Forklift Rack Safety

Forklift racks have revolutionized warehouses around the world, as more products can be stored in less space with less damage to goods. These racks streamline the warehousing process by allowing better organization. However, they also pose hazards that must be addressed.

Inspection

• The primary defense against forklift rack accidents is regular inspection. These inspections should ideally be performed by an engineer or manager with thorough knowledge of the racks, and should focus on areas with excessive or improperly placed loads, rack damage, rust or wear. Inspections should also review related issues such as nearby electrical lines or broken pallets that could pose a potential risk.

Maintenance

• Maintenance goes hand-in-hand with inspection, and should be performed by a qualified professional or the manufacturer. The primary goal is to ensure that the racks remain in good repair in order to extend the time until they need to be replaced. An engineer or manufacturer representative should be consulted to ensure that maintenance is performed within product guidelines in mind.

Training

• Training should become routine for anyone who uses or performs actions on or around forklift racks. By practicing good work habits, such as strict limits on load placement tolerances and item placement, the racks can be safely utilized without danger to nearby workers.