Select Page

Material Storage & Racking Safety: Storage Hazards in Warehouses

Material Storage & Racking Safety: Storage Hazards in Warehouses

Today’s podcast will cover week one of four on ‘Material Storage & Racking Safety’.

So – stay tuned.

You can find the show notes to each episode, links to the information mentioned on the podcast, the social media platforms we’re on, and anything else related to the podcast at WarehouseSafetyTips.com.

If you’re a seasoned Podcast Listener, this podcast will be different from most you listen to.  It’s based on exactly what the name implies – Warehouse Safety Tips.  And since the people in that industry are busy – we know time is money so each episode will be as short and to the point as possible.

And now that all that is out of the way – let’s get to the Podcast!

Material Storage & Racking Safety: Storage Hazards in Warehouses

Whether you’re working third shift or early mornings, there’s one thing every warehouse has in common—stuff. And a lot of it. From raw materials to finished goods, pallets to parts, every inch counts. But how and where things are stored? That makes all the difference between a safe workspace and a ticking time bomb.
Storage hazards can sneak up fast. You stack a few boxes a little too high. Squeeze one more pallet in a tight spot. Before you know it, you’ve blocked an exit, buried a fire extinguisher, or created a toppling hazard. It happens. But it doesn’t have to. A strong safety culture means staying ahead of these risks before they become problems.
Here are a few ways to keep storage safe and controlled in your facility:
Don’t block emergency equipment.
You can’t afford to lose time during an emergency. Always keep exits, fire extinguishers, eye wash stations, and control panels fully visible and accessible. Not just “mostly clear”—completely clear.
Keep heavy items low.
Heavy boxes and materials should be placed on the bottom racks or the floor—not at eye level or higher. If it falls, it’s a serious injury waiting to happen. Use proper lifting techniques and get help when needed. Gravity doesn’t give warnings.
Secure stored goods.
Shrink wrap. Safety straps. Pallet locks. Use whatever it takes to keep stored items stable and secure. If something looks off-balance, it is off-balance. Take the extra time to fix it. That’s not a suggestion. That’s a safety rule.
Keep aisles and walkways clear.
Don’t stack, store, or park anything where people need to walk or work. Blocked walkways create trip hazards, slow down response times, and cause congestion. A clean path is a safe path.
Watch for pests and water damage.
Leaky pipes and hidden pests can quietly ruin inventory—and your racking system. Keep an eye out for soggy boxes, rust, signs of nesting, or chew marks. If something smells off, there’s probably a reason.
As always, these are potential tips. Please ensure that you follow the rules and regulations of your specific facility.
Creating a safer warehouse doesn’t require new equipment or complex systems. Most of the time, it simply requires awareness, consistency, and a bit of extra effort. That pallet that’s leaning sideways? Fix it now. That box on the top shelf? Bring it down where it belongs. Everyone plays a role in maintaining a safe and efficient workspace.
Because in the end, proper material storage isn’t just about keeping things in order—it’s about keeping people protected.
Thank you for joining us for another episode of Warehouse Safety Tips.
Until we meet next time – have a great week, and STAY SAFE!

Before moving on, here’s a word from one of our sponsors.

If you’ve ever been to or worked in a warehouse, you know just how important safety is to management and staff.  It’s almost impossible to go 10 steps without seeing Safety Tape, Angles, Signs, and/or products.

These items show us how to be safe and avoid danger in the workplace.  And if you’re looking for the best products to make this happen, look no further than Mighty Line!

Mighty Line Floor Signs / Floor Markings offer the best industrial products!

Go to MightyLineTape.com/SafetyTips to request a Sample Pack of their incredible Safety Signs and Floor Markings.

What makes Mighty Line the superior choice in keeping your facility safe and productive?

  • Mighty Line Tape is the strongest floor tape on the market and has a beveled edge that increases durability for industrial brush scrubbers, forklifts, and heavy industrial wheel traffic.
  • Easy installation and removal thanks to Mighty Line’s peel-and-stick backing.  You can apply and reapply it during installation – and it leaves no sticky residue should you need to remove it.  This allows the ability to change workflow areas quickly and easily – and not have the downtime associated with painting or using floor markings that leave behind a mess when you remove them.
  • Mighty Line Tape is 7 times thicker than the average Safety Floor Tape.
  • Mighty Line’s Signs and Markings come in various shapes, colors, and sizes.  And if they don’t have what you’re looking for in stock – their Customize It Program allows you to create exactly what you’re looking for.
  • Mighty Line offers a Limited 3-Year Warranty on their Floor Signs and Markings.
  • And last but certainly not least – Mighty Line Products are Patented and PROUDLY Made in the USA!

We’re proud to have Mighty Line as THE Official Floor Sign / Floor Marking Company for the Warehouse Safety Tips Podcast and Site.

Again – Go to MightyLineTape.com/SafetyTips to request a Sample Pack of their incredible Safety Signs and Floor Markings.

If you visit WarehouseSafetyTips.com – you’ll find the Show Notes for this episode.

Thank you for listening to Warehouse Safety Tips – and have a SAFE day!

Like and follow us on these Social Platforms:

https://www.instagram.com/warehousesafetytipspodcast/

https://www.twitter.com/YourSafetyTips

https://www.facebook.com/warehousesafetytips

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsLgzQJRDrG9C-qYbtQfG3Q

https://www.mightylinetape.com/safetytips