Warehouse work can be dangerous, with one of the nation’s largest warehouse operators reporting an average serious injury rate of 6.6 per 100 workers. While this number is startling, there are steps that warehouse operators can take to reduce and even eliminate common hazards that workers can encounter in the warehouse. At USA Strapping, we provide warehouses with the tools they need to keep their employees and inventory safe and secured. Let’s take a look at common warehouse hazards and ways our products can help mitigate these dangers.
Identifying and Mitigating Hazards in Warehouses
The most common injuries that come with warehouse work include:
- Falling materials
- Slips and trips
- Equipment related injuries
- Machinery related injuries
- Cold and heat stress-related injuries
These dangers can be mitigated with the proper training of employees, tools, and supervision. Slips and trips can be prevented by cleaning up after spills and keeping the working environment free from debris that employees can lose their footing on. By some estimates, forklift injuries account for nearly 10% of all warehouse injuries, so special care should be taken when working with a forklift or heavy machinery. Never let employees who haven’t been properly trained on heavy machinery or equipment use these tools. Headphones should not be worn on the job so that employees can be aware of their surroundings near heavy equipment. Heat stress is another common cause of injury, so the warehouse should be well-ventilated to prevent employees from overheating and dehydrating. Inventory should be adequately secured with the appropriate straps to prevent falling materials or shifting loads from injuring employees. These safety rules and tips should be shared with all employees during routine safety training meetings and programs.
Importance of Safety Training Programs
Regular safety training sessions and meetings are critical for existing, new, and seasonal workers in the warehouse. A good safety training meeting should include:
- An introduction to safety protocols
- Identifying workplace hazards
- Emergency procedures
- Personal protection equipment usage requirements
Safety meetings should be held regularly to ensure employees don’t become complacent by taking dangerous shortcuts.
Implementing Safety Technologies
Modern safety technologies have significantly decreased the rate of warehouse injuries. Automated systems and robotics can reduce the need for manual handling of many materials and tasks in a warehouse, reducing the risk of worker injury and improving efficiency. Wearable safety devices and sensors like smart helmets and smartwatches can rapidly alert supervisors and employees to unsafe conditions and accidents in a warehouse that can be corrected and fixed before an injury occurs. Modern safety technologies don’t get complacent and can help employees stay safe on the job.
Maintaining a Safe Work Environment
Keeping a warehouse safe involves several steps besides training and modern safety technologies. The temperature of the working environment should be monitored to prevent heat exhaustion or cold weather-related injuries. Hazardous materials should be appropriately labeled and handled only with the appropriate safety gear. Using the proper packaging and strapping materials to secure inventory should also be stressed, with frequent safety meetings to ensure that all appropriate safety regulations are followed on the job to maintain a safe working environment.
Emergency Preparedness and Response
An emergency response plan should be in place and shared with all employees during an emergency situation. Emergency drills are crucial to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency and how to find first aid kits and other equipment needed for a proper response. Emergency equipment should be up to date and readily available to ensure a fast response time if required.
Contact USA Strapping for all Your Warehouse Equipment Needs
At USA Strapping, we understand the importance of having the right tools to keep warehouses safe and operating efficiently. We have an excellent selection of strapping materials, tools, and safety equipment at the best prices. Contact us today to learn more about our tools and resources to keep your warehouse running like clockwork.