Upgrading Warehouse Safety Management with Indoor Tracking Systems

Warehouse environments tend to be hotspots for accidents. In fact, the warehousing and storage sector has a higher rate of nonfatal injuries and illnesses compared to the nation’s average. This study from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics underscores the importance of creating a safe work environment, improving product and equipment safety, and emphasizes the need for transformative indoor tracking systems that can help enhance warehouse safety management.

How Do Indoor Tracking Systems Improve Warehouse Safety Management?

Real-Time Location System (RTLS) technology uses tags, sensors and receivers to locate assets, equipment or personnel within a warehouse. It is like an “indoor GPS” which allows managers to see what is happening in their warehouses in real time. Here are some of the ways RTLSs can help keep your warehouse efficient and incident free:

Mitigating Risks

Through monitoring worker movements and machinery, indoor tracking systems preventatively identify risks associated with these movements before they reach dangerous levels such as hazardous materials spills or falls caused by slippery floors. For example, forklift-related accidents are considered to be one of the biggest safety issues that warehousing facilities face, causing between 35,000 and 62,000 injuries annually. A comprehensive asset tracking system can be configured so an alarm will sound if a forklift approaches a worker zone, which can prevent collisions and the resulting injuries. 

Optimizing Efficiency

Enhanced safety not only prevents onsite injuries and death, but also leads to improved operational efficiency. Indoor tracking systems play a crucial role in achieving this goal by decreasing congestion, streamlining operations and maximizing resources and personnel. A safe environment creates a workplace where overall productivity can thrive.

Data-Driven Incident Prevention

Once deployed, indoor tracking systems gather valuable data in real time and historically. This data can be used to identify patterns and trends related to accidents and near misses. This data-driven approach helps managers to identify high-risk areas and execute targeted safety measures and educational initiatives.

Enhancing Safety with Smart Wearables and IoT Solutions

Smart warehouse wearables are increasingly being adopted to prevent strains and accidents, significantly enhancing emergency response capabilities. Examples of these devices include smart assistive back braces, tags and lift assist exoskeletons. Mapsted’s technology integrates seamlessly with these wearables, offering real-time location data and analytics to further enhance safety protocols. Additionally, Mapsted’s IoT Suite – composed of Mapsted Boost, Mapsted Tags, and Mapsted Badge, redefines spatial management.

• Mapsted Flow – Boost Devices provide full building visibility through heat maps, occupancy rates and wait times, helping in space optimization and proactive facility management​​​​.
• Mapsted Tags revolutionize asset tracking with real-time tracking and comprehensive security, ensuring that assets are always in the right place at the right time​​.
• Mapsted Badge enhances personnel safety with precise monitoring and an SOS feature for emergencies, ensuring quick responses and overall safety​​.

Operational Excellence

Indoor tracking systems also keep track of inventory levels, monitor equipment utilization, and optimize picking routes, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency. Research and Markets predicts the global market for indoor location services to reach $29.8 billion by 2028.

Enhancing Safety with AI and Advanced Technologies

AI-powered systems analyze vast amounts of real-time warehouse data to predict hazards and optimize workflows, enhancing safety and preventing accidents. Advanced sensor technology further makes indoor tracking systems even more accurate and reliable. These sensors detect subtle environmental changes like temperature fluctuations or gas leaks and provide early warnings of potential risks.

Empowering Employees with Safety Tools

Indoor tracking systems empower employees by providing real-time location awareness and proximity alerts on their mobile devices. This helps workers navigate safely, avoid hazards, and they can also use the SOS button feature to immediately alert for help in emergencies.

Conclusion

The fusion of technology and safety is transforming warehouse safety management. Indoor tracking systems significantly reduce risks, streamline workflows and equip the workforce with the right tools to create a workplace where accidents are rare and productivity soars.

Are you considering improving your warehouse safety and efficiency? Explore how Mapsted’s advanced solutions can help by implementing indoor navigation systems in warehouses can significantly boost their profitability. And if you are  planning your warehouse location strategy, consider the ten critical factors that will impact the mapping decisions.
Contact Mapsted  to transform your warehouse into a hub of safety and innovation.