Safety Week @ Hub Leipzig

"Occupational safety is the top priority at the DHL hub in Leipzig," says Matthias Forst, Head of Safety & Security. General awareness of this issue is one aspect of accident-free operations, but the equipment that supports this is the other. And it was precisely this that was the focus of a photo shoot at the end of March to showcase PPE (personal protective equipment).

Colleagues were able to register for the shoot via an internal appeal. A total of 19 colleagues took part. First in the office, then in the terminal and finally on the apron. Even our own company fire brigade was allowed into the limelight with their style.

The shoot was supported by a large number of helpers, such as Karina Eckel from the Equipment Supply Team. She brought numerous products to the shoot. These included safety shoes, trousers, jackets, waistcoats, gloves and, of course, the bump cap, which is always important at the turnstile. "We have a total of 35 items of clothing in our inventory that significantly support occupational safety at the hub and are carefully selected," says Karina.

It is clear that a lack of quality when it comes to workwear can actually have serious consequences for safety. "Our suppliers have to fulfil the highest quality criteria," says Lars Klemmer, who manages the equipment department. The selection is made in close consultation with the safety team at the turnstile.

But back to the camera, because the outfit has to be just as comfortable when posing as when tackling the shift. "We value modern and comfortable clothing. Significant progress has been made in terms of wearing comfort, especially in the shoe sector," explains Karina Eckel on the sidelines of the photo shoot. 

It also became clear during the shoot that safety really does touch the heart. "I'm taking part because I think it's good that DHL cares about the safety of its employees," says Sven Förster from the technical department, before the flurry of flashbulbs starts again.

He is not alone in this. The specially created safety fair in the run-up to World Safety at the end of April drew a lot of inspiration from various hub departments. In addition to numerous exhibitors on various specialist topics, a touch of fashion from Milan, Paris and New York wafted through the terminal to chilled beats.

Lars Klemmer commented on his "collection" while the models who had just been photographed posed on a catwalk in their PPE. "Safety times really sexy. That was our idea," says Madlen Wolf, who came up with the idea for the event.  Together with a large team, she brought a lot of glamour to an often dusty topic. At the hub, this is the way to live the motto "Safety First". 

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