5 Ways to Safely Handle, Store, and Dispose of Wood Pallets

Pallets are useful additions to have around the workplace, especially for businesses that see plenty of storage and transportation. However, like any other tool, it’s crucial you have the right safety measures in place to protect your workers and goods. Having a safety program is a step in the right direction; here are a few ideas you can use to help craft your safety program and keep your workplace a safe one.

Always wear protective gear

Protective gear is always a must in the workplace, especially when dealing with heavy items like pallets. Ensure your workforce is equipped with basic protective gear like gloves and heavy shoes to keep workers safe as they use the pallets.

Other safety gear may be necessary if you do specialized work with pallets. For example, invest in heat-resistant gear if you provide pallet heat treatment services. Workers will also need high-visibility wear to make them more visible to anyone using a stand up reach truck rear guard in Toronto. Rear posts are another measure you can use to further minimize the risk of injury among your workforce.

Inspect for defects regularly

Like other heavy-duty equipment, pallets are prone to wear-and-tear over time. It’s vital you inspect the pallets regularly to verify that they’re still fit for service.

Any damage or weaknesses found in pallets makes it possible the pallet may fail when you need to use it; for the sake of safety, remove cracked and damaged pallets from the workplace to prevent them from being used. Keep an eye out for protruding nails (particularly if they’re rusty) as well to avoid accidental workplace injuries.

Pick up pallets properly

Proper handling is key to avoiding injury when lifting pallets. Make sure employees are trained to pick up pallets safely to minimize the risk of injury. For example, if employees need to move or stack pallets manually, train them to bend their legs and keep their backs straight to maintain good posture.

If done correctly, the legs do the work instead of the back, a much safer method of moving heavy objects. Another tip to maximize safety when moving pallets manually is to move the pallets on their sides and slide them across the floor.

Store pallets properly at all times

Proper storage is key to keeping pallets in good condition longer and preventing accidents at the workplace. For maximum safety, avoid storing pallets on their sides. Instead, store them flat to maintain a good balance.

When storing pallets, place them in easily recognizable areas to avoid creating tripping hazards and blind spots that could impede movement through the area. When stacking pallets, stick to stacking them shoulder-high.

Keep the warehouse clean

A clean workplace is a safe workplace. In case of damage, pick up any broken pallet pieces right away to keep the floor stable for walking and forklift use. When pallets get damaged on the job, it’s vital you remove them to eliminate potential slip and trip hazards.

Remember to put your pallets in areas designated for their use to avoid impeding passage through important entrances (for example, fire escapes and emergency exits).

Pallets are an effective asset around the workplace, but it’s crucial you have a safety program in place and a representative who has a JHSC basic certification to protect your employees. Every Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) must have at least two Certified members: one representing workers, and one from management. One worker and one management designated JHSC member must complete Part One and Part Two of the Training to maintain active certification status. Keep these tips in mind to help create a more safe environment for your workers and equipment.