There is hardly a warehouse in the world where there wasn't some sort of accident. Whether it was due to a lack of care from the workers, or due to subpar circumstances, accidents can happen. This is why, regardless of how well you think your warehouse is designed, it is important to take extra measures in ensuring worker safety. In this article, we will go over different ways in which you can prevent accidents in your warehouse.
Different ways to prevent accidents in your warehouse
The best way to ensure that accidents don't happen in your warehouse is to address them on different levels. Before modernising your warehouse, you should equip your workers, give them the proper training and improve their environment in order to minimize the chance of an accident.
Invest in quality safety equipment
Boots, helmets, gloves. Regardless of what you plan on storing in your warehouse, your workers need to have these items on them at all times. Now, some warehouse managers might feel inclined to save money on safety equipment. And we are here to tell you that this is wrong for two reasons. Firstly, safety equipment needs replacement. And the cheaper one you opt for, the sooner you will have to replace it. In the long run, quality safety equipment tends to be more cost-effective, even if it requires a greater initial investment.
Secondly, it is important to note that poor-quality safety equipment can cause both accidents and injuries. It doesn't take much for cheap gloves to tear and cheap boots to slip. So, if you value worker safety, invest in quality.
Train employees to lift safely
Considering how often warehouse workers lift things you would assume that they all know how to do so safely. Well, in actuality, most workers are unaware of what proper lifting entails. The old "lift with your legs and not with your back" is something all of them are aware of, but relatively few put into practice. Unfortunatelly this, among other things, causes accidents and injuries. So, in order to prevent this, you'd be smart to train your employees in some basic lifting techniques. It won't take more than a day for a professional trainer to teach your employees the basics of lifting. By doing so you will not only prevent injuries but also increase overall efficiency and productivity.
Keep your floors clear and clean
You cannot prevent accidents in your warehouse if you don't keep it clear and clean. Dirty floors and cluttered spaces are prime locations for warehouse accidents. Therefore, in order to avoid accidents, the solution is clear. Keep your warehouse nice and tidy. No amount of spills, clutter or dirt should be acceptable.
Create a safety manual
Warehouse safety isn't something you can simply tackle through outside factors. Even if you have top-notch equipment and keep your warehouse in pristine order, accidents can happen. The only way to ensure that your warehouse remains safe is to educate your employees about workplace safety,
What's important to remember here is that every warehouse is different. Yes, some safety regulations do apply to all. But, you need to consider your warehouse as special and create a clear safety manual for working in it. If you are unsure how to develop one, consider finding a safety expert. Know that people value both security and safety, even when looking for Best Movers in Florida that use a warehouse. Therefore, it is in your best interest to cover all the safety and security aspects of your warehouse.
Final thoughts about warehouse safety
Even adhering to basic safety protocols will help you prevent accidents in your warehouse. For further safety measures, we strongly suggest that you consult with a professional. If you've already experienced accidents in your warehouse, it is important to analyse them and outline what caused them. If similar accidents happen time and time again, you probably have an important issue to tackle. Human error is also a factor when it comes to warehouse safety. And reducing it can help tremendously. Keep in mind that an unsafe warehouse can not only bring injuries, lawsuits and ruined items. But will also lower productivity and worker motivation. So, do your best in ensuring that your warehouse is as safe as possible.
For over 30 years, 18 Wheels Logistics has strived to be the most customer-centric trucking, warehousing, and logistics company around. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, 18 Wheels relies on experience and integrity to make customers happy and remain on the cutting edge of shipping and logistics management.
If you have any questions about this article or you would like to talk to us about your shipping needs, please call us at (604) 439-8938.
