Safety Tips for the Warehouse

Safety should be at the forefront of all individuals who work or interact with the warehouse. It is a hive of activity that usually involves multiple personnel, heavy machinery, stacked inventory, and environmental hazards. 

Your company’s warehouse is an essential area. Whether or not a warehouse is functioning properly can directly affect the efficiency, productivity, and profits of any organization that needs to utilize a warehouse.

OSHA identifies the warehouse as having a higher rate of workplace fatalities than any other industry. Some of the below tips for safety within the warehouse will help you to minimize the risk of accidents or injury within your warehouse.

· Only trained personnel should drive or operate a forklift (or any other heavy machinery) 

· Forklifts should never exceed speeds of 5mph 

· Before operating the machinery, perform daily inspections to ensure it is in working order.

· Keep walking areas and aisles clear of objects and debris.

· Paint your warehouse floors with anti-slip paint 

· Erect clear signage throughout the warehouse both identifying hazards and as reminders of safety measures.

· Ensure personnel is wearing appropriate PPE for their environment, including- hard hats, hi-viz jackets, protective footwear, gloves, and goggles.

· Avoid personnel lifting heavy objects solo, instead have them ask for assistance or use tools to minimize the strain of the weight on their body.

· Keep fire extinguishers in visible and unencumbered areas near potential fire hazards, where they can be easily reached in case of an emergency.

· Keep first aid kits in an accessible place and stocked.

· Ensure all staff are aware of the weight restrictions of storage shelves and safe heights at which to stack inventory.

· Ensure your warehouse is well lit and all exits are clearly marked.

· Keep your warehouse clean, this will minimize trip and fire hazards.

· Monitor your floors for cracks or damage as prolonged use of a forklift carrying heavy loads can damage the floor’s integrity.

· Be mindful of electrical cords; if they have to be stretched across the warehouse floor, tape and cover them down as much as possible to limit the risk of someone tripping.

With the above tips and a mindset of safety, a safer warehouse for all is possible. While the onus is on the employer to provide a safe physical environment, it is the responsibility of both management and the employees to create a safe and sustainable working environment.

Safety Supply Co. Inc. is the leading supplier of safety solutions and products in Barbados. Visit www.safetysupplco.com or contact us at 246.426.4935 or info@safetysupplyco.com.