If your warehouse uses high piled storage, you know how difficult it can be to access materials stored up high. A-frame stationary ladders are unstable and dangerous, and climbing up shelves is not only time-consuming, but it can also be a safety hazard. That’s where rolling stairs have an advantage. Rolling stairs, also known as rolling platform ladders, are an extremely efficient and safe way to navigate large warehouse facilities and reach materials placed high up on shelves.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, falls are one of the most common causes of warehouse workers’ fatal injuries. Fall injuries account for almost 15 percent of all fatal accidents in this setting. Several factors contribute to the risk of falling in a warehouse, such as inadequate lighting, cluttered floors, and slippery surfaces. Furthermore, many workers are required to climb on top of tall racks and shelves to retrieve merchandise, increasing the chance of a fall. To help reduce the number of falls in warehouses, employers should implement safety measures such as better lighting and labeling hazard areas. In addition, managers should properly train workers to perform their job duties safely. By taking these precautions, employers can help create a safer workplace and reduce the risk of worker injury or death.

How Rolling Stairs Work

Rolling stairs work by being mounted on casters that allow the stair to roll freely. The tool makes it easy to maneuver the stair around your warehouse without having to disassemble and reassemble it whenever you need to move it. The stairs themselves can be equipped with platforms that provide a sturdy and stable surface to stand on while reaching for materials stored on high shelves. Stair parts like handrails are also installed and made adjustable so that employees can customize the height of the stair to best suit their needs. 

Not only useful in warehouse settings, companies like BoeingGulfstream, and even the Jacksonville Monorail all maximize the versatility of Rollastep in their facilities by keeping their workers and customers safe when climbing up heights with great accessibility.

The Benefits of Using Rolling Stairs

There are several benefits of using rolling stairs in your warehouse instead of A-frame ladders or other types of access equipment:

  1. Rolling stairs are much safer than A-frame ladders. They are less likely to tip over because they are mounted on casters and have handrails that provide additional stability.
  2. Rolling stairs are much more efficient than other types of access equipment because they don’t require disassembly and reassembly every time you need to move them.
  3. They provide a sturdy and stable surface to stand on while reaching for materials, which is important when safety concerns them. 

Parting Shots

Whether your facility gets messy with high piled storage or getting workers climbing heights, rolling stairs are a safe and efficient way to access or enter higher floors. They are much easier to maneuver than the common A-frame ladders and provide a stable surface to stand on while reaching for materials. Rolling stairs are an important part of keeping warehouses safe and efficient. Remember, compensating for injuries is much more financially draining than preventing them. It’s a wiser investment to get these rolling platforms than suffer the consequences of OSHA penalties and compensation claims.