EDITION #25: WAREHOUSE ORGANISATION: HOW TO USE STORAGE TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY IN THE WORKPLACE
The age-old saying “Time is Money” has never been truer, as we live in a time of great expense and face fast-paced competitors at every turn. Efficiency is key to utilising the hours we’re given and staying ahead of the competition. Warehouses are large and often dangerous places where finding particular materials and navigating large amounts of stock can be very difficult. Warehouse organisation is a tool at your disposal that you can utilise to draw the most speed from your workers while keeping them safe and happy. Discover our top tips for improving safety and efficiency in the workplace.
Warehouse Storage and Organisation Ideas
There are many ways to keep your workplace or warehouse organised and efficient. Here are just a few ideas:
Shelving:
A variety of shelving types are available, so seek the storage solutions that best match the things you’re storing in terms of size and number. Shelving allows you to store upwards, allowing quick, easy movement around the warehouse and keeping products stored out of the way, minimising hazards.
Containers:
Pallets, boxes, and storage containers are suitable for organising shelves as they keep items separate. They also work well for storing items that need to be within arm’s reach, such as tools and other smaller items. For the latter purpose, stacking containers are great because they can function as a shelf but can be separated and moved around if need be.
Have a system:
Don’t place stock in any old location. Have an organisational system for everyone to work to. Everything should have a home, so everyone can find what they’re looking for as fast as possible. Note down the locations of everything and continually update this list/map, allowing everyone to quickly learn the locations of new stock.
Workplace Health and Safety
It’s essential to follow health and safety rules surrounding storage and shelving to avoid any serious accidents. Read WorkSafe’s comprehensive guide on the rules and regulations surrounding this.
Warehouse Safety Tips
Your storage solutions must allow a safe working environment because sacrificing safety in the name of efficiency, and speed will only result in a decline in efficiency.
Keep it clean:
Bins are another important aspect of storage. Place plenty of bins in clearly visible locations to discourage people from “putting things down for a sec’” and not picking them up again. If aisles and exits are cluttered, safety and efficiency decrease.
Have the right equipment
It isn’t enough to only have shelving – it has to be the right kind. As mentioned before, it must be earthquake safe. Also, the equipment will have weight limits that need to be respected. If you’re planning on stacking multiple things on one shelf tier, consider purchasing shelving with more tiers and less height between them to avoid precarious stacking.
Seek advice
To take your warehouse organisation, efficiency, and safety to the next level, seek professional advice on storage solutions. Suppliers of the storage equipment should be able to identify hazards and lay out your storage in the safest way possible. Get in touch with Dexters today for advice on warehouse storage and safety solutions!