These days, your warehouse safety plan is more important than ever. We’ll share why that’s the case, and we’ll help you understand some OSHA guidelines for warehouses as well.
Potential hazards are everywhere in our busy stock rooms. As a result, companies are struggling to implement safety best practices in warehouse environments.
We’ve got to be proactive and strategic. Right here, right now. It’s time to make warehouse health and safety training a priority.
The Importance of Warehouse Safety
According to the BLS, 5.5 of every 100 full-time warehouse workers are injured on the job. There is also an ever-increasing amount of online shopping that requires national warehousing on a grand scale.
With e-commerce comes more work for stock rooms. With all that work comes fast, physical, and even strenuous jobs. With these types of jobs and that kind of pace, warehouse workers are feeling the shift. Not to mention, all the advances in automation and robots are bringing workers into contact with machines more and more.
The risk for injury will be even greater in this new decade as we try to keep up with modernization and demand.
At Safety by Design, we’re certainly turning an eye toward general warehouse safety and how we can improve.
What Is OSHA’s Role in Warehousing Safety?
We get this question a lot. OSHA makes it their mission to promote workers’ health and safety in the workplace. They hold us accountable. This ensures we pay attention and take preventative measures to protect our employees. When we adhere to OSHA warehouse safety rules, we respect and value our workforce by keeping them out of harm’s way.
OSHA develops programs that help industries identify weaknesses. They make us aware of common hazards, injuries, fatalities, etc. Their efforts make companies better, stronger, and more productive. For example, doing a Job Safety Analysis and encouraging safety training can help improve workplace safety.
It just so happens that the warehouse industry has one of the highest injury rates of all. We must take notice. OSHA warehouse regulations are in place for a reason. Safety compliance is essential. As is OSHA’s role in this accountability system.
OSHA Warehouse Safety Guidelines
The OSHA Pocket Guide to Warehousing will give you a more comprehensive look into their warehouse safety guidelines. They discuss OSHA warehouse rules about the following:
- Forklifts
- Materials storage
- Docks
- Conveyors
- Manual lifting/handling
- Charging stations
- Hazard communication
- Poor ergonomics
- Among other hazards
Common Warehouse Safety Hazards
We’ve already established that warehouses are dangerous places to work — especially today’s warehouses.
Below, we’ll tackle some of the most common warehouse health and safety hazards. And we’ll even provide some tips, best practices, and training ideas.
1. Forklifts
Consider our forklift training in Houston today. This type of training is necessary for the health and safety of your employees. To boot, OSHA requires it. Avoid OSHA violations and fines, injuries, and fatalities in your warehouse. Hands-on training and refresher training could be just what your workers need.
2. Material Storage
Properly storing materials is so important in busy warehouses. And failing to comply means fines and, worse, potential injuries and even fatalities. Have a look at our flammable liquid storage rules. Whatever your materials, be mindful of how to transport and store them safely.
3. Loading Docks
Did you know that nearly a quarter of all warehouse injuries occur on a loading dock? The setup of the docks and the equipment involved pose serious risks. Check out our loading dock safety tips.
4. Hazardous Material Communication
This is easy to forget about, but it’s not safe for anyone. MSDS guidelines are part of your overall health and safety plan. And you can be sure they’re part of a warehouse safety inspection. You are responsible for maintaining updated SDSs and replacing them when needed.
5. Lifting & Ergonomics
It’s necessary to monitor and manage the lifting and transportation of warehouse materials. Assess the work environment and employees’ posture as they carry out routine tasks. Lifting aids, transportation devices, poles, and platforms may be in order. Keeping your workers active with stretches can be beneficial, too. For more information, read our full article about ergonomics best practices.
Warehouse Safety Checklist
An OSHA warehouse safety checklist keeps everyone safe on the job. Best of all, everyone is on the same page, looking out for one another. The list becomes a part of the everyday system. It’s ingrained, and your employees notice potential hazards before they become an issue. And that’s the entire idea. We’re designing safe work cultures.
Work with our safety management consultants today to create a custom OSHA warehouse safety inspection checklist for your warehouse.
Contact Safety By Design for Warehouse Safety Training
Investing in the safety of your employees is an investment in the longevity and success of your business. Don’t hesitate to call Safety By Design for safety consulting services, and take the first step towards a safer, healthier, and more productive work environment.
Contact Safety by Design today.
