A warehouse is a dangerous place filled with lots of health and safety hazards. You've got lots of equipment and heavy machinery that could potentially cause harm, so it's crucial that your staff are well-trained and they follow safety procedures at all times. However, simple injuries from slips and falls are actually a more common problem than injuries caused by machinery. When people are carrying things and rushing back and forth, they can easily fall and hurt themselves. As an employer, it's your job to stop that from happening by putting measures in place.
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So, how can you reduce the risks of slips and falls in your warehouse?
Maintain The Flooring
Slips and falls can be caused by many different things, but flooring is one of the biggest culprits. There are lots of areas that could be slippery, like loading bays, storage units, and walkways. If you don't maintain your warehouse flooring, there's a higher risk that it will become dangerous. Epoxy flooring can be an ideal flooring solution because it provides a lot of extra grip. No matter the flooring you choose to install, you should also become familiar with any signs of floor wear and tear that may develop over time so you can jump on top of the issue quickly, mitigating any problems. It may even be worth using shotblasting to strip the floor and refinish it. Make sure that you keep the floor clean and tidy too, so you can remove any trip hazards.
Think About The Layout
One of the most important things you need to do is think about the layout. If you've got forklifts and other big machinery, it's crucial that your staff can get around safely without crossing their path. You should always position them so they're pointing away from walkways, for example. Think about where you put loads too - you want your staff to be able to get their trolleys in and out easily, but you also need space for them to put the product on the trolley too. If things are cramped and people are constantly stepping over or around things, they're more likely to fall. Keep this in mind when you are designing your warehouse layout, and don't just focus on efficiency while ignoring safety.
Clean Up Spills Immediately
Spills happen in warehouses and it's vital that you clean them up right away. The problem is that if employees don't realize it's there, they can slip over and hurt themselves. Make sure your staff all know how to spot spills by laying down warning signs and marking the area clearly with cones or tape. Keep an eye on your forklifts too so they're not leaking oil all over the floor. If you spot a small leak, fix it immediately.
Hire Enough Staff
This is one that people don't always consider, but it's important. If you are understaffed, people are rushed off their feet and that's when they start cutting corners. They won't keep the place tidy or they'll move around too quickly and be unsafe. Things like spills and oil leaks will go unnoticed too. So, make sure that you hire plenty of experienced staff so everybody can work safely.
By following these simple steps, you can mitigate the risk of slips and falls in your warehouse.