If you run a warehouse, it's important to be aware of the safety hazards that come with the territory. Mishaps can happen quickly and easily in a warehouse environment, so it's important to take the necessary precautions to avoid them. Here are 10 common warehouse safety hazards to watch out for.
10 Warehouse Safety Hazards to Avoid
1. Fire Accidents
Fire accidents are common at warehouses if preventive measures are not taken. It can also lead to the most dangerous hazards. As the warehouses consist of hundreds of workers, it can lead to serious injury for them. This can also become life-threatening. Therefore, the workers must take necessary precautions to reduce fire risk and accidents in the warehouse.
2. Harmful Chemicals
Warehouses have harmful chemical substances which can be hazardous. The workers should stay away from the chemicals and follow the necessary procedures to use them. Toxic chemicals can cause injuries and health hazards.
3. Heavyweight Equipment
Workers usually deal with heavyweight equipment daily at the warehouses. Once the workers get comfortable using it, they ignore the safety procedures and rules. The workers should always maintain safety rules while operating heavy equipment.
4. Long Working Hours
Workers work for long hours to meet the daily delivery requirement at the warehouses. When the workers get involved in work for a long time, they become tired and lack concentration. This can lead to mishappening and hazards. Therefore, the working hours should be reduced.
5. Sudden Falls
Sudden falls lead to rising in the number of accidents in the workplace. Many workplace injuries are caused due to sudden slips and falls. The workers should follow guidelines to avoid these accidents. You should check the floors with obstructions. Usually, the loose cords, cracks, and holes lead to unexpected accidents. Anti-slip floor tape will reduce the risk of falls.
6. Fall Off Objects
In warehouses, many functional materials are stored in higher places. The workers can use the vertical space efficiently due to this factor. But, it can lead to a higher risk of injuries due to the sudden falling of objects. Therefore, the workers should be provided with the necessary training to stop falling hazards.
7. Not Wearing Necessary Equipment
The workers working in the warehouse should wear personal equipment for better protection from workplace hazards. The warehouse PPE kit includes goggles, gloves, protective eyewear, and dust masks, which will protect them from unexpected threats.
8.Electric Accidents And Hazards
Electric hazards are the most dangerous hazards in warehouses. Workers usually get prone to electrical hazards while working with electric appliances and equipment.
When there are safety issues in electric appliances, it needs immediate repair. The warehouse manager should immediately call the electrician to fix the problem. Delaying in electric appliance repair will lead to severe damage and injuries.
9. Lack Of Safety Knowledge
When the workers of warehouses are not provided training for safety guidelines, it becomes difficult for them to work. This may also lead to inevitable mistakes, resulting in hazards and accidents. Therefore, all the workers should attend a training session before starting the job. It would help if you taught the OSHA warehouse safety guidelines to the workers.
10. Poorer Ergonomics
In warehouses, workers make the same motions again and again. This repetitive work is pulling, lifting, and pushing, which leads to injuries. The employees should prevent injuries by optimizing the warehouse for ergonomics.
Conclusion
You can avoid warehouse accidents and hazards by taking necessary precautions against the possible risks. Both the worker’s life and surrounding will remain safe with safety measures.