Warehouse Fall Protection Systems: Essential Solutions to Prevent Workplace Accident
Warehouses are very busy places, often with limited space and plenty of stored items being constantly moved in and out. They also comprise several different areas, with inventory stored at height, loading bays and elevated work platforms.
All of this provides plenty of potential for accidents, particularly trips and falls that can have serious consequences. This emphasises the need for comprehensive warehouse fall protection systems that can minimise risks and help to keep workers safe. And, due to the unique challenges that warehouses present, these systems must be tailored to the specific environment.
The Best Solutions to Prevent Falls
Several options are available to make your warehouse as safe as it can be:
- Guardrails that provide a physical barrier to prevent people from moving into unsafe areas. They may be placed alongside walkways, at roof edges and on mezzanines, loading bays and other exposed edges. By establishing clear and secure perimeters, they prevent falls and ensure workers keep to the correct areas.
- Safety gates provide a controlled access point and prevent access to hazardous areas by unauthorised personnel. Sliding and swing versions are available, and all can be locked to increase security and improve safety. With proper design, these gates will allow access to be controlled but will not restrict efficient working.
- Elevated platforms provide a secure and stable base from which loading and unloading operations can be carried out. These platforms need to be of sturdy construction, have non-slip surfaces, be of an adequate size so they are not restrictive, be easy to access and have secure safety barriers.
- Fall arrest and lifeline systems that need to be provided where physical barriers are not practical. These generally comprise cables that are attached to secure anchor points, which are placed strategically around the building. Workers will wear safety harnesses and will attach them by lanyards to the cable so they can move in unrestricted fashion but are prevented from falling.
- Signage that is clear, strategically placed and complies with standard AS 1319. These signs will indicate where access is restricted, state what safety equipment must be worn, warn of hazards and provide other important information.
Safety Systems that Really Work
The primary aim of safety systems is to prevent accidents that can cause injuries or even fatalities. These are obviously very serious for the individuals involved, but can also cause reputational damage to companies, disrupt operations and harm productivity, and leave businesses open to legal actions that can have severe financial implications.
It is important, however, that safety systems do not disrupt the effective operation of your warehouse. They need to be designed and installed in such a way that the workflow is optimised and there is little or no adverse effect on operational efficiency. All systems need to allow employees to work without hindrance, in the same way they would were the systems not in place.
With careful attention to detail, we’ll make sure your safety systems conform to regulations, are effective in keeping all workers safe and ensure your operation is not restricted. This is achieved by providing a solution that is tailored specifically for your work environment, ensuring maximum safety and efficiency.
Investing in the correct safety system is crucial and we will ensure it is effective, is inspected at prescribed intervals and is properly maintained so it will never let you down. At Workplace Access & Safety we will also make sure everyone knows how to use it properly, with effective and frequent training. Get in touch for a safe and effective warehouse operation.
