Various occupations put workers’ lives in danger daily, including those that are dangerous. Health and safety in warehouse workers aren’t typically thought of as being in a hazardous profession, even though there are plenty of other occupations, such as deep-sea fishermen, firefighters, pilots, and workers on oil rigs, that come to mind as dangerous instances. With the proper safety measures in place, Protect your workers and Invest in Safe Warehouse Procedures Now!
Here are some of the most common health and safety concerns in warehouses, along with solutions to those problems:
- The use of cumbersome machinery
People who use heavy equipment on the job at a warehouse could become complacent about it after repeated exposure. This is a severe drawback since it raises the risk that employees will need to pay more attention to the dangers posed by the robots. Forklifts and other warehouse machinery pose serious risks. Therefore, it’s essential to educate your staff on the matter. Heavy machinery requires extreme caution and must be operated with the utmost care at all times.
- Substances that are harmful to human health
Some warehouses may hold potentially hazardous materials, some of which may not be readily apparent to employees. Although asbestos is a significant concern for established businesses, many have already conducted thorough inspections for asbestos and other potentially dangerous compounds. Stay informed and raise any issues you may have before any examinations.
- Substances in free fall
Items are sometimes stacked to dangerous heights in warehouses, posing a risk of injury from falling shelves or platforms. Keep big goods placed as low and as neatly as possible if you need to alter your stacking and shelving units. If you stack cylindrical objects correctly, they won’t roll if they topple over.
- Constantly losing one’s footing and stumbling
Unfortunately, this is one of the most common warehouse accidents despite being one of the easiest to prevent. The most common causes of injuries in warehouses are slips and falls. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure the place is free of things like spilled liquids, boxes, dim corners, and uneven surfaces. Anti-slip tape can be used on the floor as another option for improved traction.
- Transportation on the move
According to the HSE (Health and Safety Executives), motor vehicles remain a leading source of severe and fatal workplace accidents. Over 5,000 transportation-related events occur annually in the workplace, with roughly 50 fatalities on average. An estimated one-third of all traffic accidents involve an actively employed person.
So, how can you stop warehouse accidents involving moving vehicles?
The HSE recommends focusing on three primary factors first:
- Location of safety
- Transportation in a Trustworthy Vehicle
- Safe Motorist
Conclusion
Warehouse safety refers to a collection of regulatory rules and best practices developed by the industry that is intended to assist warehousing staff in ensuring a safe work environment and reinforcing safe behavior while working in warehouses. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) found that the fatal injury rate for the warehousing business is greater than the national average for all industries combined. Because of this, Health and safety in the warehouse should be prioritised to ensure the continued viability of warehouse operations. Make your warehouse safe – get started now
