5 Essential Steps to Keeping Your Warehouse Safe

When managed and trained properly, warehouse operations can be just as safe as a desk job. But, when corners are cut to save time, resources, and increase profits, risk goes through the roof. Workers falling from various heights, exposure to hazardous materials, or incorrectly operating heavy machinery can be costly for your organization.

Adhering to basic safety principles can keep your employees out of danger and productive all day. Below are five essential steps that can be followed to ensure safety in your warehouse.

1. Personal Safety Equipment

It should go without saying that you must wear basic safety equipment while on the floor or operating heavy machinery. However, in a recent survey from a conference held by the American Society of Safety Engineers, 98% of respondents answered “yes” to seeing their peers not wearing required personal safety equipment.

Experts have said that more than 90% of eye injuries can be avoided by wearing safety glasses. Also, head injuries are significantly reduced when a hard hat is on. Other safety gear options that can help keep your body safe are hard-toed boots, ear protection, respiratory protection, face shields, knee pads, and more.

Personal safety equipment is only there for protection. Ignoring to wear it or not holding your workers accountable for their safety can have disastrous results. All of which can be easily prevented.

2. Eliminate Safety Hazards

Safety checks are imperative in preventing accidents and hazards. All employees can be proactive in seeking out and eliminating any hazards that could potentially cause injuries or slow down productivity.

Stray cords, spilled liquids, and clutter should all be cleaned up and avoided on the floor. Cracks or pits in the floor should be filled in before they can trip employees or dismantle expensive equipment. Guardrails and anti-slip tape can also ensure a safe working environment.

Safety checks should be conducted on large and small scales daily, weekly, and monthly by supervisors and general staff. Make sure the entire warehouse is accounted for and no department is ignored. To help cut down on risks, try forming a safety committee – a group of workers who will spearhead safety initiatives, build awareness, and help train new employees on safety protocol.

3. Clear Labels

Dangerous areas and equipment should be labeled clearly so workers and visitors alike can identify and understand the risks. Similarly, label clear walkways and safe zones with black and yellow paint or tape.

It is paramount to have emergency exits, eye wash stations, fire extinguishers, and first aid kits highly visible. When seconds are precious to save a life or get to safety, clearly located exits and equipment can flip a major accident to a minor one.

4. Train and Refresh Safety Knowledge

Make sure to properly educate staff, green and seasoned alike, about safety practices in the warehouse. Prioritize the importance of not cutting corners to save time. Management should make it clear that speed does not have precedent over worker safety.

Your initial training should be completely understood and passed before workers can set foot on the floor. Encourage trainees to ask questions when they are uncertain and give recruits plenty of time to study and understand the material.

Ensure that all staff is aware of any changes or additions to previously learned protocol. Sending out a memo or announcing in a single meeting will not garner complete compliance. Everyone should be communicating and discussing safety regulations on a regular basis.

5. Foster Awareness and a Safe Community

Ultimately, your safety will rely on how much of a priority it is to your management and warehouse team. Encouraging communication among employees on the floor will help prevent disasters. Urge employees to be vocal and yell out when required. Even a simple “coming through” can fend off accidents and emergencies.

Encourage employees to recognize their peers. Reward your workers for promoting and following good safety standards. This will improve positivity, ultimately creating a safer culture.

A lot of these steps may seem simple. However, make sure that your company is not overlooking the basic steps that are needed to remain safe in the warehouse. Accidents can be prevented if safety is a priority at your workplace.

Looking for your next warehouse hire? Partner with Reliable Resources today to help meet qualified candidates for your latest openings.

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