The safety of workers inside of your warehouse is incredibly important. Your employees are the people who keep the business running. Ensuring proper warehouse conditions and processes is the biggest safeguard against injuries and citations. We’ve compiled a list of 10 safety tips, based on The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)’s ten most cited violations of 2013, as shown on the United States Department of Labor website.
- Fall Protection
TIP: Have proper guardrails on high loft areas, keep stairways chained off, and avoid standing on pallets or other uneven surfaces.
- Hazard Communication
TIP: Always provide information to employees about any hazardous chemicals to which they may be exposed. Be sure to use labels, hazard signs, and safety data sheets.
- Scaffolding
TIP: Keep all parts of scaffolding in good condition. Remember, every suspension rope must be able to support at least 6 times the maximum intended load.
- Respiratory Protection
TIP: Ensure proper ventilation in areas where fumes, gases, smokes, dusts, etc. could cause breathing hazards. If proper ventilation is not available, provide each employee with a personal respirator.
- Electrical, Wiring Methods
TIP: Routinely check the integrity of wiring in the warehouse. Always have a professional fix any exposed or dangerous wires.
- Powered Industrial Trucks
TIP: Limit the number of operators, and regularly train operators of forklifts and other powered industrial trucks.
- Ladders
TIP: Only use ladders in good working condition. Remember, each portable ladder must be able to support at least 4 times the maximum intended load.
- Lockout/Tagout
TIP: Isolate machines from energy sources when conducting maintenance on said machines. Regularly train employees on the Lockout/Tagout procedure.
- Electrical, General Requirements
TIP: Immediately replace any damaged or deteriorating electrical equipment. Provide safe access to any working spaces around electrical equipment. Use High Voltage warnings where necessary.
10. Machine Guarding
TIP: Any hand tools, power tools, or other machinery which require a guard for safety should be routinely inspected. This can include barrier guards, two-hand tripping devices, electronic safety devices, etc.
In addition to these tips, be sure to follow the basics of warehouse safety. Always wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), which includes gloves, hard hat, steel toed boots, safety glasses, and OSHA certified safety green shirts. Be aware of your surroundings, and report any accidents or unsafe conditions to management immediately. And, of course, keep the warehouse neat and free of debris. A clean warehouse is a safe warehouse!
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