According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the fatal injury rate for warehouse workers is higher than the national average for all industries.
If you are a warehouse worker, then you don’t need anyone to tell you how hazardous your job is. A potential for an accident that can harm or even kill a worker lurks in all sections of a warehouse. From heavily laden shelves and rapidly moving forklifts to slippery floors, the work environment of a warehouse is an accident that is waiting to happen.
It is more than essential for warehouse workers to be aware of the hazards and know what to do to avoid them.
Top safety hazards include:
· Heavy equipment
· Slipping or tripping over an obstacle
· Falls
· Fires
· Exposure to harmful substances
· Ergonomics issues
· Falling objects
· Lack of knowledge about safety concerns
Understanding where the dangers lie and taking steps to prevent an incident from happening can go a long way to achieving a safe environment in which to work.
There is something that can be done to prevent each of the eight warehouse hazards listed from causing problems.
For example, employees who work with heavy equipment every day become complacent about their dangers. After operating a forklift for five, 10, or 15 years, a worker may take his ability to drive it safely for granted. No matter how comfortable you may feel about operating or working with heavy equipment, always take caution. Moreover, warehouse managers should be certain that workers who operate heavy equipment are properly trained in their use.
Preventing a worker from tripping or slipping can be achieved simply by keeping the floor clean. Make certain that hazardous materials like sawdust, liquid, boxes, and dark spots are cleaned from the floor regularly and that there are no unnecessary steps or ridges over which laborers must climb.
A worker can prevent falling by paying attention and having knowledge of what is happening around him. Warehouse managers should place guardrails where there is a large drop between floors.
Knowing what can cause fires is a good start to preventing them. Take steps to avoid the presence of worn and exposed wires, leaks of flammable fluids and gases, and electrical cords routed under carpet.
Knowing what substances are suspect is a good start to preventing worker exposure to toxins or other dangerous materials. Prevent worker exposer to these substances and ensure that the warehouse facilities are regularly inspected.
Good warehouse design can enhance better ergonomics and assure that an employee can perform his work safely. Workers who are forced into awkward positions as they do their jobs can suffer injuries. Warehouse managers need to assure that the equipment being used prevents this from happening. Providing equipment that helps workers do their jobs without being forced into unwieldy postures or extending beyond their physical capabilities and training them in proper lifting techniques will prevent injuries.
Heavy items and cylindrical objects should be stacked properly on shelves to prevent them from falling or rolling off and striking a worker close by.
Finally, all employees should be properly trained on safety.