Safety should always be a primary focus in any organization. With that said, it’s even more essential in warehouses. This is because they’re surrounded by several potentially dangerous factors such as forklifts, pallets, and ladders. Therefore, it’s important to know these essential tips for staying safe in a warehouse.
Protect Yourself First
In every situation, you should protect yourself first. For example, you always wear safety equipment when applicable. This includes hard hats, harnesses, steel toe boots, gloves, and so on depending on your warehouse. In addition, use caution when lifting anything. Even if you think it’s going to be light, always practice proper ergonomics to avoid injury.
Treat Aisles Like Highways
An essential tip for staying safe in a warehouse is to treat any aisles as if its a highway. Forklifts will travel up and down the aisles throughout the day, so never walk into an aisle without looking first. Consequently, if you’re the driver, you have a responsibility to follow forklift safety tips and regulations. For example, if you’re not properly trained and licensed, never attempt to drive a forklift. Additionally, most warehouses will have specific areas designated for forklifts; never drive outside those areas.
Stack Wisely
Whether you’re loading or stacking pallets with forklifts, you must always put the heaviest items on the bottom. This reduces the risk of an item falling, which in turn reduces accidents or injuries. Additionally, it ensures that products aren’t damaged or broken at your warehouse.
Ultimately, everything comes down to proper training. It’s the organization’s responsibility to provide training and the manager’s responsibility to ensure workers abide by these rules and regulations. If you notice that the organization isn’t complying with safety standards, you may have to take charge and make a report to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
