Racking Inspections

The West Midlands is one of the UK’s busiest logistics regions, with cities like Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, and Dudley powering distribution, manufacturing, and eCommerce supply chains. With high activity and heavy equipment movement, warehouse safety must remain a top priority. One of the biggest and most overlooked risks in industrial facilities is pallet racking failure . Faulty, overloaded, or damaged racking systems can lead to accidents, stock loss, and costly downtime. That’s why regular pallet racking inspections in the West Midlands are essential. In this article, we’ll explore the top seven warehouse safety risks commonly found in the West Midlands and explain how professional racking inspections help prevent them. 1. Forklift Impact Damage Forklift trucks are vital to warehouse operations but also the number one cause of racking damage. Even small knocks can weaken upright frames or beam connections. Why this is dangerous Structural weakening is not alwa...

Warehouse safety starts with knowledge. While professional racking inspections are essential, trained warehouse staff play a crucial role in identifying damage early and preventing serious accidents . That’s exactly what our Racking Inspection Training Course is designed to achieve. In this article, we explain what you’ll learn on our course , who it’s for , and why racking awareness training is essential for compliance and safety . Why Racking Inspection Training Is Important Pallet racking is exposed to daily impact from forklifts, pallets, and handling equipment. Without trained staff, minor damage can quickly become a serious safety risk . HSE and SEMA guidance recommend that: Regular internal racking checks are carried out by trained personnel Issues are identified early and escalated correctly Annual inspections are supported by ongoing internal monitoring Our training course equips your team with the knowledge and confidence to meet these expectations . What Y...

Forklift accidents are one of the most common causes of injuries and damage in warehouse environments. In many cases, these accidents are directly linked to damaged, overloaded, or poorly maintained racking systems . Regular racking safety inspections play a crucial role in identifying risks early and preventing forklift-related incidents. This article explains how racking safety inspections help prevent forklift accidents , improve warehouse safety, and support legal compliance. Why Forklift Accidents Are Common in Warehouses Forklifts operate in tight spaces, often under pressure to meet productivity targets. Common factors that increase accident risk include: Narrow aisles and limited visibility Damaged racking uprights and beams Missing or broken safety components Overloaded or incorrectly distributed pallets Poorly marked rack layouts Without routine inspections, these hazards can go unnoticed until a serious accident occurs. Identifying Structural Damage Be...

As we step into 2026, warehouse operations are evolving more rapidly than ever and safety remains at the forefront of this transformation. For racking inspectors, understanding emerging trends isn’t just about compliance; it’s about helping warehouses operate smarter, safer, and more efficiently. Here’s what’s shaping the landscape in 2026: 1. Safety as a Strategic Priority - Not Just a Box to Tick In 2026, safety is becoming a competitive advantage rather than merely a regulatory requirement. Warehouses that invest in advanced safety systemsfrom impact-resistant storage solutions to real-time monitoring — reduce costly downtime and insurance claims, helping attract new business partners who increasingly evaluate partners on their safety culture.  For racking inspectors, this means your role isn’t just reporting damage  it’s helping businesses embed safety into their operational DNA. 2. The Rise of Real-Time Monitoring and IoT Integration Connected devices and the Intern...

 Warehouse safety is a priority for every UK business that stores, moves, or handles palletised goods. One of the best ways to reduce risks and maintain compliance is to have your racking inspected by a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI)  the highest level of racking inspection competence in the UK. A SEMA inspector brings technical expertise, independence, and a deep understanding of how racking systems behave under daily warehouse operations. Here are the top benefits of hiring a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector and why so many UK warehouses rely on them. 1. Full Compliance With HSE’s HSG76 Guidance The UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) requires racking to be inspected by a “technically competent person.” A SEMA Approved Inspector meets — and often exceeds — this requirement. By hiring a SARI, warehouse owners can demonstrate: Proper duty of care Compliance with the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations Safe storage and handling of mater...

Warehouse operations depend on safe, reliable pallet racking systems. Even minor damage can quickly escalate into major safety risks, expensive repairs, and legal consequences. That’s why HSE (HSG76) and SEMA strongly recommend at least one expert racking inspection every 12 months . Annual racking inspections are not just a “best practice” they are a critical requirement for maintaining safety, compliance, and operational efficiency. 1. Required by HSE & SEMA Guidelines The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) clearly states that racking must be inspected: ✔ Regularly by staff ✔ Periodically by a technically competent person Under HSG76 , a technically competent person typically means a SEMA Approved Racking Inspector (SARI) or an independent specialist with formal qualifications. Annual inspections help you: Meet HSE legal expectations Demonstrate compliance during audits Avoid penalties or enforcement actions Maintain a safe working environment Skipp...