Warehouse Job Safety

Like all careers, safety plays a major role. In the United States alone, every year, thousands of injuries take place in warehouse environments. Not only that, the fatal injury rate for the warehousing industry is actually higher than the national average rate for all industries. That being said, we must take safety into extreme consideration. 

There is a lot employers can do about safety and potential injuries happening in the workplace. It is absolutely critical that distributors and wholesalers pay very close attention to conditions that could potentially take place and take note of injuries that have already happened to prevent them from happening in the future.

Forklifts in the warehouse are very prone to accidents. We came across 11 ways to reduce forklift accidents in your facility.

1. Certify your forklift operators.

 The operator needs to know the correct way to handle forklifts. This goes along with any other machinery. It may look simple. However, there is still crucial information needed to practice safety.

2. Yearly refresher course. 

Every warehouse worker hired should participate in a yearly safety refresher course. A refresher course allows operators to keep skills fresh and practice safety to avoid all sorts of accidents from happening.

3. Limit your top speed in the warehouse.

Forklifts are built to move in an efficient manor.  Quick speeds could easily cause an accident. Every warehouse is different, however, it is suggested that you evaluate what a safe speed is and strive to retain that rule.

4. High Visibility Seatbelts

There are many warehouse owners who make it mandatory to wear seat belts. Having a colored seatbelt that is visible is a perfect way to be sure each operator is wearing their seat belt. 

5. Fleet Management/Driver Accountability System 

If you have a system on your forklift that records speed and other information, this is a great way to prevent accidents from happening among your workers.

6. Use the horn.

It doesn't sound too effective, does it? When you are moving, allowing the workers around you to know you are moving could save many lives. It allows people to know when you are moving so they don't get in your way.

7. Back-up Alarms

These work extremely well. Operators and pedestrians are able to tolerate this safety feature if you have "smart" back-up, which is, alarms that get louder and louder as the forklift increases in speed. Annoying, at times, but definitely a great safety feature! 

8. Different Color Strobe Lights

This is just another simple thing you could do to raise the awareness around movement.

9. Superior Illumination in Warehouse 

While doing this, to save money, be sure that your cost cutting strategy doesn't leave the warehouse poorly illuminated. That in itself could be extremely dangerous. 

10. Break Near Shift End

Most accidents happen within the last few hours of the workers shifts. If you allow a ten minutes break an hour or so before the shift ends, it will allow the employee to be alert and safe while operating.

11. Use Forklift Lights.

Forklifts have lights for a reason. Using the lights on forklifts will allow the operator to see where he/she is going. 

Below is a video explaining tips to practicing proper warehouse safety.

Be sure to practice safety skills in your warehouse environment. As something so simple could save the lives of you and your employees.

Article above written by warehouseiq.com