From the outside, a warehouse looks innocuous and uninteresting. But when you walk into one that is bustling with activity, you will immediately recognize all the potential dangers that could happen. Keeping your warehouse safe ensures that business activities are not disrupted and your employees are protected. Often, safety precautions are overlooked and, in some cases, blatantly disregarded. But when safety is guaranteed, productivity will increase, and the incidence of injury will be significantly reduced. On that note, here are five safety tips that you can implement in your warehouse.
Ensure the use of proper and safety equipment.
The primary cause of accidents in the warehouse is the improper use of equipment. Forklifts, dollies, and belt conveyors are supposed to help move heavy items around. Ensure that they are used for those purposes; employees should know the appropriate use of each equipment.
Another thing that must be enforced is the wearing of safety clothing. From overalls to hard hats and protective eyewear, make sure that employees wear them when in the working areas. Aside from these, educate the employees on safety procedures in the event of an accident. So, teach first aid administration, how to use fire extinguishers, and safely exit buildings.
Safe lifting and moving techniques
A lot of lifting and moving goes on in the warehouse, and they can be a primary cause of accidents. Items must be moved safely from one point to the other, and you can do that through the use of appropriate equipment and safe lifting or moving techniques.
Before you move a load, you must first determine the best way to move it and with which equipment. Then assess the route that the load will follow to its new location. Ensure that the route is free of anything that can cause a trip or a slip. Find out if the new site has enough space to accommodate the load. Then, the item can be moved to its new location without impeding the view of whoever is moving it.
Do away with any potential safety hazards
The most common form of accident in the warehouse is slipping or tripping. To avoid this occurrence, ensure that the floors are devoid of materials that may trip an employee. Wet floors can lead to slipping; in this regard, make sure that the floors are frequently cleaned and are not left wet. Another thing to pay attention to is the floor cracks as they may lead to potentially dangerous situations.
Identify and label danger zones
Danger zones require that extra caution be applied when working in such areas. Loading docks, heating areas, harmful substances, and others should all be clearly labelled. Additionally, safety equipment and gear must be worn when in such areas. Make it a point to clearly indicate safe walkways and safety practices in such areas to reduce the likelihood of an accident.
Frequently provide training
Dangers in the warehouse will not dissipate; they will be there constantly. Therefore you should engage your employees in training and refresher courses to ensure that they are aware of the potential dangers posed in their working environment. Educate them on safety measures, new approaches to doing things and encourage strict adherence to all safety protocols. This will increase awareness and enable them to conduct themselves to reduce the incidence of accidents.
Safe practices in the warehouse increase productivity and keep employees safe, but it also ensures that disruptions to the business due to accidents are reduced to a minimum.
