Warehouses can be prime environments for workplace injury. Injuries can occur due to slips, falls, forklift accidents, lifting heavy objects, heat illness and poor posture. In 2020 alone, 5 out of 100 warehouse workers sustained injuries that caused them to miss work. However, most workplace injuries are preventable. Knowing some warehouse safety dos and don’ts can help employers encourage their employees to prioritize their health and safety.
6 dos and don’ts when working in the warehouse
When working in a warehouse, employees should try their best to lower their risk of injuries. They can follow these dos and don’ts:
- Do warm up before your shift. Performing dynamic warmup movements before a labor-intensive shift can increase blood flow to your muscles and prep them for rigorous activity. As a result, your muscles will be more supple and less likely to strain from overuse during the workday. Incorporating stretching can have added benefits. In fact, a study showed that stretching before a shift can significantly reduce employees’ risk of injury.
- Do participate in injury prevention training programs. Injury prevention programs can help warehouse management communicate their safety policies to warehouse employees. By attending training sessions throughout the quarter, employees can remain aware of their surroundings and be less likely to suffer injuries. A study showed that injury prevention education led to an overall 51% reduction of reported injuries among warehouse workers as well as a 55% increase in overall production.
- Do practice proper body alignment. Practicing proper body mechanics while performing warehouse activities can be the difference between safety and injury. Proper body mechanics can keep the body aligned and stable during difficult tasks. In fact, 30% of the days missed from work in 2018 were due to poor ergonomics. Practicing ergonomically optimum postures can help protect warehouse workers from both overuse and acute injuries.
- Don’t leave objects on the floor. While it can be common for objects to fall from shelves, employees should not let them stay on the floor. A blocked path can cause employees to trip, leading to potentially serious injuries. This is especially true in a warehouse where there can be extensive foot traffic and heavy machinery.
- Don’t ignore dirty floors.The warehouse floor can accumulate dirt and grime throughout the day. Some of the mess can’t be helped. Heavy machinery, for example, can drip oil and cause the floor to be slick. However, dirty floors are prime spots for injuries. It is important to keep warehouse floors clean to prevent slips and falls.
- Don’t ignore pallet rack safety precautions. Pallet racks are common storage tools used in warehouses. However, if they aren’t stacked or used correctly, they can cause unnecessary injuries. Make sure that the pallet racks are secured to the floor and wall and that they are fortified by metal railing.
Work-Fit can help you implement warehouse dos and don’ts
Managing workplace safety, especially in a place as large as a warehouse, can be daunting. That’s why many companies hire third-party contractors to help them enforce safety regulations and decrease workplace injuries. Our team of experts at Work-Fit can help you do just that. Contact our team today for more information about our services or to learn how Work-Fit can assist your employees.
