Warehouses are one of the most dangerous places to work in. To protect yourself, it is best that you understand the common signs and hazards since they can cause serious injuries and, in some cases, even death. Warehouse accidents are common, in fact, according to The US Bureau of Labour Statistics, at least 16 people get injured in the warehousing and storage sectors.
However, this number could significantly reduce, if persons working in the warehouse knew of the signs of dangers in them. Here are some of the most common warehouse safety hazards to look out for.
- Increase in Slips and Trips
A lot of slip and trips accidents occur in a warehouse. It is not surprising if a person slides and falls. However, if these slips and trips occur very often, then that’s a sign that your warehouse may not be very safe. To avoid slips and trips you should start by doing away with the factors that cause these kinds of accidents such as poorly lit areas, unnecessary bumps, and slippery floor.
- Many Falls
After slips and trips, falls are the second causes of most injuries in the warehouse. Of course, no matter where one may work, falling will always be an issue, but when it comes to warehouses, this is a problem that ought to be taken seriously. To avoid falling, warehouse workers are advised to be more aware of their surroundings. Warehouse owners should also place proper rails in all relevant areas.
- Sudden Health Conditions
If your employees are getting sick all of a sudden, then that’s something that should worry you. Asbestos and other harmful materials can cause people to get sick. It’s important that once this issue has come to your attention, you do away with any toxic substance that may be bringing the illnesses. Remember that if your staffs feel that they may be working in a hazardous area, they can have your warehouse flagged for an inspection by a third party.
- Increase in Storage and Racking Accidents
Racking and storage accidents always pose risks to workers. Even if you station your pallet rack properly, it doesn’t give you a complete assurance that a product will not fall from the shelves. Many warehouses have items stacked high. If they are highly organized and the warehouse is in good condition, they’ll rarely fall.
However, if you’ve organized the objects very well and they still keep on falling, that’s something that should worry you, and you should get your warehouse inspected. To prevent this, we recommend that you keep heavy loads stacked as neatly as possible to avoid the load shifting when you carry or move it around.
Warehouses can be extremely dangerous to people who spend a lot of time in them. Accidents may be unavoidable, but prevention is better than cure. Ensure that you follow all safety precautions so you can have a safe experience at all times. Place the correct signage and make sure that everyone understands them. Also, remember to keep all communications lines open and if there’s information you want the employees to know, make sure that they all have the same interpretation.
