While many of the safety issues that arise in a warehouse environment involve the use of forklifts or other heavy machinery, there are also many safety issues related to the way materials are stored. Whether it's stacking incorrectly, placing in a less than ideal location, or not considering OSHA guidelines, there are many factors that can affect the safety of a warehouse environment.

As one of the leading suppliers of storage shelving systems and shelves to the industry, we have extensive knowledge and experience in pallet shelving and warehouse security. Below you can find a variety of tips and better practices for safely storing and palleting in and around the warehouse.

Potential stacking hazards and solutions

If materials are stacked too high or placed in an unstable configuration, taking delivery trays or items from the stack, or even accidentally touching them, can lead to unpredictable hazards and possibly even a fall. The following stacking methods can be used to ensure stability and reduce the risk of items falling in the warehouse:

Irregular stacking - To improve stability, add plywood between each layer of irregularly shaped items.

Block Stacking - Rotate each level of the stack 90 degrees to increase stability.

Block stacking - Stack square items in a cube and make sure to secure them with wire or plastic shrink wrap.

Windmill Stack - Rotate each quadrant 90 degrees. This helps keep everything "locked" in place.

Some of the key elements that make up OSHA guidelines include the following material handling safety precautions:

Stack goods as evenly as possible.

Place heavy objects on lower shelves.

Keep the storage area free of material buildup that could cause tripping, fire, explosion, or pest infestation.

Ensure personnel use appropriate lifting techniques.

Store bags, containers, bales, etc., in a layered, stacked, interlocked and height restricted manner. This helps keep the materials stable and secure while preventing them from slipping or collapsing.

Maintain adequate and properly marked safety gaps at aisles and loading yards or aisles where mechanical handling equipment is used.

Pallet specific safety

As pallets are an integral part of the warehouse, maintaining pallet-specific safety measures and better pallet shelving practices at all times is critical to ongoing warehouse safety. General guidelines for pallet safety include remembering to systematically check pallet condition, especially to look for damaged stringers, broken parts, or protruding nails. Pallets showing signs of damage or wear should be removed from use. You also need to remember not to exceed the load bearing capacity and ensure that the pallet size meets the safety standards for material handling equipment.