The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provide inspections targeting how businesses move goods safely.
One issue that has been highlighted for particular scrutiny is the use of roll cages. If your business uses roll cages to move stock, now is the time to make sure your processes are up to standard — both to keep your people safe and to satisfy an inspector if they come knocking.
"some companies that use roll cages continuously have found up to a third of their accidents are roll cage related."
HSE Roll Cages and wheeled racks white paper (link below)
What Are Roll Cages and Why Are They a Risk?
Roll cages are half-pallet sized trolleys with four castors and a wire cage mounted on a base platform. They are widely used in retail, warehouses, hospitality, healthcare and distribution.
The risks associated with roll cages include:
- Musculoskeletal injuries such as back strain, stresses and sprains caused by pushing, pulling or manoeuvring heavily loaded cages (often up to 700kg)
- Crush injuries to fingers, hands, or feet
- Head or brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones and loss of a limb
- Psychological injuries, such as anxiety or depression
Roll cages fall under PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998), meaning they must be:
- Suitable for the purpose of transporting goods
- Adequately maintained
- Used only by staff who have been given proper instruction
From the Manual Handling at Work HSE guide here
Minimising Roll Cage Risks
To protect your workforce and stay compliant with HSE guidance, businesses should:
- Choose the right specification: larger 125mm diameter wheels require less force to move over steps and seals compared to smaller wheels
- Mark maximum load heights: recommended at 1400mm to maintain a clear line of sight
- Keep routes clear: ensure passageways, ramps, and flooring are in good condition
- Fit handles at the right height: around 1,000mm to reduce the risk of hand, finger, and foot injuries (see the HSE paper link below)
- This last point is where iRoll Safety Handles from iTip Safety Handles make a difference.
Benefits of iRoll Safety Handles
Developed to improve manual handling safety across industries, iRoll Safety Handles are an ergonomic add-on designed specifically for roll cages. They provide:
- Reduced injury risk: safe grip at the correct height keeps fingers away from cage corners and feet clear of wheels
- Improved ergonomics: handles reduce strain on the back, shoulders, and wrists, supporting better Health and Safety Executive (HSE) RAPP tool outcomes
- Retrofit solution: clip securely onto existing roll cages, avoiding the cost of replacement* (Note alternative fixings are available including permanent).
- Proven effectiveness: supported by HSE research and workplace testimonials showing reduced musculoskeletal disorders
- Cost-effective compliance: quick, visible safety improvement that supports PUWER and HSE inspection requirements
iRoll Safety Handles on a roll cage with the universal plate adapter. These Safety Handles can be removed at arrival and used on the next roll cage, also allowing stacking.
Stay Ahead of Inspections – and Protect Your Staff
HSE inspections on roll cage use are a clear reminder: safety cannot be left to chance. By adopting solutions like iRoll Safety Handles, you not only reduce the risk of accidents and injuries but also strengthen your compliance with PUWER and HSE guidelines.
When inspectors arrive, being able to show you have assessed the risks and implemented practical safety measures will help keep your business in the clear.
Further Resources
iRoll Safety Handles from iTip Safety Handles – safer handling for roll cages, safer workplaces for your people. Learn more or request a consultation. Visit our www.SafetyHandles.co.uk. Or please contact us at: Hello@SafetyHandles.co.uk 📞0333 800 5000.
