How to Handle Roll Cages Safely

Roll cages are a staple in any warehouse environment, offering a quick and convenient way to transport and store large quantities of goods. However, although roll cages may seem harmless, they aren’t without risk. In fact, the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) has found that in companies that frequently use roll cages, up to a third of workplace accidents are directly related to them. 

It’s essential to reduce the risk of injury and always use roll cages in a safe manner, especially when working in a busy commercial environment. But how do you handle roll cages safely? The experts at Rotomshop UK have compiled some of our top tips in this handy article.

What can go wrong with roll cages?

Whilst roll cages seem straightforward enough to use, they can be responsible for a number of injuries, including: 

Strains and sprains

Roll cages can be tricky to transport around, particularly if the cage is stacked with heavier items or needs to be manoeuvred over uneven surfaces. This can result in awkward movements which may cause injury. Furthermore, if workers underestimate the weight of the roll cage and fail to use proper lifting and handling techniques, this increases the risk of sprains and muscle strains.

Trapped fingers

As most roll cages are comprised of mesh metal sides, hinges and a number of small components, it’s all too easy for fingers to get trapped inside. Workers should always exercise caution when working with roll containers and follow all correct handling procedures, wearing industrial gloves if possible.

Collision and crush injuries

In busy commercial settings, there will likely be multiple roll cages in use at any one time. It’s essential to establish a clear traffic flow to guide movement, reduce congestion and avoid collisions. It’s also vital to ensure all roll containers are loaded correctly, reducing the risk of toppling and potential crush injuries. It may be wise to invest in certain roll cage accessories, like a lashing strap, to provide more stability and help keep items securely in place. 

5 top tips for roll cage safety 

Be wary of slopes

Manoeuvring a roll container up or down a slope is significantly more challenging than pushing it along a flat surface, and it’s much easier to lose control too. It’s best to work in pairs if possible and take extra care when approaching any ramp.

Push, don’t pull

 Pulling heavy items puts unnecessary strain on your body, especially on your back. Not only does pushing take less effort, but you can also see where you’re going, reducing the risk of any collisions. Be sure to engage your core to help generate more power from your legs and minimise the risk of back injuries.

Don’t overload

One of the biggest dangers when using roll cages is the danger of it toppling over and causing crush injuries. Check the capacity of any roll cage before you begin loading it to ensure this limit isn’t exceeded. Trust your instincts; if you feel like the container is too heavy, then it probably is. We’ve included more information about the correct way to load a roll cage below.

Control your speed

Maintaining a slow and steady speed is the key to avoiding any roll cage accidents; the faster your roll container is travelling, the greater the risk of losing control due to the increased momentum. You should only ever move at a walking pace.

Use high-quality roll cages

To prevent injury, it’s essential to have high-quality, ergonomic roll containers that can easily glide over any surface. Here at Rotomshop UK, our roll cages are fitted with a robust metal frame and smooth-rolling castors that allow effortless mobility, reducing strain on the body. We also have a range of both fixed and swivel castors available so that you can customise your roll containers to suit your needs.

How to load a roll cage safely

When loading a roll cage, there are several safety guidelines established by the HSE that you should follow:

• Ensure all cages are loaded with heavy goods at the bottom to prevent the roll container from becoming unbalanced.
• To reduce the risk of goods falling during transit, be sure to stack all products in layers rather than columns for extra stability.
• Only load roll cages when the brake is applied to prevent unintended movement.
• Always load a roll container whilst it’s on a flat surface and never on any ramps or slopes.
• Only use high-quality roll containers and inspect each one before use.

Here at Rotomshop UK, we stock an extensive range of roll containers that are sure to make transporting items around your premises a smooth and hassle-free experience. Our roll cages are manufactured from the highest quality materials to reduce the risk of any injuries or collisions. We offer fast and efficient delivery to businesses across the UK – simply contact us to find out more. Alternatively, you can place an online order with us today.