I work in a warehouse that stores and ships large steel manufactured items. Pallets can weigh anywhere between 200lbs to 2500 lbs. The question I have is on the best, safest way to use steel band on the pallets. Currently we raise the forks to waist height and do our banding, but there's concern about the lift failing while someone is standing next to it while banding. We've tried stands for pallets but there's also concern about sticking arms and hands between the pallet slats if they aren't being held up by forks.

What methods are people using to use steel banding on heavy equipment being shipped out on pallets?