Solutions to ensure and improve safety at the warehouse

Occupational safety is an absolute priority for every company, regardless of the sector in which it operates. Creating a safe working environment is crucial, not only for the protection of the employees, but also for increasing operational efficiency and reducing the risks and costs associated with accidents and injuries.
In the logistics and warehousing sector, there are two safety-related aspects to be taken into consideration:

• The security of the merchandise
• The safety of individuals

Safety-related risks can vary, and include chemical, biological, injury, falling materials, noise, fire, crushing, vibration, and electrocution risks. In order to mitigate these risks, the most effective answer often proves to be the adoption of automatic storage solutions, such as vertical warehouses. Security risks, on the other hand, include theft, or damage to merchandise during storage or transport.

In this regard, the main regulations on warehouse safety and security, especially for pallets, fall into three categories:

• Storage: regulations concerning the environment and the storage systems.
• Handling of loads: regulations concerning the work to be carried out by warehouse personnel.
• Means of transport: regulations concerning operational tools used in warehouses, such as forklifts.

A thorough knowledge of the safety and security regulations is crucial for both workers and employers, as it enables them to understand the correct methods of using the equipment. It is crucial to choose the most suitable tools for each work environment, and to take the relevant preventive measures. It is essential for the personnel to be properly trained and educated to protect both themselves and the merchandise.

Optimisation of warehouse safety and security: effective pallet management

Pallet storage is a common and, above all, essential practice for modern businesses, as pallets offer the possibility of optimising space and facilitate the handling of the stored materials. These tools, which are generally made of wood or plastic, offer protection to the merchandise during transport and handling, mainly due to their strength and their ability to absorb shocks and vibrations.

A crucial aspect of pallet storage lies in the balance of the load. Poorly positioned loads can cause pallets to tip over, resulting in damage to products and potential injuries for operators. The choice of materials and pallet maintenance are therefore vital: damaged or poor quality pallets can collapse under the weight of the merchandise.

Ensuring safety during pallet handling

Pallets are mainly handled using forklifts, which are essential vehicles for the quick and safe transport of goods within warehouses. However, the use of forklifts entails significant risks, especially when operated by inadequately trained personnel. Accidents can include overturns, collisions and falling loads, often caused by poor visibility during handling. Some accidents are caused by impacts between the warehouse racks and the handling equipment, which can even compromise the stability of the structures themselves.

In order to prevent these risks, it is important for the racks, the storage facilities, and the pallet handling equipment to undergo regular checks and inspections. The proper training of the warehouse personnel is also essential to ensure operational safety, thereby significantly reducing the risk of accidents, while at the same time meeting the company’s legal and moral obligations.

How the Modula Pallet revolutionises warehouse safety and efficiency

One innovative solution designed to tackle these challenges is the Modula Pallet. This automatic storage system offers a number of advantages, including greater production efficiency, better use of the available space, and increased overall safety. Not only that, the use of the Modula Pallet eliminates operational errors and reduces the costs associated with forklift use and staff training. Implementing a system like the Modula Pallet can be a strategic move for companies looking to improve their internal logistics.

This type of automatic warehouse is specifically designed for the storage and management of pallets, combining the functions normally performed by the racks and the warehouse operators. The machinery overcomes the typical problems associated with:

• Forklift malfunctions
• Poor staff training
• Unauthorised equipment modifications
• Poor equipment conditions
• Protruding loads
• Narrow aisle widths
• Poor lighting
• Floor imperfections
• Unclear signage
• Encumbrances on the premises

The Modula Pallet also eliminates the need for forklifts, which are widely used in warehouses, but also require constant checks in terms of:

• Pre-driving and maintenance checks
• Compliance with the driving and load transport procedures
• Compliance with the procedures in the event of an accident
• Compliance with the post-driving procedures

In Italy, it is important to pay close attention to the current regulations, like EM 15512, concerning the design of metal structures suitable for pallet racking. It is therefore necessary to be aware of floor tolerances, assembly procedures, acceptable deformations, and intermediate spacing, all of which are constraints that must be taken into consideration during the design phase. Not only that, but all of the manual equipment and pallet racks must also undergo periodic checks and inspections with regard to their “health status”, for which a designated person responsible for conducting periodic visual checks (Person Responsible for Storage Equipment Safety – PRSES) must be appointed.

Thanks to its advanced functions, the Modula Pallet is a perfect example of how the Industry 5.0 paradigm can revolutionise logistics. In fact, by automating their processes and integrating innovative technologies, companies can gain greater visibility and control over all phases of warehouse management. This approach not only improves safety and efficiency, but also allows for rapid adaptation to the changing needs of the market.

In short, the Modula Pallet is not only a solution designed to improve warehouse safety and security, but is also a step towards a smarter, connected, and more sustainable industry, where automation and innovation help achieve safer, and more flexible and efficient logistics.