The safety and security of a warehouse depends on the enforced regulations, the encouragement of management, and the vigilance of workers on the floor. Everyone must do their part to make their facility a safer place to work, taking accountability for the wellbeing of their peers. This means implementing the essential warehouse safety protocols to ensure you address issues as they appear and avoid neglecting security oversights.
Clear Up Any Buildup Of Clutter
When dealing with the constant flux of inventory coming in and out of your facility, it can be easy to leave some items or pallets around the floor. But while this temporary storage can be convenient, it can pose a significant safety risk to workers. Smaller items may go unnoticed by employees passing by and act as tripping hazards, while large pallets can obstruct walkways and prevent the movement of workers and vehicles.
Ensure Maintenance Of All Rack Systems
Pallet racks are invaluable to any storage facility, but they come with their own unique issues that you must constantly be aware of. You need to start by ensuring their proper construction with the approved materials; substituting parts from other designs can lead to a weakened and compromised structure.
Weight Limits
Every shelf on your rack has its limits; exceeding that limit can lead to sudden structural failures and collapse. Know how much weight each one can handle and post signage to alert employees to not go over that limit while putting away inventory.
Flue Space
Fire is always a significant danger in a warehouse, and one of the best ways to combat the spread of blazes is to install proper flue space in and between your racks. Know how to prevent push-through and blockages that can limit the effectiveness of flue space.
Provide Accessible Clean-Up Stations
Depending on what your facility typically handles, there may be an increased danger of liquid spills. With so many people and pieces of equipment moving throughout the warehouse, you need to be able to clean up spills before anyone gets hurt. Slick surfaces cause both people and vehicles to lose traction, slip, and fall, causing serious injuries.
Anyone Can Do Their Part
Because you need to clean spills immediately, it would be best to provide the necessary cleaning tools and warning signs for employees to take responsibility into their own hands. Leaving an area with a spill can be dangerous, but with the right equipment available, anyone can put up warning signs or clean up spills before an accident happens.
Train Your Employees
All the critical warehouse safety protocols in the world won’t help if you don’t train workers to handle specific situations. Ensure that every new employee goes through the necessary training to do their job safely and that current workers receive updates on changes to protocols and regulations. Keep everyone up-to-date and give them the tools and knowledge necessary to protect themselves and others.
