The Association of Loading and Elevating Equipment Manufacturers (ALEM) represents the interests of UK manufacturers and suppliers of loading bay equipment including dock levellers, scissor lifts, tail lifts, yard ramps and dock shelters.

John Meale
Executive Committee Member at ALEM

Traditionally, safety considerations have focused on loading docks, dock levellers, platforms, traffic lights, transport vehicles and materials handling equipment. Subsequently, measures were introduced to ensure the safety of personnel working in the vicinity of any moving parts. Within this scope, attention has been directed at the reliance upon interlocks with dock levellers and/or door controls plus the importance of feedback from loading bay operatives and transport vehicle drivers.

However, the emergence of the Coronavirus pandemic has heightened the particular importance of safe working practices within the hectic environment of a modern loading bay. During these times, the efficiency of the UK’s logistics industry has been invaluable in the smooth delivery of essential goods to warehouses, hospitals, supermarkets and many other businesses. Consequently, employees within the industry have been recognised as key workers and ALEM has devised strategies to ensure the highest levels of personal protection.

John Meale – managing director of Thorworld Industries – has helped to influence standards, directives, regulations, guidance documents and measures for almost 40 years. He says, “As an Association, our advanced level of industry knowledge enables us to advise our members particularly regarding social distancing practices in loading and unloading areas.”

John refers to installations fulfilled during the initial Coronavirus lockdown period, where ALEM members were still safely and successfully installing vital loading equipment designed to ensure frontline logistics and medical operations. “Allowing safe and successful logistics has – and continues to be – critical to enabling the movement of operations nationwide, from food supplies to medical deliveries.

“Those working in the logistics sector play an essential role in ensuring vital dispatch of goods and deliveries and, if social distancing measures are carried out correctly, there is no need for their important work to stop.

“To effectively support these key workers, we’ve relied heavily on the experience gained from first hand involvement with ALEM as the best route to understanding the standards and regulations needed to perform safely and effectively in any situation, including emergency events.

“When sourcing loading bay equipment, it’s important that suppliers are qualified and approved to meet all recommended standards, directives and regulations. That’s why ALEM members can be trusted and relied upon during today’s challenging environment.”

ALEM

020 8253 4501

alem@admin.co.uk

www.alem.org.uk

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