'WE STRESS SAFETY THROUGHOUT OUR OPERATION'
The safety of our people, the general public and the environment in which we operate is of primary importance to everyone at United Parcel Service.
We train our people to avoid injury to themselves and to others in all phases of their work, to operate motor vehicles, facilities and other equipment with consideration for the safety of themselves, colleagues, partners, members of the general public, customers and the equipment they use.
We encourage participation by all our people in safety awareness activities.
We are all committed to fostering the most effective safe practices in all our work.
Throughout all the centres in our operating district we train our management team to play a leading and active role in the development and ongoing success of our health and safety programmes.
This is a major challenge, but when we are growing and changing rapidly as an organisation, greater emphasis is placed upon local management to implement the plans.
Our local management teams are being supported by the establishment of health and safety functions who will help to develop and manage ongoing POSITIVE safety programmes and committees.
As leader of the local safety management programmes in our various operating units, poor attitudes and performance will not be accepted from Line Managers, especially because of our liability to legal action by the country statutory requirements.
We hold everyone accountable in meeting our own UPS high standards and therefore contributing to a successful and safe operation. The health and safety organisation, programmes and administrative arrangements are being reviewed all the time, but as Line Managers we are responsible for PEOPLE and our BUSINESS in the various communities and environment, we must take the initiative and aim for a QUALITY SAFETY PERFORMANCE, leading to NO ACCIDENTS.
The Health and Safety at Work Act is very clear and reads as follows:
Employees Duties (Section 7 – 8)
It shall be the duty of every Employee whilst at work to:
- 7a) To take reasonable care of him/herself and other persons who may be affected by his/herself acts or omissions while at work.
- 7b) To co-operate with his/her employee and other persons in all matters concerning health and Safety.
- 8) Not to interfere with, or recklessly misuse anything provided in the interests of Health and Safety or welfare
Regular Health and Safety Committee meetings are held, on which each area is represented. Any issues that may arise are acted upon through these committee meetings. Therefore, if you see any dangerous practises or witness a near miss it is important that you report it to your H&S representative Immediately.
- First Aid.
Qualified First Aiders are on site at all times. If you have an accident at work, no matter how minor, you must report it to your nearest First Aider and seek medical assistance. You must also report the incident to your team leader and complete all relevant paperwork.
- Fire Evacuation.
If you discover a fire you should raise the alarm (This will be shown on your site tour) and leave the building. State the location of the fire to the fire Marshall who will raise the alarm. You must evacuate the building by the nearest available exit. Do not stop to collect valuables or attempt to put out the fire. UPS-SCS has qualified Fire Marshall’s whose role it is to ensure a quick evacuation from the premises. After leaving the building by the nearest exit you should go to your relevant assembly point, adjacent to the Security Gatehouse.
It is of utmost importance that you sign in and out at the Gatehouse when arriving at and leaving work as Security uses the register to do the fire roll call. If you have not signed in we will have no way of knowing whether you are on site or not. Do not re-enter the building until the all-clear signal has been given or the Warehouse Manager has instructed you.
1. Stop and Think
Plan the lift. Where is the load to be placed? Use appropriate handling aids if possible. Do you need help with the load? Remove obstructions such as discarded wrapping materials. For a long lift, such as floor to shoulder height, consider resting the load mid - way on a table or bench in order to change grip.
2. Position the feet
Feet apart giving a balanced and stable base for lifting (tight skirts and unsuitable footwear make this difficult) and the leading leg as far forward as is comfortable.
3. Adopt a Good Posture
When lifting from a low level, bend the knees. But do not kneel or over flex the knees. Keep the back straight (tucking in the chin helps). Lean forward a little over the load if necessary to get a good grip. Keep the shoulders level and facing the same direction as the hips.
4. Get a Firm Grip
Try to keep the arms within the boundary formed by the legs. The best position and type of grip depends on the circumstances and individual preference; but it must be secure. A hook grip is less tiring than keeping the fingers straight. If you need to vary the grip as the lift proceeds, do it as smoothly as possible.
5. Keep Close to the Load
Keep the load close to the trunk for as long as possible. Keep the heaviest side of the load next to the trunk. If a close approach to the load is not possible, slide it towards you before trying to lift.
6. Don’t Jerk
Lift smoothly, keeping control of the load.
7. Move the Feet
Don’t twist the trunk when turning to the side.
8. Put Down, Then Adjust
If precise positioning of the load is necessary, put it down first, and then slide it into the desired position.
- Fire Extinguishers.
As you will see there are a variety of extinguishers on site. These come in the form of water, dry powder, foam, CO2 and vaporising liquids. They are designed to tackle various fires. If you are unsure of which extinguisher to use leave it to the Fire Wardens.
- Safety Signs.
You will see various signs throughout the Warehouse. These include Mandatory signs (No Smoking), Prohibited Signs (Do Not Touch – Men Working) and Warning Signs (Danger – MHE in use). These must be adhered to at all times.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
All temporary staff must provide their own Safety Shoes and a high viz vest.
You must wear all of your PPE whilst on the Warehouse floor at all times.
Anyone found not wearing the appropriate PPE will be asked to leave site Immediately and your agency will be asked to provide a replacement.
This is for your own protection not for fun – WEAR IT.
- Use of Company Equipment.
There are various types of manual handling equipment on site. These include Fork Lift Trucks, Reach Trucks, Pallet Ride On, Low Level Order Pickers and VNAs. Under no circumstances should you operate these unless you hold the appropriate licences and have been “skills assessed” by a qualified UPS-SCS M.H.E examiner.
Remember, if in doubt, say no.
- Site Housekeeping.
Please ensure that you maintain good housekeeping at all times. This not only includes your workstation but also the canteen, locker rooms and smoking areas. UPS-SCS is always looking at ways to continuously improve housekeeping standards. Keep your work area clean and tidy, clear up spills and put equipment away when you have finished using them. Clear away cups and plates when using the canteen and use the ashtrays provided to extinguish cigarettes in the designated smoking area.
