Fortunately, fewer and fewer people consider safety at work a burden or a waste of time and resources that could be devoted to improving productivity. Quite the opposite is true. Investing time and resources in maintaining safety in the warehouse ultimately leads to increased productivity and improved employee well-being.
Often, we find that many operators and workers are not aware of many of the risks to which they are exposed in the course of their work until an accident occurs.
It is only when someone is injured that they become aware of at least two pieces of evidence: 1) that any damage suffered by an accident cannot be undone and 2) that the reasons or causes that led to that damage could probably have been avoided.
The importance of warehouse safety
Given the movement of people, machines and goods and the variety of activities carried out in a warehouse, occupational risk prevention is essential to avoid scares and accidents.
A safe and productive work environment ensures that all staff are aware of the associated risks and potential consequences of an accident if warehouse safety is not maintained.
Employers are ultimately responsible for protecting workers from the different risks to which they are exposed in the development of their work in the warehouse. It must be taken into account that in them we find moving vehicles, heavy objects stored on high shelves, mechanical equipment or other equipment and, depending on the type of warehouse, a variety of potentially dangerous substances.
How to prevent accidents in the warehouse
Many factors contribute to a safe work environment. However, adequate protection and visibility are two crucial components to minimizing the risk of accidents among personnel. Let’s look at other aspects that will help us prevent accidents in the warehouse.
Warehouse layout
Warehouse layout is crucial. It is essential to ensure that warehouse vehicles have room to maneuver safely.
It will also be necessary to add adequate protection in areas that have high vehicle traffic, restricted spatial arrangements or often sensitive equipment. Posts or corner protectors will help prevent potential damage from vehicle collisions.
Industrial shelving
Metal shelving is the backbone of any warehouse. If they are not secured correctly they can cause significant damage in the event of a collapse.
Metal shelving is the backbone of any warehouse. If they are not secured correctly they can cause significant damage in the event of a collapse.
Racks should undergo periodic inspections to ensure they are in good working order and free of damage.
In any case, the shelves must undergo periodic technical inspections to verify their condition and correct deformities in time to avoid accidents that could have been avoided.
Forklifts
Without forklifts, little would be done in many warehouses and, in addition, staff would be more susceptible to repetitive movements and overexertion injuries. However, it is important to take appropriate precautions during use.
Forklift drivers should ensure they receive proper training and certification for safe operation. Additionally, knowing your equipment well helps you understand the fundamentals of proper weight distribution and balance when maneuvering loads.
Forklift accidents can involve collisions with nearby personnel. Even at very low speeds, moving forks can seriously injure you or worse 🙁
It is crucial that everyone in the warehouse knows the risks of moving vehicles, as well as making them visible to drivers.
An attempt should be made to minimize the possibility of contact between vehicles and people in the warehouse. This involves clearly defining pedestrian areas and installing warehouse bollards, an effective means of identifying dangerous areas while preserving clear sight lines and unobstructed walkways.
As with any mechanical equipment, it is important that forklifts are properly maintained.
Loading docks
Loading docks are areas with a lot of vehicle traffic where good visibility is always key to avoiding accidents.
Loading docks are areas where third-party suppliers interact with warehouse staff and equipment. Non-company personnel can be a risk in warehouses if they are not familiar with site-specific protocols and layouts. Hence the importance of having efficient reception measures and procedures.
Warehouse loading and unloading areas must allow work to be carried out safely and efficiently. Loads must be secured without risk of loose objects falling during transport. Dock entrances must be clearly marked. The entrances themselves must be protected to prevent vehicles from backing into building structures and causing damage. Brightly colored bollards offer protection and better visibility.
Overhangs should be marked (with paint or bright tape) to alert workers and operators of nearby delivery points. Or having stairs within reach if necessary, are measures that help keep loading and unloading docks safer.
Soil condition and pedestrian spaces
Slips, trips and falls are some of the most common accidents that cause injuries to personnel. Like most accidents, they can usually be prevented.
Slippery surfaces can be caused by a variety of factors: oil or grease leaks from nearby mechanical equipment, spilled liquids, leaking containers…
Mats made of rubber or other synthetic materials can be effective in ensuring proper grip in walking and standing areas, but it is also important that they remain secured, without bending or rolling, which can create tripping hazards.
In general, irregular grades and slopes should be avoided when planning warehouse layouts. They pose an additional risk to both vehicle traffic and people.
Designated storage locations and routine cleanings may seem like a chore, but the benefits of a clean work environment are well worth it. Debris, clutter… can also cause problems for pedestrian and vehicle traffic in addition to creating smaller work spaces, which are often more prone to accidents.
Don’t discover warehouse security by accident
In a warehouse environment, it can be easy to get used to everyday equipment and routines. However, when comfort and complacency set in, workers underestimate potential dangers and make mistakes.
Warehouse safety practices include proper training of workers on potential hazards that may arise while using shelving. Our shelf safety courses help reduce operational risks in warehouses.
Finally, in this link you will find a list of the most common risks in a warehouse accompanied by a description that corresponds to the accident.
At Noega Systems we have a specialized and expert team in the inspection and validation of industrial racks. We can help you maintain security in the warehouse and your facilities and get the most out of them, complying with current legislation and regulations. Ask us!
