Product damage in warehouse manufacturing operations is inevitable. Some products will get broken. Broken products can cost a company thousands of pounds. But there are things you can do to reduce product damage in warehouse operations. To minimize the cost of inventory damage you know to learn how to reduce product damage in the warehouse.
Tip to reduce product damage in your warehouse:
Regularly Check Your Pallets
Pallet damage is one of the most common causes of broken goods. Pallets need to be manually checked on a regular basis. Stacked pallets or those on a warehouse floor can collapse entirely if the pallet is faulty. As well as product damage, this can cause serious injury to an employee.
Ensure Pallets are Stacked and Wrapped Correctly
There is an art to stacking pallets and with the slightest oversight, disastrous consequences can occur. The load must always be stacked in a cubed, uniform, and stable manner and the wrapping of pallets must be executed properly whether by hand or by a automated pallet wrap machine.
Always Follow Guidelines for Weight Tolerance
Be aware what weight shelving can tolerate when stacking products or pallets. It is important to know the shelving manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines for weight and this should be adhered too at all times. Never overload shelves or racks, and use rack weight load notice signs. Overloading racks or racks loaded incorrectly can cause catastrophic accidents which can destroy inventory and seriously injury employees.
Warehouse Lighting
Many accidents happen when warehouses have poor lighting. Bulbs fail and unless you are regularly checking every corner of your warehouse, then accidents are bound to happen. You might find that the main warehouse area has sufficiently visibility, but are all the aisles and corners getting that light? This is when it’s important to check all aisles and corners of your warehouse and if necessary add extra lighting or upgrade the whole lighting in your warehouse. As well as helping to prevent damage, by enhancing visibility in the warehouse can also save energy.
Keep Aisles Clean and Tidy
This again is common sense but it is imperative that all areas of the warehouse are kept clean and tidy at all times. The cleaner and tidier your warehouse is, the less chance there is of products getting damaged. Warehouse managers need to ensure there the warehouse is free of any kind of obstruction at all times.
Use Rack Safety Netting
Rack safety netting stops cartons from falling and loads breaking open. Also anti-collapse mesh safety screens can be use on the back of racks to stop product or items falling. Any product or items that fall from a pallet at a higher level will either be held within the mesh or will fall within the rack minimising the danger of injury.
Use Racking Protectors
Forklifts are officially the most dangerous form of workplace transport. Racking protectors protect vulnerable pallet uprights and end frames from forklift truck accidents. One simple forklift accident can bring down entire racking systems.
Optimise Warehouse
Ensure your warehouse is optimised and designed well. An effect warehouse design will enable the warehouse to work for everyone reduce damage to stock. Clearly marked lanes can help forklift trucks and staff move around the warehouse without colliding with each other. Narrow trucks are safer in warehouses where space is limited.
Train your Staff
Ensure staff are trained and know how to treat equipment. Staff need to be reminded to use their common sense. Engineers are often called in when parts break down, quite often it is down to miss use of the equipment by the uncaring users.
If your concerned about financial waste through damaged products or need a health and safety policy or plan get in touch. Here at 2h Storage health and safety is paramount. If you have any questions on load notices or need advice on racking safety inspections call our team here at 2h Storage on 01937 585057