How Conveyor Design Can Improve Warehouse Safety

Practical overview

To ensure the safety of your employees, it is important to have warehouse pedestrian safety systems in place, as well as proper training and enforced safety protocols.

The equipment you use can also have a major impact on warehouse safety.

What You Need to Know About Conveyor Safety

Conveyors are an integral part of many warehouses and factories, especially in material handling applications. They can be found in a variety of settings, from small businesses to large distribution centers.

While conveyors can greatly increase efficiency and productivity in your facility, improper use can be a safety hazard.

To prevent accidents, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has published a number of safety standards for conveyor systems, outlined in Standard 1917.48 that facilities must follow.

Train Your Employees on Conveyor Safety

One of the best ways to promote safety is to ensure that all of your employees are properly trained on how to use the conveyor system. All employees who work with or around conveyors on the warehouse floor should be trained on these procedures.

This training should include information on how to safely start, stop, and operate the conveyor, as well as what to do in case of an emergency.

Additionally, you should train employees on proper workplace apparel for your specific processes. For example, workers who operate or navigate around conveyors should avoid wearing loose clothing that could get caught in the belt. It is also important to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses to protect workers.

In addition to employee training, it is important to have well-defined and enforced safety standards in place for your conveyor systems.

Outlining proper procedures for conveyor operation
Providing additional training to employees to promote safe behavior
Establishing procedures for clearing jams

Inspect and Maintain Your Conveyor System

Conducting regular safety inspections of your conveyor system is another important part of keeping your warehouse employees safe.

This inspection should be conducted by a qualified technician and should include a thorough examination of all components, including the belt, pulleys, motors, and other moving parts.

Be sure to repair or replace damaged parts as soon as possible. In addition to these inspections, it is important to regularly clean your conveyors to remove debris that could cause problems or impact performance.

Choose the Right Conveyor for Your Facility

When selecting a conveyor system for your facility, it is important to choose one that is appropriate for the types of materials you will be conveying.

You should also consider the layout of your facility and the amount of space you have available to accommodate workers’ ability to safely maneuver around equipment.

Flexible chain conveyors allow your conveyor lines to curve around equipment or easily make elevation changes to reduce the footprint of your production line when space is limited.

For example, in areas with limited space, or where workers must regularly move between lines, integrating lift gate conveyors is the perfect solution for maintaining both productivity and safety. Lift gate conveyors at specific places within a processing line allow staff and machinery to safely move between lines without disrupting the flow of production.

Implement Warehouse Safety Training for All Employees

All warehouse workers should undergo safety training programs when they first start working in the warehouse. This training should cover topics such as proper lifting techniques, fire safety, warehouse layout, and what to do in the event of an accident.

In addition to their initial education, it is important to provide regular training to your employees on warehouse safety procedures.

Conduct regular inspections of your warehouse to ensure that everything is in good working condition. This includes checking for damaged equipment and identifying potential hazards in the workplace.

Keep the Warehouse Clean and Organized

A cluttered and messy warehouse is a safety hazard. Make sure to keep the facility clean and organized and free of any trip hazards to promote warehouse safety. Effective inventory management, as well as clearly marked exit routes, can help keep your warehouse safe and organized.