In Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requires employers to ensure the health and safety of their employees in the workplace. This includes implementing proper safety measures for the use of pallet racking systems. A pre-start review is an essential safety measure that can help prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace. In this blog post, we will discuss the importance of a pallet racking pre-start review based on the OHSA.
What is a Pallet Racking Pre-Start Review?
A pallet racking pre-start review is a safety inspection that is conducted before the use of a pallet racking system. The review aims to identify any potential hazards that could pose a risk to workers, such as damaged or overloaded racking, inadequate aisle space, and poor load distribution. The review is conducted by an engineer who is trained in the proper use and maintenance of pallet racking systems.
Why is a Pallet Racking Pre-Start Review Important?
Compliance with the OHSA
The OHSA requires employers to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. By conducting a pre-start review, employers can identify and address potential hazards before they cause harm, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace.
Prevention of Accidents and Injuries
Pallet racking systems can pose a significant risk to workers if they are not maintained and used properly. A pre-start review helps to identify and address potential hazards, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace. This can help to protect workers from harm and reduce the financial and reputational costs associated with workplace accidents.
Optimization of Storage Space
A pre-start review can help to optimize storage space by identifying areas of the warehouse that are not being used effectively. By making improvements to the pallet racking system, businesses can maximize storage space and reduce the need for additional storage solutions.
Improved Efficiency and Productivity
By conducting a pre-start review, businesses can identify and address any issues with the pallet racking system before they impact productivity. A properly maintained pallet racking system can help to improve efficiency and productivity in the workplace, allowing businesses to meet their targets and deadlines more effectively.
Demonstrates Commitment to Safety
Conducting a pre-start review demonstrates a commitment to safety in the workplace. It shows employees that their safety is a priority, and that the employer is taking steps to identify and address potential hazards.
In conclusion, a pallet racking pre-start review is an essential safety measure that can help to prevent accidents and injuries in the workplace. By identifying and addressing potential hazards, businesses can comply with the OHSA, optimize storage space, improve efficiency and productivity, and demonstrate a commitment to safety. Employers should ensure that pre-start reviews are conducted by an engineer.
