaller vehicles are used more frequently in last-mile logistics.
While this switch has offered much greater agility, affordability, faster delivery times and improved sustainability, most docking facilities aren’t configured to service them. Instead, according to Southgate Global, more loading is now done by hand or by walking to and from small vehicles.
Dan added: “Organisations can ensure driver and rider safety is through investment in the correct warehouse infrastructure and design at the dock. But this doesn’t have to involve builders and pouring concrete.
“A Dock Levelling Ramp, such as those provided by Southgate for example, allows cars, vans and trucks through to C1 7.5-tonne classification to easily access full-sized loading docks. Designed with safety in mind, it includes driver walkways with anti-slip coating and handrails, full safety tape markings and anti-skid Bimagrip on the vehicle tracks. It also meets all relevant ISO safety requirements and is CE and UKCA compliant.
“Unlike concrete ramps, it is a fast fix (taking only a day to install) and offers the flexibility to be moved if needed, and the driver/operator walkway can be fixed to either the right, left or both sides – making it safely accessible for both UK and international drivers.”
Southgate Global is a leading operational logistics and fulfilment equipment, consumables and technical services supplier. With a wealth of expertise across retail, 3PL, e-commerce, post & parcel and general manufacturing, it supports single site, multi-site and global companies across the UK, Europe and beyond. Southgate prides itself on keeping your business moving.