News Item: New Load Safety Forum Events Commence With Representatives From Across the Industry
On 7th October 2025 at the Scarman Conference Centre, Warwick University, the inaugural Load Safety Forum took place. This pivotal event provided the opportunity for leaders from across multiple industries to engage with like-minded organisations seeking best practice. The Forum was brought together through a partnership with the leading industry supplier CargoStop and stakeholders from equipment hire, builder’s merchants, logistics providers, road hauliers, major clients and trade bodies.
The event was led by Lauren Cramp HSE Director at Travis Perkins, who laid out the aims and objectives of the day. Lauren provided an in-depth presentation about TP’s approach and their campaign ‘Load Secured, Load Checked’. Greg Pell, from British Steel identified their approach to load safety and the key measures they have adopted through their ‘Can’t See, Can’t Work’ initiative.
Mark Horton and Steve Cave from DVSA attended, providing a presentation and insight in the principle legislation around load safety and the guidance that was published in July 2024. This provided the group with the opportunity to hear first-hand how and why DVSA developed their current approach focusing on the entire load journey, from loading to unloading practices, not just securing products.
A panel of leading experts was also utilised for the event, consisting of Neil Napthine CEO, CargoStop; Gregg Pell Logistics Safety Engineer for British Steel; Tom Lister Head of Strategic Partnerships, CargoStop; Paul Gaze CEO, Hire Association Europe; and Lauren Cramp.
Case studies were presented outlining how organisations had established best practice within their operating environments, providing excellent learning opportunity throughout the day. This was further enhanced with breakout groups, seeking views and feedback on areas around the use of technology, who needs to be involved in the process and crucially how do we embed and integrate the importance of load safety into those dealing with this on a day-to-day basis.
Key themes included engagement, planning and ensuring the right procedures, correct processes and products are in place. Load safety is a critical part of the success of any business, large or small, operating within a fast-moving environment.
The final part of the day focused on the advancement in key products to support organisations acquire the appropriate tools to make loads safe. Tom Lister from CargoStop, shared innovative new products developed through consultation with clients, ensuring that a major part of the process starts from sound principles. This very informative session highlighted the importance of correct product selection and the risks of using worn or degraded load-securing equipment that is not fit for purpose.
Lauren Cramp summarised some of the learning from the day and Neil Napthine of CargoStop spoke of the value the forum had brought to all those in attendance.