Guidelines for domestic pallet deliveries delayed

Whilst the rise and rise of online shopping – and the resultant increase in domestic final mile deliveries – has been positive for the road transport industry, there is a negative. It’s prompted an increase in the number of bulk deliveries to residential addresses. Following the tragic death of a driver making a tail lift delivery to a house, the industry realised that action was needed. As a result, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) decided that guidance on tail lift delivery pallet weights was required. Already, a number of operators in the sector are refusing to deliver pallets above 750kg to residential addresses. It was planned that would be signed off by an industry group including the RHA and the Association of Pallet Networks during the summer. But to the frustration of some, it’s now been delayed until the end of the year. The reason behind the delay will, in the long-term be beneficial. Before issuing guidance, the working group asked the HSE to include additional advice on training, implementation of the guidelines and its benefits in terms of driver retention. Whilst understanding the frustration felt by some, working group member Richard Smith (RHA Operations Director) said: “We want to ensure that the guidelines are transparent and very supportive to operators. Hence the decision to delay.”