The industries related to logistics, shipping, or transportation definitely understand the significance of pallets. After all, pallets are an integral part of the supply chain for many businesses. Without high-quality, durable, and strong pallets, you cannot run your business smoothly. You don’t want accidents or hazardous situations to arise because workers don’t handle pallets safely, right?
Workers typically lift loaded pallets with mechanical equipment or they do so manually. Both methods include a high risk of accidents and injuries. While lifting and managing loaded pallets, there is a chance the equipment fails to take the load of the pallet. If you are not following safety guidelines while handling pallets, accidents are bound to happen. Due to accidents, workers can suffer from severe injuries.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 20 to 30 percent of warehouse workers visit hospitals for injuries sustained from pallets. It is essential for everyone working in warehouses and industrial plants to know about safe pallet handling to avoid injuries and accidents. Compromising safety guidelines and standards may cost you fatal injuries.
Here are some expert safety tips you can follow while handling pallets. These tips will prevent damage to pallets, minimize accidents and ensure employee safety…
#1 Always Inspect The Pallets Before Use
You use pallets for multiple jobs. Check the pallets to understand their condition; Check the screws, nuts, and bolts. You want to make sure the boards are tight rather than loose. You also don’t want them to have any protruding nails. Get a fair idea of whether or not the pallets are in good condition and safe for use. Repair damaged pallets or replace them with new ones.
#2 Know About Safety Standards While Handling The Pallets
Every employee working with pallets must have proper skills and knowledge regarding the handling of pallets. The organization must inform all employees of the safety rules and standards for every employee to follow. These rules specify how to handle the pallets with both manual methods and machines. Workers should be trained how to properly lift pallets by hand so they don’t hurt their backs. No single person should lift the pallet by themselves– they should always have help. Pallets shouldn’t be overloaded, and warehouse surroundings need to be kept clean.
#3 Ensure Proper Stacking Of The Pallets
When you stack pallets on one another, there is a limit. Based on the standards and guidelines, you can stack a specific number of pallets. If you exceed the number, the risk of accidents increases.
Summary
While managing pallets, ensure that your employees are safe. Follow safety standards and guidelines. Moreover, it is essential to provide training to the staff for handling wooden pallets. This way you can prevent accidents and injuries to the staff.
For getting the best wooden pallets on the market, visit Pallet Resource Corp. in Blaine, MN; Call 763-792-2882 for details.
