Pallets are one of the most basic tools in the supply chain, and it’s easy to overlook just how much can go wrong if they’re not handled properly. From minor cuts and splinters to broken bones and damaged equipment, a poorly maintained or carelessly handled pallet can cause real harm. Here’s what to look out for to keep pallets, and the people working with them, safe.
Check Before You Use
Never use a damaged pallet. Before any pallet goes into service, it’s worth taking a moment to inspect it for loose nails, cracks or splinters. If a pallet isn’t fit for the job, it should be set aside rather than pushed into use, cutting corners here is exactly how minor faults turn into serious hazards further down the line.
Handling With Care
Pallets should always be handled carefully, whether they’re empty or loaded. It’s tempting to treat an empty pallet as low risk, but splinters, loose boards and sharp edges don’t discriminate. Being mindful of how pallets are lifted, moved and stacked goes a long way towards avoiding injury.
Storing Pallets Safely
When pallets aren’t in use, how they’re stored matters. Keeping them stacked flat and no higher than four feet reduces the risk of toppling, and stacks should always be arranged so that individual pallets can be slid out and accessed easily, rather than needing to be climbed over or dug out.
Dealing With Damage
If a pallet does break or an accident happens, the debris should be cleared up straight away. Broken pallet boards are a serious trip hazard, and loose nails or splinters left on the ground can just as easily puncture a vehicle tyre or shorten its lifespan.
Why This Matters at Cross Country Carriers
Handling pallets is day-to-day practice for our team, and pallet safety is something we take seriously across every part of our operation. As a FORS Silver accredited operator moving pallets across the UK every day, we’re committed to providing a safe working environment for our team and protecting the goods and machinery we handle.
If you’d like to find out more about our pallet services, get in touch with our team today.
