They Danced with Pallets Again!

Seventeen forklift operators from across Poland once again showcased their skills in Gądki. This wasn’t a waltz or tango, but rather a high-level stacking challenge and a transit obstacle course—two demanding competitions in the 9th edition of the "Dancing with Pallets" contest.

Extraordinary displays of skill, precision, and safety across various challenges—this is the best way to describe the grand finale of the “Dancing with Pallets” contest, which took place on February 8, 2025, at the largest logistics center of the Raben Group in Gądki. This was the ninth edition of the event, organized in collaboration between Raben Group and STILL Polska.

The competition is designed for forklift operators and highlights two key aspects of a warehouse worker’s daily job. First, it aims to raise awareness about workplace safety in warehouses. Second, it recognizes operators’ skills and elevates the prestige of their profession.

“Dancing with Pallets is an event that demonstrates how safety in warehouse operations can be effectively conveyed through competition. It promotes safe behavior and acknowledges the hard and responsible work of warehouse workers. Today’s finalists—the best of the best within our organization—showcased not only their commitment to safety but also speed and remarkable precision,” commented Wojciech Szafran, General Director of Raben Logistics Polska.

During the final stage, 17 of the best forklift operators from Raben Group in Poland, selected through regional eliminations, competed for the top spots. Once again, the participants tested their skills in two categories: the high-level stacking challenge and the transit obstacle course.

“Our employees’ high level of expertise is the foundation of safe warehouse operations. This contest also serves an educational role, reinforcing good practices and proper behavior. Furthermore, the initiative aims to appreciate the dedication and professionalism of those responsible for the daily movement of goods within warehouses. Employee development is also a key factor—this event allows them to showcase their outstanding forklift operating skills. Many people don’t realize the level of precision and accuracy this job requires. If anyone doubts it, they should watch our finalists and try to do what they do,” explained Dominika Olejniczak, HR Director at Raben Logistics Polska.

The contest also provides an opportunity for the best forklift operators within Raben Group to compete. The primary motivation behind organizing this event is to recognize the role of forklift operators and raise awareness about warehouse safety.

Each year, the regional eliminations consist of two parts: a theoretical section focused on best practices and desirable behaviors and a practical section where operators navigate an obstacle course, aiming for the shortest completion time. The 2024 regional eliminations, held in the fall, saw the participation of over 100 contestants!

The competition was divided into two categories: the high-level stacking challenge (for high-bay warehouse workers) and the transit obstacle course (for cross-dock workers). Finalists were supported by their loved ones, making the competition about more than just financial rewards—it was about earning the recognition of family and children.

“We are organizing this event once again with Raben Group because safety is just as important to them as it is to us. Although the final competitions differ from daily warehouse operations in form, they assess skills in terms of precision, speed, and, most importantly, adherence to rules—key factors in improving workplace safety. Both in the finals and during the regional eliminations, we observed that the operators placed great emphasis on performing their runs with the highest safety standards,” summarized Przemysław Wlazeł, Director of Strategic Clients at STILL Polska.

For logistics companies, warehouse safety is of utmost importance. Studies show that most accidents during warehouse operations result from improper employee behavior. This is why Raben Group strongly emphasizes educating and raising awareness among employees about safe and regulation-compliant practices in both warehouse and office environments. The company believes that prevention and proper knowledge are the best approaches—an idea embedded in its SHE (Safety, Health, and Environment) philosophy.

Additionally, the contest serves as an excellent Employer Branding tool, demonstrating that Raben engages its employees in unique educational initiatives.

Winners of the Grand Finale of DANCING WITH PALLETS:

Transit Obstacle Course:

1. Adam Turaczyk – Raben Logistics Polska, Cholerzyn

2. Piotr Wieloch – Raben Logistics Polska, Szczecin

3. Sebastian Michalski – Raben Logistics Polska, Lublin

High-Level Stacking Challenge:

1. Radosław Dąbrowski – Fresh Logistics Polska, Gliwice

2. Wiktor Kuczyński – Raben Logistics Polska, Tarnów

3. Dawid Kujawa – Raben Logistics Polska, Swadzim

Congratulations to all participants who demonstrated exceptional knowledge of safety regulations and outstanding forklift operating skills. We invite you to take part in future editions!