Workers who spend long hours on their feet can be more prone to health issues such as foot and lower back pain, knee problems and muscle fatigue, according to a study of 1,000 non-office workers1. With 47% of logistics and transport professionals suffering from musculoskeletal disorders2, business group Logistics UK is stressing the importance of implementing a safe working environment, starting from the ground up.
“Standing for extended periods forces muscles to work continuously to maintain posture, and over time this constant effort and limited movement can lead to muscle soreness and fatigue,” said Tim Hyde, Head of Retail Operations at Logistics UK. “Much like those who sit down for long periods of time, workers who spend a lot of time on their feet are equally vulnerable to problems, often facing fatigue, back pain and stiffness. These issues can have a significant effect, impacting employees’ overall wellbeing, as well as affecting their concentration and productivity at work.”
Workplace injury and work-related illness can have a significant impact on workers’ lives, often requiring time away from work to recover. The issues also have significant financial implications for employers, with HSE statistics showing, in 2023/24, workplace injury and work-related illness cost around £1.4 billion in the transportation and storage sectors alone.
“Logistics professionals are often working in busy environments, dealing with heavy equipment and operating under pressure, all of which makes them susceptible to injury,” continued Mr Hyde. “It is essential that businesses reduce their risk by ensuring the environment in which they operate is safe and to a high standard.”
HSE research shows the main cause of non-fatal injuries at workplaces are slips, trips and falls, representing 30% of reporting and emphasising the need for even, safe flooring to be installed. The latest addition to the Logistics UK Shop is a range of workplace safety matting solutions designed to reduce workplace risk and improve employee wellbeing, from leading manufacturer COBA.
“Safety matting has a multitude of purposes,” said Mr Hyde. “It reduces employee fatigue, by providing cushioning that encourages circulation, and it also reduces the risk of accidents by creating safer walkways, protecting workers as they go about their jobs.”
In addition to safety matting, employees can reduce their individual risk by following some simple tips:
- Incorporate plenty of movement into the working day.
- Take regular breaks.
- Try gentle exercises at workstations such as heel raises or squats.
- Move more outside of work – walking, going to the gym or any other activity that gets the body moving can strengthen muscles.
The full range of COBA safety matting can be accessed here in Logistics UK Shop.
Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk
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