5 Essential Safety Tips for Using Automated Conveyor Systems

An Automated conveyor system is designed to simplify order fulfillment processes, enabling businesses to pack more, ship more, and optimize productivity. These systems streamline operations by quickly moving inventory to the right locations within your facility, reducing labor demands while protecting goods from damage. As critical as they are for efficiency, automated conveyor systems also require adherence to strict safety protocols to ensure smooth functionality and safeguard employees and nearby personnel.

The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, has reported up to 9,000 injuries annually due to conveyor-related accidents. This is a significant figure, especially when considering that the majority of these incidents are preventable. To maintain productivity and, more importantly, protect your employees, warehouse teams should implement the following safety tips to ensure the safe operation of automated conveyor systems.

Critical Conveyor System Safety Tips

Use it Properly

Ensuring the safe operation of your conveyor system starts with proper use. Personnel should avoid climbing, sitting, standing, walking, riding, or touching the system while it is in operation.

Turn it OFF before Working ON

Always disconnect all power sources before performing maintenance on the system. No maintenance, including opening a panel or guard, should occur without cutting power. Additionally, block any inclines on gravity conveyors before beginning preventive maintenance or significant repairs.

Keep It Covered

Never operate your conveyor system without the approved safety guards in place. These guards are designed to protect both inventory and employees. While it may seem easier to work without them, stress the importance of keeping all guards intact on operational systems.

Be a Know-It-All

Only authorized, trained personnel should operate and maintain conveyor systems. Operators should be familiar with the location and function of stop/start controls. Employers must ensure workers are trained on the controls, understand their purpose, and know how to access them in an emergency.

Write It Down

Do not modify or alter any part of your conveyor system outside of approved maintenance or repair procedures. Qualified personnel should regularly monitor system controls to ensure that no misuse or unauthorized changes have been made.

Employees can protect themselves from accidents by keeping their hair, loose clothing, and body parts away from the conveyor. Maintaining an appropriate distance from the system during operations is also essential for safety.

According to OSHA conveyor standards, systems must include an audible warning signal that sounds before the system starts. Employees should be trained to recognize the signal and understand the potential risks of ignoring it.

Let Apex Help Ensure Employee Safety

At Apex, we’re dedicated to helping our clients identify and implement the best automated conveyor solutions for their warehouses. Beyond installation, we partner with you to ensure your systems operate safely and efficiently. Contact our knowledgeable team today to learn how we can support your business needs. We look forward to working with you!