As a sober-eyed facilities manager, it can be challenging to ensure that all the workers are safely working with machines like forklifts inside the warehouse. Any accident puts the management under the scanner and might attract media attention. Moreover, human safety should be a top priority in any industrial facility. We’re sure you will find the below warehouse safety tips useful.
Maintain Communication
With so many people and machines working close to one another, everyone must be aware of what’s going on around them at all times. To this end, effective warehouse safety begins with maintaining good communication between management and employees.
This can be achieved in several ways, such as:
- Providing employees with regular safety briefings and training sessions.
- Encouraging employees to report any potential hazards they see.
- Displaying clear signage and visual aids around the warehouse.
Keep Walkways and Aisles Clear
One of the most common causes of accidents in the warehouse is trips, slips, and falls. To prevent these accidents, make sure no boxes or other items should be left lying around, and any spillages should be cleaned up immediately. Any obstacles in the aisle should be reported to management so they can be removed.
Use Picking Carts or Forklifts
Picking carts and Forklifts not only help to speed up the process of retrieving and storing items, but they also minimize the risk of injury by removing the need for staff to lift heavy objects by hand. Click here to shop for high-quality picking carts.
Wear the Right Gear
This means closed-toe shoes (preferably with nonslip soles), gloves when handling sharp or rough objects, and safety glasses when working in areas where there is a risk of eye injury.
Use Caution When Working with Chemicals
Any time your workers are working with dangerous chemicals, ignoring the caution signs or precautions can be deadly. Instruct your workers to read and understand the safety data sheets for any chemicals they use and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Use the Right Tools for the Job
Ensure your employees are using the proper tools for the job at hand. Using the wrong tool can not only damage warehouse equipment but can also lead to serious injury.
Following are some safety tools you can provide to your employees if they aren’t using these yet:
- Safety shoes or boots with nonslip soles.
- Safety glasses or goggles.
- Earplugs or earmuffs.
- Hard hats.
- Gloves.
- Dust masks.
Be Aware of Surroundings
In a busy warehouse, it’s easy to get caught up in the task at hand and lose track of what’s going on around you. This can be dangerous, increasing the risk of being involved in an accident. To avoid this, make sure your employees are always aware of their surroundings and take care when moving around the warehouse.
Consider implementing these tips for better surrounding awareness:
- Implement a “buddy system” so employees always have someone to watch out for them.
- Use mirrors or CCTV cameras to improve visibility in blind spots.
- Use warning signs and lights to alert employees to potential hazards.
Drive Carefully
Whether they’re driving a forklift, a pallet jack, or a reach truck, your employees need to be aware of the potential hazards and care when operating any warehouse vehicle.
Additionally, these tips will help:
- Enforce strict speed limits and make sure all drivers stick to them.
- Organize regular safety training sessions for all drivers.
- Ensure all vehicles are in good working condition and regularly serviced.
- Display clear signage and markings around the warehouse to indicate where vehicles are allowed to drive.
Keep the Workplace Clean
A clean and tidy warehouse is a safer warehouse. Not only does this help to prevent accidents, but it also helps to improve efficiency and productivity. Ensure your employees understand the importance of keeping the workplace clean and tidy. Assign specific tasks to individuals or teams to ensure the job gets done.
Final Word
Ensuring your workers’ safety should be your top priority as a facility manager or owner. Make sure you follow the above-mentioned tips to prevent workplace accidents.
