The health and safety of workers is of major concern when a business is running a workplace. Whether the workplace is an automated facility or not, the chances of injury or death is exceptionally high. Places such as Houston 3PL and California Contract Warehouse take these concerns seriously and as much as possible to such injuries. With so much so much happening and so much to keep track of, a warehouse may have more potential for incident than areas with more limited functions. Therefore it is imperative to pay close attention to safety in the warehouse. The conclusion will be more consideration to machinery and tasks that might be dangerous, more effort to follow safety rules, and eventually less accidents in the workplace.
Forklifts are a primary contributor to accidents in the warehouse setting. OSHA statistics for 2004 show that about 100 workers are killed and 95,000 are hurt every year while operating forklifts. Warehouse accidents are a large part of these statistics. Accidental forklift turnovers account for many of the deaths. Some easy solutions that can be adapted are to be sure to train, evaluate and certify all of the drivers so that they can operate the machines safely. A facility needs to an operator who is skilled and practiced to drive a forklift. That is why OSHA only permits trained, authorized operators to use them. All drivers of forklifts must be 18 years old. Before each use, the forklift must be checked for any hazardous conditions that might make it unsafe to operate. Always drive it slowly, never exceeding 5 miles an hour. Slow down even further in congested areas, on slippery surfaces or around blind corners.
It may seem trivial, but improper stacking of products cause a far amount of injuries and death. The proper stacking of inventory is extremely important. If the materials are improperly stacked, they may fall and hurt an employee. A few easy solutions are to stack the loads straight and easily. Heavier loads should be placed on lower shelves. Hazards may be spotted in the way this equipment is loaded, also. Heavy or unbalanced loads could fall over and cause serious injuries—even fatal ones. One item should be taken from the shelves at a time. Be sure to have the aisles and loading docks clean and in good repair at all times. If spills are not cleaned up immediately, accidents could occur.
There are significant safety issues to be considered, both for the operators of the diverse lifting machines, and for workers in proximity to them. Cranes, hoists, and derricks must be operated only by trained operators who know enough to keep from swinging a load over people or to take their hands or feet off the controls while a load is suspended. Also, keep in mind that everyone in the vicinity should pay close attention to the movements of the crane.
Most of these recommendations are common sense. If these suggestions are adhered to it may save an employee from injury or death. At minimum it will help keep aching muscles from getting in the way of hard work. If you have any questions or would like further advice on more serious safety issues, OSHA is available to aid you. OSHA’s main objective is setting and enforcing standards, providing training, outreach and education, establishing partnerships, and encouraging continual ongoing improvements in warehouse safety and health. A safe, orderly, efficient warehouse is a key to a successful operation.
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