With increasing concerns about some warehouse workers being subjected to unpleasant and unsafe working conditions, attention to the topic of safety at work has never felt more important. There’s plenty to consider so that regulations and advice are met. Here are some pointers.
Have safety training and procedures in place
Education is key – and it should be actioned on a regular basis to keep workers up to speed and on top of any changes in the workplace. This involves familiarising staff with the types of accidents that can take place in warehouses, as highlighted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Examples include:
- Slips and trips
- Falls
- Moving vehicles
- Manual handling
Different risks arise in different areas of the warehouse and some can be more prominent depending on the role. As people’s everyday work alters slightly, with new responsibilities being taken on board, sufficient levels of training must be provided to keep everyone updated. In turn, this will help to prevent accidents.
By establishing a culture of safety, it means people will naturally align with what they should be doing in a safe working environment, such as wearing the correct PPE and following rules or guidance.
Lightning
Sufficient lighting is needed in a warehouse to help prevent the previously highlighted accidents from happening. Poor lighting could trigger slips or trips in warehouses, so on top of clearing away any hazardous items, the correct level of lighting should be in place to help keep everybody safe.
Employers should ensure that workers switch lights as soon as they enter a dark room, as there could be several dangerous items in the way.
Be aware of the electrical hazards
Electrical hazards can be one of the most prominent causes of accidents in the workplace. If not maintained properly, they have the potential to cause electrical fires or other hazards, which can be especially dangerous in a warehouse containing flammable items.
Accompanying cables should also be considered when it comes to electrical items. Good quality electrical power and industrial cables should be used – keep an eye out for any torn or frayed wires, as this can be very dangerous. When surveying the warehouse, you could also look out for whether there are any conductors placed near electrical outlets, as well as if there are any overloaded circuits.
Use data to improve it
Don’t be afraid to tap into technology and data to improve health and safety in the warehouse. Smart controls have replaced two-way radio systems and on-foot checks in the form of interlocking loading and vehicle restraints. Devices and machinery like this can be programmed to fall in line with safety measures. Any data collected across warehouse equipment can be used to plan and restructure operational movements, under health and safety guidance.