UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / July 23, 2026 / New figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain one of the most persistent and costly health issues facing UK workplaces, with an estimated 511,000 workers affected in 2024/25 and 7.1 million working days lost as a direct result.

Pallet Truck Shop says the figures are a reminder that, in warehouses and distribution centres, much of that risk sits at floor level - in the everyday manual handling equipment staff use dozens of times a shift.

The company says well-designed manual pallet trucks, stackers and lift tables remain one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways for businesses to reduce manual handling strain - without the cost or complexity of powered alternatives. Features such as ergonomic tiller handles, smooth-rolling wheels, adjustable lift heights and lower push-pull forces are designed specifically to reduce the physical load on operators carrying out repetitive lifting, lowering and moving tasks.

"When people talk about warehouse safety, the conversation often jumps straight to automation or big capital projects. But for a huge number of businesses, the equipment that matters most day to day is much simpler than that - it's the pallet truck, the stacker, the lift table that staff are using constantly, often without a second thought.

"A well-designed manual pallet truck with the right handle height and a smooth, low-effort action can make a real difference to the physical strain on someone doing that job repeatedly, all day, every day. It’s important that the basic tools they rely on aren't working against them.

"With HSE confirming musculoskeletal disorder prevention as an ongoing priority, this is a good moment for businesses to look again at whether the manual handling equipment on their floor is actually doing its job properly, or whether it's quietly adding to the strain."

Manual handling equipment is often overlooked in wider health and safety reviews, despite being some of the most frequently used equipment in any warehouse. The company recommends regular equipment audits alongside staff training as part of a wider approach to reducing musculoskeletal injury risk.

For more information, please visit: www.pallettrucksuk.co.uk.