Driver cages are typically used in warehouses and distribution centers to limit the entry for truck drivers, delivery personnel and other vendors and to control their access to the factory floor or distribution center. Driver cages are a simple solution to address two main concerns: safety and security. Overall, driver cages contribute to a safer and more secure work environment for warehouses and distribution centers.
What is the main purpose of a driver cage?
Safety: Driver cages confine delivery personnel and truck drivers to a designated area, preventing them from wandering into busy warehouse areas with forklift traffic or moving machinery. This reduces the risk of accidents and injuries for both drivers and warehouse workers.
Security: Driver cages act as a barrier, separating outside personnel from the warehouse interior. This deters unauthorized access to inventory and expensive equipment. They also provide a controlled environment for deliveries and pickups, ensuring a clear handover process.
How do driver cages function?
Driver cages are essentially secure enclosures placed around building entry doors, typically at loading docks.
Structure:
Made of steel wire mesh for visibility and security.
Freestanding or anchored to existing walls for stability.
Available in various sizes and configurations to suit specific needs.
Access Control:
There is a door on the driver side that has a key lock accessible only from inside the warehouse. This keeps drivers contained within the driver cage.
The door on the warehouse side has a push bar for easy exit by warehouse personnel in case of emergencies.
The driver cage may have a service window with a shelf for document exchange and interaction with drivers without granting full access.
Driver Experience:
Drivers enter the driver cage upon arrival and wait there.
Warehouse staff use the service window to communicate and exchange paperwork with the drivers.
Once the delivery or pickup is complete, warehouse staff unlocks the driver’s side door for them to exit.
In essence, driver cages create a secure zone for deliveries and pickups, keeping unauthorized personnel out and warehouse operations streamlined.
What do driver cages help to prevent?
Driver cages address two main issues in warehouses and distribution centers: accidents and theft.
Accidents:
Pedestrian-vehicle collisions: By keeping delivery drivers and visitors out of active warehouse areas, driver cages prevent them from accidentally getting in the way of forklifts, moving machinery, or other vehicles. This reduces the risk of serious injuries for both drivers and warehouse workers.
Slips and falls: Warehouses can be busy environments with potential slip-and-fall hazards. Driver cages help control visitor movement and keep them out of cluttered areas, reducing the chance of accidents.
Theft:
Unauthorized access: Driver cages act as a physical barrier, restricting access to the warehouse interior. This deters theft of inventory and expensive equipment by outsiders.
Package tampering: With drivers contained within the driver cage, they have limited access to delivered or picked-up goods, reducing the opportunity for tampering or pilfering.
Overall, driver cages promote a safer and more secure work environment by preventing accidents and deterring theft.
If you have any additional questions about driver cages or need help building one for your specific workspace, give us a call at 980-443-2553, email us at [email protected] or live chat with us at WirePartitions.com and we’ll be happy to assist you!
