Workplace & Premises

From goods movement and materials handling to staff facilities, entrance matting, and crowd management, Cocus stocks the everyday equipment that keeps workplaces running safely and efficiently.

Regulatory Requirements

  • Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require employers to maintain safe access routes and prevent slipping and tripping hazards on floors and in traffic routes.
  • Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require employers to assess and reduce manual handling risks β€” appropriate trolleys and handling equipment help demonstrate compliance.
  • Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply to the use of any steps, ladders, or mobile platforms. All equipment must be appropriate for the task, and users must be trained in safe use.

Choosing the right sack truck or trolley for your workplace

The right materials handling equipment reduces injury risk and increases efficiency. Sack trucks suit tall, stackable items such as boxes and drums. Platform trolleys are better for flat, heavy loads. Folding multi-purpose trucks offer flexibility for varying loads. Always check the rated load capacity against your heaviest anticipated load, and ensure the wheel type is suited to your floor surface. Browse our full Trucks & Trolleys range for a product to suit every application.

Entrance matting: reducing slip risk at your premises

Wet entrances are one of the highest-risk slip zones in any commercial premises. HSE data shows that slips account for over a third of all major workplace injuries. A quality entrance mat absorbs moisture and dirt from footwear before it reaches internal flooring. For high-footfall entrances, a recessed mat pit with a heavy-duty commercial mat is the most effective solution. Our Floor Safety & Matting range includes commercial-grade entrance mats, anti-fatigue matting, and non-slip strips for internal stairways and ramps.

Locker storage and staff facilities compliance

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require employers to provide adequate changing facilities and secure storage for staff clothing and personal items. PPE lockers with dedicated compartments help prevent cross-contamination of PPE in higher-risk environments. Our Lockers range includes standard personal lockers, PPE-specific units, and multi-tier configurations for high-density changing rooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What load capacity do I need for a sack truck?

Most standard sack trucks are rated at 200–300kg. For heavier applications such as moving gas cylinders, catering equipment, or commercial appliances, look for trucks rated at 500kg or above. Always check the weight of your heaviest anticipated load against the product's stated maximum capacity.

What type of entrance mat is best for a commercial premises?

For most commercial entrances, a heavy-duty coir or rubber-backed entrance mat provides a good balance of moisture absorption and durability. For very high footfall (over 500 people per day), a recessed mat in a mat well prevents the mat moving and provides maximum dirt retention. All mats should be regularly cleaned and replaced when scraper fibres are worn.

Are wheelie bins collected by councils for commercial premises?

Commercial wheelie bins are generally not collected as part of domestic waste services. Most UK councils require commercial premises to arrange a separate commercial waste contract with a licensed waste carrier. Some councils offer commercial collections, but charges apply. Check with your local authority for your area's policy.

Do platform steps need to be inspected?

Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, any equipment used for working at height must be inspected at appropriate intervals by a competent person. For platform steps used regularly, a pre-use visual check and a more thorough periodic inspection (typically annually) are good practice. Any damaged, corroded, or unstable steps should be taken out of service immediately.