Roll cages, or roll pallets/ roll containers, are widely used in supermarkets and grocery stores to transport products efficiently. However, these devices can pose significant risks to workers and customers if mishandled.
Here’s a roll cage in action. A user shared a little secret: 'We buy extra big shoes because toes often get run over by the castors.' Thankfully, this roll cage is equipped with iRoll Safety Handles. These innovative handles, along with other safety features, are designed to keep hands and toes safely away from the roll cage, preventing such accidents.
Common Injuries Associated with Roll Cages:
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Muscle Strains and Sprains
- Pushing or pulling heavy roll cages, especially on slopes or uneven surfaces, can result in musculoskeletal disorders.
- Repetitive loading and unloading further increases the risk. (Source: HSE)
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Crush Injuries
- Overloaded or unstable roll cages may tip over, leading to workers being trapped or crushed.
- Severe injuries have been reported from falling cages. (Source: Safer Food Scores)
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Cuts and Lacerations
- Damaged roll cages with sharp edges pose a risk of severe cuts during handling.
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Trips and Falls
- Roll cages left unattended in aisles create hazards for both staff and customers.
- In one notable case, a shopper was awarded $19 million after tripping over a pallet. (Source: Expert Institute)
Legal Considerations and Claims
Workers or customers injured by roll cages may be entitled to compensation. Employers have a duty to ensure a safe working environment, and failure to do so could lead to liability claims. See the £2.2million fine reported on the BBC for a retailer here. For more details visit: Legal Expert – Roll Cage Accident Claims
Preventive Measures:
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Regular Maintenance:
- Inspect roll cages for damage (e.g., broken wheels, sharp edges) and repair them promptly.
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Proper Training:
- Employees should receive training on safe handling, including pushing, pulling, and loading techniques. They should also be issued with handling aids.
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Load Management:
- Avoid overloading roll cages and ensure loads are evenly distributed to prevent tipping.
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Use of Equipment:
- iRoll Safety Handles from iTip reduce manual handling injury risk (see below).
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Clear Pathways:
- Keep aisles clear and store roll cages properly when not in use to prevent trips and falls.
iRoll Safety Handles
This clever design improves the ergonomics of handling roll cages (roll pallets/roll containers) in supermarkets, warehouses, and other retail environments. These handles help reduce manual handling injuries in several key ways:
Without and with iRoll Safety Handles, the dangers to hands and toe bone breaks and crushing are removed, as another 10 safety issues with roll containers.
1. Improved Ergonomic Grip
- Traditional roll cages require workers to grip metal bars at awkward angles, increasing strain on wrists and hands.
- iRoll Safety Handles provide a comfortable, ergonomic grip that allows for a more natural hand and wrist position, reducing the risk of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), carpal tunnel syndrome, and wrist fatigue.
iRoll, iTip's removable safety handle for roll containers
2. Reduced Risk of Finger and Hand Injuries
- Without dedicated handles, workers often grab unstable or sharp parts of the roll cage, leading to cuts, pinching, or crushing injuries.
- iRoll handles offer a secure, designated gripping point, minimising these risks.
They also work with bread baskets like these at McDonalds.
3. Better Posture and Reduced Back Strain
- When pushing or pulling roll cages without proper handles, workers may hunch over or adopt poor posture, leading to back, neck, and shoulder injuries.
- iRoll Safety Handles position the hands at an optimal height, encouraging a straighter posture and reducing strain on the lower back.
For more details on Safety Handles contact Hello@SafetyHandles.co.uk or ring 0333 800 5000
