Warehouses are the backbone of logistics in the United States. They store everything from hand sanitizer to groceries to practically every online item. But to keep the online economy moving, these facilities need to be run efficiently and safely, minimzing warehouse injuries.
Warehouses can be dangerous places to work and pose several different risks for the workers who operate them. Employing and reviewing warehouse safety practices helps limit hazards and warehouse injuries and boosts employees’ overall well-being.
Here are six common warehouse injuries and warehouse risks that face this industry every day.
Forklift Accidents
These types of injuries are related to inadequate training, unsafe operation by users, crowded warehouse facilities, or just freak accidents. If companies implemented more stringent training policies, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that about 70% of forklift accidents in the US could be prevented.
Forklift injuries occur from crushing and pinning other workers, overturning, or running into other lifts or objects. They result in significant accidents, including warehouse damage, worker injury, and even fatality.
Repetitive Stress
While doing something the same way repeatedly helps to get the job done right, it also leads to repetitive stress on the body. These injuries occur due failure to rotate employees through lines that include highly repetitive activities.
Some repetitive injuries include thumb injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, ganglion cysts, tenosynovitis, and pain in the neck and shoulders. Warehouses can limit these injuries and risks by rotating employees or updating how specific tasks are done.
Overexertion
Overexertion injuries are usually related to lifting, which causes injuries to the neck, lower back, and shoulders. These injuries also include hernias, which can cause workers to have to transition to a new area of work within a warehouse. Some of these injuries are due to lack of training, workers trying to do too much, or not following proper procedures.
Falling Objects
Warehouses need to be continuously monitored and checked throughout the day to look for obstructions that can hurt someone or objects that can fall from above. These injuries are usually due to unsafe conditions in a warehouse, poor setup, or human error. Falling object injuries result in back injuries, head injuries, and disc herniations.
Slips and Falls
Probably the most common type of warehouse injury, slips and falls within warehouses occur when residue, grease, cardboard, paper, or chords are exposed in high traffic areas and create trip hazards. These injuries vary from neck, back, knee, and shoulders, and can tear ligaments. Many times these types of injuries are easily preventable by cleanup and regular safety sweeping of high-traffic areas throughout a warehouse.
All these common warehouse injuries are relatively preventable. Warehouse safety practices should include regular audits and safety reports, resulting in more awareness and mitigated warehouse risks.
About The Hilb Group
Deciding what coverage you need and what limits and deductibles make the most sense can be tricky. Founded in 2009, the Hilb Group has been helping clients to make sense of their options and make the smartest choices for their circumstances. Whether you need Warehouse Insurance or any other type of business or personal coverage, we encourage you to contact our friendly, experienced, and capable team today. Call us at (800) 776-3078 for a consultation.