Regardless of its size, the typical warehouse is filled with all kinds of hazards, such as heavy loads on high platforms and moving machinery.

It’s important for everyone in a warehouse to remain vigilant when it comes to safety. Statistics show that thousands of people are hurt or killed in warehouse accidents. You can keep your warehouse employees from becoming one of those statistics by having them work safely. Consider the following tips.

Address slips, trips and falls

Slips, trips and falls are always among the leading types of accidents in warehouses across the country.

Good housekeeping practices are highly effective at preventing these kinds of accidents. Employees should be encouraged to keep all walkways and work areas dry and free from debris.

Companies should also ensure the flooring in their facilities does not contribute to slip, trip and fall accidents. Non-slip floorings and floor coatings can help employees maintain traction. Proper drainage can keep standing water from becoming a risk.

Provide and encourage the use of PPE

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is protective gear designed to keep employees safe while on the job, and it is the responsibility of an employer to provide PPE for its workers. When buying PPE for employees, it’s important to supply equipment that fits properly, as ill-fitting gear can be more dangerous than not wearing PPE at all.

In addition to supplying PPE, it’s also important to cultivate a culture where wearing it is a top priority. Having employees pick out PPE they like is a good way to encourage buy-in.

Set an example for employees

All the training and safety equipment in the world isn’t going to keep employees safe if they don’t buy into the idea of using it, and one way to stop employee buy-in is management not setting a good example. If employees see that safety rules ‘don’t apply’ to management, they are going to question why the rules should apply to them.

Encourage regular breaks

In busy warehouses, there’s a lot of pressure to get as much done as possible, as quickly as possible. This pressure often leads to employees getting tired and overworked. The result of this is a high risk of injury.

Encouraging regular breaks should be a priority as it helps avoid mental and physical burnout. Scheduling breaks during high-priority tasks can be an effective solution for a warehouse team that finds it difficult to incorporate regular breaks.

Encourage the reporting of unsafe situations

Warehouse workers are on the front lines of warehouse safety. They can act as additional sets of eyes and ears for management, but only if employees are encouraged to report unsafe situations.

Employees should be told reporting unsafe working habits or actions by other employees won’t result in disciplinary action, unless the employee in question is acting maliciously.

At Action Group Staffing, we support all the safety initiatives of our clients. If your company is currently looking for a talent acquisition partner, please contact us today.