The basics of warehouse safety

Where there's planing, there's chipping - as the saying goes. In warehouse logistics, however, the saying is more accurate: where there is storage, there is movement. Storing, managing and picking goods with industrial trucks, conveyors and trucks - all of this happens quickly and, ideally, smoothly. However, these processes harbor many dangers in everyday life and can become a safety risk.

Jürgen Effner is Managing Director of Topregal. The company specializes in optimizing these processes with its range of shelving and operating technology as well as transport and lifting equipment. Effner gives tips on how to work effectively and, above all, safely, even in large warehouses and with high employee frequency.

Clear regulations must be observed when setting up and expanding a warehouse. For example, Directive 92/58/EEC, which deals with health and safety signs in the workplace. It stipulates that load signs must be affixed to shelving and that information on fire protection, escape routes, prohibitions, instructions and warnings must be clearly visible. These signs must also meet certain requirements, such as being impact- and scratch-resistant. Hazardous substances must also be identified and routes must be marked on the floor. "Furthermore, it is important to define a set of rules for all processes in the warehouse and to work according to them. This ensures that all those involved can understand and predict the steps and processes and that nothing is forgotten. "Even routine work increases safety enormously," says Effner.

Economically conceived and theoretically planned, storage rooms and halls should be utilized as well as possible. "Of course, there are also clear specifications for aisle widths and distances. However, these are sometimes very tight. Especially if there is a lot of maneuvering or storage at height," says Effner and explains: "Apart from that, I always recommend maintaining an open area that is available for goods handling, special or temporary storage or similar." What works in theory with tight planning often poses major safety risks in day-to-day work. Even trained drivers need a certain maneuvering distance between racks. "My advice here is to allow for an additional buffer of between 1.5 and 5 meters, depending on the forklift truck and racking system," says Effner.

In hectic everyday life, more space is often needed to transport goods efficiently so that they do not collide with other vehicles or bump into shelves. Cranes, lifting arms or forklifts are also hindered by tight angles. Effner makes it clear: "Generous planning makes work easier, saves time and significantly reduces hazards and broken goods." It is also advisable to use audiovisual signals. This doesn't just mean warning lights and signals. "What also increases safety in a warehouse is working together in sound and gesture," says Effner. This is where the old hands in particular are called upon to pass on their knowledge and experience to employees. "If you don't teach and don't explain, you can't reprimand in the event of an incident," warns Effner. He also sees a completely different opportunity in the young professionals: "Our young warehouse employees often have very constructive and supportive ideas in terms of simplifying processes and improving safety. We listen to every suggestion, because the feedback from our employees enables us to remain future-oriented."