The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics recorded that 4.8% of full-time warehouse workers were hurt on the job in 2019. This means that just under one in twenty warehouse workers will get hurt at work.
Any manufacturer or business that requires a warehouse needs to have certain safety protocols in place. While each warehouse will have unique protocols around moving products in and out of the facility, there are some universal safety tips that you should keep in mind.
From warehouse safety tips for moving products to safety protocols for workers near forklifts, here’s what you need to know.
Implement Safety Protocols and Procedures
Operating a warehouse is a big responsibility. Not only do you have to worry about the safety of your employees, but you also have to maintain a safe and productive work environment.
Enforce safety rules and regulations to ensure everyone in the warehouse is following them. Make sure your employees are properly trained in safety procedures. This includes things like how to use the safety equipment and what to do in case of an emergency.
Review them regularly and update them as needed. Doing so will ensure that they always follow the rules and are knowledgeable about emergency and safety procedures.
Get Rid of Potential Safety Hazards
There are many potential hazards in a warehouse that can cause injuries to workers. To help create a safe work environment and prevent accidents, it is important to identify and eliminate any potential hazards.
Materials need to be stored properly to prevent them from falling and injuring workers. Also, you need to keep all aisles and walkways clear of obstacles to ensure workers can move around safely.
Mark Hazardous Zones Accurately
There are a few key things to remember when it comes to safety in the warehouse and marking hazardous zones accurately. First, always make sure that any hazardous materials are clearly labeled and stored in a designated area.
Also, always keep an eye out for potential hazards, such as spilled liquids or loose wiring, and make sure to clean them up or report them to a supervisor right away.
Wear Proper Clothing
Wearing the proper clothing is one of the most important warehouse safety tips. OSHA recommends that workers wear comfortable, sturdy shoes with slip-resistant soles.
Loose-fitting clothes should be avoided as they can catch on machinery. It is also important to wear protective clothing when necessary, such as gloves, goggles, and earplugs.
Inspect and Maintain Warehouse Equipment
While it is important to keep your warehouse and its contents clean and safe, it is also important to inspect and maintain your warehouse equipment on a regular basis. This will ensure that your equipment is functioning properly and safely, and will help to avoid accidents and workplace injuries.
Regularly check for wear and tear on your equipment, including on the flooring, to prevent accidents. Also, make sure that all safety devices on your equipment, such as guards and brakes, are functioning properly
You must keep your equipment clean and free of debris to prevent jams and other problems. Keep a maintenance log to track when each piece of equipment was last inspected and maintained. Remember that maintaining warehouse equipment is critical to employee safety.
Keep the Warehouse Clean and Organized
It is very important that the warehouse is kept clean and organized. In order to achieve this, you have to sweep up any debris on the ground and dispose of it properly. You must also wipe down surfaces and equipment regularly.
Make sure to organize items in the warehouse so they are easy to find and reach. It also helps a lot if you label everything clearly.
You may use wire mesh decks to keep things properly stored and help with warehouse organization. Moreover, these come with easy installation.
Inspect the Premises Regularly
Inspect the premises regularly to ensure that it is free from hazards. Pay particular attention to electrical equipment and cords, and make sure that they are in good working order.
Also, check for trip hazards such as loose carpets, rugs, or mats. Keep the workplace clean and tidy to prevent accidents.
Invest in Safety Equipment
If you operate a warehouse, you know that safety is paramount. Make sure that you invest in safety equipment which includes things like fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and safety signage.
Other examples of safety equipment include safety gloves, safety glasses, and safety vests. These items can help protect workers from potential hazards in your workplace.
Have Fire Safety Drills
Be sure to have regular fire safety drills in your warehouse. This will help ensure that everyone knows what to do in the event of a fire.
Make sure that you test the fire and smoke alarms regularly. Through the drills, you can check these alarms to see if they are still working. You also need to create and update a safe evacuation and emergency plan.
It also helps to install emergency lights. In case of an emergency, your staff can safely evacuate.
Keep the Warehouse Environment Safe with These Warehouse Safety Tips
Working in a warehouse can be dangerous if the proper warehouse safety precautions are not taken. Employees should always follow the safety rules set by their employer, and they should be aware of the potential hazards in their work area.
Some common warehouse hazards include forklifts, heavy equipment, and chemicals. By taking the time to learn about these hazards and how to deal with them, warehouse workers can help keep themselves safe on the job.
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