The Importance of Caster Wheels in Industrial Workplace Safety

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Maintaining workplace safety remains a priority for those involved in industrial operations, ranging from logistics to manufacturing. Caster wheels play a crucial role in ensuring this. These components ensure the safe and efficient movement of materials, whether it’s industrial platform trucks, ground support equipment, or other essential tools.

However, a faulty wheel on the wrong kind of terrain may lead to catastrophe. A study from OnePetro notes that roughly two-thirds of all reported injuries in industrial workspaces come from musculoskeletal injuries. Of that two-thirds, mundane pushing and pulling of wheeled devices played a significant part in the accidents.  That alone should communicate the importance of picking the right heavy-duty caster wheels needed for your industry.

What to Look for in Caster Wheels

Caster wheels aren’t like any old wheels. Engineers specifically designed these wheels for workplace efficiency in different environments and conditions. Properly functioning caster wheels can mitigate these risks by enabling smooth and efficient movement of goods. They also reduce the risk of damage to floors, walls, and merchandise due to jerky movements or accidents.

Durability

Modern industrial maintenance requires caster wheels made from high-quality materials. These wheels can withstand the demands of your workplace environment.  Truthfully, there is no universal type of caster wheel.  Heavy-duty caster wheels forged of steel won’t break under any stress, making it perfect for industrial environments with heavy loads. However, they do not fit in an indoor office setting unless you want ruined floors. 

Maneuverability 

Ensure that the caster wheels are appropriately sized and rated to support the weight of the equipment and cargo they will be transporting.  More than just materials, a wheel’s size and maneuverability play a role in its effectiveness. For offices with lots of hallways and tight corners,  swivel casters are a must for smooth transportation. 

Carry Capacity

Consider the maximum load capacity of the caster wheels to prevent overloading, which can lead to accidents and premature wear and tear. While the hardiest caster wheels are unlikely to break, the casters and screws holding them together may not agree. More importantly, just because the cart can handle the weight doesn’t mean the employee can. Always consider carrying weight when loading cargo. 

Price

While cost is a factor, prioritize quality and suitability for your specific needs over upfront savings. Investing in durable caster wheels can save money in the long run by reducing maintenance and replacement costs. That said, overspending on wheels that are ultimately frivolous, such as caustic-resistant wheels in a dry environment, can still be a trap for new buyers. 

The Appropriate Environments for Different Types of Caster Wheels 

Now that you understand what to look for in caster wheels, it’s time to take a closer look at the environments you will be moving around.

Office Interiors

For businesses that don’t move heavy cargo but need to move items around a lot, pneumatic rubber caster wheels provide enough maneuverability to travel office floors.  Even warehouses with air conditioning and clean concrete floors don’t need much more than these simple and reliable wheels.  

Industrial Factory Floor

Opt for quality industrial caster wheels designed to withstand heavy loads and rough surfaces, such as ductile iron and forged steel. More often than not, industrial factory floors already expect to go through a bit of abuse, so you can take the risk of some floor damage given the environment. The last thing a safe workplace needs is a wheel melting from overuse. 

Rough Outdoor Terrain

It may be tempting to pick up forged wheels again, but they would be a nightmare for traversing an outdoor site’s uneven terrain. Select caster wheels with pneumatic tires to better absorb shocks from bumps and debris.  Smooth travel guarantees the risk of injury gets significantly lower. 

Humid Environments

Look for corrosion-resistant caster wheels, such as those made from stainless steel or thermoplastic, to prevent rust and degradation in moist conditions. Though other wheels might perform well in the terrains here, it’s better to opt for shelf life than traditional durability.  

Hazardous Liquids 

Use caster wheels with sealed bearings and chemical-resistant materials to prevent contamination and ensure safe handling of hazardous materials. Neoprene and polyurethane wheels offer the best resistance to abrasive chemicals. In addition, ensure these wheels and their casters are checked regularly, as hazardous liquids may seep into parts of the wheels that aren’t as resistant. 

High Heat Environments

Choose heat-resistant caster wheels with temperature ratings suitable for your workplace environment to prevent deformation or failure under extreme heat.  Nylon and thermoplastic wheels withstand corrosive environments and extreme heat quite well, perfect for forge or factory environments. 

Final Thoughts

Caster wheels may seem like a small thing, but they're a big deal for keeping things moving smoothly in logistics.  One good choice will save you a lot of headaches later down the line, be it saving on broken equipment or preventing an injury from your employees. Do your research when picking caster wheels for your equipment, and treat it as an investment for life.