6 Steps To Save Lives And Reduce Warehouse Liability

Let’s face it, warehousing can be a dangerous business.

That’s why warehouse liability is important, and if you work in or own a warehouse-based business, you need to be aware of it.

I won’t bore you with all the stats, but knowing that an estimated 629, 000 people had an accident at work in the last year alone, is pretty worrying. The HSE also reports that the rate of fatalities in this industry exceeds that of many other industries. This is largely due to the combination of vehicular, electrical, respiratory, and fire hazards in most warehouses. Time taken off, possible compensation payouts, a lawsuit are all things that will hinder business growth. Keeping your workers safe depends on the proper and comprehensive training.

Providing an optimal working environment involves knowing common safety violations and knowing how to address them to keep everyone safe.

1. All Machinery Must be Operated by Trained Operators.

You wouldn’t give a sharp knife to a two year old, would you? So why place the operation of complex and dangerous machinery in the hands of an untrained worker? Same goes for forklifts and all lift trucks. In the bid t get the job done, many businesses in the UK just put anyone at the helm of complex machines. This has led to more accidents than I care to remember.

Operators must know their equipment, be trained in its use and maintenance and be certified in applicable cases. Poorly maintained equipment is a hazard in itself.

2. Avoid Shelf Overload.

Full shelves can be a sign of business flowing in or an accident waiting to happen. Overloading shelves affects the integrity of the structure, especially when it is done without regard for the weight and bulk of the goods. Exceeding UDL values is one way to trigger a collapse . Haphazard loading and stuffing of goods on shelves can lead to them falling out and injuring staff. Always keep in mind the domino effect of a heavy load on a shelf high up. It will collapse into the one blow creating a chain reaction of destruction. We also recommend anchoring your shelves, or installing barriers between the beams and the ground. This is to prevent bumps by forklifts and pallet trucks.

3. Have An Efficient Contingency Plan.

In the event of an accident or a fire outbreak, educate your staff on the steps they must immediately take. They should be familiar with the use of PPE and other safety equipment. Nominated first aiders must be trained in the use of life-saving equipment and first aid stations must be kept marked correctly, easy to access and fully stocked. Holding regular mock drills will help dial in the steps required in the event of an emergency.

4. Use Clear Markings Everywhere.

Use clear visual warning signs EVERYWHERE. Many people have developed a ‘blindness’ to signs we see everyday. Regularly touch up the paint that shows pedestrian paths on your warehouse floors. Use brightly coloured tape or paint to mark dock edges. Where possible, use bright lights to signal restricted access.

5. Maintain Conveyor Safety.

A disturbing trend in many firms in the UK is the ‘tweaking’ of machinery in a bid to increase production capacity. This involves removal of key protective components. An example is in conveyor belts that get blocked, usually through errors at the in-feed. Many companies create ‘easy access’ for an employee to reach in or crawl in and unblock the conveyor. This is a very wrong way of clearing blockages. The problem should be addressed at the source i.e. the in-feed. This has led to fractured palms, sprained digits and even the loss of up to four fingers, in a shocking incident in Hurlingham.

6. Staff must also be mindful of how they use their bodies in all the motions. Ergonomics was introduced to help reduce bending and reaching, but it is still poorly understood and implemented. Companies think it’s a waste of money, but good ergonomics can help reduce injuries occurring. The use of location-appropriate lighting can help reduce eye strain and sorting errors. Staff should be encouraged to use mechanical lifting methods where possible to avoid musculoskeletal damage.

Warehouse safety can be regarded as expensive, but the potential damage that not changing can cause far outweigh initial costs. Loss of life and limb can never be fully compensated. The bad reputation that comes with being labelled a bad place to work can also be very hard to shake off. Monarch Shelving Limited urge you to run through this checklist and make sure your warehouse cannot be held liable.