Managing safety risks during peak season
HEALTH & SAFETY PACKAGING UNDER PRESSURE
SENTRIC SAFETY GROUP
Managing safety risks during peak season
As logistics companies gear up for the holiday rush with events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas, the focus often lands on volumes and delivery deadlines. But packaging, often overlooked, becomes a critical link in maintaining efficiency and safety. During peak periods, rushed decisions and high demand can expose vulnerabilities that increase risks for workers, goods, and operations.
Packaging under strain
Warehouses and distribution centres often run at full capacity, with seasonal staff handling packaging. This can lead to inconsistent practices, poorly secured pallets, overloaded containers, and missing hazard labels. Such errors heighten the chance of spills, collapses, and injuries in already crowded environments.
Transport risks
Transport networks also face extreme strain. Packaging directly affects load safety; unstable or poorly secured goods can shift in transit, causing accidents or injuries during unloading. Incorrect labelling slows down handling, prolongs exposure in hazardous areas, and increases the likelihood of dangerous incidents.
Compliance and cyber concerns
Accurate labelling and data such as barcodes, RFID tags, and compliance labels, are essential for traceability and regulatory adherence. During busy periods, these are sometimes applied incorrectly or missed entirely,
creating compliance gaps. Mislabelled goods may be stored or transported improperly, posing both safety and legal risks.
Communication breakdowns
Peak season pressure often disrupts communication between packaging, logistics, and transport teams. Misunderstandings about weight limits, stacking, or handling instructions can cause packaging failures and accidents. Clear, consistent communication is vital to avoid errors that endanger both shipments and workers.
Best practices for safe packaging
To minimise risks, companies can take proactive measures:
• Standardise protocols: Clear guidelines for materials, labelling, weight, and load stability reduce inconsistencies
• Train staff: Seasonal workers must understand proper packaging procedures and safety implications.
• Invest in safety systems: Equipment like interlocked loading bay safety systems can safeguard against accidents from unstable loads.
• Audit processes: Regular checks help spot rushed or unsafe packaging before issues escalate.
• Strengthen communication: Coordinating across packaging, logistics, and transport functions reduces misunderstandings and risks.
Packaging safety: A critical factor in peak season performance
The seasonal surge is unavoidable, but packaging must not become the weak link in the chain. Poor practices can lead to accidents, product damage, and customer dissatisfaction. By prioritising packaging safety, businesses protect their people, maintain efficiency, and safeguard their reputation.
At the Sentric Safety Group, we help companies manage these pressures with safety solutions like the Salvo Loading Bay Safety System, designed to safeguard against accidents during loading and unloading- even in peak season.
For further information, please visit www. sentricsafetygroup. com / applications / loading-bay-safety /
78 PECM Issue 76