Page 26 - Logistics News June 2019
P. 26
Safety
Safety and
warehouse
storage
Courtesy www.ohsonline.com
Emergency preparedness
is equally as important as
prevention in maintaining
a safe workplace.
SAFETY IS the top priority when designing weight capacity can reduce falling items and
a warehouse and choosing storage. Well- injuries related to overloading. Loads on the
utilised storage equipment is conducive racks need to be stacked evenly and straight
to creating a safer work environment and to ensure weight capacity is distributed
reducing workplace injuries. properly. Spacing between items on the racks
Accidents and injuries in warehouses are can affect the stability of storage.
preventable and come with many serious Consider how the items held on racks
consequences. Preventable costs of a rack will be retrieved and plan accordingly. Store
collapse include workers’ compensation and heavier and larger loads on lower or middle
insurance rate increases, fines and safety shelves to minimise lifting and forklift injuries.
violations, legal expenses and replacing Making sure stacked materials are accessible
storage and damaged material. To avoid for handling will help to reduce injuries and
the pitfalls and detrimental effects of an strain from challenging lifting situations.
accident, use the utmost caution when Ensuring all hazardous chemicals are properly
planning warehouse storage and design. labelled and stored and that a material safety
Proper design, installation and maintenance data sheet (MSDS) is kept in an accessible
of storage racks will make the warehouse location are important steps in having an
environment a safe and healthy workplace for emergency response plan.
all employees.
Assembly and maintenance of storage
Choosing a provider Safety begins with an effective warehouse
The first step to warehouse storage safety is design and installation of storage performed
choosing an experienced, reputable provider. by personnel experienced in the assembly of
When you choose a company to assist you racks according to manufacturer instructions.
with warehouse design and installation, you They will help you assess what will be stored
are placing your trust and employee safety and analyse the size, weight and quantity to
in that company’s hands. Conduct research recommend the most suitable products and
about potential suppliers’ safety history, configuration.
brands used and look for red flags, such as Be sure that adequate aisle spacing is
lawsuits and negative reviews. provided to allow forklifts to safely pass
and transport loads. Make sure racks are
Designing for inventory not exposed to excessive dampness or
When choosing storage, the size, shape other elements that would compromise the
and weight of the items to be stored need structural integrity. Appropriate lighting must
to factor into the style of racking that is provide adequate visibility in work areas. It is
selected. Ensuring the pallet racking will highly recommended that capacity signs are
accommodate the proper object size and installed on storage for reference.
24 June 2019 | Logistics News
