June is National Safety Month in the US, and safety is an extremely important aspect of operating a warehouse. With ever-increasing demand in the distribution industry comes an increase in workplace injuries as well. Making sure warehouse employees are safe at work is critical—not just for the employees themselves, but also for your business and your customers. Fortunately, there are many things that can be done to mitigate risk and keep your warehouse running safety and smoothly. Here are a few ways you can ensure your facility is as safe as possible:
In order for your warehouse to be as safe as possible, your employees need to have a clear understanding of what the safety guidelines and expectations are. Posting your safety guidelines throughout the warehouse makes them more accessible for employees and gives team members a constant reminder of what they can be doing to keep their work environment safe.
The most common form of safety equipment used in the warehouse is Personal Protection Equipment, or PPE. Providing PPE as needed for employees can help prevent injuries and minimize exposure to other hazards in the warehouse. PPE can include things like safety vests, hard hats, and eye protection. Be sure that you have the right safety equipment on hand for every employee.
Scheduling safety training sessions helps ensure that employees have a proper understanding of safety protocols in the warehouse, and it also gives employees an opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns that they may have. Training is essential for all warehouse employees, but it is especially important for those working with forklifts or other machinery that could be particularly dangerous if used improperly.
Take a look at your warehouse and determine if there are spots that could be particularly hazardous. Once you’ve identified these spots, use things like grip tape or anti-slip floor plates to prevent falls and other incidents in the warehouse. Being proactive can make a huge difference in preventing injuries in the warehouse.
