Warehouse accidents represent over two million injuries each year, some of which can result in death or permanent disability. Yet, with all the moving parts and people in a warehouse, it can be challenging to identify hazards before an accident. That is where we come in with today’s breakdown of the top warehouse safety hazards you should avoid in your organization and how to mitigate those you can’t eliminate.
Slipping And Tripping Hazards
While it can be categorized as a fall, slipping and tripping are some of the most common accidents and often don’t imply the same level of danger as a fall from a great height. However, despite being underreported, a slip and tumble, even from a short distance, can be a silent destroyer, causing minor strains to employees that can compound into damage over time. Ensure you avoid slipping and tripping hazards by keeping walkways clear of debris, promptly cleaning up any spills, and implementing hazard signage in areas that have a high likelihood of causing a slip or trip.
Falling Hazards
Acting as a mirror to slips and trips, falling represents the more serious dangers to simple spills and quickly cleaned-up hazards. Ensure all employees use safety railings and harnesses with qualified individuals when working overhead. Additionally, hazardous areas or those with damaged equipment and products can increase the danger of a potential fall, and proper warning signage is essential, even if it feels somewhat redundant. However, even a short-distance fall can be dangerous, causing injury and even death.
Dangers of Overexertion
Overworking muscles and joints is the leading cause of other injuries in the workplace. Overexertion injuries can be caused by lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, or throwing objects. Even light objects can cause overexertion over an extended period of time, slowly wearing down the body and potentially leading to degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis. To avoid overexertion injuries, employees should receive training on proper lifting techniques, utilize teams for heavy lifts, and be afforded plenty of time for breaks between periods of exertion.
Hazardous Substances Represent An Inherent Hazard
Flammable substances, carcinogenic material, and solvents can all be potentially hazardous if not stored or handled correctly. Ensure that hazardous materials are stored in approved containers in the correct conditions and provide proper personal protective equipment like gloves and eye protection for any personnel who may come in contact with such substances.
Be Wary Of And Prepare For Fires
Fires can devastate an entire warehouse and everyone inside, quickly becoming uncontrollable without a prompt and decisive response. All personnel must be trained and drilled in what to do in the event of a fire. Things such as burns and smoke inhalation can be deadly, especially when paired with hazardous substances, which can accelerate a fire or make it even more toxic. You can reduce the risk of fires by storing flammable materials in sealed areas, maintaining sprinkler systems, and having functioning fire extinguishers available throughout the warehouse.
Stay Vigilant!
A lack of awareness of a situation is the common thread that runs through all hazardous safety conditions in a warehouse. Everyone is responsible for keeping their head on a swivel and being aware of safety concerns, as quick action is the best way to avoid a potentially hazardous situation from the top down. It’s essential always to stay vigilant and respond quickly in an accident.
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