In industrial or commercial warehouse there are many storage units such as metal, wooden and plastic storage crate. Most containment storage units are designed and built with efficient space management taken into consideration. This is why most storage crates are stackable to take up less space in storage or for transportation purposes. However, stacking crates can be dangerous if the weight of each crate distributed unevenly. If the weight at the highest stacked crate is too much, it could result in the entire stack toppling over.
This has serious consequences as it damages the contents and the surrounding area. In the worst scene scenario, people could get injured or even die in the process. Here are four safety aspects that both employees and employers should note when working with storage crates and containers.
1. Planning
For storage crates, good planning and measurement go a long way in providing safety to the user in the area. Crate should be stack properly and replace if the stack mechanism is faulty or does not fit due to wear and tear.
2. Weigh In
Like a light or heavyweight boxer, the contents of each box should be weighed before stacking it at a higher level. In the event where the weight is on the high side, those particular crates should be reallocated to a lower position or on the ground for safety measures.
3. Additional Support
The surrounding environment is not always stable due to transportation or areas prone to natural disasters. Hence, it is important to consider other forms of security besides proper planning and setting of crates. Additional safety measurement involves locks and chains, which can be used to fasten crates to ensure they are secured tightly to support from an immovable object or structure.
4. Installation of Sufficient Lighting
There are various lightings such as floor and compartmental lighting which can be installed in workplaces. Sufficient lighting ensures that visibility and clarity is present to remove any possibility of errors occurring. Lighting can help workers note the weight of content, how it is positioned and has a clearer understanding of how to deposit or retrieve a plastic crate.
These simple safety implementations can be achieved by visualizing the arrangement of crates, measurement of the weigh and stacking crates in the right manner. If there is instability due to transportation, additional security can be added with locks and chains. By doing so, accidents can be avoided; depositing and retrieval of these crates would be a task of convenience.
Safety must be a priority in the workplace especially in industries of construction, warehouse logistics, and industrial areas. Money should be spent necessarily on important aspects that contribute to safety and accident prevention. Safety measurements must be implemented and adhered to always regardless of how minor it may be.