Most warehouse managers are aware of the hazards that are inherent with elevated work. Whether accessing goods stored up high or using an order picker on an elevated platform, the threat of a serious fall is ever-present. Falls from heights are not just a top reason for warehouse accidents; they are some of the most serious, often resulting in downtime, expensive insurance claims, and, most importantly, long-term consequences for workers. Yet, with the right precautions and technology, these incidents are preventable.

The Dangers of Elevated Work

Falls from high locations, such as lift trucks, raised work areas, 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 meeting regulations isn’t always enough. In practice, even veteran employees can become complacent or hurried, leading to forgetting to use safety harnesses. The outcome can be serious: one misstep at height can result in significant bodily harm or fatalities.

Warehouses are dynamic environments. Employees frequently need to reach stock stored high above the floor, using equipment like swing-reach vehicles or turret trucks. These machines are vital to efficient warehouse work, but they also bring new risks for falls. A momentary lapse, failing to secure safety gear or improperly securing a lanyard, can have devastating effects.

Traditional Fall Protection: Strengths and Shortcomings

In the past, warehouses have relied on a mix of safety barriers, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems to protect employees performing their duties up high. Guardrails and barriers are useful for fixed elevated areas, but they do not protect workers on order pickers. Personal fall arrest systems such as harnesses and lanyards are the most common strategy for employees on mobile lifts. Unfortunately, these solutions 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 tight deadlines.

Supervisors and safety managers have long struggled with this human factor. Spot checks and routine audits are useful, but they cannot guarantee 100% compliance, especially in big warehouses or places with many shifts.

The Raymond iWarehouse Integrated Tether System: Reducing the Compliance Burden

Raymond’s iWarehouse Integrated Tether System is a leap forward in fall protection for warehouse environments where work at height is common. In contrast to traditional systems that rely solely on operator diligence, the Integrated Tether System employs advanced wireless systems to make sure that safety rules are enforced whenever an employee uses elevated equipment.

It works in the following way: The system requires the employee to attach a lanyard to their safety harness before the vehicle will function at regular speed or allow the forks to elevate. If the operator is not properly tethered, the system immediately fires off a series of escalating alerts including audible alarms, flashing signals on the display, and, if ignored, slowing the vehicle to a crawl and shutting off lift controls. This layered safety method makes sure that operators 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 practical solution for a wide range of warehouse operations. Besides real-time enforcement, the system supplies supervisors with insights into safety behavior, enabling focused coaching and forward-thinking risk management.

Take the Next Step Toward Fall Protection

Elevated falls remain as a top safety concern for modern warehouses, but they are also one of the most easily mitigated. By adding modern technology such as the Integrated Tether System to your safety program, you can achieve real safety improvements, protecting your team, your productivity, and your sense of security.

If you’re ready to make safety a priority, contact Raymond West. Our safety experts can review your safety needs, bring in cutting-edge solutions, and create a more secure workplace—one where every worker at height is protected on every shift.

Raymond's Portland service operation includes all of Western Oregon and Southwest Washington, including Portland, Beaverton, Tigard, Hillsboro, Forest Grove, Sherwood, Tualatin, Wilsonville, Oregon City, Gladstone, Clackamas, Milwaukie, Happy Valley, Gresham, Troutdale, Woodburn, Salem, Vancouver, Ridgefield, Longview, Kelso and surrounding areas.

Raymond West | Portland Material Handling Equipment Supplier

3148 NE 181st Ave
Portland, OR 97230
(800) 675-2500