This is how the warehouse's "most dangerous machine" was mastered - our tips for a safer warehouse

Every day, countless items are ordered online, from furniture and food to clothing and electronics. Almost all of these products share one thing in common: before reaching customers, they pass through a warehouse and are handled by warehouse workers.

Distribution and receiving goods play a vital role in ensuring the smooth flow of goods we rely on daily. However, there’s a darker side. Statistics show that warehouse workers and forklift drivers are among the occupational groups most frequently affected by work-related injuries.

In our 54,000-square-meter central warehouse, over 100 employees work daily to receive, pack and ship thousands of orders from an inventory of over 15,000 products.

It’s the wide variety of products that makes the job so challenging. At the same time, we’re committed to sustainability and want to avoid packaging, storing or shipping air! It’s like a constant game of Tetris to make the most of every inch

Personally Engaged

Fredrik Emilsson knows firsthand the heartbreak that a workplace accident can bring. In October last year, his son tragically lost his life in a farming accident. The loss brought unimaginable grief but also deepened Fredrik’s understanding of the critical importance of safety.

"Although I’ve always prioritised safety, losing my son, Casper, gave it a whole new meaning. It’s about preventing accidents before they happen, no matter the workplace," he says.

Fredrik has always been an advocate for workplace safety, but now it’s a mission he takes even more personally. He strives to honor his son’s memory by creating safer environments and through his work with an organisation that promotes organ donation.

“A parent should never outlive their child. But my son’s organ donation saved five lives,” he shares, finding purpose in his loss and a drive to help others.

Involving everyone

Fredrik credits the smooth operations and low accident rates at his workplace to a strong focus on safety that actively involves all employees.

“Sustainability is our guiding principle - not just for our products but for our people as well. This goes beyond environmental considerations to prioritise safety at the highest level,” he explains.

Fredrik emphasises the importance of creating a supportive work environment. “Many of our team members have been with us for over 20 years. You can’t retain staff if you overwork or pressure them,” he says.

And so the forklift was mastered!

In a warehouse, the forklift is arguably the most essential tool. However, based on accident statistics, it is also one of the most dangerous machines in the workplace.

“Additionally, we’ve installed lights that illuminate the warehouse floor in front of the forklifts, making it easier for colleagues to see when a truck is approaching, especially at intersections.”

To support their teams and spot potential risks early, Fredrik Emilsson and the other supervisors spend as much time as possible working alongside their staff.

“Serious accidents don’t happen in the office,” Fredrik says. “Companies succeed in the long run by listening to and investing in their employees. While pace is important, our ultimate goal is to deliver quality safely and sustainably.”

Fredriks 5 tips for a safer warehouse

1. Think Critically 
   “You need to work preventively, not just react when something happens. For example, if you're redesigning your warehouse, assess potential risks and address them before they become issues.”
2. Open Up and Share Information
   “Nothing should be kept hidden. If something happens, everyone needs to be informed to prevent it from happening again. We hold monthly meetings with our entire workforce of over 100 people to ensure everyone gets the same information at the same time.”
3. Involve The Staff
   “Employees must feel confident that their concerns about safety will be heard. That’s why my supervisors and I spend a lot of time on the warehouse floor, engaging with the team.”
4. Cleaning is a Safety Measure
   “Cleaning should never be done half-heartedly. We have dedicated staff who maintain our premises full-time. It’s essential for safety, as it helps clear away obstacles like pallets or debris that could cause accidents.”
5. Think About The Body - Lift Correctly
   “Working in a warehouse involves a lot of physical activity. Some may think warehouse work doesn’t require physical training, but the body needs to last. That’s why, when we expanded the warehouse, we also built a wellness facility for the whole company with generous opening hours for everyone to use.”