Product damage in warehouse manufacturing operations is an unfortunate reality. Occasionally, some products get broken, which can cost a company thousands of pounds. However, you can take several actions to reduce product damage in warehouse operations. To minimize the costs associated with inventory damage, you should learn effective strategies for reducing product damage.
Regularly Check Your Pallets
Pallet damage ranks as one of the most common causes of broken goods. Therefore, checking pallets manually on a regular basis is essential. If pallets become stacked improperly or sit on the warehouse floor in a faulty state, they can collapse completely. Consequently, this damage can harm both products and employees.
Ensure Pallets are Stacked and Wrapped Correctly
There is an art to stacking pallets; even minor oversights can lead to disastrous consequences. Always stack loads in a uniform, stable manner, and ensure the wrapping of pallets is done properly, whether manually or using an automated pallet wrap machine.
Always Follow Guidelines for Weight Tolerance
To prevent accidents, know the weight tolerances that your shelving can handle when stacking products or pallets. Familiarize yourself with the shelving manufacturer’s recommendations regarding weight, and adhere to these guidelines at all times. Never overload shelves or racks and always display weight load notice signs. Overloading or incorrectly stacking racks can lead to catastrophic accidents that may destroy inventory and seriously injure employees.
Improve Warehouse Lighting
Many accidents occur in warehouses with poor lighting. As bulbs fail, checking every corner of the warehouse regularly is crucial. While the main warehouse area may have sufficient visibility, ensure all aisles and corners receive adequate light. It’s important to assess these areas carefully and add extra lighting if needed. In addition to preventing damage, enhancing visibility can also save energy.
Keep Aisles Clean and Tidy
This may seem like common sense, but maintaining a clean and tidy warehouse is imperative. A clean warehouse significantly reduces the chance of product damage. Warehouse managers must ensure that no obstructions exist within the warehouse at any time.
Use Rack Safety Netting
Utilizing rack safety netting prevents cartons from falling and breaking open. Additionally, anti-collapse mesh safety screens can be installed on the back of racks to prevent products from falling. Any products that fall from a higher-level pallet will either be contained within the mesh or fall safely within the rack, minimizing injury risks.
Use Racking Protectors
Forklifts are officially among the most dangerous forms of workplace transport. Racking protectors shield vulnerable pallet uprights and end frames from forklift accidents. A single mishap can compromise entire racking systems.
Optimize Your Warehouse
Ensure your warehouse is well-designed and optimized. An effective warehouse layout reduces stock damage and enhances overall efficiency. Marked lanes can help forklift trucks and staff navigate the warehouse without collisions. Furthermore, narrow trucks are safer in spaces where every inch counts.
Train Your Staff
Training your staff properly ensures that they handle equipment appropriately. Staff must remember to exercise common sense while working. Engineers often get called to fix breakdowns, and frequently, these issues stem from the misuse of equipment by careless users.
If you are concerned about financial waste due to damaged products or need assistance developing a health and safety policy, don’t hesitate to reach out. At 2h Storage, we prioritize health and safety above all else. For questions regarding load notices or advice on racking safety inspections, contact our team at 2h Storage at 01937 585057.