Definition
Employees working in a warehouse are exposed to a number of strenuous activities that can threaten their well-being. According to OHSA, the number of forklift-related accidents reaches close to 100,000 per year (100 fatal accidents, 34,900 serious injury accidents, and 61,800 non-serious accidents). As a result, those who handle heavy material handling equipment such as forklifts need to take special precautions to ensure that the materials they transport are properly handled. Here are four most common warehouse incidents you can easily avoid to prevent injuries and increase workplace productivity.
WAYS TO MINIMIZE INJURY IN WAREHOUSE
Slips & Trips
The warehouse is a place with lots of stuff. Its narrow aisles, tall stacks of goods, …show more content…
Make sure that you give your employees some time to chill and catch their breath throughout the day. Emphasize the importance of safety and worker well-being in your monthly employee meetings so that everyone has a chance to review some of the basic safety material handling rules. Provide adequate training and protective equipment for all employees.
Fire
Though not often discussed, warehouse fires can take a severe toll on your business. Warehouse fires can have costly and devastating consequences, but are considered to be one of the more preventable incidents. To avoid this disaster from finding its way into your warehouse, make sure that you:
• Make sure your warehouse passes fire inspection
• Install sprinkler systems, while giving employees easy access to fire-extinguishing tools
• Keep electrical cords in good condition and inspect them for damage. Discard worn wires and old extension cords.
• Handle all flammable fluids and gasses with the right equipment
Safely Storing Materials
• Make sure that stacked loads are straight and even, to prevent them from toppling over.
• Heavier loads should be stored on lower or middle shelves, so that they create a center of gravity for your shelving units, as opposed to leaving them
Employees working in a warehouse are exposed to a number of strenuous activities that can threaten their well-being. According to OHSA, the number of forklift-related accidents reaches close to 100,000 per year (100 fatal accidents, 34,900 serious injury accidents, and 61,800 non-serious accidents). As a result, those who handle heavy material handling equipment such as forklifts need to take special precautions to ensure that the materials they transport are properly handled. Here are four most common warehouse incidents you can easily avoid to prevent injuries and increase workplace productivity.
WAYS TO MINIMIZE INJURY IN WAREHOUSE
Slips & Trips
The warehouse is a place with lots of stuff. Its narrow aisles, tall stacks of goods, …show more content…
Make sure that you give your employees some time to chill and catch their breath throughout the day. Emphasize the importance of safety and worker well-being in your monthly employee meetings so that everyone has a chance to review some of the basic safety material handling rules. Provide adequate training and protective equipment for all employees.
Fire
Though not often discussed, warehouse fires can take a severe toll on your business. Warehouse fires can have costly and devastating consequences, but are considered to be one of the more preventable incidents. To avoid this disaster from finding its way into your warehouse, make sure that you:
• Make sure your warehouse passes fire inspection
• Install sprinkler systems, while giving employees easy access to fire-extinguishing tools
• Keep electrical cords in good condition and inspect them for damage. Discard worn wires and old extension cords.
• Handle all flammable fluids and gasses with the right equipment
Safely Storing Materials
• Make sure that stacked loads are straight and even, to prevent them from toppling over.
• Heavier loads should be stored on lower or middle shelves, so that they create a center of gravity for your shelving units, as opposed to leaving them