A warehouse is a frenetic and even chaotic workplace. With racks of pallets piled high, forklifts and pickers buzzing about the floor, and people hard at work to make sure units leave the warehouse bound for the right destination, even the best-run warehouse can be stressful. When stress is high, accidents can happen.
Warehouse managers must protect workers and inventory. That’s why we have some tips for how to prevent the most common warehouse accidents we’ve seen over the years.
Tumbling Stock? Stack Irregular Items With Care
The racking systems fundamental to storing units in a warehouse are highly versatile, but they’re not suitable for storing everything that passes through your facility. Accidents often happen when units topple from high shelves or precarious positions — cylindrical items such as tubes and pipes are common culprits. Irregular units may benefit from cantilever racking, while those tricky cylinders should stay close to the ground where they can’t fall from high places.
Slippery Floors Ahead? Stop the Slips
One of the biggest hazards on a warehouse floor is the floor itself. Polished concrete is a common surface for warehouses. It’s advantageous for most heavy machinery but can lead to traction problems — especially when there’s a spill on the floor. Don’t waste a moment cleaning up spills, and consider extra precautions in treacherous sections of the floor. Consider installing anti-slip surfacing to avoid accidents.
Unwanted Sprays? Protect the Sprinklers
The advent of rack-based sprinkler systems as an alternative to old-fashioned ceiling-mounted fixtures has helped prevent warehouse fires. Their closer positioning to likely sources of fires can put sprinkler heads in harm’s way, where a collision with a forklift can put your whole warehouse on a crash course with disaster, soaking everything in sight. Guarding your sprinklers from damage while allowing them to do their job as needed will make the most of this valuable technology.
Forklift Accidents? Time for More Training
It’s hard to envision a warehouse without forklifts. Unfortunately, operating a forklift can be tough for novices, and knowing how to prevent the most common warehouse accidents often comes down to preventing forklift mishaps. Emphasize safety training for all new hires and keep even your seasoned employees up to speed on proper operations. Don’t forget to check the equipment regularly to make sure it’s at peak performance.
