Warehouses can be dangerous places to work. Because there are so many moving parts in warehouses, it is important to be aware of common hazards that can cause injuries or even death.
According to OSHA, the rate of fatalities in warehousing is higher than that for all other industries. There are potential hazards for workers involved in warehousing:
Unsafe Use of Forklifts
Incorrect stacking of products
Failing to use the proper personal protective equipment (PPE).
Inability to properly lock-out/tag-out
Inadequate fire safety provisions
Repetitive motion injuries
OSHA is committed to ensuring safety and health for America’s workers. They accomplish this by providing education and training, outreach, partnerships, and encouraging continuous improvement in workplace safety.
This blog will discuss some warehouse safety tips that can be used to protect your warehouse, employees, and products from any kind of accident, no matter what industry you are in.
Warehouse Safety Checklist
- Training in Warehouse Safety
Each workplace has its own rules. Warehouses are no exception. Because warehouse procedures can be lengthy and complicated, it is important to have the right training.
Regular warehouse safety training programs such as task-specific and general ergonomics training can help keep your employees up to date on how to avoid dangerous working practices. Training is important for employees to be more attentive and to work in a safe environment.
- Warehouse safety signs
Warehouse safety signs are the best way to organize your warehouse and keep it safe from dangerous situations. To prevent serious injuries, these signs can be placed on floors, racks, and equipment. Consider the following when using safety signage in warehouses:
Safety equipment reminders Warehouse workers who use forklifts and other heavy machinery should remind them to use the recommended PPE. OSHA law requires employers to provide PPE that is properly fitted and corresponds to the level of danger.
Hazardous areas: Warehouse safety signs are needed to remind workers of potential dangers near power generators and high-traffic areas.
Emergency signage label Fire Extinguishers and First Aid Kits.
Safety reminders and training: Signage that reminds employees about the safety and training requirements to operate certain equipment will keep your warehouse safe.
- Make sure you use effective lighting
Lighting is often overlooked when it comes to safety in warehouses. Proper lighting can improve safety and protect your company’s health. It is difficult for employees to see hazards and avoid them if they aren’t properly lit. The likelihood of these hazards is greatly reduced if the warehouse is well lit
Heavy-equipment accidents
Property damage and loss
Poor stacking of products can lead to dangers
People are being harmed by forklifts
- Are you using fire suppression systems?
A warehouse fire sprinkler system that is well maintained and installed is the best fire protection measure. Different products have different requirements.
Class 1 these products are noncombustible materials that have been stored on single-layered pallets.
Class 2 These products are made of non-combustible materials and are stored in multilayered wooden crates.
Class 3: These products can be made from wood, paper, and natural fibers as well as Group C plastics.
Class 4 these products are either Group B or Partially Group A plastics.
For example, if you are installing a new pallet-tracking system you may need a sprinkler system. This depends on the type of storage you have, how much storage you have, and the size of the system.
- Ventilate
Although ventilation is an important part of warehouse safety and lighting, it’s often forgotten. Lack of air circulation can cause stagnation of exhaust fumes from vehicles and other pollutants in warehouses, which can adversely affect safety and employee comfort. You should have your warehouse’s airflow checked, and make sure that adequate ventilation is provided in high-traffic areas.
Create a Safe Working Environment
Safety measures must be adhered to by every industry when it comes to employees and equipment. Protecting your workers, products, and factory from injuries is one of the most important investments you can make for your business.
Accidents can prove costly. You can reduce injury risk and offer reliable solutions in your warehouse with cost-effective industrial safety products.
Conveying & Hoisting Solutions offers a complete range of products including safety barriers, safety bars, column and rack protectors, and anti-fatigue mats. Call us today to learn more about our safety products and ergonomic solutions that will make your workplace safer and more comfortable.