Most warehouse managers are aware of the dangers that come with elevated work. Whether picking stock from upper shelves or manuevering an order picker on a mezzanine, the threat of a catostrophic fall is ever-present. Accidental falls are not just one of the main causes of injuries in warehouses; they are among the most serious, often resulting in work stoppages, high compensation costs, and, most importantly, permanent effects on people. Yet, with the right strategies and technology, these incidents are preventable.

The Dangers of Elevated Work

Falls from elevated surfaces, such as order pickers, mezzanines, and mezzanines account for a substantial number 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 veteran employees can become complacent or hurried, leading to neglecting to connect safety equipment. The outcome can be serious: a single miscalculation at height can result in life-altering injuries or fatalities.

Warehouses are constantly changing workplaces. Workers are often required to reach stock stored high above the floor, using equipment like order pickers or turret trucks. These machines are essential for modern fulfillment operations, but they also bring new risks for falls. A momentary lapse, not attaching a lanyard or improperly securing a lanyard, can have serious consequences.

Ordinary Fall Protection: Strengths and Shortcomings

In the past, warehouses have employed a mix of protective rails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest solutions to protect workers at height. Barriers and guardrails are effective on mezzanines and fixed platforms, but they cannot protect workers on order pickers. Personal fall arrest systems such as lanyards and harnesses are the most common strategy for employees on mobile lifts. However, these systems rely on workers always following procedures. Even the best-trained worker can neglect to connect a harness when rushed, especially during busy shifts or under production pressure.

Supervisors have long struggled with this human factor. Spot checks and routine audits can assist, but they don't ensure everyone always follows the rules, especially in big warehouses or places with many shifts.

The Raymond iWarehouse Integrated Tether System: Compliance Made Easy

Raymond’s iWarehouse Integrated Tether System represents a leap forward in fall protection for warehouse environments where elevated work is common. In contrast to traditional systems that depend only on workers following procedures, the Integrated Tether System uses wireless technology to make sure that safety protocols are enforced whenever an employee uses elevated equipment.

Here's what happens: The system requires the employee to connect a self-retracting lanyard to their harness before the vehicle will function at regular speed or allow the forks to elevate. If the operator is not properly tethered, the system instantly sends a series of increasing notifications including sound warnings, flashing signals on the display, and, if ignored, slowing the vehicle to a crawl and shutting off lift controls. This comprehensive system ensures that employees cannot bypass safety procedures, even unintentionally.

The Integrated Tether System is now available for Raymond’s Orderpicker models (5300, 5400, 5500, 5600) and Swing-Reach trucks (9600, 9700), making it a useful option for diverse warehouse needs. Besides real-time enforcement, the system supplies supervisors with detailed data on tether compliance, allowing for specific safety education and proactive safety management.

Take the Next Step Toward Fall Protection

Elevated falls remain as a top safety concern for modern warehouses, 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 move beyond compliance to true risk reduction, protecting your people, your output, and your peace of mind.

If you’re ready to improve your fall prevention efforts, contact Raymond West. Our safety experts can evaluate your warehouse hazards, bring in cutting-edge solutions, and build a safer, more resilient operation—one where every worker at height is protected on every shift.

Raymond West's Oxnard / Ventura service area includes Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Ventura, Santa Paula, Westlake Village, Simi Valley and all surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Oxnard Material Handling Equipment Supplier

Ventura County, CA
(805) 667-0888