Each week, about 100 workers in the U.S. die due to injuries they suffer while at they’re at work.
Workplace injuries also cause businesses to incur crippling costs. In fact, employers from around the country spend over $1 billion per week on direct worker’s comp.
What are the top causes of workplace injuries in the United States? They are as follows: material handling, falls, and collisions.
Your warehouse employees face all of these safety threats and more, so you need to prepare for the worst. Read on for 4 can’t-miss warehouse safety tips that will help protect both your workers and your business from catastrophe.
1. Pay Attention to Your Storage and Racking
Cleaning your warehouse each day is more than just a sound warehouse inventory management practice. Maintaining clear and organized aisles helps prevent falls, and it makes it easier for workers to stack loads on shelves.
Also, keep in mind that you must perform racking inspections at least once per year. That said, additional inspections may be necessary if there are any changes to your racking system. You can click here to learn more about the benefits of having your racking inspected regularly.
2. Don’t Skimp on Protective Equipment
When looking for easy ways to save money, you may think about purchasing cheaper personal protective equipment (PPE).
Here’s one reason why you shouldn’t cut costs on PPE: You could end up with counterfeit hard hats at your worksite. These fake pieces of equipment are of such low quality that you can snap them in half with just your hands.
However, don’t stop at head protection. Think about how many accidents you can avoid by investing in steel-toe boots with slip-resistant outsoles.
3. Bolster Forklift Safety
Nearly 100 Americans suffer serious injuries on forklifts each day.
You should place speed limit signs and safety warnings all over your warehouse to prevent accidents. This way, your forklift operators are always aware of how fast they can go, and they’re also reminded to put their seatbelts on.
Don’t let anyone get away with breaking forklift safety rules. Crackdown on those who speed or fool around while operating a vehicle.
You can also use mirrors to help your drivers see what’s around each turn.
4. Prepare for Fires
Each year, fire departments in the United States respond to over 1,200 warehouse fires. Lighting equipment and electrical distribution cause almost one-fifth of these fires.
Here are a few steps you can take to prepare your warehouse workers for a fire:
- Put together an evacuation plan
- Conduct annual fire drills
- Perform tests on the fire alarms each week
- Provide fire extinguisher training
Not sure whether you’re compliant with fire safety codes? Consider reaching out to a fire protection service provider for a thorough inspection.
Final Thoughts on Warehouse Safety Tips
If you want your employees to prioritize warehouse safety, implement a safety incentive program. Reward your workers for taking part in safety training or making valuable safety suggestions.
Make sure workers and visitors have easy access to spare protective equipment too.
Looking for more warehouse safety tips? If so, don’t forget to check out our guide on improving your warehouse security.