Warehouse Safety

​Imagine you coming to work knowing that something might happen to you. That sounds ridiculous to many people who would want to stay at this job, but this is the case for many people. Workplace accidents remain a huge problem for both employers and employees. Unfortunately, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data doesn’t show pleasant numbers. As the annual report shows, workplace injuries continue to increase; for example, from 2021 to 2022, they increased by 7.5%, while fatal injuries rose by 5.7%. These statistics indicate one more time that the problem exists and continues to be dangerous. 

The workforce continues to grow yearly, so companies must prioritize workplace safety. The goal of this article is to remind small and big businesses about this issue, highlight how serious it is, and offer helpful advice on decreasing risks and improving safety measures.

Let's discuss why this problem is very concerning and why companies should pay more attention to its existence. The most important thing to remember is that human safety must be a priority. When managers try to save money by avoiding investing in new safety equipment, not paying attention to safety issues, or failing to discuss safety regulations with employees, this can create dangerous conditions for the workers. Injuries can impact a person not only physically but mentally as well; together with that, the family and friends of the injured person are suffering, too. Another aspect is that people would look for a safer shear while choosing a workplace; nobody wants to come to work, potentially knowing that something might happen, so the company should guarantee safety to attract more valuable employees. In other words, people may seek employment with safer companies. Workplace accidents, particularly warehouse accidents, can lead to significant losses for companies and employees, including labor, financial and productivity losses, and emotional distress. Together with that, don’t forget that a company's reputation can suffer significantly.
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In this article, the information discussed is about warehouses.

​It is essential to examine the main hazards in the warehouse to provide safety measures and useful advice. To create this selection, we chose the most common dangers from the OSHA list.   

1. Forklifts

Forklifts, also called powered industrial trucks, are some of the most dangerous hazards in industrial settings. These are some of the OSHA recommendations regarding forklift safety:

• Only individuals aged 18 or older should be allowed to operate forklifts.
• All forklift operators must be trained to understand how the machine works and its potential danger.
• To prevent tipping and other hazards, a forklift operator should always stay within the recommended load capacity of the forklift.
• Never exceed a speed limit, and be cautious on turns, as this machine has a lot of blind spots while driving, which can lead to accidents.

2. Falls and slips

​Falls and slips are a significant safety concern in all workplaces, including warehouses. The unique conditions in warehouses, such as loading and unloading products or working at heights, can increase the risk of these accidents. Some of the most essential tips to avoid injuries:

• Ensure all employees receive proper training in safe work practices, including moving materials, using equipment, and navigating potentially hazardous areas.
• Provide employees with the necessary safety equipment, such as hard hats and safety shoes. 
• Keep floors and walkways clear of spills and objects.
• Regularly inspect ladders, shelves, and other equipment for potential hazards and ensure that they are in good working condition.
• Encourage employees to follow established safety procedures, for example using ladders correctly, avoiding cluttered work areas, and reporting potential hazards.

3. MSDs

​Warehouse workers are at a greater risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), various conditions that might affect different organs and bones. MSDs might occur in warehouse employees mainly due to repetitive tasks or improper lifting. Additionally, with the wrong management and tight, unrealistic deadlines, they might experience stress and panic. 

These conditions can lead to strains, back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.  
​The solution is ergonomics in the workplace. In simple words, ergonomics is the science of creating the most comfortable work environment for employees to increase their efficiency and reduce incidents. By implementing ergonomic practices, companies can improve worker safety and performance.

Managers play a crucial role in creating ergonomic workplaces, for example:​

• Investing in ergonomic equipment: Using tools like lifting machines can reduce worker strain.
• Providing training: Educating employees on proper lifting techniques and body mechanics.
• Addressing workplace design: Ensuring workstations are at the correct height and that materials are easily accessible.
• Stress: Supervisors are responsible for creating a positive work environment, engaging and empowering employees, and managing their workloads to minimize stress.

4. Electrical Hazard

Electrical safety is a critical concern in any workplace, especially those with extensive electrical equipment and systems. Electricity accidents can have severe consequences. By understanding and implementing proper electrical safety measures, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of hazards and create a safer working environment.

​Some of the principal safety regulations: 

• Employers must use listed or labeled equipment and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Sufficient space must be maintained around electrical panels and equipment to prevent hazards.
• Live parts of electrical equipment should always be guarded.
• Flexible cords and cables should be used appropriately and connected to devices with strain relief.
• Last but not least, one of the most critical aspects is inspection. Regular visual inspections of electrical equipment are necessary to identify and address potential hazards.

5. Heat/cold hazards

Heat and cold can pose significant risks to workers, especially while working outdoors or physically. Both can have direct and indirect consequences, affecting individual employees and the workplace.
Working in sweltering conditions can lead to heat-related illnesses, which can range from mild to severe. 

Overheating can cause dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and, in some cases, heat stroke, which can be fatal. It's crucial to prevent overheating as it can increase the risk of accidents with other people, as employees may become disoriented. Cold-related hazards, such as hypothermia and frostbite, can pose significant worker risks. While the specific consequences may differ, the general prevention measures are very similar, so we combined them. 
The proper action from the manager's side is crucial to prevent both conditions:

• Give the employees time to get used to the hot or cold environment, giving proper breaks and time to rest. It is twice as hard to work in cold or heat, so following this simple rule can increase safety.
• Ventilation and hydration for heat conditions and protective clothing for cold conditions are mandatory.
• Proper worker training can reduce the risk of both conditions. Managers must educate employees about the dangers of heat and cold, how to recognize symptoms, and the importance of taking breaks.
• It is also essential to regularly check on employees, making sure they are doing fine and don't look sick. Sometimes, the person cannot even know something is happening, so managers should check on their workers and remind them about drinking water for heat, for example, or taking a proper break. ​​

Safety Best Practices

While we've covered a few potential hazards, exploring more resources on the OSHA website is essential for a comprehensive understanding. Let's summarize the most critical safety practices that companies should prioritize:

1. Training: Regular and ongoing training is essential to equip employees with the knowledge and skills to prevent accidents. Ensure training programs cover all relevant safety topics and are updated as needed to reflect changes in regulations and industry best practices. According to OSHA, since the creation of safety rules and policies in 1970, there has been a rapid decrease by 75% in workplace injuries.
2. New Technology: Invest in modern technologies to increase workplace safety. These can include sensors, wearable devices, and automation systems that can help identify and prevent hazards and make employees work safer and easier. From the recent Supply Chain Management Review's article: “Logistics and transportation operations seem more cautious when adopting more advanced technologies like autonomous vehicles (6.3% using or implementing) and warehouse automation (14.3% using or implementing)”. So, investing in new technology can be very successful.
3. Regular Equipment Inspections: Conduct routine equipment and warehouse general inspections to identify and address potential safety issues before accidents occur. Ensure that equipment is properly maintained, calibrated, and in good working condition.
4. Incident Reporting and Analysis: Encourage employees to promptly report all accidents and incidents. Conduct thorough investigations to identify root causes and implement corrective actions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
5. Continuous Improvement: Regularly review and update safety policies and procedures to ensure they remain effective and aligned with industry standards. Stay informed about the latest safety regulations and best practices to maintain a safe and compliant workplace.

​We would love to hear what you think about the topic. Stay safe!

REFERENCES:

• BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS. (2020). Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities. Www.bls.gov. https://www.bls.gov/iif/home.htm
• Warehousing - Hazards and Solutions | Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). Www.osha.gov. https://www.osha.gov/warehousing/hazards-solution
• Commonly Used Statistics | Occupational Safety and Health Administration. (n.d.). Www.osha.gov. https://www.osha.gov/data/commonstats#:~:text=OSHA%20is%20Making%20a%20Difference&text=Worker%20injuries%20and%20illnesses%20are
• Staff, S. (2024, September 12). 33rd Annual Study of Logistics and Transportation Trends: Unraveling the challenges ahead. New SCMR; Supply Chain Management Review. https://www.scmr.com/article/33rd-annual-study-of-logistics-and-transportation-trends-unraveling-the-challenges-ahead?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=twisc&oly_enc_id=2459B2979123H6G​