A pallet is a simple instrument that is defined as "support for different kinds of freight". The standard pallet is used across nearly every industry worldwide and as a result, it has a high potential to take on constant abuse. It's common to find pallets well past their useful and safe life still being utilized. As a money-saving measure many warehouses reuse pallets and continue to keep them in the fleet. As one might expect, these old or broken pallets are sometimes the cause of freight falling to the floor when being used. Freight and equipment damage can occur in this instance, and even worse, injury or death of any employee.

Consider these safety recommendations when working with a palletized load:

• Pallet inspection programs are critical, and one should be developed and implemented. Checking for rot, cracks or other weakness is the first step before using a pallet. If a pallet is discovered to be unsafe or show any of these weaknesses, then it should be marked as such and either fixed or thrown away. These procedures can limit or prevent the unnecessary costs associated with human safety, physical damage and reputation of the company.

• Make sure when loading the pallet that your load is balanced on the forklift forks, and not out of balance. A centered pallet is less likely to fall of the forks when maneuvering turns and ramps than an off center one.

• If the pallets being moved contain loose items be sure to secure them as well as any straps. To ensure safer, easier retrieval, make sure to do this step before putting the pallet into its storage system.

• Caution must be taken when multiple pallets are stacked on top of each other. The stack should never lean one way or another - it should always be balanced. Pallets in poor condition on the bottom of the stack is never good news - the bottom most pallets support the stack and should be in excellent condition. The best way to reduce the potential for serious forklift incidents is to eliminate pallets from toppling over. One idea that can help is to determine the max stack height allowable and enforce it. One way to easily communicate this idea would be to add a wall line at the max allowable height.

• Every forklift and pallet has a load limit. Knowing the load limits, and never exceeding them, is the responsibility of the operator. If the load limit is maintained then the forklift hydraulic system will work properly, but if not, it will not react properly and has the potential to fall over.

• All storage systems, including racks, mezzanines, balconies, etc must be clearly marked with their load limits in order to help ensure compliance. These rules must be followed to the letter - no exceptions. When it comes to these rules, they must be followed without exception.

• Ensuring the safety of the operator from overhead falling objects can be done by making certain the cage or screen is in place. Items previously placed up high and not secured have the potential to fall - thus the safety cage.