Access platforms and MEWPs for retail

Retailers are often under pressure to provide equipment that enables safe and efficient work at height, while also having minimal impact on the retail environment. HLS, are dedicated to helping you meet your needs and reduce accidents in a cost-effective and efficient way.

HLS 360 platform steps in fashion retail shop

Working at height in retail

Many retailers have employees working at height on an almost daily basis – moving stock, changing displays, deploying POS material and other visual merchandising activity, and carrying out general cleaning and maintenance duties. However, the pressure to complete tasks quickly, with minimal disruption in-store sometimes means this work is carried out in an unsafe and non-compliant way – often store employees resorting to use of unofficial or inappropriate access. With falls from height accounting for 26% of all workplace fatalities in the UK (HSE - 2015-16 stats), finding a solution to this becomes a clear priority.

Having worked with some of Europe’s leading retail brands HLS has a proven track record in solving retailers’ unique compliance and safety challenges. Traditional MEWPs are not always right for a retail environment. So whether you need simple, safe ladder platforms, a push-around or driveable access platform for your shops, or could use our bespoke or consultancy service, we can help you comply with regulations, avoid accidents and near-misses, and maximise your employees’ ability to keep displays up to date and shelves full.

Rachel Riding

HLS working at height expert

“With the right work at height solution, retailers can comply with the Work at Height Regulations 2005, LOLER and PUWER without having to compromise. They can also make a massive difference to morale, and avoid any number of indirect costs around sick pay, overtime, increased insurance premiums and legal bills. And because we understand that employee turnover can be high in some retail environments we can recommend products that do not require extensive operator training, or where colleagues can be trained in just a few hours.”

“Duty holders have the responsibility to ensure they have suitable competent advice to be able to fully understand the risks employees face, and implement adequate control measures so they can work safely.”

HSE Inspector, “Company and general manager fined after safety failings”

For more insight into the work we do in the retail sector request a case study on how we tailored a package for a leading fashion retailer to enable twice daily VM work to be carried out with minimal cost and risk - giving them a tangible competitive advantage