Key Tips to Improve Warehouse Safety for Your Staff and Your Business

When you think of dangerous work environments, firefighting and the police force might come to mind. And those professions certainly do top the list of most dangerous jobs when you look at the data. But what’s also on top of the list? Working in a warehouse.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, working in a warehouse is one of the 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S. based on number of fatalities from things like falling, being exposed to hazardous material or being crushed or struck by objects. And while completing safety trainings and wearing gear like vests and hard hats are commonplace, it’s well worth it to take extra measures to make sure the warehouse is as safe as possible.

In our years working with warehouses across the states of North Dakota and Minnesota, Citi-Cargo team is well versed in warehouse safety. Here are some ways to reduce hazards in your warehouse.

Organize for Visibility

Think of your warehouse as a small town. There are rules about trees or buildings obstructing visibility at crossways, and about clutter in the road. The same principles apply in the warehouse. It needs to be organized for maximum visibility, free of obstructions, and the flow of traffic should be orderly and predictable.

Maintain Everything

We first think of machinery maintenance, but widen the scope to things like ladders, dollies, racks and shelving and pallets, as well as all tools, electric equipment (including cords) and anything that contains toxic material that could spring a leak. If it holds, makes or moves objects in your warehouse, it should be inspected, repaired and replaced as often as necessary.

Invest in Modern Materials

On a similar note, your business will benefit from modernizing your materials. Plastic pallets are sturdier and longer lasting than wood, and safety mechanisms on tools and containers advance all the time. When you’re replacing any tool or equipment in your warehouse, do a little research on technological advancements that can improve safety and durability.

Avoid Slips and Falls

Falling is one of the most common injuries in the workplace – any workplace. But its especially important in warehouses with sawdust or liquid spills, cords or wires running across walkways. Clean up spills immediately, remove obstructions, add handrails and put non-slip tape on your floors. Don’t allow cords or wires to cross traffic zones.

Handle Heavy Materials

Train your staff not to lift anything heavy that they could move with a hand truck, forklift or other method. Don’t allow improper stacking or shelving of heavy materials, and make sure everyone properly shelves items, paying special attention to round or cylindrical items or things that could hang off edges of shelves.

If you See Something, Say Something

Everyone deserves a safe work environment. There are strict rules and regulations that govern safety in warehouses. If you see a hazard, notify leadership and see that it’s fixed. If your management team doesn’t follow safety guidelines or doesn’t respond, don’t hesitate to report the infraction.

At Citi-Cargo, we’re in the business of creating a safe warehouses. It doesn’t just benefit your staff, it advances productivity and increases profitability. If you need advice or a solution, don’t hesitate to contact our warehousing team. Our experts are here to help.

Learn more about Citi-Cargo & Storage warehousing solutions in Minneapolis, Fargo/Moorhead, and all ofMinnesota and North Dakota.