Do you have an effective storage system? Have you ever planned out a storage system that you know is effective in storage and picking of inventory items? It is a simple step that can really help ensure better productivity within your warehouse or plant.

Start out by evaluating the types of products that will be stored. Look at the items size and weight and than determine if that item belongs in a bin, drawer or on a shelf. You can divide products into groups of small, medium and large. You can than evaluate their weight from light to heavy. This exercise will further help to evaluate the best place to store an item.

Make sure that workers who pick and stock items follow certain guidelines that will help them work more effectively,

- Items that are lighter should be stored above because they are easier to lift down

- Items that are small and normal weight should be stored by the waist line so they are easily visible and won’t cause strain while lifting

- Heavy-duty, heavier items should be stored below the waist line so they can be lifted by using the legs and other muscles so that strain is not caused

- Also keep into consideration the depth of bins, workers should be able to easily see small items if they are in shallow bins

All these simple steps will aid in making your workplace storage run more effectively.

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Tags are an important way to communicate certain information to your employees. Whether you color code or need a durable tag for a harsh environment there are a variety of tags to meet your businesses needs. There are also a variety of tag fasteners each serving a different purpose.

Here are the different fasteners to consider when choosing your tag:

Cotton String Ties - attach tags to equipment quickly and efficiently

Elastic Knotted String Ties - tie on easily and they don’t have to be attached so they can be reused again

Release Style Nylon Ties - a more durable tie  that can be reused

Steel Wire Ties – Great for harsh conditions and will securely hold your tag in place

Snap Hook Loop Ties – Tougher than wire and easily squeezes open to attach

#6 Beaded Chain Ties - extremely flexible for easy attachment and perfect for use in extreme temperatures

Nylon Ties – are non-conductive as well as strong and economical

Colored Lock Style Nylon Ties - ideal for color coding and lock with out any tools

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In the material handling industry forklifts are an essential element for warehouse workers. They are big pieces of machinery that have the capacity to cause injury or major damage to your property. Is forklift safety part of your training program?

Employees should be aware that forklifts are not toys. Several accidents are caused from employees racing forklifts, not alerting others walking that they are behind them and countless other mistakes.

Forklifts are not to be taken lightly. Workers should be aware of their dangers. Not only is the education of forklift safety important for the safety of your workers it is also important for your companies investment. It really needs to be stressed that these machines are very powerful and can cause serious damage to a building. In addition they are also very costly equipment.

Here is a list of possible ideas to help your business implement a forklift safety program.

1. First and foremost start a forklift training program for existing employees. This will also be useful for all new employees.

2. Forklifts are not toys. This needs to be made clear to all employees. Setup signs or other items that can serve as a constant reminder.
3. Forklift Operators should be in good health mentally and physically. Often careless accidents can happen this way and it puts your company, that worker and all other employees at risk.
4. Proper maintenance is very important for a forklift. This will ensure your forklift runs smoothly and will keep your machinery running longer.
5. Talk to those that operate the forklifts. They may be able to provide valuable information that could further improve your forklift training program.

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As the summer months approach are you making sure your warehouse is safe for your employees? A very hot warehouse can slow production down and be harmful to employees. Here are a few steps to check before summer arrives to keep your employees safe.

• Be sure to check that there is proper ventilation. There should be a cooling system in place or fans

• As an extra precaution leave out easily accessible respiratory equipment.  Dust or other particles can get blown around from a cooling system or fans and cause breathing issues

• Make sure any protective eye-wear that is worn can be easily cleaned from sweat or other conditions caused by the heat

• Water should be easily accessible to make sure all employees stay well hydrated

• Place signs as reminders to employees to drink a lot of water and stay safe

These are just a few of the steps to take.  Prepare before the heat arrives.

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Forklifts, drum transporters, pallet trucks and other material handling equipment make moving heavy items much easier for employees. Employees should always be well aware that if this equipment is not used properly it can become a safety risk.

Before even using any new machinery all employees should have to attend required training on the best and safest way to handle the equipment. Once training is complete and employees show that they have a good understanding of how to appropriately use the equipment they should become licensed by the proper authority.

 Everyone in a warehouse should remain vigilant and focused to keep employees safe and also to avoid damaging property. Warehouse Management Solutions Company Smart Turn™ offers some helpful tips on how to prevent accidents and damage by heavy warehouse mechanical equpiment,

• Encourage employees to immediately report (anonymously if needed) unsafe conditions or behavior
• Use striping to delineate aisles and passageways, including doorway and loading dock areas
• Keep aisles and passageways clear at all times
• Don’t assume that the equipment operator can see you or react in time to stop. Assume that you are in his blind spot at all times.
• Look both ways and move slowly when emerging from aisles, doorways, or offices
• Prohibit walking on pallets and using forklifts and pallet jacks for rides
• Be careful around conveyors, making sure not to get body parts or clothing caught in the machinery’s moving parts.
• Teach employees to push manual material handling equipment whenever possible, rather than pull loads
• Make sure employees know where the on/off and emergency stop buttons are on equipment they work on or around.

In addition to implementing these helpful tips be sure to use signs and markers as a constant reminder to your employees to be safe. Keeping your property and employees safe in your warehouse will ensure a more productive plant.

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Keep your customer satisfaction at an all time high by making sure your customers don’t receive any broken shipments.

During these difficult economic times all companies are striving to keep customers happy. Protect their shipments with shipping labels that identify packages with special handling needs. This will help keep your customers happy and protect your businesses reputation at the same time.

There are a variety of labels from fluorescent to specific labels that will help prevent incorrect and rough handling. Be sure to mark fragile items with fragile shipping labels or notify that the package has glass.

Shipping labels can also specify other messages besides the handling of products. There are specific international shipping labels that will ensure the message is clear going through customs. For a more economical alternative combination shipping labels are available which show multiple handling instructions on one label.

They can also help communicate important messages. Use them on boxes, packing slips, or other products to make sure important instructions are noticed. This will help not onlu keep customers happy it will also help to run the workplace more efficiently.

Visit seton.com to find shipping labels that meet your business needs.

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What has almost 1000 pages and is practically bursting at the spine with an incredible selection of products? The 2010 Seton Source Book!

Seton’s Source Book is an annual offering of all of Seton’s products in one handy (and large!) catalog. And, it’s called a “Source Book” for good reason. The 2010 Edition has every pipe marker, asset tag, safety sign and warehouse product that you’ll ever need to address the unique requirments of your business.

From Custom and Specialty Labels to Traffic & Parking Signs, Workzone Safety Equipment to Seals & Locks, the 2010 Source Book is the singular source for all that is safety, labeling and signage products.

We’re sure that once you see the new 2010 Source Book, it’ll never leave your desk. Want a FREE 2010 Source Book for your company? Order one HERE.

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