The Importance of Fall Prevention Mesh in Pallet Racking

When it comes to warehouse safety, one of the most overlooked risks is the potential for stock to fall from the back of pallet racking. This is where Fall Prevention Mesh (also known as Fall Barrier Mesh) comes in. It’s not just an optional extra — in many situations, it’s an essential safety feature.

Where Is Fall Prevention Mesh Required?

According to the Australian Standards for steel storage racking (AS 4084-2023), fall prevention mesh is required on the rear of pallet racking wherever there is a walkway, work area, or traffic zone. In other words, if staff or forklifts regularly move through the area behind your racking, mesh must be installed to protect people from falling stock.

What Fall Prevention Mesh Does — and Doesn’t Do

It’s very important to understand the role of fall prevention mesh:

• It is a preventative safety measure that stops stock from accidentally falling into traffic areas or walkways.

• It is not load rated. This means you cannot place items directly onto the mesh, nor should it be used as a support surface. If items are stacked incorrectly or deliberately rested against the mesh, they could still become dislodged.

Think of mesh as a safety net, not a storage surface.

Why It Matters

Although the upfront investment in fall prev

ention mesh can seem significant, it’s almost impossible to put a true value on what it protects:

• Staff safety — preventing serious injuries or fatalities caused by falling pallets, boxes, or equipment.

• Product protection — saving thousands of dollars in damaged stock.

• Operational continuity — avoiding costly downtime or workplace investigations that can follow an accident.

During our inspections, we regularly hear stories of “near misses” where mesh has prevented a falling pallet or carton from striking a worker or forklift. In those cases, the mesh has more than paid for itself — it has potentially saved a life.

A Smarter Long-Term Investment

Yes, fall prevention mesh involves an initial outlay. But when compared to the potential costs of damaged stock, equipment repairs, insurance claims, or workplace injuries, the return on investment is clear. Installing mesh where required isn’t just about compliance — it’s about taking care of your people and your business.

Our Recommendation

If your racking backs onto walkways, work areas, or traffic zones, fall prevention mesh is not negotiable. Even in areas where it’s not required by the standard, many businesses choose to install it as an extra layer of protection. Safety isn’t an area where shortcuts should be taken.