Safety call

EVERY WAREHOUSE owner knows that workplace safety is a priority. Yet, as warehouse environments becomes busier, are you remembering the importance of racking safety? Fortunately, racking collapses are rare but always possible and if it does fail the clear up costs and lost production time are expensive. Yet, the biggest risk is to employee safety – stock falling from height can kill.

That’s why, SEMA, the Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association, recommends five racking safety steps.

Step 1: Suppliers – What are your racking suppliers’ credentials? Can they prove, through independent audits, they work to the highest industry and safety standards?

Step 2: Trained Installers –Safe racking is only possible when installed to exact manufacturer’s specification. HSG76 Warehousing and Storage: A Guide to Health and Safety published by the HSE recommends only using installers trained in correct installation techniques. Check they have attended courses such as our SEIRS training.

Step 3: Inspections – Small damage on racking can quickly become bigger problems. 

• Train employees to recognise and report damage. 
• Train a member of your team to conduct visual weekly inspections. 
• At least once a year submit the structure to Expert Inspections by a qualified professional, such as a SEMA Approved Racking Inspectors (SARI) who are referenced in HSG76.

Step 4: Training – Comprehensive training is the cornerstone to racking safety. From installation to maintenance and inspections, SEMA has developed courses that cover your racking’s lifetime.

Step 5: Safe repairs – At some point your racking will get damaged. Don’t leave the repairs to chance and check any company conducting the repairs understands permissible work and is verified by the manufacturer otherwise it could invalidate your warranty.

For more information, visit https://www.sema.org.uk/knowledge-hub/2025/01/07/warehouse-rack-storage-systems-how-to-maximise-your-investment-with-sema/

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