If you're a warehouse manager, you know the dangers that are inherent with working at heights. Whether picking stock from upper shelves or operating an order picker on a mezzanine, the potential of a catostrophic fall is ever-present. Accidental falls are not just a top reason for warehouse accidents; they are among the most devastating, often resulting in work stoppages, high compensation costs, and, most importantly, permanent effects on people. Yet, with the right precautions and technology, these incidents are able to be prevented.

The Dangers of Elevated Work

Falls from elevated surfaces, such as lift trucks, elevated platforms, and mezzanines account for a significant share of warehouse injuries. OSHA mandates fall protection at elevations of four feet or more in general industry settings, but compliance alone does not guarantee safety. In practice, even seasoned workers can become overconfident or hurried, leading to forgetting to use safety harnesses. The outcome can be serious: a single misstep at height can result in significant bodily harm or fatalities.

Warehouses are dynamic environments. Workers are often required to access inventory stored several levels above the ground, using equipment like swing-reach vehicles or turret trucks. These machines are crucial for today’s warehouses, but they also bring new risks for falls. A single lapse, failing to secure safety gear or not fastening a harness properly, can have tragic results.

Ordinary Fall Protection: Strengths and Shortcomings

Historically, warehouses have relied on a mix of guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest solutions to protect workers performing their duties up high. Barriers and guardrails are effective on mezzanines and fixed platforms, but they cannot protect operators of order pickers. Personal fall arrest systems such as harnesses and lanyards are the most common strategy for operators of order pickers and similar vehicles. Unfortunately, these solutions rely on workers always following procedures. Even the most conscientious employee can forget to tether in a moment of distraction, particularly during busy shifts or under tight deadlines.

Supervisors and safety managers have long struggled with this human factor. Visual checks and routine audits help, but they don't ensure everyone always follows the rules, especially in complex, round-the-clock facilities.

The Raymond iWarehouse Integrated Tether System: Reducing the Compliance Burden

Raymond’s iWarehouse Integrated Tether System is a major advancement in warehouse safety for warehouses where work at height is common. In contrast to traditional systems that rely solely on operator diligence, the Integrated Tether System uses advanced wireless systems to make sure that safety standards are followed every time an operator steps onto an order picker or swing-reach truck.

It works in the following way: The system requires the employee to secure a tether to their harness before the vehicle will move at full capacity or allow the forks to elevate. In the event that the worker isn't tethered correctly, the system immediately triggers a series of increasing notifications including beeping alerts, flashing signals on the display, and, if unaddressed, reducing speed and disabling elevation features. This multi-layered approach makes sure that workers cannot bypass safety procedures, even unintentionally.

The Integrated Tether System is now an option for Raymond’s Orderpicker models (5300, 5400, 5500, 5600) and Swing-Reach trucks (9600, 9700), making it a useful option for diverse warehouse needs. In addition to instant monitoring, the system provides supervisors with insights into safety behavior, allowing for focused coaching and proactive safety management.

Take the Next Step Toward Fall Protection

Elevated falls are a major risk in warehouse operations, but they are also among the most easily mitigated. By integrating advanced solutions like the Raymond Integrated Tether System into your safety strategy, you can go further than just meeting regulations, protecting your people, your operations, and your sense of security.

If you’re ready to take a proactive approach to fall protection, contact Raymond West. Our safety experts can help you assess your current risks, bring in cutting-edge solutions, and develop a stronger safety culture—one where every worker at height is protected on every shift.

Raymond West's Los Angeles facility serves much of Los Angeles County, including Cypress, Santa Fe Springs, Whittier, La Mirada, Downey, Pico Rivera, Los Angeles, Montebello, El Monte, Rosemead, Alhambra, South Gate, Lynwood, Compton, Westmont, Gardena, Torrance, Carson, San Pedro, La Habra, City of Industry, Walnut, Inglewood, Hawthorne and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Los Angeles Material Handling Equipment Supplier

5560 Katella Ave
Cypress, CA 90630
(562) 944-8067