Warehouse safety topics & tips

Nearly 3 million accidents happen in workplaces every year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many of them occurring in warehouses. Implementing – and enforcing –safety rules is critical at every level of an organization, so read on to learn our tips and advice.

Top 10 OSHA violations

What are the most common safety hazards cited by the federal agency?

1. Fall protection

2. Communicating hazards and safety standards

3. Respiratory protection

4. Scaffolding

5. Ladders

6. Lockout/tagout

7. Forklifts and powered industrial trucks

8. Fall protection training

9. Eye and face protection

10. Machinery and machine guarding

The most common cause of serious injuries in the workplace

Falls can be grouped into two categories

• “Struck by or against,” which applies to everything from falling boxes to being hit by palletes, forklifts, or other machines
• “Strains and sprains,” which results from lifting heavy as well as repetitive movements, often showing up as back and shoulder injuries.

Keep your employees safe and your workers’ comp low

• Keep aisles and passageways clear at all times
• Encourage team-lifting whenever needed
• Do not lift 50+ pounds unassisted
• Immediately clean up spills or hazards that can cause falls
• Ban smoking
• Provide and enforce wearing the proper personal protective equipment, including gloves, eyewear, and masks
• Require all forklift drives to have necessary licenses and training
• Stack loads evenly and straight
• Chain off or block loading dock doors or other areas where employees could fall
• Adhere to load capacities at all times
• Provide adequate time to perform all tasks
• Allow employees to rest or rehydrate after performing physical work
• Educate employees on proper lifting techniques
• Document lockout and tagout procedures
• Ensure that fire extinguishers are accessible, plentiful, and tagged properly to pass inspection
• Encourage employees to stretch regularly
• Designate separate paths, ones for pedestrians and ones for forklifts and other moving equipment

What are the most common safety hazards faced by warehouse workers?

• Unsafe use of forklifts Improper stacking of products
• Failure to use proper personal protective equipment
• Failure to follow proper lockout and tagout procedures
• Inadequate fire safety provisions
• Lack of heat safety training and precautions
• Repetitive motion injuries

How much do workplace injuries cost employers?

Every week, U.S. companies pay approximately $1 billion in workers’ compensation costs related to workplace injuries. That’s a staggering figure, but there are ways to avoid these costs. If you're interested in our warehouse staffing services or learning about how we can support your business, don’t hesitate to contact us today.