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pallet safety

Pallet Safety Tips for Warehouse Workers

VWB Blog 1 year ago 26

Are you looking to create a safe working environment for your employees?

In a warehouse, the last thing you need is an unnecessary injury. There are plenty of accidents that can occur, regardless of whether you are working with heavy machinery or using large pieces of equipment.

Wooden pallets are an excellent material for moving, storing, or even supporting heavy or light items in your warehouse. They’re quite strong and often cheaper than other materials.

We want to discuss pallet safety. This is one of the most important topics that every warehouse worker should take the time to understand.

Train Employees On Pallet Lifting Techniques

Warehouse workers should be trained in proper pallet lifting techniques to prevent pallet-related injuries and accidents. Workers should use their legs, not their backs, to lift pallets and should never attempt to move a pallet that is too heavy.

Pallets should also be stacked in an organized way so that workers can see which ones need to be moved. Proper pallet jacks like turret truck should also be used to transport heavy and large pallets. All workplace regulations and safety protocols should be reviewed periodically so that workers are aware of the risks associated with handling pallets.

Avoid Lifting By a Single Person

When transporting pallets, they need to abide by one of the most important safety tips — avoid lifting by a single person. Moving heavy objects, such as a pallet, is a job for two people.

Trying to carry the weight of a pallet alone can easily cause a strain on the body, and workers may find themselves struggling to keep their balance. The risk of injuries increases exponentially when a single person attempts to lift and move a pallet.

Two people should take hold of the pallet, keeping it steady and centered, and then lift and move it together. Doing so will always result in a safe and successful lift. Not only is it dangerous, but it is also a hindrance to workflow efficiency when a single person attempts to lift a pallet alone.

Avoid Overload or Unevenly Loaded Pallets

Never overload pallets or use more weight than required. Too much weight can cause the pallet to buckle, lose stability, and lead to items dropping off. Make sure the weight is evenly distributed throughout the pallet.

If all of the weight is concentrated in the middle, it can cause the pallet to become top heavy which, much like an overloaded pallet, can cause the entire stack to come tumbling down. And do not place heavier items on the top layer of the pallet stack. The heavier items should be placed on the bottom layers of the pallet to offset the top-heavy feeling of the pallet.

Keep The Warehouse Floor Safe And Clean

Keeping the warehouse floors clean is of the utmost importance for preventing accidents. Make sure there is proper signage to alert the workers of possible dangers. Remove obstacles and fix immediate issues that can cause slips, trips, or falls.

Inspect pallets before use and replace any that have broken or loose boards. Place caution signs near places that have wet floors or other objects that could be a hazard. Also, pay attention to the stacking of materials on pallets to prevent any materials from falling or spilling over.

Wear Cut Resistant Gloves

These gloves offer superior protection against cuts, slivers, and splinters, which are common when dealing with pallets. It should fit snugly and not be too loose or too bulky that they get in the way.

Pallets are used to stack and transport goods, but the nails and boards can be sharp. If a worker’s skin comes in contact with the pallet, it could result in serious injury or illness.

The cut-resistant glove is designed with a protective layer against accidental cuts and prevents further damage. Also, be sure to cover any areas of the skin that may come into contact with the pallets such as your hands, wrists, arms, and fingers.

Avoid Standing And Walking On Pallets

These hazards can include slipping, tripping, or falling, which can lead to serious injury. Standing or walking on pallets can cause the pallets to become unstable and can lead to crushing or pinching if they are carrying heavy objects. The best way to avoid these hazards is to use a ladder, forklift, or other equipment to safely access items on top of the pallet.

Avoid Placing Pallets on Their Sides

Warehouse workers need to avoid placing pallets on their sides when handling them. This practice can make the product stored on the pallet unsafe and unstable, which can lead to damage or injury.

It is also more difficult for workers to pick up and store pallets in this position, as they are more cumbersome. It is best to keep the pallets vertical, such as standing upright on their forks, to ensure the safety of both the workers and the product stored within them. And pallets should be placed on a level, non-slippery surface and should never be stacked too high.

Immediately Discard Damaged Pallets

Immediately discarding any damaged pallets is vital to prevent workplace accidents from occurring. Damaged pallets can splinter, break or cause injury if they aren’t discarded promptly.

Warehouse workers should inspect any pallet they use before attempting to move any product or equipment that is placed on the pallet. Pallets should be routinely inspected to check for any rotting, cracking, or other signs of damage.

If anything is found, workers should discard the pallet immediately and check for any defects with the next pallet. Damaged pallets can be a safety hazard and should not be put in use. It is up to warehouse workers to do their part in keeping their workplace safe by discarding any damaged pallets immediately.

Exploring The Pallet Safety Tips for Warehouse Workers

By following the pallet safety tips for warehouse workers, workers can help to protect themselves in the workplace. Workers should make sure to wear the proper safety gear and inspect the pallet and load before use.

Moreover, don’t forget to use good housekeeping practices and store pallets in the correct location. Embrace these helpful safety tips for a smoother, safer work experience.

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