Forget your pallet racks, forklifts even the warehouse itself; what do you consider to be your most important asset?

Your staff. Real humans with boots on the ground are still required even with the highest level of automation currently available.

So, why do most warehouse let safety guidelines slip and allow staff get injured?

Given that working in a warehouse can get extremely busy; so busy, that many of us fail to report hazards we spot. It’s as if everyone has forgotten RIDDOR. Prevention of accidents by reporting hazards is vital. Yet, we only seem to respond after an accident.

Common warehouse hazards range include:

• Lack of general Housekeeping – Cleaning up as they go, will help your staff to avoid trips, slips and falls.

• Unsafe Loading bays/areas – While less common, they are almost always result in fatalities. Common loading bay hazards include restricted views, slippery surfaces, poor lighting etc.

• Poor Material Handling – While conveyor belts and carousels were installed to help staff reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal injuries, in turn, they have become the cause of over 100 crush injuries every year.

• Exposure to vehicle fumes, cleaning fluid, even gaseous stored products, can adversely affect unprotected staff. Wearing of appropriate PPE must be enforced at all times.

• Industrial Truck Accidents – It is appalling how many loads get tipped because the lift truck driver didn’t tilt the mast back to shift the weight towards the truck. Tipping of loaded pallets and cages are among the causes of the 1, 500 recorded truck accidents per year.

Many of these hazards and injuries can be avoided by the use of appropriate equipment to help minimise potential sources of injury:

• By easing the burden of heavy lifting – A generally acceptable weight that men can carry is up to 25 kg. Attempting to lift more than that will progressively put a strain on the back or arms. The repeated occurrence of this strain can lead to slipped discs and other sever back injuries. Using box carts and trolleys can help avoid overexertion.

• Repeated tasks are the worst as workers often do not notice til the injury becomes debilitating. Repetitive Stress Injuries account for up to 30% of staff downtime. RSI doesn’t only affect the business, it affects the employee. The long term effect of RSI on tendons and joints may force them to switch jobs.

Warehouse safety can be greatly improved by adhering to these rules:

• Protect Pedestrians – Clearly marked traffic routes, safety bollards and barriers are a must in any warehouse. Keeping moving vehicles and foot traffic apart is crucial to avoid accidents. Strict adherence to maintaining the laid-out routes must be drilled into all staff.

• Use Signage and Mirrors – A clear line of sight is something many forklift drivers lack when they are reversing with a laden forklift. Encouraging them to use their mirrors, while making pedestrians comply with signs will allow everyone to know what’s going on around them at every point in time.

• Educate, Educate, Educate – Ensure you are keeping your staff up-to-date on the latest safety training, first aid training and forklift driver training. This helps increase their awareness and can absolve the company in case of any accidents.

While conditions like RSI can be managed and reversed over time, slipped discs and other musculoskeletal issues usually lead to more dire consequences. Addressing the cause of the most common hazards and putting basic safety measures in place will help your business avoid lost man-days and potential lawsuits.

Monarch Shelving Limited supply many of the industry’s safety equipment.

Reinforced barriers, bollards, safety guards of varying heights and composition, are all available from our warehouse in Oldham.

Call us today and let us help you protect your most valuable asset, your staff.