A safe environment and healthy practices are important for helping warehouse workers and managers avoid workplace injuries. Read on to learn more about four warehouse safety hazards and how to avoid them.

1. Slips and Trips

Personnel move materials around all day in warehouses and distribution centers. People have a heightened risk of slips and trips in this busy environment; they can suffer injuries such as sprains, fractures, and dislocated joints.

To prevent slips, keep the floor clean and dry. Workers should immediately clean up spills of materials such as dry powders, foodstuffs, liquid solutions, water, and oil.

Uneven surfaces and obstructions on the floor cause trips. Move solid items and obstacles like waste packaging out of walking areas. Traffic should be routed away from uneven floor surfaces, and employers should mark these dangerous areas with caution signs.

2. Forklifts

Moving machinery, especially lift trucks, creates one of the biggest safety hazards in warehouses, but there are many ways to avoid struck-by accidents.

Equipment operators must pass forklift training and follow best practices every day. All workers should know their surroundings and understand how to safely work and move in the presence of lift trucks.

Warehouse workers need high-visibility clothing because this safety apparel decreases the risk of struck-by accidents. The bright fluorescent color alerts drivers to the presence of pedestrians and improves drivers’ reaction times.

3. Overexertion Injuries

Warehouse workers face overexertion, which comes from straining related to lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects. Overexertion can cause symptoms like swelling, numbness, stiffness, and chronic pain.

Employers must train personnel to use proper forms when moving items, and they should place informational signs on walls to illustrate appropriate techniques and safety tips.

Employees should stretch before shifts to enhance their flexibility at work. Supportive shoes and mandatory breaks will help combat overexertion.

4. Overuse Injuries

Overuse injuries occur when a muscle or joint experiences damaging, repetitive movement and overuse of the affected body parts. This injury commonly impacts warehouse workers’ shoulders, fingers, hands, wrists, and knees.

To avoid overuse injuries, workers should stretch and take mandatory breaks. If employees ignore this type of injury, their symptoms will worsen. People can treat overuse injuries with rest, cooling and heating the hurt area, massage, or a doctor-recommended anti-inflammatory.

Limiting the risk of safety hazards improves employees’ well-being and enhances warehouse productivity. Follow all necessary precautions to avoid these common warehouse safety hazards.

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