Visitors’ access to warehouses

Warehouses are, in addition to production, some of the most visited areas in a factory. Sometimes warehouse workers may get the impression that people tend to come and visit them, just like when going to a ... show. The problem is not the show, because we are good at it, through various conflicts with carriers, with suppliers of materials and services, with colleagues from other departments and, quite often, through our own conflicts of the warehouse; the problem is the visitors.

Visitors usually have little to look for in warehouses unless they have a job to do there. And when this is the case, we have to make sure that the visitors only stay on the routes defined for them and spend the least amount of time needed to fulfill the purpose of the visit.

Aren't routes defined for visitors? Well, it won't be surprising if you find them on pallets, or on shelves, or imitating "Tarzan" in your warehouse - it's fun for them and there's so much room! and we also have machines that slide and move fast, that can be driven, even if it is not allowed! Because yes, we are mature people and we understand responsibility well and we understand the risks, but only when it is our personal responsibility ... when it is someone else's responsibility, we tend to disobey even the rules of common sense.

A very common way to control visitor access to warehouses is to close all access routes with electronic locks that open only on a card basis. And access to those cards is controlled, so access is only granted to a few people with relevant tasks in the warehouses, and when those people break the rules, their access can be cut off - simple and efficient. This system works until the warehouse staff start putting fire extinguishers, pallets or various objects to keep the doors open - because it is too hot, or for reasons such as "who are we to restrict the natural movement of people?".

Why should we pay attention to who is coming and why and for how long in our warehouses? Because as long as they have entered our area, we are responsible for their safety and health (even legally). And, because of the high number of accidents (15% with casualties, of which 50% with temporary or permanent incapacity for work, and a total of 1% that are fatal), in the LEAN methodology, in the 5S instrument (order and discipline), due to visitors and non-compliance with safety and health rules in general, a sixth S (Security) was added.