How to stay safe in the e-Commerce and courier industry during the Christmas period?
With the holiday season approaching, the e-Commerce and courier industries are going through one of the busiest times of the year. When customers order packages ahead of the holidays, these industries see a noticeable increase in volume – called a parcel peak. This is a time of increased activity for all teams involved in the process. In turn, for management staff and office workers, it brings a number of challenges related to, for example, ensuring operational efficiency and quality, while ensuring the well-being and safety of employees.
When we place an order online, we may not realize how complicated the process is right after clicking the „Pay” button. Couriers on the front line do everything they can to ensure that the shipment arrives on time, and employees and drivers in warehouses and sorting centers respond to the increase in the number of parcels and ensure that the sorting process is carried out correctly.
During peak parcel times, safety remains paramount, especially for warehouse workers. Established security procedures are essential pillars of protection in environments where time and timing are of the essence and any delays can be challenging to meet customer expectations.
During this time, it is important not to change procedures hastily, and to complete and test any projects in advance to be prepared for potential disruptions and minimize the risk of accidents in the workplace.
As in any industry, safety training (and more) is the basis for employee readiness. Regularly practicing organizationally defined emergency scenarios and training refreshers on the safety pillars can significantly reduce workplace accidents. Employees who undergo comprehensive safety training are much less exposed to accidents during periods of heavy workload, and a reminder of the basic rules before the package rush should be based on the organization’s own experience from previous years, as well as anticipating what it will have to face now .
We cannot forget about ergonomic tips – proper manual handling techniques reduce the risk of injuries to the musculoskeletal system, reducing the number of cases of strains or sprains by up to 60%.
Moreover, incorporating hands-on exercises in safety training improves employee reflexes and real-time decision-making. Data shows that employees who engage in simulated exercises have a 50% improvement in performance. a higher rate of remembering safety procedures, which translates into a reduction in the number of incidents or their consequences in the workplace. Especially during the parcel peak period, efficient operations and quick response are important.
It is difficult to imagine training without a practical part for operating forklifts or obtaining a driving license, but the list of topics that can be included in the demonstration part is practically unlimited – from the rules of first aid during training for several people, to evacuation exercises covering the entire location.
Coupled with these initiatives, periodic security reviews become essential. Conducting an assessment before, during and after the peak season gives you a picture of potential threats and allows you to reduce them in a timely manner.
At the same time, it is necessary to promote a safety-focused culture. Encouraging employees to actively participate in safety discussions and report potential hazards increases collective responsibility for the work environment. Establishing a near-miss reporting system leads to a decrease in the number of accidents and disruptions, not only during peak seasons.
By integrating these practices into daily operations, the courier industry is not only prioritizing employee safety, but also significantly reducing risk during parcel season.
Through targeted and comprehensive safety training, accompanied by a culture of vigilance and proactive actions, the industry is able to ensure a safe and efficient peak season for all employees.
The parcel season in the period preceding Christmas and St. Nicholas Day causes an increase in the movement of goods, vehicles and personnel in logistics warehouses. Increased vigilance and compliance with the security rules adopted in a given organization become non-negotiable factors, and scenarios in the event of disruptions are prepared many weeks in advance.
Supported by Norway through Norway Grants 2014-2021, in the frame of the Programme “Social Dialogue – Decent Work”.
