SEMA has announced the launch of a new Duty Holders course which it says will be the “first dedicated training programme aimed directly at warehouse owners and leadership.”
Set to launch in September, the two-hour online course has been designed for anyone responsible for workplace safety and will cover the UK framework governing racking, the legal responsibilities that come with it, and practical steps businesses can take to stay safe and compliant.
The course launches as warehouse operations come under increasing scrutiny from regulators. Warehouses commonly appoint racking suppliers, installers and inspectors, and train employees as Person Responsible for Racking Safety (PRRS) to carry out regular visual inspections. However, according to SEMA, it is ultimately the decisions of senior management teams that come under scrutiny when something goes wrong.
The consequences of a racking failure can be severe, ranging from lost stock and operational shutdowns to serious injury. If an accident does occur, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) can issue substantial fines, pursue prosecution, and in the most serious cases, prison sentences.
SEMA states that, until now, there has been no dedicated training setting out the specific responsibilities of warehouse owners, directors and managers in relation to racking safety.
Accordingly, the new Duty Holders course is aimed at business owners, company directors, senior managers and those responsible for workplace safety. It will provide attendees with practical knowledge of risk assessments, inspections and racking protection while also explaining the role of the PRRS, why acting on inspection reports isn’t optional, and why ignoring recommendations can carry serious legal consequences.
Nick Betteley, President of SEMA, commented: “Until now, there has been very little support for warehouse directors, operational and compliance managers on how to ensure racking is safe and compliant. Yet, if something did go wrong with the racking and it was found that your business had failed to conduct the required inspections or act on reports of damage, you will be responsible for any action taken against the business.
“This racking Duty Holders course aims to provide senior management teams with the knowledge they need to meet legal requirements.”
For more information on the course and to book your place, visit www.sema.org.uk/racking-duty-holders-course/.
Since 1968, SEMA (the Storage Equipment Manufacturers’ Association) has forged its reputation for excellence to become the lead voice on safe storage practice. Today, SEMA Approved racking manufacturing and supplier members, together with industry guidance and training initiatives, combine their knowledge, skill and expertise as the British Trade Association of the Storage Equipment Industry.
SEMA’s mission is to support warehouse owners by promoting and extending the safe design, installation and use of storage equipment.
