Without the logistics industry, the UK economy would grind to a halt. It ensures the delivery and storage of goods and materials around the country, and covers not only the haulage and distribution sector but the warehousing sector as well.
Sadly, the logistics industry has an above-average injury rate.
Non Fatal Injuries in Transportation and Storage
Over the eight-year period from 2012/13 to 2019/2020, the percentage rate of non-fatal injuries in the different sectors of transportation and storage (per 100,000 workers) are almost all higher than the all-industries average of 1.9%
- Post and Courier 3.4%
- Warehousing 2.9%
- Road Haulage 2.7%
- Transport 1.4%
- Air, docks & ports, and other logistics sectors provided too few sample cases
The high accident rate of the logistics industry is partly due to the size and weight of some of the loads involved and the vehicles and equipment required to transport them. But it is also down to the fragmented nature of the industry, which relies on people being on the move all the time, often visiting many different premises, each of which will have a different approach to risk management and different safety systems.
There are also a few specialised areas within the industry that carry particular risks or difficulties:
Types of Accident
In the transportation and storage sector there were 8,864 non-fatal injuries reported to RIDDOR in 2019/2020. Of these 2,011 were specified injuries and 6,853 were over-7-day injuries.
Of the over-7-day injuries, these were the causes: lifting/carrying 29%, slips, trips or falls 28%, being struck by a moving/falling object 12%, fall from height 6%, struck by a moving vehicle, 4%, striking against something fixed or stationary 4%, contact with machinery 2%, other accidents 15%.
Contact Thompsons Today
If you or a loved one have been injured in an accident while working in the logistics sector, you might be eligible to make a compensation claim.
As one of the leading personal injury law firms in Scotland, Thompsons Solicitors is expert in making compensation claims for workplace accidents. Contact our expert No Win No Fee lawyers today FREE on 0800 0891331 and one of our specialist advisors discuss your options with you.