Increasing Warehouse Safety
According to the 2015 numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, five out of every 100 warehouse employees were involved in a workplace injury and 75 percent of those cases included lost time or job restrictions. Your company can reduce these numbers by observing some basic on-the-job safety measures.
Proper Forklift Operation
Data from OSHA indicates that approximately 95,000 forklift-related injuries occur each year.
- All forklift operators should be 18 and over, fully trained and certified, and periodically evaluated.
- Regularly review forklifts for broken parts and other damages.
- Make sure operators observe the stated weight limits.
- Keep aisles, loading docks and other traffic areas free of congestion.
- Make seatbelt use mandatory.
- Ensure that operators are protected from open pits and other dangers from covers or guardrails.
Repetitive Motion Activities
Poor form and awkward conditions make repetitive motion tasks, like lifting, another common cause of injuries.
- Use power equipment instead of manual lifting whenever possible.
- Enforce individual weight-lifting limits and require employees to seek assistance with heavier loads.
- Adjust shelves to avoid lifting items from shoulder height or higher.
- Keep floors free of debris and clean up spills immediately.
- Provide adequate lighting.
- Conduct ergonomic training, with instructions such as lifting with the legs and avoiding twisting when carrying items.
Lighten the Load with Industrial Tugs from DJ Products
Our battery-powered industrial tugs reduce the amount of force an employee must use to maneuver a load, and they’re ergonomically designed to eliminate stress on muscles and joints.
Call 800.686.2651 or visit our website to learn how our CartCaddy and other industrial tugs can improve efficiency and reduce injuries in your warehouse.