How are you handling your heavy inventory? If it’s the same way that most companies do, then there is a good chance that you are making mistakes. In this article, we will discuss how to store and handle heavy inventory safely so you can avoid costly accidents in the future.
Be Safe With Pallets
Pallets are a common way to store heavy inventory. However, they can be very dangerous if not handled properly. If you stack your pallets too high or use incorrect spacing between them, then the weight of items on top may cause everything to come crashing down. In addition, make sure that the sides and ends of all crates do not stick out beyond the pallets. If you can’t fit more than one crate on a pallet, then don’t use that pallet.
Use Specialized Material Racks
Specialized material racks are a great way to store heavy inventory. This is especially useful if you have large or irregularly shaped items that don’t fit standard pallets. If your warehouse doesn’t have enough floor space for specialized racks, consider using vertical storage facilities.
Heavy-duty cantilever racks allow you to store long inventory conveniently. Some of these storage racks can even be moved around your warehouse conveniently. Material racks and vertical storage facilities are a great way to store heavy inventory. However, it would be best if you had the right equipment to use them safely.
Know Your Weight Limits
It is important to know how much your storage equipment can hold. If you overload a material rack or vertical storage facility, it may collapse, damage your inventory, and cause an accident for you and your employees. Before using any of these storage options, check the load limits with experienced employees or professionals. You also need to know what weight limits apply to pallets, forklifts, and any other equipment you use to load inventory onto your storage racks.
Choose Your Storage Area Carefully
Choosing the right storage area is important. Ensure that you don’t store heavy inventory in areas where there are many employees or other potential hazards such as power lines, low roofs, and more. Also, be aware of how much weight your floor can hold. If it cannot support heavy items, make sure to use a pallet jack instead of a forklift.
Be aware of your storage area and use the right equipment to move heavy inventory around safely. You should never try to save money by using broken or damaged facilities, stacking things too high, or just dropping them off anywhere in your warehouse. High-level warehouse organization improves safety and inventory control.
You need to make sure that your storage area can support the weight of heavy inventory. If there are any cracks or other signs of wear on your floor, then you may want to pick a different location. In addition, use racks and vertical storage facilities far away from heaters, vents, and windows, so temperatures don’t become extreme.
Store Similar Items Together
Storing similar items together will make it easier for you to find what you are looking for. For example, if your warehouse is full of boxes that contain books, then storing them alphabetically by author or title would be a good idea. It would be best if you also stored heavy inventory in separate areas from light and fragile goods. This makes moving around the warehouse much easier and reduces the risk of accidents.
In addition, it is a good idea to store heavy inventory on lower shelves, so employees don’t have to lift items from above their heads constantly. Always be sure that you can safely reach any item before moving or retrieving it. Never try to pick up something too heavy for your capabilities because it may cause an injury.
Provide Proper Training And Pallet Jacks
Provide training and ensure employees use the right equipment before moving around heavy inventory. If your warehouse is large enough, consider using pallet jacks instead of forklifts, so everyone knows how to handle them correctly. Many rack manufacturers also provide specialized material racks for storing large or irregularly shaped items that don’t fit on standard racks.
Additionally, you should invest in high-quality material racks and vertical storage facilities to ensure they are safe for everyone. If your employees have any questions about handling or moving certain items around, then make sure that they feel comfortable asking before an accident occurs. This will help reduce the number of workplace injuries caused by accidents with the heavy inventory.
By following these simple suggestions, you can safely store heavy inventory in your warehouse. If you are still unsure about how to handle or move around certain items, then it is a good idea to talk with experienced employees for their advice. Ensure that everyone knows what they should do if something happens, so accidents don’t become commonplace.
