Supply Chain

Self Storage Safety with Warehouse Lifts

— Warehouse lifts in self-storage facilities reduce injury risks, improve safety, and make upper-floor access easier for all users.

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Self-storage warehouse lift in use for safely moving heavy boxes to an upper floor

Self-storage is a growing industry in the UK, with over 2,000 sites currently active across the country. People need places to look after their stuff, especially in a housing market where many choose to rent apartments or share homes while saving for a lifelong residence. Safe self-storage is facilitated by various pieces of equipment, such as high-quality warehouse lifts

This blog will explore the features necessary to maintain proper safety with self-storage goods lift installations, along with expanding on how the lifts can enhance safety. We’ll also touch on some of the elements you should look out for when . After reading, you should be able to seek out the right supplier or manufacturer, ensuring that your customers are safe and you can keep insurance rates stable.

Less manual lifting

The primary reason that you’d want to bring lifts into your self-storage facility is to provide your customers with easy access to mezzanine floors. Lifts reduce the amount of manual lifting and moving required by customers, in turn reducing the risk of typical workplace lifting injuries

Some typical injuries and conditions from lifting can include general musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) or repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), along with more specific ailments like: 

  • Back strains, sprains, muscle tears and herniated discs

  • Straining the muscles or tendons in the neck

  • Shoulder injuries like strains, sprains, dislocations and rotator cuff tears

  • Hand and wrist damage like sprains, fractures, cuts and the development of carpal tunnel

  • Dropped items can land on feet or ankles leading to bruises, fractures and sprains

  • Knee damage like cartilage damage and general strains

  • Hernias can develop in the abdomen if heavy lifting isn’t approached properly

  • Life-threatening head injuries should heavy loads fall from heights

And it’s not just about injuries – warehouse lifts will also reduce the potential for mishandling-related goods or equipment damage.

Easy usage features and installations

Letting customers access self-storage floors at different levels can be dangerous, especially if lifts and equipment are difficult to use. Creating a user-friendly system is a foundation for safety, as it keeps improper operation at bay. This makes them more reliable, even with newcomers to the site. 

HMI touchscreens 

One of the best easy-to-use features on warehouse lifts is proper HMI touchscreens, complete with clear directions within the control. When set up and configured correctly, these systems are designed to direct users through the process of operation. This means everyone can feel comfortable getting to mezzanine floors with heavy loads. 

Safety signage

Keeping signs about proper usage up around the facility is a great way to keep customers aware of safe usage practices. Sometimes, all people need is a point in the right direction, as it will keep them aware of what and what not to do. 

What to look for in self-storage warehouse lifts

If looking to maintain a safe storage facility, you need to find the right lifts from the best possible suppliers. 

Speedy installations

The right supplier will be able to install your new lifts fast, opening up self-storage containers for rent on a higher level soon. Modular designs allow for speedier installations, so you can establish a safe, functional site in no time, especially important in retrofitting projects into active units. This will reduce disruption to the site.  

Finance options

Making a full, cash purchase for warehouse lifts can be a lot to take on, especially if you’ve recently established a mezzanine floor. A good, reputable supplier might be able to offer finance options, so you can establish safety fast, while paying off at your own pace.

Seek out a well-respected, industry-honoured supplier for your self-storage goods lift installations and you can create a safe, efficient self-storage facility that protects your clients safety and you from liability

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Emily Wilson

Emily Wilson

Emily Wilson is a content strategist and writer with a passion for digital storytelling. She has a background in journalism and has worked with various media outlets, covering topics ranging from lifestyle to technology. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys hiking, photography, and exploring new coffee shops.

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