The Occupational Safety and Health Administration observed recently that more than 140,000 people work in over 7,000 industrial warehouse locations across the USA. Keeping workers safe needs to be a priority for companies that care about their employees and their personal safety.
There are a variety of ways to work towards providing a safer environment for the warehouse workers who come to work each week. Here we explore some of the methods that companies can focus on to reduce the number of on-the-job accidents that occur each year.
Proper Lighting in All Areas
Whilst warehouses can seem heavily illuminated at times, it is easy for separate sections of the warehouse to lack proper lighting. This can cause eye strain and mistakes with picking and packing, but it can also be a safety concern where an employee does not see an object in the shadows that can trip them up when walking towards it.
Remove Hazardous Objects and Spills
In the fast moving environment of the warehouse and so many boxes and items being transported, it is easy for something to get left behind that a worker can run into because they didn’t expect it to be there. Also, spills of various kinds can create a slick surface that will act like a banana peel on the ground for anyone who steps into the area. Ensure safety signs are available to cordon off the area while it is mopped up and made safe.
Provide Proper Training
Anyone who will be lifting heavy items from one shelf to another or from the ground may need to be given basic training on how to life heavy items safely. Whilst employees may inevitably think they know how to conduct a safe lift, the reality is that many do it incorrectly and can injure themselves in the workplace. The training ensures proper instruction has been given to employees which potentially could reduce the liability of the warehouse should a lifting-related injury occur later.
Use Yard Ramps to Transport Stock and Equipment
With warehouses that sit at a different level at the warehouse entrance, the company really should have a yard ramp (or two) to smooth the transition from the road to the warehouse level. Expecting warehouse employees to navigate the steps whilst carrying heavy items isn’t going to look good should an accident happen later. It may be okay when carrying that sofa into the new house on moving day, but for businesses they need to be more prudent with safety than that.
Keep the Loading Dock Safe
Loading docks can be unsafe areas if not managed properly. The edge of a loading dock should have tape along to mark it up so that employees do not miss the edge and go right over it. Ideally this tape should be reflective and show up in the dark. All stairs and ladders should have handrails. Also, when forklifts are used, do not allow the drivers to reverse all the way to the edge.
Ensuring worker safety in a warehouse is a matter of appropriate rules, effective training for all warehouse staff, and being constantly aware of the risks. With proper management, the danger can be reduced dramatically.
