Accolades demonstrate Filstorage’s commitment to safety

YORKSHIRE racking specialist Filstorage is putting safety at the core of everything it does after achieving two industry accolades.

The business has once again scored highly in a recent advanced audit by SEMA (Storage Equipment Market Association), putting it in an elite band of around 20 companies UK-wide.

Mike Gorman, Sales Director for Filstorage, also passed the SEMA Approved Cantilever Inspector module, adding to his existing SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI) qualification.

The qualification enables him to report on the safety and compliance of various racking systems, to determine the condition of warehouse and other racking systems, and advise on maintenance and repair works.  

The two achievements demonstrate the company’s commitment to safety, both in its own processes and in providing professional advice to builders merchants, the warehousing and logistics industry, and the retail sector on how to ensure their warehouses remain safe places to work.

Paul Taylor, Managing Director of Filstorage, congratulated all staff in helping to ensure a high SEMA audit score, and Mike for passing his cantilever racking inspectors qualification.

He said: “These are both great results and I’m very proud of everyone involved.

“Safety is paramount to us because we have to ensure that in all the jobs we carry out, the staff and the customers of the client business are protected.

“What many people don’t realise is the racking industry is unregulated and that is crazy when you think of the damage, injury, and potential death the collapse of a racking system can result in.

“We have more than 30 years’ of experiencing in supplying and fitting racking and we strive to lead the industry when it comes to safety. We feel achieving these awards demonstrates that commitment.”

SEMA exists to promote and extend the safe design, installation and use of storage equipment manufactured and supplied by its members.

The audit is extremely in depth and looks at all aspects of a company’s processes and procedures, including health & safety, environmental policy, staff training, quality control and how companies manage accidents.

Filstorage scored top marks on almost all aspects of the examination, placing it in an elite group of businesses across the UK.

Mike Gorman said achieving the cantilever racking inspector qualification added another string to Filstorage’s bow.

He said: “We’re well known for supplying and fitting new racking, shelving and storage systems, but we also work with many companies to produce an in-depth condition report about their racking and make recommendations about the maintenance work needed to optimise safety and extend its working life.

“This is a win-win. Regularly inspecting your racking system is important for health and safety, legal compliance, and to reduce the risk of injury, property damage, and racking collapse.

“In the worst cases, people can be badly injured by falling racking or goods, and even lose their lives. Ensuring that your racking is regularly and properly inspected will flag up any faults as they occur.”