Warehouse automation is becoming increasingly common across a wide range of industries, and for good reason. One of the most significant benefits of warehouse automation is improved worker safety. This is especially true when it comes to secondary packaging equipment, such as automatic palletizers, automatic and semi-automatic stretch wrappers, case packers, and more. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics reported a total recordable rate of 5.5 injuries per 100 full-time workers in the warehousing and storage subsector. That means out of the 705,000 workers, about 39,000 of them were injured. Read on to explore exactly how warehouse automation improves worker safety.
Keeps Drivers on Their Forklifts
OSHA estimates that there are 110,000 forklift accidents each year and that 70 percent of those accidents could have been avoided. Forklift injuries typically occur due to high pedestrian traffic areas, blind spots, narrow aisles, and forklifts overturning. Using an automatic stretch wrapper instead of manual labor allows the fork truck driver to stay on the truck instead of stepping out to attach film to the load, cut it at the end of the wrap cycle, or perform other tasks that require leaving the fork truck. This makes workers’ jobs easier and reduces repetitive or strenuous tasks. It also minimizes the risk of falls or other accidents that could occur when a worker is on foot, particularly when working at heights. Additionally, workers can stay further away from moving products and equipment parts, which also helps prevent accidents and injuries.
Minimizes Back Strain and Repetitive Injuries
By automating your workflow with a traditional or robotic palletizer, you can provide a machine that stacks products on a pallet consistently and effortlessly, eliminating the need for your workers to do it manually. Manual labor involving pallet stacking, wrapping, and other tasks causes back strain, which can result in work-related injuries. Automating these jobs allows you to reassign labor to other tasks. In addition to preventing muscle strain, repetitive motion injuries, and other hazards, you can improve efficiency by rethinking your workflow and strategically reallocating labor to more skill-based jobs.
Prevents Employee Accidents
Another way warehouse automation helps improve worker safety is by preventing injuries that stem from employee mistakes like improper palletizing or unstable loads. These errors can cause serious accidents that could result in severe injuries, so it’s essential to take steps to reduce the risk of them occurring. By automating secondary packaging tasks, you can significantly reduce human error and prevent employee accidents within your facility.
The right equipment helps you optimize safety and efficiency in your warehouse. Partner with Robopac USA to find advanced industrial wrapping machines and other packaging solutions for your business.
