Is your storage solutions safe enough for your employees?
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While there is a rise in awareness of employee safety, one issue is still on the rise in workplace accidents related to business storage solutions, particularly in warehouses; accidents can indeed come in various forms; even for storage solutions such as shelving, there still seems to be an increasing rise in accidents that business owners need to look out for. In fact, 7% of workplace accidents in Australia alone are related to warehouse-related incidents. So, when it comes to your business, what needs to be analysed to ensure your employees are staying safe?
Are there safety signs?
Safety signs will vary based on your business and the industry you’re in, but there will be some signs that are needed regardless. Even something as small as a wet floor sign will make all the difference to an employee’s safety. The same can be said for Exit signs, sire escapes (such as not using the elevator), and fire alarms too. In the end, while it’s true, there are factors to consider, such as stating the obvious that employees know there needs to be safe in some form or another in these storage spaces.
Ensure the workplace is clean at all times
How clean is your business? Better yet, how clean are the workspaces where potential injuries could happen? Keeping the area clean is a must to ensure safety in warehouses. Over time, grit, dust, and dirt can accumulate on floors, aisles, dock areas, and more. This can become a health and safety hazard and a distraction to the workers trying to get their work done.
Providing access to cleaning equipment is also important to encourage staff to keep the area tidy and sanitary, even in spaces that are only meant to be storage solutions. They are less likely to do so if they need to walk a long distance just to grab a mop. While hiring clean staff is vital, it’s also a part of the employee’s duty to pitch in and help clean.
How extensive is employee training?
Whether your employees are working in a 3pl warehouse, kitchen, or office, there needs to be proper employee training. It’s so important that everyone follows the right safety procedures to ensure a safe work environment for everyone in the facility. But training needs to be provided, and this needs to be updated from time to time.
Plus, some organisations will even offer annual training. These Annual training sessions are a great way to help keep warehouse workers aware of the potential dangers they face in their job and how to respond accordingly. Taking a proactive approach to workplace safety can help prevent incidents and injuries that could cost your business millions of dollars in medical expenses, lost productivity, and insurance claims.
What’s the process for reporting accidents and unsafe conditions?
While every country, region, and industry is different, there will likely be guidelines that all businesses need to follow. There are around to help keep everyone safe, from the employees to the customers. Unsafe conditions are one of the most common reasons for work-related accidents and injuries. Some of these conditions are caused due to unsafe equipment, defective products, unsanitary workplaces, or even a lack of safety training.
While many organisations believe that accidents only happen in warehouses due to negligence, you must remember that other storage solutions, such as a wobbly shelf, could put someone in danger. You’re not only harming your employees by doing this, but you’re harming your business as well. All concerns and safety hazards must be reported and taken care of immediately.
