Regardless of what’s being housed in them, warehouses tend to be big, busy, and full of high shelves packed with goods, heavy equipment, and hazards. When you combine forklifts and dollies, drivers whose visibility may be obscured and who may be distracted, and employee scampering here and there to place or pull objects — and who are trying to meet deadlines and quotas — you’ve got a high-risk scenario. This is why anyone tasked with implementing warehouse best practices should focus on identifying and minimizing safety hazards. An article in the National Safety Council’s Safety and Health Magazine provides these three tips for reducing warehouse hazards.
Focus on Forklift Safety
Forklifts are heavy-duty motorized vehicles that pose as much risk as automobiles. Being a forklift driver, in general, is a high-pressure job. Coworkers can’t perform their jobs until forklift drivers deliver on theirs. They may overcompensate by driving with loads that are too heavy or bulky or speed to deliver their loads more quickly. Employers can reduce risks by purchasing more forklifts, hiring more drivers, creating vehicle “roads,” and cultivating a workplace environment that values safety above productivity.
Fall Protection Gear: Make it Mandatory
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, falls accounted for almost 15% of workplace fatalities in 2014. Warehouses are often packed floor to ceiling with goods. If employees will be scaling tall ladders or working on scaffolding, make it clear that they absolutely must use personal protection equipment at all times. As an employer, it’s your job to make sure that equipment is plentiful, readily available, and in good condition. It can save lives!
Short Circuit Electrical Risks
From blocked electricity breakers to overloaded extension cords, electrical risks are common in warehouses. Because warehouses have limited egress points, an electrical fire can be devastating. Create a policy that bans “daisy-chaining” (linking multiple power cords and power strips together), as it increases the risk of fire and creates a trip and fall hazard.
About Newman Crane & Associates Insurance
Deciding which types of coverage you need and which limits and deductibles make the most sense can be tricky. Since 1965, Newman Crane & Associates Insurance has been helping Central Floridians make sense of their options and make the smartest choices for their circumstances. We encourage you to contact our friendly, experienced, and capable team today. Whether you need Warehouse Insurance or any other coverage, call us at (407) 859-3691 for a consultation.