Dianne Pajo
Every commercial warehouse is different. Some warehouses work with heavy-duty equipment, while others specialize in shipping and storing products. However, no matter what type of warehouse your business utilizes, it likely shares the same hazards as others. Here are some common safety concerns to watch out for in your commercial warehouse.
Falling Objects
Many warehouses maximize their square footage by utilizing often-ignored vertical space. This might involve stacking products and equipment on industrial shelving units or hanging and suspending different materials. While using vertical space is a smart way to save floor space, it can also result in safety hazards. To avoid creating falling object hazards, ensure that all equipment or products you place or hang vertically are secure. Also, always place heavy items on lower shelves and avoid overpacking. By keeping weight limits in mind, you can prevent shelves from crashing down. You may even want to invest in hard hats to add to your employee PPE lineup.
Equipment Injuries
While not all warehouses utilize a range of heavy equipment, most commercial spaces use at least a few machines. For example, any warehouse that fills vertical space and has shelving might use a forklift or pallet stacker to transport heavy loads. All employees who use and encounter these pieces of equipment should have thorough training to remain safe. Equipment-related accidents and injuries can be huge safety risks in a warehouse, but conducting the proper safety training sessions can greatly reduce the risks.
Warehouse Fires
Fires can be some of the most damaging incidents in commercial warehouses, but they’re also some of the most preventable. Depending on the materials in your company warehouse, fires can quickly catch and spread across equipment and products. This is why warehouse inspections and surveillance are so important. Security measures, such as video surveillance, can boost employee safety by catching the first signs of fires early. Noticing early fire indicators can allow you to evacuate employees and notify your local fire department faster.
These are some of the most common safety concerns to note in warehouses. If your commercial warehouse uses heavy equipment, pallets for stacking products, or anything else that’s potentially dangerous, be sure to have proper safety training sessions.
