Day: November 4, 2018

As the warehouse industry gains new facilities in response to the demands of online retailing, companies are taking on inexperienced workers to fill their staffs. Employee onboarding should include training on warehouse equipment as well as appropriate safety tips.

There are basic safety procedures that apply to all warehouses regardless of size and products handled. Protect new and experienced employees by incorporating these safety tips in your company culture.

Top Tips to Prioritize Warehouse Safety

– Safety training is essential for all new hires, but it should also be ongoing to ensure that workers stay current with policies and protocol. Specific areas of focus include warehouse equipment operation, handling of hazardous materials and emergency procedures.

– Is your warehouse organized for optimum safety? Review workflows periodically and make any necessary adjustments to maintain a logical layout.

– Cluttered aisles, dirty warehouse equipment and liquid spills are unsightly and pose serious injury risks. In addition, a sloppy warehouse affects morale and leads to decreased efficiency. Establish cleaning checklists and schedules for all workstations.

– Fire detection and extinguishing systems are set by building codes, but additional measures may be required if hazardous or flammable materials are stored in your warehouse. All fire escape routes should be clearly marked and kept free of obstructions.

– Employees are involved in the day-to-day operations of the warehouse, putting them in a good position to identify hazards that may develop over time. Instruct supervisors to maintain transparent channels of communication with workers so they feel comfortable reporting any problems.

Reduce Workplace Injuries with Warehouse Equipment from DJ Products

We have a battery-powered tug, mover or pusher to accommodate any application in your warehouse. Our friendly sales engineers are available to help you via our convenient online chat feature.

Have you ever struggled to remove stubborn grease stains from laundry? Oil and other fluids from warehouse equipment cause the same problem in porous concrete floors. The difference is that greasy floors in the workplace are a serious safety hazard.

Fortunately, the floor isn’t doomed. Protect your workers from slip-and-fall accidents by using these tips to remove grease from concrete warehouse floors.

Removing Grease from Sealer

A sealer is often applied to the surface of concrete floors to help prevent liquids from penetrating. If there is a sealer on the warehouse floor, it’s difficult to tell just by sight whether the grease is trapped in the sealer or it’s actually seeped through into the concrete.

Remove the sealer with a citrus and soy oil-based stripper, taking care to ventilate the area and use personal protective equipment. If the underlying surface is clean, simply reseal the floor.

Removing Grease from Concrete

You may find that the grease stain has migrated into the concrete, or perhaps your warehouse floor doesn’t have a sealer in the first place. In that case, most commercial cleaners and solvents will loosen the grease particles.

Once that’s done, there are a couple of options for removing the stain.

– Wipe the area with cotton rags soaked with solvent.

– Steam-clean the floor and scrub with a degreaser.

After the floor has been thoroughly cleaned, coat with a grease-resistant sealer. Consider adding a top coat of finishing wax for easy maintenance and greater protection.

Top Quality Warehouse Equipment from DJ Products

Our electric warehouse equipment lets your workers move heavy loads up and down inclines, around tight corners and through narrow aisles. Request our free demo trial to see why our warehouse equipment is the solution to your specific needs.

Winter is on the way and warehouses are more vulnerable to cold temperatures than most workplaces. Employees and warehouse equipment alike can suffer decreased productivity without appropriate seasonal preparations.

Don’t leave your warehouse “out in the cold” this year. Use this checklist to plan a successful winterizing strategy for all operations.

Winterizing Your Warehouse

• Forewarned is forearmed. Walk through the warehouse from one end to the other looking for potential trouble spots. Pay special attention to areas that have had past problems.

• Stock up on snow shovels, de-icing products, first aid supplies and other necessary winter materials. Store them in a spot that’s readily accessible to all employees.

• Develop a contingency plan to allow for short-handed days due to weather or illness.

• Have the HVAC system inspected to make sure it’s in good working order and head off any unexpected breakdowns.

• Check plumbing for leaks and make sure to properly insulate any exposed pipes.

• Schedule regular cleanings of drains and gutters to prevent overflow.

• Keep docks, walkways, vehicle paths and workspaces clear of snow and ice.

• Check seals on doors to keep the heat in and cold out. Consider installing air curtains or high-speed doors to limit exposure to the elements.

• Compensate for shorter daylight hours by adding light sources as needed.

• Provide cold-weather gear for workers and keep additional sets on hand.

• Designate a heated area for lunches and breaks.

• Have a meeting for all employees to discuss winter safety tips. Review the signs and symptoms of frostbite and other weather-related health concerns.

Warehouse Equipment for Year-Round Needs

All warehouse equipment from DJ Products is designed for maximum safety so your workers can be confident of its performance in cold or hot weather. Visit our website for more information.