In a perfect world, everyone who worked in a warehouse would have received top-notch safety training that covered all possible risks of injury to themselves and others. And everyone who received that training would remain hyper-vigilant about safety, remember their safety training, use the appropriate level of caution, and the right tools every time. In a perfect world, there’d be no need for reminders about warehouse safety.
Unfortunately, this is not the case. Safety training can’t possibly cover every risk, training can be incomplete, oversights in training are made, assumptions about what an employee already knows happens, etc. Even in the most safety-conscious warehouse environments, human error is an ever-present consideration. That’s why reminders like this of warehouse safety considerations can be helpful for both recent hires to a warehouse environment and seasoned employees alike.
Using the Right Equipment
Using the appropriate equipment in the appropriate way probably seems like a no-brainer. Unfortunately, again, that’s simply not always the case. Opinions about what the right equipment is can vary considerably. It’s not always cut and dry. A good rule of thumb to work by: Use whatever equipment can most safely get the job done. If something seems a bit too heavy, bulky, or awkward to lift by hand, use a hand truck or hand cart. If something is too heavy, bulky, or awkward for the hand truck or hand cart, use a hand lift truck. If that won’t cut it, use a forklift, etc. And if you’re not sure, ask a manager. Be particularly careful getting in and out of machinery as that’s a considerable injury risk. And of course, only use equipment you’ve been trained on, so if an unfamiliar tool is what’s needed for the job, speak up to get a lesson and learn best practices beforehand.
Watching Forklifts and Other Vehicles
If that load proves too heavy for even the heavy duty hand truck, hand lift truck, or pallet jack, and the forklift is necessary, ensure that everyone is extremely careful. Whether you’re driving or in an area where they’re being driven, pretend it’s your first day. Drive and watch like there’s always a person or forklift around that bend. Be liberal with the use of the horn and the warning light if there is one. And minimize unnecessary distractions—it’s a rare warehouse that doesn’t have the one hotshot driver who makes everyone a little bit nervous with the too-fast or distracted driving. Have management talk to that driver and take appropriate precautions to ensure it’s not you. Forklift injuries to stock are bad, to people they’re much, much worse.
Slip and Fall Hazards
Slips and falls are easily the most common type of workplace injury, including in warehouse environments. They’re also some of the most dangerous. One of the easiest ways to prevent slip and fall injuries is to take some basic preventative measures. Snags are a major contributor to slips and falls. Strategies to mitigate snags include wearing the proper clothing—shoes with a good tread and non-slip soles, nothing baggy, and definitely no ties. It’s also important to keep all pathways clear of debris and spills, ensure that work is taking place on level floors, cover all cords with heavy-duty cord covers, and insist on ladder safety. Use ladders of the proper height, double-check that they’re stably set up, and always ensure that the ladder is in working order before you’re on it.
About Magline
Magliner products have become such trusted and valued features of the material handling industry that many simply refer to any hand trucks as “Magliners.” Unfortunately for those other brands, there’s only one Magline, and for more than 70 years, they have designed and manufactured the toughest, most reliable hand trucks and other material handling solutions. Their transportation and loading equipment additionally includes more specialized tools, including appliance hand trucks, stair climbing carts, and a dependable hand lift truck line. If your business’s success, efficiency, and growth is a priority, choose sturdy and reliable equipment—choose Magline.
To find out more about Magliner products, visit Magliner.com
Original Source: https://goo.gl/2hQzKU