The Origin of Pallet Rack Safety Standards

When you walk through a warehouse today, the orderly rows of pallet racks might seem like a given. But the safety standards behind these structures weren’t always so clear-cut. The development of pallet rack safety guidelines is a story of industry leadership, evolving technology, and the shared commitment to worker protection.

A Problem Hidden in Plain Sight

Before formal safety standards were established, warehouse storage systems were often constructed without uniform design guidelines. Racks were often customized or improvised with little oversight, resulting in structural weaknesses, unsafe loading practices, and catastrophic failures. These preventable incidents put workers at risk and disrupted operations.

As the warehousing and logistics industries expanded in the mid-20th century, the need for standardized safety measures became undeniable.

The Birth of RMI Guidelines

In 1958, recognizing the need for consistent engineering principles in rack design, the Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI) was founded. This group of material handling professionals came together with one primary mission: to establish technical standards that promote safety and structural integrity for industrial storage racks.

RMI began developing specifications that addressed:

• Load capacities

• Seismic considerations

• Component compatibility

• Damage criteria

• Inspection and maintenance practices

These efforts culminated in the creation of the First edition of the ANSI MH16.1 standard (formerly known as MH 16.1 – Specification for the Design, Testing, and Utilization of Industrial Steel Storage Racks). This standard became the bedrock for modern pallet rack design and continues to evolve to meet today’s safety and efficiency demands.

Why It Matters Today

Even decades after RMI’s formation, warehouse accidents related to rack collapses still occur, often due to poor maintenance, overloading, or lack of proper inspections. That’s why referencing and following RMI standards isn’t just a regulatory checkbox; it’s a commitment to safety and productivity.

By tracing the origin of pallet rack safety standards, it becomes clear that what started as an industry initiative has grown into a necessary safeguard, protecting workers, equipment, and bottom lines.