DHL Exel Supply Chain, a logistics warehouse operation in The Netherlands, has been awarded 'Safest Warehouse of 2006' after its safety initiatives were judged "best integrated into the daily operation".

DHL distributes Ricoh copy machines in Europe.

A Dutch safety jury chose DHL from a field of 14. They praised DHL's use of separate aisles for order picking and reach trucks. Separate lanes were provided for mobile transport vehicles and pedestrians.

Truck drivers could watch while their trucks were loaded, provided they remained within a blue circle marked on the side of the docks.

A statement said the aisle separation meant more space was required in the order picking area and that had been costly, but DHL had been happy to cover the costs.

Judges noted DHL's high level of order and tidiness. Every machine, from scissor-lifts to forklifts, had its own place in the warehouse.

"There are cleaning stations and lists everywhere on which cleaning jobs can be ticked off," the statement said.

Warehouse manager Ralph Hendrix was "ecstatic" about the prize.

The judging criteria were prevention of accidents and damage; presence of a traffic plan; presence of appropriate tools and infrastructure; execution of safety inspections; presence of an emergency plan; and adequate training and education for all staff.

DHL won a certificate and a cash prize of EUR5,000 that must be spent on strengthening workplace safety.