If you're a warehouse manager, you know the dangers that are inherent with elevated work. Whether picking stock from upper shelves or operating an order picker on a mezzanine, the potential of a serious fall is constantly present. Falls from heights are not just one of the main causes of injuries in warehouses; they are among the most severe, often resulting in downtime, expensive insurance claims, and, most importantly, lasting human impact. Yet, with the right approaches and technology, these incidents are avoidable.

The Dangers of Elevated Work

Falls from elevated surfaces, such as elevated vehicles, elevated platforms, and mezzanines account for a large portion 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 experienced operators can become overconfident or pressed for time, leading to neglecting to connect safety equipment. The consequences are serious: one miscalculation at height can result in life-altering injuries or fatalities.

Warehouses are dynamic environments. Workers frequently need to reach stock stored high above the floor, using equipment like swing-reach vehicles or turret trucks. These machines are essential for modern fulfillment operations, but they also create special safety challenges. A single lapse, not attaching a lanyard or not fastening a harness properly, can have devastating effects.

Traditional Fall Protection: Strengths and Shortcomings

Historically, warehouses have employed a mix of safety barriers, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems to protect employees performing their duties up high. Guardrails and barriers are effective on mezzanines and fixed platforms, but they do not ensure the safety of operators of moving vehicles. Personal fall arrest systems such as harnesses and lanyards are the most common strategy for workers using elevated trucks. Unfortunately, these solutions depend on workers always following procedures. Even the most conscientious employee can miss a step while distracted, particularly during peak periods or under demanding workloads.

Supervisors have long struggled with this human factor. Visual checks and routine audits can assist, but they don't provide total assurance, especially in large or multi-shift operations.

The Raymond iWarehouse Integrated Tether System: Compliance Made Easy

Raymond’s iWarehouse Integrated Tether System represents a major advancement in warehouse safety for warehouse environments where elevated work is routine. Unlike traditional systems that rely solely on operator diligence, the Integrated Tether System employs wireless technology to make sure that safety protocols are met each time someone operates a lift truck.

Here's what happens: 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. In the event that the worker isn't tethered correctly, the system instantly fires off a series of increasing notifications including sound warnings, flashing signals on the display, and, if unaddressed, reducing speed and disabling elevation features. This multi-layered approach ensures that employees cannot work around required protocols, even unintentionally.

The Integrated Tether System is currently 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 real-time enforcement, the system supplies managers with compliance tracking and reporting, allowing for specific safety education and forward-thinking risk management.

Take the Next Step Toward Fall Protection

Elevated falls remain as one of the most serious hazards in today’s warehouses, but they are also one of the most avoidable. By adopting new tools like the Integrated Tether System, you can go further than just meeting regulations, protecting your team, your productivity, and your sense of security.

If you’re ready to make safety a priority, contact Raymond West. Our team can evaluate your warehouse hazards, install advanced safety systems, and develop a stronger safety culture—one where every worker at height is protected on every shift.

Raymond's Reno / Sparks service operation includes all of Western Nevada, including Reno, Sparks, Carson City, Minden, Gardnerville, Incline Village, Virginia City, Indian Hills, Johnson Lane, Fernley, Fallon, Dayton, Silver Springs, Spanish Springs, Yerington, Genoa and Zephyr Cove.

Raymond West | Reno / Sparks Material Handling Equipment Supplier

975 Terminal Way
Reno, NV 89502
(775) 356-8383