Warehouse Checklist: 5 Things Warehouses Needs

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The number of warehouses in the United States is growing. As of last year, there were 20,000 warehouses across the country. Is one of these warehousing facilities yours?

Read on for 5 items that should be on your warehouse checklist for a safe and efficient workspace.


1. Lift Equipment

Lift warehouse equipment is fundamental to warehouse safety. The right lift equipment will increase productivity in your warehouse.

Maybe you are moving pallets or small boxes of inventory. Either way, you need lift equipment to get your products onto shelves that may be as high as 20 feet.

Forklifts are a great way to move stock around without risking damage to the products or the workers. Pallet jacks can be electric or manual and are an easy way to move pallets around your warehouse.

There are many uses for hand trucks when moving boxes and inventory around your warehouse. The Backbone for Reach Trucks offers installation and services for versatile and ease use of lift trucks.


2. Storage Systems 

All warehouse buildings need to have adequate and proper storage systems. Industrial shelving and a warehouse rack are a must.

Proper storage allows your warehouse to be organized. This helps your business stay organized and makes processing easier and more efficient.

An inventory management system is likewise crucial to an efficient warehouse. 

It would also be wise to invest in a mettler toledo digital indicator so you have access to a live weight tracking industrial scale for your products, materials, and inventory. Accuracy is essential when you need to track your items. 


3. First-Aid Kit

All workplaces should have a fully stocked first-aid kit. Warehouses need these more than an office environment due to the higher chance of injuries.

Your first-aid kit should have antiseptic wipes and creams, bandages, adhesive tape, gloves, ice pack, tweezers, scissors, eye wash, and pads.

Your employees should all know the location of the kit and be trained on how to use the items. If you want to be certain your employees are well trained to take care of the warehouse by themselves, you can consider hiring a warehouse staffing agency that will find the right people that perfectly fit your needs.


4. Personal Safety Gear

All warehouse employees should wear protective gear at work. This warehouse safety gear protects workers from burns, falling objects, and loud noises.

Personal safety gear may include non-flammable jumpsuits, helmets, steel-toed boots, eyewear, gloves, face shields, earbuds or other ear protection and reflective vests.

There is also protective gear that workers don't wear but protect them just the same. For example, impact absorbing floor mats reduce strain on employees' joints in their knees and ankles.


5. Packaging and Storage Equipment 

The fifth item on essential items in a warehouse building is packaging and storage equipment.

Product packaging is crucial to your warehouse operation. Proper packaging reduces damaged products and reduces loss due to damaged goods.

Also, with the right packaging equipment, your workers have the tools they need to pack items faster and more efficiently. 

Your warehouse also needs bins and storage containers so that you can organize your products. You can use containers to store product that is awaiting shipping.

Bins are a great way to utilize the space in your warehouse to the maximum. You might consider mesh baskets so that your items get good air flow while in storage. And these bins don't collect dust either.

Collapsible bulk boxes work well in warehouses because they don't take up much room when not in use. But when you need to store bulky items, you can.


Items For Your Warehouse Checklist

Thanks for reading this informational guide on warehousing. We hope these 5 items to add to your warehouse checklist help you turn your warehouse into a safer, more efficient space.

Next, check out this guide to help you plan your warehouse for efficient shipping.

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