There are thousands of warehouses that operate across the country in different industries. While they provide a fast-paced environment, they can be dangerous places to work unless you take the proper safety precautions. There’s a lot of heavy machinery and substances that can quickly cause injury. Knowing the most common accidents and how to prevent them is essential for every employee’s well-being.
Pallet Racks Collapsing
Warehouses have a significant amount of inventory to store. A common accident is when a pallet rack collapses, which can make items get damaged or cause injury. The incident often happens when there are overloads, improperly installed, or human errors on forklifts when unloading the materials. How can you prevent these collapses? There are several measures you can take. One of the most effective is using warehouse netting. It is designed to catch possible items or large debris before they hit the ground. The netting itself is made to last for a long time with its heavy-duty equipment. It’s also relatively easy to install.
Slips And Falls
Slips and falls are one of the most common accidents that occur in warehouses. Warehouse workers may slip on wet floors, trip over objects, or even fall from higher areas from improper lighting. Regular inspections for any obstructions like boxes or cords can prevent trips and falls. Proper footwear should be worn by warehouse workers to minimize the risk of slipping. Shoes should have slip-resistant soles with good grip traction on all surfaces. Areas should be well-lit, clear from clutter, and have plenty of room for employees to walk.
Spills Of Hazardous Materials
Spills can be caused by various reasons, such as improper storage, handling, or transportation of hazardous materials. The spilled substance may cause harm to the employees working in the warehouse as well as to the environment. Warehouse operators need to implement proper safety protocols and guidelines for handling anything that poses an adverse risk. Employees should be trained on how to properly store, handle and transport these items with the utmost care. Regular maintenance checks should be conducted on equipment used for moving or storing dangerous liquids.
Forklift Accidents
One of the common causes of forklift accidents is inadequate training. There should be rigorous training to operate a forklift safely. Training should cover topics such as vehicle inspection, speed limits, load capacity, and safe practices for maneuvering techniques. The equipment needs to be inspected regularly too. It can be easy to overlook minor damage, especially if it’s being used every day. However, damaged equipment may be a safety hazard, even it doesn’t seem like a big deal.
These accidents at warehouses all have one thing in common. They are all preventable. Using the proactive strategies above can help prevent injuries and fatalities.