Pallets, pallet safety are necessary to your business

Workplace injuries can happen, but the goal of every workplace is to prevent serious injuries and minimize the risk for even minor injuries. Following safety guidelines is critical to injury prevention and this includes training and monitoring handling of pallets, which are not only fundamental in most business operations, but they are a common source for such injuries as sprains, strains, and tears.

Pallets are a part of virtually every aspect of warehouse and industrial operations, providing the means to move parts easily from one place to another, making efficient storage possible, and preparing finished products for safe shipping. Their constant presence in business operations, however, can also lead to a complacence that results in improper handling. Injuries can range from cuts and sprains to strained backs or worse.

The basics of pallet safety

Rules for pallet safety are in place from OSHA and apply to every type and style of pallet, including wood, plastic, metal, and corrugated cardboard. While 90% of the pallet market continues to be wood pallets, standards for size, moving, and stacking are straightforward.

·         Pallets must be loaded and secured so as to be balanced.

·         Avoid overloaded or over stacking pallets.

·         Damaged pallets should be set aside for repair or disposed of properly and quickly.

A common mistake is not marking damaged pallets as such. Staff members grab them unknowingly when good pallets are gone, leading to damaged freight or an injury when a weak pallet collapses.

TriCounty Pallet can help you avoid this mistake. We take your damaged pallets and recycle them or repair them. We provide repaired and rebuilt pallets that meet the safety standards you require.

Tips for safe handling of pallets

·         Inspect pallets for damage before loading, including cracks, missing or protruding nails or staples, missing boards, and compromised supports. If it cannot be repaired, remove it from the pallet storage area.

·         Store pallets flat and in stacks no higher than four feet.

·         Load pallets so weight is evenly distributed and is consistent with the load-bearing capability of the pallet.

·         Store loaded pallets securely, away from high traffic areas, and no higher than five feet.

·         Never use cardboard pallets in damp or refrigerated applications.

·         Ensure workers use gloves when handling pallets and that equipment is appropriate for the style and weight of the pallets being moved.

OSHA regulations require that pallets be labeled with handling and lifting instructions to help prevent injuries to workers who may not know how the pallet was loaded or how it should be moved. By taking time to educate workers and follow these guidelines, many workplace injuries can be avoided.

At TriCounty Pallet, our goal is to supply every company with ready-to-use pallets that meet safety standards, size requirements, and your specific needs. We repair pallets to put them back into circulation and build custom and oversized pallets as needed for your operation. Call us today for a quote!