7 Warehouse Safety Tips You Need to Know
July 9, 2018 | Career Blog
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a little over 10 years ago, workers in the warehousing industry suffered 21 fatalities and 14,620 injuries and illnesses. You would think that there would have been changes seen over all of that time, but the numbers have not gone down as drastically as you would hope.
Just like any construction site, workers are trained on the hazards surrounding the job. Unfortunately, many choose to ignore the dangers that surround them each day. If you are going to take a job in the warehouse industry it is extremely important that you pay attention to every safety precaution given to you.
Warehouse Safety Tips
To give you a little insight before you join this industry, here are seven warehouse safety tips you should be sure to know.
1. Always Remain Aware
Every employee in the warehouse needs to keep an eye on what is going on around them. They are all responsible for their own safety and for those in the vicinity. Just as in any fast-paced work environment, you need to let people know when you are behind them or coming through a tight area. In other words, communication is key. You not only have to look out for yourself, you all have to work as a team to keep the environment safe.
2. Know Where The Hazard Zones Are
You need to know the work environment in which you should be the most careful. What equipment could easily hurt you and how? Where are forklifts most commonly driving through? All of these areas should be clearly marked and you should know what these marks mean.
3. Use The Safety Equipment Provided To You
Forklifts and hydraulic dollies are examples of equipment that are provided to those working in warehouses to prevent injuries and to keep them safe. It is also required, in many circumstances, that you wear some form of safety gear. It may seem obvious that there is a time and a place when these items are necessary, but there have been many who neglect to use them and suffer the consequences. Safety equipment is provided for a reason and you should never underestimate what could happen if you fail to use it.
4. Keep Your Work Area Clean And Tidy
It is always good practice to keep things organized, but in a work environment like this cleanliness is essential. So many work accidents within the warehouse are due to clutter, mess, and disorganization. The space should be cleaned and inspected thoroughly at the beginning and end of each day and each worker should always be keeping an eye out to help others clean up after themselves.
5. Know How To Use The Equipment You Are Operating
Lifting and other equipment can be hazardous to employees if you fail to fully learn and practice how to use it. Forklifts are one of the leading causes of warehouse worker injury due to operating negligence. Before you carry out an assignment with hazardous equipment be sure you are fully trained on how to use it.
6. Be Careful Where You Step
Slips and falls are the largest type of accident in any workplace. This is another reason why things must remain swept and mopped. The proper signs should be placed in areas that are wet or hazardous and boxes should be properly stored on shelves rather than the floor.
7. Read The Safety Manual
At the end of the day, everything you need to know about safety is given to you in your safety manual at work. You need to read and fully understand every part of this, you never know when your safety could be at risk. If you are ever concerned about performing a certain task, speak to your manager about what is troubling you.
Warehouse Safety Is In Your Hands
If you are considering working in the warehouse industry, your personal safety, and the safety of those surrounding you, should matter to you greatly. It is not hard to do this kind of job, but it is easy to be careless enough to be responsible for an injury. By making yourself aware you will be setting yourself up for a successful career and the ability to work in a productive team environment. For more information about working in the warehouse industry contact us here.