Tips to Prevent the Most Common Warehouse Accidents This Winter

By Jezabel Southard

Posted on December 14, 2018

During the busy winter holiday season, warehouses throughout the country are often rushed to move, stock and fill orders.

In this chaos, it is not uncommon for warehouse accidents to occur.

The good news is that many of these accidents are preventable.

Today we will share some suggestions that can help you avoid warehouse mishaps.

3 of the most common warehouse accidents and how to prevent them:

1. Slips, Trips and Falls

OSHA estimates that slips, trips and falls are the most common cause of death in general industry, accounting for 15 percent of all accidental deaths.

To help workers avoid this highly common workplace accident, ensure that workspaces and walkways are free of clutter. Set clear protocols for marking and clearing up spills, and make sure workers know how to follow them. Check on lighting in hallways and stairwells regularly, and change burned-out lightbulbs as soon as they are spotted.

2. Pallet Rack Collapse

Heavily-loaded pallet racks can fail under the loads placed upon them, causing serious injuries or death. These collapses are more common when materials aren’t stowed in a safe, orderly manner on the racks.

To reduce pallet rack collapse accidents, stack and wrap pallet racks with the largest, heaviest items on the bottom. Leave adequate space between racks to avoid collisions from forklifts, pallet jacks or lift trucks, which can also lead to instability. Create a regular safety check routine for pallet racks and ensure it is followed.

3. Forklift Collisions

Busy warehouses often have multiple forklifts on the floor, which means that serious injuries can result.  According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), forklift accidents may be caused by hazards in the environment, operator actions, or a combination.

Regular refresher courses on forklift safety can help your warehouse staff stay safe during a busy season. Training that focuses on hazards specific to your warehouses can also help workers improve safety. A program for checking forklifts and similar vehicles, such as scissor lifts, prior to each use can also help workers spot potential hazards before they become tragedies.

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How TERRA Can Help

Adding more staff to your team during your peak seasons can help your business prevent warehouse accidents.

If you are looking for warehouse staffing assistance this season, contact TERRA Staffing Group. At TERRA Staffing Group, we don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach to warehouse recruitment. 

Our recruiters strive to connect our clients to the best available talent for a wide range of jobs.

To learn more about our staffing services in Portland, Seattle and Phoenix, contact us today.

Categories: HR and Management Advice, Workplace Safety & Accident Prevention

Tags: Prevent Common Workplace Accidents, Warehouse Accident Prevention Tips, Workplace Accidents

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