Know how to stay safe
All warehouses need good housekeeping to be safe. Aisles should always be unobstructed—if not, they may block evacuation and cause falls. Likewise, slippery, wet, or icy floors frequently cause falls. Unstable or uneven walking surfaces need to be repaired, and all areas should have adequate lighting.
Storage areas should have stable, sturdy shelving to prevent injuries from falling items or shelving collapse. Furthermore:
- All storage should be appropriate for the types of materials to be stored.
- To prevent injuries, where possible, common items should be stored at heights that do not require excess stretching or bending by workers.
- Some hazardous materials may require special storage conditions.
- All containers must be clearly labeled, including any necessary warnings.
Powered equipment reduces worker injuries, but it presents its own hazards, such as these:
- Workers can get caught in conveyors or run down by forklifts.
- Operators of powered equipment need special training to operate it safely.
- Never try to operate powered equipment without proper training.
- If your workplace has a conveyor, everyone needs to know how to shut off the equipment in an emergency.
- Don’t even think of riding on a conveyor—it’s never safe!
Forklifts are common in warehouses, so take these precautions:
- Always be aware of forklift traffic and driving lanes in the warehouse.
- Make sure forklift operators see you before approaching.
- Forklifts steer from the rear, so the back swings wide during turns and could hit you if you are walking beside it.
Hand trucks, dollies, and manual pallet jacks can be hazardous so:
- Choose the right hand truck for the job.
- Stack the load so that you can see over it. Place the largest, heaviest items on the bottom.
- Secure the load—strap it in place so it can’t shift or fall off.
- Pushing is generally preferable to pulling.