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Health and safety, and risk management are critical whatever type of workplace you are involved in - and none more so than in a warehouse environment. From working with volatile products to handling heavy machinery, there are hazards just waiting around every corner. Accidents at work are devastating, not just for those involved directly but also for employers as well. Employees can face life-changing injuries which affect their ability to earn a living, while employers may face fines.
There are steps that you can take, to make sure your working environment is as safe as possible, such as:
Machinery Maintenance
Forklift trucks and other warehouse machinery are responsible for the majority of warehouse accidents within the UK. If you work in a warehouse environment, then you will be well aware of how vital such machinery is for the smooth running of daily operations, and so any damage caused can have serious adverse effects. A lot of accidents can be avoided though through regular maintenance inspections being undertaken, to ensure that machines are not damaged.
Inspections should include looking for signs of wear and tear on all machinery, which should then be reported and looked at by a professional. Do not be tempted by a cheap 'quick fix' solution which may not only damage the machinery further but can also lead to higher costs in the long term.
Plastic Pallets
Traditionally in the past pallets have been made from wood, but a lot of warehouse managers are now choosing to invest in pallets made from either polyethene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) instead. This is because plastic pallets tend to have better shock absorption qualities than wood, as well as being more rigid. PE pallets offer excellent shock absorption capabilities while PP pallets can withstand friction and higher temperatures more easily. Plastic pallets have also been found to last longer than wooden pallets.
Enhanced Visibility
Warehouses can often be crowded places with areas of restricted visibility, which can lead to accidents. The poor visibility may be due in part to lighting issues, which is why it is so vital to ensure your warehouse environment is adequately lit all the way through. One option to think about is adding mirrors to let workers see better at busy junctions and around corners, and they will also have the added benefit of making the warehouse appear brighter and lighter as well.
Manage Speed
An area of warehouse management that needs special attention is the task relating to the operation of warehouse machinery such as forklift trucks. The enclosed spaces, tight turns and pedestrian walkways of a warehouse mean that forklift truck operation demands a great deal of care and attention to be paid. To dramatically reduce the likelihood of an accident, speed limits should be applied, and crash doors used, as this will drastically reduce the risk of collision and injury.
Use Non-Slip Surfaces
One of the most common workplace accidents reported is slips, trips or falls, and the warehouse environment can be a real hotbed for these to occur. One way to help prevent things like this happening is to invest in an anti-slip coating for your floor, to not only protect your employees who are on foot but also improve traction for those on foot as well. It can also slow down wear and tear in your floor area, which can cause uneven surfaces to appear over time.
These are just some of the ways that you can help to make your warehouse a safer place to work in, but there is a lot more involved. Strip Curtains Direct can assist you in this quest, by providing a range of PVC strip curtains which are both pedestrian and vehicle friendly. To find out more about our range, please give us a call today on 0333 999 7171 or drop us an email to sales@stripcurtainsdirect.co.uk
