Work Well During Summer

It’s coming up to that time of year! Now the clocks have gone forward, it’s only a matter of time before we can all enjoy those long summer days. However, for those working outside, in physically demanding roles or on the road, the summer months can be an uncomfortable time to work in. So beat the heat with these top tips!

Keep hydrated. Make a habit of carrying bottled water with you where possible and try to drink as regularly as possible. It’s easy to forget to drink plenty of water, especially in the warehouse, or when driving long distances. So keep your water close by at all times!

Take a break! If the conditions are hotter than normal, it can be difficult to work at the same pace, especially if there’s no air conditioning! Pace yourself and take a break if necessary.

Stay safe in the sun! If you work outside, it’s easy to forget that during the summer months the sun can be dangerous. Don’t forget to apply sun cream at the start of your day, and during the day if necessary.

What time is it? If possible, you should try to stay out of the sun as much as possible between 12pm – 3pm, as this is when the sun is highest in the sky and can cause the most damage.

For more information about our latest vacancies or to find out how Flexistaff can support your business, contact us on 0844 556 2916 or office@flexistaffuk.com.

Is your vehicle overloaded?

If you drive for a living, you’ll understand that it can sometimes be a highly pressured position, with demand for fast delivery now higher than ever.

However, van overloading can be a huge risk the driver and other drivers on the road. And yet, 9 out of 10 vehicles were found by the DVSA to be overloaded and therefore a risk to themselves and others on the road.

Vehicle manufacturers are trying to respond to the risk as best they can, with early collision warning systems becoming ever more sophisticated.

Whilst manufacturers are investing into new and more advanced safety technology, these advances are almost redundant if drivers don’t comply with weight specifications. Companies must actively remind all drivers of the risk and ensure correct procedures are followed.

Smaller vans remain unregulated when it comes to load, so organisations must take responsibility and promote good practise.

For more information about our driving vacancies, or to find out how Flexistaff can support your business, contact us on 0844 556 2916 or office@flexistaffuk.com.

Should your return to a former employer?

It’s not often a situation most people come across, but from time to time job seekers might find themselves considering a return to a former employer. Is this ever a good idea? And how should you manage the situation?

Is it possible? We’d always recommend you leave any employer on good terms, and this is why. If you are considering a return to a former employer, you must have left without burning any bridges. If you left due to a family matter, career progression, relocation or education, there’s no reason why you can’t introduce yourself again.

Do your research. Things may have changed – or they may not have. It’s worth researching the organisation for information as if they were a new potential employer. Think of your experience with your former employer; sometimes the grass is greener on the other side, sometimes not.

What about your network? Has anyone else returned to the organisation that you know? Are there people still working there that you used to work with? Talk to them to find out more about the current situation.

Your return might be different. Be prepared for the fact that you could return to an employer without the same benefits you enjoyed previously. But equally, the benefits package might have improved since you left!

Returning to a former employer is an important decision, so take your time to do so!

For more information about our latest vacancies, or to find out how Flexistaff can support your business, contact us on 0844 556 2916 or office@flexistaffuk.com.

Transporting a forklift safely

Forklifts have a specific job – lifting and moving goods. They aren’t classed as vehicles so can’t be driven on roads for moving them from warehouse to warehouse. So what considerations do you need to make to transport your forklift safely?

Check dimensions! Not all forklifts are equal – if you want to transport your forklift before you look into transporters make sure you know the dimensions of your forklift and that it will fit in the transporter vehicle.

Safe and secure. Reverse your forklift onto the trailer and park it in the centre of the trailer to ensure balance. Use ratchets and chains to secure the forklift in place. And always check the fuel compartment is safe with no spillages!

Check you need to transport your forklift before you do it! The cost of transporting a forklift may be more expensive than hiring a forklift where you need it – so check your prices first!

For more information about our current forklift vacancies, or to find out how Flexistaff can support your business, contact Flexistaff on 0844 556 2916 or office@flexistaffuk.com.