Pallets, Pallet Safety Are Necessary to Your Business

Workplace injuries can happen, but the goal of every workplace is to prevent serious injuries and minimize the risk for even minor injuries. Following safety guidelines is critical, and this includes training and monitoring handling of pallets, which are fundamental in most business operations but also a common source for sprains, strains, and tears.

Pallets are part of virtually every aspect of warehouse and industrial operations. Their constant presence can lead to a complacency that results in improper handling. Injuries can range from cuts and sprains to strained backs or worse.

The Basics of Pallet Safety

Rules for pallet safety are in place from OSHA and apply to every type and style of pallet, including wood, plastic, metal, and corrugated cardboard. While 90% of the pallet market continues to be wood pallets, standards for size, moving, and stacking are straightforward.

• Pallets must be loaded and secured so as to be balanced.
• Avoid overloaded or over-stacked pallets.
• Damaged pallets should be set aside for repair or disposed of properly and quickly.

A common mistake is not marking damaged pallets as such. Staff members grab them unknowingly when good pallets are gone, leading to damaged freight or injury when a weak pallet collapses.

TriCounty Pallet can help you avoid this mistake. We take your damaged pallets and recycle them or repair them. We provide repaired and rebuilt pallets that meet the safety standards you require.

Tips for Safe Handling of Pallets

• Inspect pallets for damage before loading: cracks, missing or protruding nails or staples, missing boards, and compromised supports.
• Store pallets flat and in stacks no higher than four feet.
• Load pallets so weight is evenly distributed and consistent with the load-bearing capability of the pallet.
• Store loaded pallets securely, away from high-traffic areas, and no higher than five feet.
• Never use cardboard pallets in damp or refrigerated applications.
• Ensure workers use gloves and that equipment is appropriate for the style and weight of the pallets.

OSHA regulations require that pallets be labeled with handling and lifting instructions to help prevent injuries to workers who may not know how the pallet was loaded or how it should be moved. By taking time to educate workers and follow these guidelines, many workplace injuries can be avoided.

At TriCounty Pallet, our goal is to supply every company with ready-to-use pallets that meet safety standards, size requirements, and your specific needs. Call us today for a quote.