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. As the world’s leading conveyor manufacturer, Dorner offers a wide variety of industrial, sanitary, and warehouse conveyor solutions that are always designed with safety in mind.
Through our flexible design and modular product line, we are able to provide efficient conveying solutions that promote occupational safety in your warehouse or facility.
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.
Enforce Safety Standards
In addition to employee training, it is important to have well-defined and enforced safety standards in place for your conveyor systems.
These standards should be designed to promote worker safety, as well as minimize damage to the equipment.
Some of the standards you may want to consider include:
- Outlining proper procedures for conveyor operation
- Providing additional training to employees to promote safe behavior
- Installing guards around moving parts
- 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.
For example, if you are conveying heavy or abrasive materials, you will need a heavy duty conveyor, such as our 3200 series conveyor.
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.
Our FlexMove series conveyors are especially useful in accommodating a variety of different facility layouts. 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. Additionally, our flexible plastic chain is designed to reduce pinch points and improve safety for operators.
The Benefits of Using Dorner Conveyors in Your Warehouse
Read: Dorner Conveyors and Warehouse Automation Solutions
Increased Safety
By eliminating the need for employees to lift heavy objects or walk long distances, Dorner conveyors can help reduce the risk of injuries in the workplace. We can work with you to design and implement custom systems that improve efficiency throughout your facility and meet your unique safety needs.
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.
Improved Productivity
Dorner conveyors can help employees be more efficient in their tasks by cutting down on the time it takes to move goods from one area to another.
Flexibility
Dorner conveyors are extremely versatile and can be customized to fit the specific needs of your warehouse. With the ability to handle multiple-sized products without equipment changeover, our conveyor systems help warehouse staff adjust to demand quickly and easily.
Durability
Dorner conveyors are built to last, with a construction that can withstand even the most challenging warehouse environments.
Easy to Maintain
Dorner conveyors are designed for easy maintenance, so you can keep your system running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
If you are looking for a safe, efficient, and versatile conveying solution for your warehouse, Dorner conveyors are the perfect choice.
Contact us today to learn more.
General Warehouse Safety Tips
By following these simple warehouse safety tips, you can help to create a safe and productive working environment in your warehouse.
Enforce Safety Rules and Regulations
It is important to enforce all safety rules and regulations in your warehouse, including everything from wearing proper PPE and knowing where the emergency exits are, to how to address fire hazards and more.
Make sure your employees are aware of the warehouse safety rules as well as the consequences of breaking them.
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.
Regularly Inspect Your Facility
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.
Encourage Employees to Report Potential Warehouse Hazards
If you see something, say something – this is one of the most important rules of warehouse safety. Encourage your employees to report any potential safety hazards they see, so that they can be addressed immediately.
Post Safety Signs and Warnings Throughout the Warehouse
Make sure that all potential risks are clearly marked with safety signs and warnings. These signs should be placed in conspicuous locations so that they can’t be missed.
It is also important to include signage describing safety procedures to ensure your workers know how to prevent serious injury and reduce accidents.
How Dorner Conveyors Can Help Maintain Warehouse Safety
Dorner conveyors can help you create a safe and efficient working environment in your warehouse. By providing a versatile and durable conveying solution, Dorner conveyors can help increase productivity while promoting safety in your facility.
Contact us today to learn more about how our products can help you maintain a safe and productive warehouse.
