Warehouse safety is not what anyone should disregard in the work environment. Organizations that care more about workplace safety take workplace safety very seriously. In the warehouse, we often meet the riotous nature of Logistics, moving equipment, and pedestrians trying to negotiate their movement against the various moving equipment. In the US, nearly 5% of all Warehouse workers experience work-related injury each year. The statistics alone are not something that should be joked about. This article is written to guide us on how best to engage the warehouse safety tips and promote a safer place of work.
OSHA regulations for warehouse safety in the US.
OSHA has so many regulations depending on different topics. The OSHA is mainly the backbone of safety and health in the USA. They are always after ensuring that all workplaces are fine and free from hazards and that all measures are put in place by the employers to maintain a safer workplace. However, organizations and workers must abide by what OSHA is saying. Ignorance of a law is not an excuse when a regulation is this regarded.
Essential Warehouse safety tips in the US.
1.Clear signage and markings.
The warehouse has to have clear marking and signage at designated areas and locations. This will enable the workers to know the various routes they need to take while working in the warehouse. The moving equipment, such as forklift trucks, will also know where to follow while in the warehouse environment. Imagine a warehouse without proper and clear signage. There will be a collision between people and moving equipment. While using signages, ensure that the signages are clear and standardized with proper symbols and colors. This signage has to indicate safe pathways, storage zones, and hazards. More so, always update the signages whenever there are changes in the warehouse environment.
2.Emergency exit and pathways.
Create emergency exits and pathways when there are none, and if available, ensure that there is no obstruction in the exit. During an emergency, the workers in the warehouse will make use of the emergency exit and pathways to run to safety. And if they are not effective, emergency action will be put at risk. The workers in the warehouse have to be familiar with this arrangement. This can be promoted through emergency drills.
3.Effective Warehouse design.
Effective Warehouse design is essential to support warehouse safety. Effective Warehouse design will make the warehouse organized and efficient. Proper Warehouse design will ensure that goods or products are kept in an orderly manner to reduce workers colliding with them
4.Ensure equipment safety to all your equipment.
Maintaining equipment safety in warehouses is equally paramount. Forklifts exist, most especially in warehouses, and they are among the leading causes of Warehouse accidents. Ensure that the drivers of this forklift are trained and certified as being competent before they engage as operators. Regular maintenance of this equipment is important to safety.
5.Ensure ladder safety.
Ladders are often used in the warehouse and ladder safety has to be encouraged to prevent accidents associated with ladders. Improper use of ladders can lead to falls. Fall hazards are preventable. Ensure that you provide good ladders for the activities of the warehouse.
6.Ensure a good scaffolding is in place.
There could be times when scaffolding will be in use in the warehouse. Ensure that scaffolding safety is maintained in your activities. All scaffolds should be firm on the ground and guardrails should be in place. Inspection of the scaffold should be paramount as well.
7.Safe hazardous materials handling.
All hazardous materials should be handled carefully in the warehouse so that workers will not be exposed to them. some of the warehouses handle materials from chemicals to flammable liquids. Having proper storage for these materials is key to preventing accidents in the warehouse. Ensure that all those who are exposed to these chemicals make use of appropriate PPE for their work.
8.Train workers on warehouse Safety.
Training of workers can never be wrong. Workers need timely training to know what they are supposed to do. Employee training is very important. The topic of warehouse safety should be conducted on operators and other workers working in the warehouse. Other topics, such as emergency response and first aid, can be done as well.
9.Create a clear safety procedure for the warehouse operation
Having a clear warehouse procedure, we also assist in overall Warehouse safety. Well-documented safety procedures are the main backbone of the warehouse safety programs. Ensure that workers are trained on these procedures and they know how to apply them in their work. If there are changes in the warehouse, always remember to review the procedures and make them current for you.
10.Install and maintain a fire suppression system.
Under fire safety, a fire suppression system is needed in the warehouse to reduce the effect of Fire during a fire emergency. The sprinkler system and Fire extinguisher will be the best defense against Warehouse fires. Ensure that you inspect and service the equipment regularly by qualified personnel.
11.Maintain proper storage of flammable materials.
All flammable materials have to be properly stored and maintained to avoid fires. Store flammable materials in a ventilated condition and away from heat and direct sunlight. Ensure that you use containers that are in line with OSHA standards.
12.Reduce worker fatigue and stress.
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Set up programs to help workers to manage fatigue and stress. Stress and fatigue are silent killers in the workplace, and adequate methods should be put in place to manage them. They can usher In accidents and Illnesses among the workers and even lead to chronic health hazard
Conclusion
Warehouse safety is very important in the workplace. Most times, it is not just about being compliant but ensuring that the work environment is safe enough to promote workers’s health and safety. The above tips, when put into action, will guarantee a safer and more productive Warehouse.
Frequently asked questions on Warehouse safety.
1.What are the most common hazards associated with the warehouse?
The most common hazards associated with Warehouses include slips, trips and falls, moving equipment, and falling objects striking against fixed objects.
2.How often should training on Warehouse safety be conducted?
The training on warehouse should be conducted once every year. However, since the training benefits both the worker and employer, it can also be conducted regularly to ensure a safe workplace.
3.Are there penalties for non-compliance with OSHA regulations regarding Warehouses?
A warehouse is a workplace and should be safe and healthier for all. If a warehouse is found non-compliant with the OSHA standards, penalties and fines may be met against an employer.
Onyeka Emma is a QHSE Professional with more than 10 years of experience in occupational health and safety, which spans many industries such as construction, beverage, oil and gas, etc. He has many health and safety certifications, including NEBOSH IGC, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2018 Lead auditor certificate. A member of IOSH, ISPON, and Nigeria Red Cross Society. He is interested in business, entrepreneurship, Speaking, and motivating people to do better for themselves. He enjoys leisure with a good motivational book.
