As UK businesses tighten budgets and chase higher productivity in the wake of rising employment costs, Midland Pallet Trucks is urging the warehousing and logistics sectors not to lose sight of employee wellbeing and safety in the push for greater output.
Recent research by recruitment firm Robert Half reveals that 62% of workers already fear being overworked, with 39% of employers planning to increase performance expectations to offset higher National Insurance Contributions and Minimum Wage increases. In industries like warehousing, where physical labour is constant and risk is ever-present, the cost of cutting corners could be dire.
Midland Pallet Trucks, a leading supplier of manual handling equipment, is speaking out to remind employers that well-supported staff are not only more productive in the long run, but also safer. Overwork and fatigue are major contributors to workplace accidents in the logistics sector, where even momentary lapses in concentration can lead to serious injury.
Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Trucks UK, said, “Businesses may be feeling the pressure to do more with less, but asking already stretched staff to carry the load can be a recipe for disaster – both for the wellbeing of employees and the bottom line. In warehousing environments especially, fatigue can result in costly mistakes and accidents. Investing in proper equipment and maintaining safe workloads is essential risk management – and with some smart spending, it you don’t need to break the bank.”
As businesses opt for smaller teams or delay recruitment, the physical strain on existing warehouse operatives can increase dramatically. Midland Pallet Trucks says employers must respond with tools and infrastructure that support efficiency without compromising on safety.
Reliable hand pallet trucks, lift tables, and stacker trucks are among the many ergonomic handling solutions that can play a crucial role in reducing strain and preventing injury.
He added, “Retaining a skilled workforce is about more than pay. It’s about showing that their wellbeing matters and that their safety is paramount. That means not just asking for more but giving workers the right tools to do the job safely and sustainably.”