Each OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) accident report always highlights the role of pallets can play critically in warehouse injuries.
Pallets make it possible for warehouse personnel to lift huge loads with the help of certain mechanical equipment. However, they can also put employee safety at risk, if items shifted during transport or if large machinery breaks down.
Pallet accidents can be reduced by employee training on safety precautions. Additionally, in order to avoid injuries and safeguard equipment, warehouse managers can think about alternatives to wood pallets.
Top Industries can offer you a customized solution for a pallet inverter for your operation to minimize the chances of any accident.
To ensure your workers stay safe, and also your pallets undamaged, the following are a few tips to remember:
1. Do not use any rotting or damaged pallets
For this purpose, you must use platforms that are properly engineered to lift employees. Few pallets are meant to hold over 4,000 pounds. However, this weight is evenly distributed, unlike the feet of any human being.
2. Do not use pallets for lifting employees
For this purpose, you must use platforms which is properly engineered to lift employees. Few pallets are meant to hold over 4,000 pounds. However, this weight is evenly distributed, unlike the feet of any human being.
3. Be wary of your position of the body
if you are moving a pallet by hand. Although pallets should be transported by forklifts or other equipment, there are several situations where they must be handled by hand.
Pallets need to be lifted carefully because they can weigh up to 40 pounds. If done correctly, you should maintain a straight back and perform the majority of the lifting with your legs.
4. Enter pallets carefully using a forklift
Make sure that you enter the load squarely while using a forklift or power jack, and be mindful that if you move underneath a pallet, you might be pushing it forward and running the risk of running into a worker or other items.
5. Ensure that the height of a pallet stack should not exceed your bottom pallet’
Stacking pallets too high might cause product damage and worker injuries (around four feet high). Shrink-wrapping the load reduces the likelihood of accidents occurring.
The strength of each individual pallet should be maximised by stacking them consistently.
6. Wear personal protective equipment
When working in a workplace where pallets are handled frequently, it is necessary to have personal protective equipment like gloves, steel-toe boots, and high-visibility vests. PPE will help prevent falls, trips, slips, and bruises.
7. Clean up any entire debris in your workspace
Debris, if left over from any damaged or broken pallets can be dangerous for many reasons.
Sharp wood or nails can puncture your workers and cause trips, slips, and falls. Maintain a clean workspace for avoiding any injury.
8. Perform routine inspections
You must do a regular inspection
- Ensure that no loose splinters, nails, cracks, or weaknesses are present.
- Put away compromised pallets, or discard them completely.
- Unattended pallets will make great havens for pests e.g., birds, bugs, and rodents.
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