Sanjay Karkera, AVP Contract Logistics & Logistic Engineering, Flyjac Logistics says, “Ensuring safety of cargo inside the warehouse is critical and utmost responsibility of the 3PL handling the warehouse. It is crucial consideration for the companies. It consists of protocols based on industry practices to ensure Safety of cargos in warehouse.
Some of the effective strategies to safeguard the stored Cargos are,
1. Proper storage solutions :
Use of appropriate shelving, racks and pallets designed for the weight and dimension of the cargo.
Maintaining uniformly distributed loads while storing the cargos in the warehouse, store heavier items at lower levels to prevent falls. Ensure right products are stored in right designated place.
For temperature sensitive cargo, maintain proper climate controls to avoid spoilage or damage.
Regularly monitor and document temperature and humidity levels in storage areas.
2. Regular Inspections:
Conduct regular safety inspections of storage areas and equipment to identify potential hazards.
Schedule routine maintenance for all equipment, including forklifts and pallet trucks. If these equipment’s fail while handling material, can have potential to damage the cargo.
3. Employee Training:
Train employees on safe lifting techniques, proper and right use of equipment, and emergency procedures.
4. Accurate Labelling:
Clearly label all cargo, including hazardous materials, to ensure proper handling.
Use barcodes or RFID tags to streamline inventory management and enhance tracking accuracy.
5. Inventory Management:
Maintain accurate inventory records to track the location and status of cargo.
Implement a first in first out (FIFO) system to reduce the risk of damage and spoilage.
6. Insurance:
Invest in comprehensive insurance coverage for your warehouse and cargo.
Review policies regularly to ensure coverage meets evolving risks.”