According to the HSE, thousands of accidents and injuries occur in the warehousing sector every year. In some cases, the result is fatal. Although it is sometimes not possible to eliminate the risk, you should reduce it as much as possible. By prioritizing warehouse security, and using proper material handing tools like trolleys Melbourne can reduce risks to employees and their businesses.
What are the most common threats to warehouse security?
Warehouse accidents and injuries fall into five main categories:
- Slip and tours,
- Hand management,
- Works from a height
- Due to collisions with vehicles in and around the warehouse
- Death of workers by movement or falling objects,
Warehouse security measures you should implement today
To reduce the risk of injury to employees, warehouse safety measures should focus on these areas.
a. Use manual handling equipment when lifting or carrying heavy loads
Ensure that employees have the proper equipment like trolleys Sydney when moving or handling heavy loads. Equipment such as pellet trucks and scissor lifts eliminate the need for bending or tension to lift loads.
b. Focus on general housekeeping to improve your warehouse security
Make sure the working environment is free from hazards that can slip and fall. So, it means cleaning the spillage immediately and making sure the floor is free of scattered cables and debris.
c. Use tactical cues
It is an economical way to ensure warehouse security. Signage can alert employees and visitors about any hazardous materials and equipment and direct them to the emergency exit.
d. Train employees and keep up to date
It is necessary to train your employees on how to use material handling equipment properly. Warehouse safety training can raise awareness of safety processes and give employees the knowledge they need to use the tool.
e. Make sure employees wear appropriate safety gear and PPE
Workers should wear protective equipment such as hard hats, gloves, safety shoes, masks and eye protection without exception. So that everyone is safe while using the tool.
f. Encourage employees to communicate with each other
Many warehouse accidents and injuries can be avoided if employees communicate better with each other. For example, warn other workers that a forklift is approaching and report any hazards they may have identified.
g. Securely stack warehouse products
In a busy warehouse, falling objects can easily injure. Paying attention to the limitations of the shelves and how you stack the material in the first place can help keep things safe.
h. Encourage safe use of vehicles
All employees using a forklift must be properly trained. Therefore, training should not exceed speed limits or focus on safe and proper use, including reckless driving.
i. Stay up to date with emergency drills
Fire drills often feel like tick box exercises. First, when it comes to warehouse security, keeping them up-to-date can be the difference between life and death. Second, everyone should know what to do in case of fire and how to get out safely.
Final thoughts
Warehousing is an inherently risky business, but accidents and injuries are not inevitable. However, we hope that this warehouse security advice will help protect your employees and your business from harm.