Pallets — the ubiquitous shipping platforms used for transporting and storing goods — can pose a significant safety risk if not managed properly. In recent years, as retailers have streamlined their logistics and automated their operations, pallets have become a more common sight not only in warehouse stores but even in major grocery retailers, with pallets making their way directly to store aisles. Making sure that pallets are safe for consumers and workers in retail spaces like grocery stores is vital. It’s not just about the risk of bruises or cuts, although that’s always a risk; serious accidents can happen if workers don’t keep an eye on pallets stacked high or with protruding nails and splinters. Pallets make moving goods from point A to point B a breeze. But they can turn retail spaces into an accident waiting to happen if workers are not careful.
A five-year study by Penn State and the University of Florida researchers found that over 30,000 people ended up in the emergency room due to non-work-related injuries involving pallets at home and retail locations.
Injuries in a retail setting aren’t merely undesirable — they are also a source of serious legal and reputational liability, both at the local and national level and avoiding them is a key business imperative. The possibility of serious harm, from sprains and fractures to even severe punctures, underscores the critical need for prioritizing pallet safety within retail environments.
Fortunately, retail spaces can be made safer for everyone by adopting simple yet powerful safety practices.
Best Practices for Pallet Safety in Retail Settings
Securing Shelf Placement: When placing pallets on shelves or racks, prioritize secure and balanced positioning. This ensures they won’t tip over or shift unexpectedly, potentially causing product spills or falling items.
Keeping Walkways Clear: If a customer trips over a pallet or is snagged by a sharp edge as they walk down an aisle, the fault is neither the pallets nor the customers. The retailer is responsible for keeping aisles clear for shoppers and their carts and minimizing the risks of tripping hazards.
Eliminating Puncture Hazards: Regularly inspect and remove splinters and protruding nails, especially from wooden pallets. Fortunately, plastic pallets pose fewer hazards for both workers and products, because they are lighter and lack nails and splinters.
Maintaining Clean Floors: Regularly sweep and clean the retail floor to remove debris like loose nails. Inspect wood pallets for nails that may puncture product packaging and cause spills. This minimizes slipping hazards and prevents individuals from stepping on sharp objects.
Empowering Employees: Provide comprehensive training to employees who handle pallets so that they know proper lifting techniques, safe stacking practices, and hazard identification. Signage that encourages shoppers to point out potential hazards to store personnel can also help.
Guarding Against Contamination: Wood pallets can harbor bacteria and other pathogens in food retail settings, potentially contaminating perishable products if not appropriately managed. Following thorough cleaning and sanitation protocols can help prevent foodborne illnesses. Plastic pallets are typically easier to keep clean due to their non-porous surface and inability to absorb moisture.
By prioritizing pallet safety, retailers can create a safe and healthy environment for everyone. Small changes can go a long way in preventing mishaps and making everyone’s shopping experience more enjoyable.
Manufacturers seeking study pallets that can safely be placed in retail areas can opt for iGPS plastic pallets for their logistics operations. Our shipping platforms have no protruding nails or splinters, so they are safer for consumers, employees, and products. For more information, contact us at 1-866-557-0047, email a specialist at switch@igps.net, or visit our contact page.
