S6 Ep308: Warehouse Safety Tips | Episode 308 | Storage Hazards

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Material Storage & Racking Safety: Storage Hazards in Warehouses

Whether you’re working third shift or early mornings, there’s one thing every warehouse has in common—stuff. And a lot of it. From raw materials to finished goods, pallets to parts, every inch counts. But how and where things are stored? That makes all the difference between a safe workspace and a ticking time bomb.

Storage hazards can sneak up fast. You stack a few boxes a little too high. Squeeze one more pallet in a tight spot. Before you know it, you've blocked an exit, buried a fire extinguisher, or created a toppling hazard. It happens. But it doesn’t have to. A strong safety culture means staying ahead of these risks before they become problems.

Here are a few ways to keep storage safe and controlled in your facility:

Don’t block emergency equipment.
You can’t afford to lose time during an emergency. Always keep exits, fire extinguishers, eye wash stations, and control panels fully visible and accessible. Not just “mostly clear”—completely clear.

Keep heavy items low.
Heavy boxes and materials should be placed on the bottom racks or the floor—not at eye level or higher. If it falls, it’s a serious injury waiting to happen. Use proper lifting techniques and get help when needed. Gravity doesn’t give warnings.

Secure stored goods.
Shrink wrap. Safety straps. Pallet locks. Use whatever it takes to keep stored items stable and secure. If something looks off-balance, it is off-balance. Take the extra time to fix it. That’s not a suggestion. That’s a safety rule.

Keep aisles and walkways clear.
Don’t stack, store, or park anything where people need to walk or work. Blocked walkways create trip hazards, slow down response times, and cause congestion. A clean path is a safe path.

Watch for pests and water damage.
Leaky pipes and hidden pests can quietly ruin inventory—and your racking system. Keep an eye out for soggy boxes, rust, signs of nesting, or chew marks. If something smells off, there’s probably a reason.

As always, these are potential tips. Please ensure that you follow the rules and regulations of your specific facility.

Creating a safer warehouse doesn’t require new equipment or complex systems. Most of the time, it simply requires awareness, consistency, and a bit of extra effort. That pallet that’s leaning sideways? Fix it now. That box on the top shelf? Bring it down where it belongs. Everyone plays a role in maintaining a safe and efficient workspace. Because in the end, proper material storage isn’t just about keeping things in order—it’s about keeping people protected.

Thank you for joining us for another episode of Warehouse Safety Tips.

Until we meet next time – have a great week, and STAY SAFE!

#Safety #SafetyCulture #StaySafe #StorageHazards #MaterialHandling #RackingSafety #ClearAisles