Warehouses and distribution centers need to operate at high speeds to get products moving. There’s usually employees, equipment, and inventory traveling all around a facility at once. With so much traffic every day, safety and organization becomes a large priority. Aluminum walkway systems for warehouse and distribution centers help keep your operations running smoothly.
Many warehouse environments can be dangerous when there are not designated pathways for pedestrian traffic. Forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyors, storage racks, and raised platforms are just a few obstacles that warehouse employees have to navigate every day. Aluminum walkway systems allow businesses to section off safe walkways to improve safety and accessibility.
Why Safe Walkways Matter in Warehouses
Warehouse employees need to stay efficient while completing tasks that may include lifting products, equipment, and moving shipments. Oftentimes these employees have to walk long distances to get to different inventory areas, loading docks, mezzanines, or work stations.
If there are no walkways designated for employees to use, they may try to take shortcuts through forklift traffic or crowded work areas. Not only does this put their safety at risk for accidents and collision with equipment, but poorly laid flooring or low visibility can cause injuries as well. Designated walkways help warehouse employees know where it’s safest to walk.
Aluminum walkway systems create designated travel paths for pedestrians throughout your warehouse. These systems help separate forklift traffic and pedestrian traffic whenever possible. Undoubtedly, the aluminum walkways create more structure for employees to follow when moving around a facility.
Benefits of Aluminum Walkway Systems
Industrial aluminum walkway systems are a popular choice for facilities because they are durable and corrosion resistant. Many metal materials, such as steel, are too heavy to provide safe walkway support, but aluminum is not one of them.
Aluminum is corrosion resistant. Warehouses may have humidity, moisture, or even routine washdowns that could damage metal walkway systems. Aluminum walkways can handle harsh environments and temperature changes without rusting or losing durability.
Businesses appreciate aluminum walkway systems because they are low maintenance and long-lasting. Once installed, your facility can depend on the walkway system to provide reliable access for years to come.
Walkway systems can often be customized to fit your unique warehouse design. Whether you need access to elevated platforms, mezzanine systems, or rooftop units, aluminum walkways can be adapted to fit your needs.
Improving Employee Safety & Traffic Flow
Employee safety should always be a top concern for warehouse managers. Distribution centers are full of machinery and employees working quickly, which can cause traffic issues.
Installing aluminum walkway systems help employees know where it’s safest to walk. Walkways give clear direction of where employees should travel through the warehouse and avoid unnecessary interaction with forklifts and other powered industrial vehicles.
For warehouses with raised platforms or storage solutions, walkways can provide safe elevated walkways. These walkway systems typically include guardrails and slip resistant surfaces to help employees feel secure while carrying tools, inventory scanners, products, or other equipment.
When employees can easily identify where they should walk, traffic flow can improve. If employees have defined travel routes, it’s easier to manage daily tasks with less disruptions.
Helping Facilities with OSHA Compliance
Providing a safe work environment for employees is required by OSHA. Walkways should be safe walking-working surfaces and should limit fall hazards.
Many aluminum walkway systems are designed with OSHA regulations in mind. Facilities can often install handrails, guardrails, and non-slip surfaces on aluminum walkways. Load capacities can also be factored into the design to ensure your employees have safe access.
OSHA compliance is not just about avoiding citations. When you provide a safe work environment for your employees, you’re limiting the risk of injury and potential lawsuits. Having your walkway systems professionally designed and installed shows your facility’s commitment to your employees and their safety.
Safe walkways can even increase employee morale. Workers will feel safer when they know their employer has provided proper safety measures.
Where to Use Walkway Systems
Walkway systems can be used almost anywhere in a warehouse or distribution center. Facilities often install walkways above conveyor systems to allow maintenance access.
Other common applications are around mezzanine levels, loading dock areas, and any place where pedestrian traffic is necessary. Rooftop walkway systems are another common installation for facilities that need access to HVAC systems or other equipment.
In large distribution centers, walkway systems may be used to connect different areas of operation. Having consistent walkways throughout your facility will help with organization and limit congestion.
Every warehouse is different, which is why many walkway systems are custom designed to fit your specific needs.
Durability in High-Traffic Environments
Since most warehouse facilities operate 24/7, walkway systems will constantly be exposed to foot traffic. It’s important that your walkway system can handle high amounts of employee traffic and provide continued access to elevated equipment.
Another benefit of aluminum walkway systems is their slip-resistant surfaces such as REDD Team’s Dura-Grip. Dust, debris, and moisture can build up in warehouse environments. Having a slip resistant surface on your walkways will provide better traction for employees.
Thankfully, aluminum walkway systems are built to withstand the elements. With low maintenance needs and corrosion resistant properties, aluminum walkways can stand up to harsh environments.
Contact REDD Team for Your Industrial Walkway Needs
Aluminum walkway systems for warehouse and distribution centers are an important part of keeping your employees safe and your operations running smoothly. If your facility could use some help with installation or design, reach out to the experts at REDD Team. Our professional team can help you get the right walkway system for your warehouse and keep you compliant with OSHA regulations.
Give REDD Team a call at (800) 648-3696 or contact us online today.