What Is Warehouse Safety: An Overview of How to Improve the Working Environment

Warehouse safety is a significant concern for today’s managers and staff. Before any issues can be corrected, the first step toward preventing accidents or improving performance is comprehending the reasons behind various accidents and incidents.

Once an understanding of warehouse safety is available, it’s easier to prevent future issues through education and risk mitigation.

What Is Warehouse Safety?

Warehouse safety is a set of best practices and regulatory guidelines that help employees and equipment assets create a safe environment. These tools reinforce positive behaviours when working in this industry while creating sustainable operations.

When health and safety practices receive priority, the fatality rate for the South African warehousing industry becomes significantly reduced. This trend is seen globally, which is why numerous countries, including the United States, have set specific rules to maintain operations.

Many of today’s warehouse safety best practices come from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the USA.

We follow our own form of OSHA – the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

What Are OSHA Warehouse Safety Regulations and Standards?

The Department of Labour implemented the Occupational Health and Safety Act in 1983. Its goal is to ensure workers receive protection from potential hazards in their everyday work environments.

It stipulates how to use machinery and equipment safely in warehouses to prevent injuries. There is also a component of responding to microorganisms and chemical exposure.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act rules apply to all employers without regard to how many employees are on the team.

In the USA, OSHA does not offer specific warehousing regulations. A company’s operations fall under the general industry requirements, and the parallels between those expectations and what is seen locally show the global nature of this work.

To comply with warehouse safety expectations, exit routes, fire management policies, first aid availability, and an emergency action plan must be followed. Additional regulations regarding hazards and working surfaces also exist.

Equipment Considerations

One of today’s leading causes of injury in warehouse environments involves using heavy pallets and forklifts. Most accidents occur when inadequate training or crowded conditions exist, but accidents can happen anytime.

Communication is an essential skill when using warehouse equipment. Entanglement injuries can be severe, so training and posted instructions can enhance safety awareness. 

Try to mark all hazardous zones clearly with signs that indicate what to identify as a warehouse safety precaution. When workers can see what equipment and materials could lead to a serious injury, it is easier to avoid those concerns. 

Employee Requirements

Falls (including slips and trips) comprise the majority of warehouse safety incidents reported in South Africa. Several factors, including cords in walking areas or grease underfoot, can cause this issue.

Some warehouses have uneven floors or become slippery with moisture exposure. Chemicals can cause worker injuries for this reason or through physical symptoms after an encounter.

Quick responses to messy conditions can remove many hazards that lead to dangerous falls. If cords must be in the walkway, have them covered according to the expectations in the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Falling objects are another concern in warehouses, especially as item stacks become tall. The most successful operations implement training and reminders to prevent the human error factor that leads to most problems in this area. 

Tips to Improve Warehouse Safety

Proactive interventions can stop potential injury issues before they start. Here are some of the best places to start if you’re looking for warehouse safety improvement ideas.

• Reinforce Ergonomics. Most warehouse workers perform repetitive heavy lifting. Train them in proper lifting procedures to avoid injuries to themselves and others. If you have lifting tables, this equipment should receive inclusion in this category.
• Reduce Fire Hazards. Sprinklers and alarms can help manage fire dangers, but there could be other steps to take. Do you have extinguishers available for workers to use? Does everyone know the exit plan? Regular inspections and training ensure employees are knowledgeable of these processes.
• Sharp Object Handling. Packing and unpacking tasks are common in the modern warehouse environment. Plastic straps and metal binders are repetitively bound or cut. If done improperly, there could be injuries to the hand or face. Teaching how to manage sharp objects, including safety knives, can help prevent severe incidents.

Warehouse safety might start with the worker, but their approach is based on how managers and staff implement procedures. Identifying potential dangers early makes it easier to create rules and regulations that strive to prevent injuries.

Arch International Logistics highly values warehouse safety and follows best practice guidelines to ensure the safety of our staff and the goods we store. Contact us today to find out how we can assist with your logistics needs.