Why Warehouse Safety Is More Important Than Ever Before

 

Asian fork lift truck driver discussing checklist with foreman in warehouse

With the operation of heavy machinery, large objects, and hazardous materials, warehouses are statistically one of the most dangerous places to work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, there were approximately 2.9 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported by private industry employers in 2015, with over 75% of those injuries occurring in service-providing industries. It was also estimated that about 5 out of 100 warehouse and storage employees experienced some type of work-related injury in 2015.



Needless to say, warehouse safety is paramount when protecting workers from potential hazards. The good news is there are many things you can do to avoid workplace accidents and to maintain a safe workplace for your employees and the environment.

Preventing Workplace Accidents


There are several potential hazards identified by the OSHA for the warehouse and storage industry. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the most common standards violated in FY2016 were fall protection and hazard communication standard. You can avoid violating these workplace safety standards by following set safety procedures and ensuring you have the right equipment.

Slips, Trips, and Falls


As reported by Safety Health Magazine, slips, trips, and falls are some of the leading causes of workplace injuries in the warehouse and storage sector. In order to prevent accidents, floors should be clean and dry and drainage should be present where wet processes are used.

In order to prevent slip, trip, and fall incidents, it is recommended to keep aisles and exits clear of items. If a blind spot exists, consider installing mirrors and warning signs. If a spill or leak does occur, immediately report it and follow the established cleaning procedures. In addition, provide mats, platforms, or other dry standing places where useful. Continuously audit for trip hazards and encourage workers to report anything that may cause a potential slip.

worker in blue, protective uniform cleaning new epoxy floor in empty storehouse or car service center

Another thing to consider is having items such as Spill Containment Pallets. Quality engineered with a robust design, spill containment pallets withstand the toughest environments for superior spill control. Products made with durable, UV-protected EcoPolyBlend™ polyethylene are nearly impervious to chemical attack from hazardous acids, caustics, and solvents. Seamless construction eliminates leaks even if a 55-gallon drum failed and completely empties its contents.

Vehicle Accidents


Vehicle accidents and vehicle employee accidents due to the mechanical handling of equipment, including forklifts, present another potential hazard for warehouses. According to the OSHA, forklift operators must follow safe operating rules at all times. The OSHA recommends that workers follow a set of recommended practices such as always being careful with your footing when mounting and dismounting the vehicle and coming to a complete stop before changing directions.

Injuries from Shifting or Falling Material


It is vital to store items correctly in order to prevent injuries from shifting or falling materials. Make sure boxes and pallets are stacked straight up and down to keep them from falling. Place heavy objects on lower shelves, and keep equipment away from the edges of desks and tables. Also, refrain from stacking objects in areas where workers walk, including aisles.

Consider having separate safety cabinets for items such as flammables, hazardous materials, combustibles, corrosives, and pesticides. Safety and storage cabinets are constructed of durable materials designed to store dangerous materials.

forklift in the large modern warehouse

Handling of Hazardous and Dangerous Materials


If your warehouse deals with hazardous materials, then additional safety procedures need to be followed. Workers need to follow set safety procedures and wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when required. Employees who do not wear PPE when cleaning up spills or other material can potentially suffer cuts, splinters, and burns.

Basic PPE—such as closed-toe shoes and safety glasses—are important to wear for housekeeping tasks. For the handling of hazardous materials, additional PPE items may be required, such as gloves or masks.

Proper disposal is essential to prevent any harmful impact on the environment, and having the right environmental disposal system is essential to a safe workplace. There are many items available that can safely and efficiently dispose of hazardous materials.

For example, an item like the Aerosolv Aerosol Can Disposal System safely converts spent aerosol cans from solid hazardous waste to a non-hazardous material, and a Prosolv Recycling System safely converts gas cylinders into recyclable steel containers while saving thousands of dollars on hazardous waste disposal costs and landfill space for a cleaner environment.

Bottom Line


Warehouse safety has always been important, but its importance is heightened with the increased shipment and storage of hazardous items and the handling of heavy machinery. It is important to establish a proper safety protocol, conduct regular safety training, follow a long-term and short-term housekeeping procedure, and have the proper safety products and equipment.

 

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