Why industrial storage is vital to maintain safety

Keeping your workplace safe with proper racking or shelving

Health and safety is imperative to all workplaces, from the largest warehouse to the smallest office.

With nearly 40 million working days lost to ill health and injuries a year in the UK , it’s vital that duty holders and employers do all they can to provide a safe, protected environment for staff.

Legislation like the Health and Safety at Work Act and The Workplace (Health, Safety, and Welfare) Regulations make it the responsibility of the employer to provide a safe working environment for everyone. Otherwise, the employer could be liable if someone is injured.

As a recent example, in January 2023 , a UK logistics firm had to pay over £100,000 when an employee was permanently disabled following a pallet falling on top of him.

One of the easiest ways to ensure safety is by using the right industrial storage systems. When you choose the correct storage for your needs, you not only make your warehouse or factory more organised, but reduce the risk of spillages, trips and accidents.

If you want to know more about choosing the correct industrial storage for your safety needs, we’ve put together this article to answer your questions.

Why is industrial storage so important?

When making your warehouse or factory safe, there are many things you need to consider. For example, staff training, purchasing the right PPE, and making sure the floor is free from spillages. It’s also important to have the right industrial storage in place for the products you store.

Here are just some of the reasons why industrial storage is needed from a health and safety perspective.

• Storage ensures there is a place for everything, meaning people are less likely to trip and fall over items left on the floor. People are also less likely to be injured by machines like forklifts

• Storage ensures items are stored correctly, reducing the risk of people being injured by falling or moving objects

• Storage ensures people can get items safely, meaning less chance of hurting or injuring themselves, especially at height

• Storage ensures that specific products are stored in the safest areas. For example, flammable substances are kept away from sources of heat, and hazardous items are stored securely

Find out more about the dangers of unsuitable industrial storage

What to consider when choosing the right industrial storage

Most factories and warehouses use a variety of different storage types. The storage system that is right for you depends on a number of factors.

• The size of the products that need to be stored. Larger items can be stored using pallets and shelving, while smaller items can be stored in storage baskets and K-bins

• The shape of the products that need to be stored. Some products are irregularly shaped, meaning it is harder to store them safely. For example, specialist tyre racking is made-to-measure, so tyres can be safely stored without the risk of them rolling away. Cantilever racking is ideal for storing long items like rolls of carpets or plastic tubing

• The environment the products are being stored in. For example, can the floor safely handle the weight? Is there a sprinkler system in place to protect against fire? Is there enough space for a forklift truck to pass safely through?

• Whether the items are hazardous or not. For example, chemicals should be stored in a COSHH cabinet

• Where the storage will be used. If you’re planning to use storage outside, or need storage that will frequently be accessed by a forklift truck, it may be more prone to rust and damage

• The space you have available. The smaller your factory or warehouse, the more likely you will need to store items at height. We’ll look at using vertical space safely later on in this article

It’s also important to consider your plans for the future. For example, if you want to stock more items or scale your operations, will your industrial storage solution still be safe?

The best way to determine which storage is right for you is through a risk assessment. By identifying the hazards in your warehouse or factory, you can select the storage that will most effectively mitigate the dangers.

At Racking + Shelving Limited, we design, supply, and install a wide range of storage solutions across Northern Ireland and the UK. Our team of experts is more than happy to assess your current warehouse or factory needs and see which type of storage is right for you.

Top tips on how to organise your warehouse

Is it okay to buy second-hand storage from a health and safety perspective?

Buying second-hand storage is a good option if you are on a budget or want to be more sustainable. However, it’s important to thoroughly check the storage unit before you buy. If it shows signs of rust, dents or bending, it might not be safe.

Even if an attempt has been made to repair the unit (for example, welding marks), it may not have the structural integrity it once had.

Is it okay to stack items in a warehouse or factory?

Yes, as long as it’s done safely.

If you don’t have a lot of floor room, stacking products is an excellent way to maximise the space you have. For example, you can use multi-tier shelving or pallet racking to make the most of vertical space.

However, it’s important to ensure you choose the right storage system for the materials in your warehouse or factory, so they are stored securely and safely. Here are some additional hints and tips:

• Set a maximum stack height, which will vary depending on the strength and stability of the products being stacked

• Ensure there is enough space between stacks for safe movement and to reduce the risk of being struck by vehicles

• Train staff how to store and retrieve items at height safely

• Alternatively, a mezzanine floor can be a good option if you are looking to maximise the space in your factory or warehouse

Don’t forget to check your storage on a regular basis

It’s important to check your storage regularly, not just for wear and tear, but to ensure that objects are stored correctly.

Schedule a visual inspection at regular intervals, as well as when damage is caused, for example, by a forklift truck. Racking should be examined by a professional on an annual basis.

How often should warehouse racking be inspected?

In conclusion: choose the right industrial storage solution to ensure safety

The industrial storage most suited to your business needs will help reduce the risk of injury and ensure a safe working environment for everyone.

Not only this, but a well-thought-out storage solution will improve efficiency and staff morale too.

By installing the right storage and training employees how to handle it correctly, you’re well on the way to a safe and legally compliant working environment.

Health and safety tips when working in a warehouse

Racking + Shelving Limited: your industrial storage specialists

Whether you operate a warehouse, factory, or busy office space, storage is essential in order to maintain a safe and compliant working environment.

Our team of experts will work with you to design and install bespoke industrial storage solutions that not only optimise your commercial space, but improve safety.

From pallet racking to small parts storage solutions , we’re here to help you keep your employees, suppliers, and site visitors safe.

If you’re not sure how to take advantage of industrial storage to ensure safety, we’re here to help. Contact us today , and let’s work together to build the right storage solution for your business.