Working in a warehouse presents a number of hazards and safety risks. It is essential to maintain standards, not only for legal purposes but to protect the wellbeing of your staff and their ability to go about their job without being in fear of causing damage to themselves.
With all the heavy items, coming and going of vehicles and a higher risk of fires, it is the duty of all warehouse managers to ensure that the correct safety procedures are in place and well respected at all times of the day.
Here are some top tips to ensure that safety in the warehouse is maximized.
Provide sufficient training
In any type of job, providing staff with training is an essential part of maintaining an efficient and safe work environment. You cannot assume that staff with have extensive prior knowledge of how to perform tasks without risking injury, nor can you expect them to see hazards that you yourself could spot.
Training can include how to properly use machinery to what to do in the event of a fire. This doesn’t just apply to new employees either; it is recommended that staff are provided with training every six months in order to keep the information relevant and fresh in their minds.
Invest in the right equipment
Old and faulty equipment can carry considerable risks to the wellbeing of employees, such as breaking down in the middle of a job or emitting dangerous fumes into the workspace. Investing in up-to-date equipment from a trusted provider is a guaranteed way of ensuring that safety is being maximized.
This can be with respect to everything, from personal protective equipment like hard hats and visibility jackets to machinery and specialist industrial exhaust Australia.
Enforce clear fire safety procedures
While the number of fires in warehouses has been significantly reduced since 1980, taking all the right measures in the event of one is the key to ensuring that everybody gets out of the building quickly and safely.
This involves not just the right training as mentioned earlier, but also clearly displaying fire exits and making sure they are clear of obstructions at all times. Fire alarms should be tested at least once a week, while emergency lighting is a good idea in case visibility is reduced when attempting to evacuate the building.
Protect against slips, trips and falls
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over one million Americans suffer a slip, trip, and fall injury, making up nearly 15% of all job-related injuries. Although many of these falls result in nothing more than a bruise or a graze, falling from a height or while carrying heavy objects can lead to serious harm. Warehouse managers should take all the appropriate steps to minimize the risk of this occurring, whether it is using anti-slip paint to improve the quality of floor surfaces, scheduling cleaning during out of work hours, and clearing away any potential trip hazards, such as wires and cables.
