The Top Causes of Warehouse Accidents and How to Avoid Them

You don’t have to be a warehouse employee to understand that it’s not the safest type of workplace around. There are tons of dangers present at all times that can cause serious injuries or even death. Though it’s not pleasant to think about, it’s important that everyone knows the top risks associated with working in a warehouse. Continue reading this post from your favorite forklift service in Abilene, Texas to learn the top causes of warehouse accidents and how you can avoid them.

Slips and trips

The U.S. Department of Labor says that slips and trips cause about 25 percent of workplace injuries each year. The good news is that most of these injuries can easily be prevented. Make sure that any easily noticeable trip hazards are either cleaned up, moved or repaired. For example, tape down any electrical cords, move large items so they’re not in the way and fill any cracks in the ground. You should also look into using non-skid floor coating if your warehouse is constantly exposed to moisture.

Falls

As long as you’re not firmly on the ground, a fall can always occur in the warehouse. That’s a scary thought, because the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that 15 percent of workplace fatalities are the result of falls. What’s worse is that an employee doesn’t have to fall from very high up to break a bone or even kill himself. Falls can be avoided by following a few basic guidelines. First, insist on employees always using machinery like a forklift to retrieve items that are out of reach. Second, if the employee must work at a height, have him use a safety harness. These guidelines may slow down productivity a bit, but it’s better than risking an injury.

Improper lifting techniques

Picking up and moving heavy items is just part of the job for most warehouse employees. Unfortunately, this seemingly mundane task may lead to serious injuries and/or musculoskeletal disorders. There are two ways to prevent any lifting injuries. First, make sure that all of your employees know proper lifting techniques. Second, ensure that employees are using machinery to lift objects that are too large. You’ll prevent a lot of employee hardship by putting those practices in place.

Exposure to harmful substances

Not every warehouse has containers full of harmful chemicals, but you can bet that each warehouse has substances like battery acid or propane that can cause some serious injuries. Though you can’t get rid of these substances altogether, you can teach your employees practices for handling anything dangerous. Make sure everyone uses rubber gloves and safety goggles if they’re around anything harmful. You also need to ensure that your warehouse has proper ventilation to keep the air free of any toxic fumes.

Keep your warehouse as safe as possible by hiring the team at V-Bar Equipment Company to train your employees! As a top forklift service in Abilene, Texas, we offer forklift and other equipment training that’s sure to help prevent accidents and improve efficiency in your warehouse. Give us a call today to learn more about our training programs!

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