The package you order online shows up on your doorstep the following day. The timely restocking of copy paper at your office because computers have not eliminated paperwork. The crates of bananas imported from Central America are suddenly ready to ripen in your local supermarket.
Gifts, supplies, food, and innumerable other goods arrive at their appointed destinations on time, thanks in large part to the fast and efficient operations of distribution and fulfillment centers.
Speed, however, has its drawbacks, especially regarding safety. The well-being of workers in warehouses is a critical concern, especially given the pedestrian traffic volume, large machinery, and amount of inventory to access. Forklifts, pallet jacks, and other heavy equipment increase the risk of accidents, which can lead to severe injuries or fatalities.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 18,736 warehouses in 2019, which grew to 21,287 in 2022, a 13% increase. Unfortunately, the number of fatalities during the same period jumped from 24 to 50 – up 108%.
Accidents and resultant injuries hurt productivity and, worse, can take a horrific personal toll on employees and their friends, families, and co-workers. Installing safety gates and barriers throughout a facility will help protect workers and maintain morale and productive operations.
The ins and outs of self-closing safety gates.
Self-closing gates are crucial in preventing accidents in distribution and fulfillment centers as they protect openings (e.g., ladders, stairways, roof hatches, mezzanines), restrict access (e.g., machinery, forklift lanes, hazardous areas), and prevent falls.
These gates feature a spring-loaded mechanism to close automatically after the worker passes through. This reduces the risk of human error, such as leaving a manual gate open, and helps ensure that areas with potential fall hazards are always secured. Constructed of strong, durable, corrosion-resistant galvanized steel and powder-coated in “safety yellow,” gates are available in single-width, double-width, and full-length sizes. They can be cut-to-size on-site and easily installed into guardrail systems or the building structure.
Taken to the next level, pallet gates help protect workers when loading and unloading pallets on elevated surfaces, which is an everyday activity in warehouses. They feature a self-closing, pivot, single or double-acting hinge, optional kick plate, and mount to guardrails or posts.
The ebb and flow of forklift traffic safety.
Safety barriers are also crucial in segregating pedestrian walkways from areas where heavy machinery operates. These high-strength metal barriers help prevent collisions between forklifts and workers, a significant concern in warehouse environments. They also protect stock on racks and shelves from damage. Safety barriers help control traffic and reduce the likelihood of accidents by delineating safe zones and machinery operation areas.
OSHA contends that forklift-related accidents are the most significant safety issue for warehousing establishments. According to the agency, there are about 100 fatalities and 95,000 injuries annually across all industries due to forklift accidents. However, an estimated 35,000 to 62,000 injuries are in the warehousing sector.
Powder-coated in safety yellow, warehouse traffic safety barriers help keep forklift drivers on track—but just in case, they can absorb the impact of a forklift. The barrier guards are easily adapted or customized to most facilities and can be expanded or relocated. Primary types of safety barriers include:
- Permanent Guards – constructed from high-strength steel, they provide non-penetrable support and protection.
- Removable Guards – protect workers, equipment, and structures from accidents caused by vehicles and machinery while allowing quick access when needed.
- Overhead Door Guards – protect door mechanisms from accidental collisions.
- Pallet Rack Guards – feature built-in heavy-duty design and radius ends to keep traffic away from critical rack supports.
- Column Guards – offer protection against both front and side impacts and are easy to replace if damaged.
See us for your safety solutions.
Distribution and fulfillment centers are complex operations requiring multiple safety solutions. Self-closing gates and safety barriers can help address many aspects of warehouse safety, notably worker access points and forklift operations.
If you are responsible for safety at your distribution and fulfillment center, contact Lighthouse Safety for OSHA-compliant warehouse traffic safety. We will discuss your concerns about regulations and what it will take for you to comply. Our services can include as little or as much as you need, from design, engineering, and fabrication to installation, training, inspections, and other support.
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