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:
Post safety guidelines throughout the warehouse
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.
Use proper safety gear
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.
Provide opportunities for safety training
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.
Identify areas in the facility that could be dangerous
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.
Safety is important in every industry, but taking measures to create a safe work environment is especially critical for the distribution industry. With so many risks and hazards in a warehouse, it is important to take the proper steps to prevent injury, such as providing employees with training and safety gear. With these things in mind, you are ready to take the next steps toward creating a safer and more efficient warehouse.
