It’s Time for Your Warehouse Safety Audit – How to Get Started

It's Time for Your Safety Audit
It’s Time for Your Safety Audit

Warehouse safety and forklift safety go hand-in-hand. Is your workplace compliant?

Creating a Safe Environment

Implemented by your company and maintained by OSHA, Safety in warehouses and forklift environments should be standard, not optional. Pedestrian workers, forklift operators, and supervising managers should all feel safe and secure. To achieve this, careful attention must be given to the following areas of your warehouse, not just pre-audit, but year-round:

Workspace Safety

To safeguard employees, keep workspaces uncluttered and walkways clear, remaining vigilant of tripping hazards. Keep all areas well lit, ensuring maximum visibility. Clean up spills immediately to keep slip and fall hazards in check.

Electrical Safety

Make sure all outlets function properly and aren’t overloaded, avoiding the use of extension cords which present multiple safety risks, including trip and water/fire hazards.

Equipment Safety

Well maintained, easy to operate warehouse equipment that is routinely inspected prior to use is integral to warehouse safety.

Fire Safety

Remove any/all fire hazards. Keep fire extinguishers in easily accessible areas. Test/replace them regularly, ensuring they’re in good working condition and employees know when/how to use them. Clearly mark all exits, keeping them free of obstructions.

Hazmat Safety

Ensure a clear path to eyewash stations and keep them in good working order. Clearly label all chemicals, keeping material safety data sheets (MSDS) on hand and easily accessible for rapid response in the event of an emergency.

Emergency Procedures

Knowledgeable employees are safe employees. Clear instructions on what to do in the event of accident, medical emergency, fire, or weather-related disaster are essential.

Do you have the right warehouse equipment and features to enhance worker safety? Protect employees from serious injury and improve efficiency with the help of DJ Products today.

Feds Lower Barriers to Autonomous Long Haul Semi Trucks

Say Hello to Self-Driving Semi Trucks
Say Hello to Self-Driving Semi Trucks

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the idea of autonomous vehicles on the road. It seems strange to think that cars and trucks might be able to get from point A to point B without a human driver. But, this is the reality of the world we’re living in today.

In today’s world, federal trucking rules are stating that the term “driver” can refer to artificial intelligence operating the trucks on the road; even those that are long hauls. This means that while companies may use terminal tractors and manpower to get the trucks ready to leave their warehouses, that same manpower isn’t necessary on the road.

State Laws are Barriers to Technology

Of course, not every state shares this viewpoint, and many are hesitant to agree. But federal laws will overrule states’ laws. DOT regulations stand in the way of progress because humans are limited in the amount of time they can drive long hauls. Autonomous trucking technology solves several problems that logistics companies all over the country are facing. And there are even more benefits to the industry as well.

The Benefits of Autonomous Trucks

Millions of dollars can be saved by implementing this new technology. In fact, in 2016 Uber conducted a test in which an 18-wheeler drove 120 miles to deliver beer. The company stated that by using an autonomous truck, they could potentially save $50 million per year. That’s excellent news for the economy. Lives might even be saved by removing humans from trucks altogether because of the long hours that drivers often work, which can lead to fatigue and unsafe driving.

It might take some time before this is implemented in your state. Until then, if you need terminal tractors, contact us!