Common Workplace Accidents at Warehouses and How to Avoid Them

Warehouses are a workplace where many accidents can happen. Whether it’s being in the wrong place at the wrong time or carrying heavy items incorrectly, there are plenty of ways to get hurt on the job. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to avoid common workplace accidents and stay safe while working in your warehouse! Here are 5 things you should know if you are working at or going into a warehouse.

1. Warehouse accidents are common.

Employees working in warehouses are exposed to many dangers. According to statistics, each year thousands of employees suffer serious injuries and even death. Warehouse accidents can happen anywhere, anytime.

The most common injuries include: falls, getting struck by machinery or equipment, back problems due to lifting heavy objects incorrectly, chemical exposure (for employees working in warehouses that handle chemicals), and accidents with vehicles like forklifts and trucks carrying goods.

2. Be aware of your surrounding and what you’re handling

Warehouses are full of moving objects and people rushing to get the job done. Sometimes it can be hard to see where you’re going or avoid a forklift backing up unexpectedly if you don’t pay attention. Falls from ladders, scaffolds, over stacked pallets and more happen all too often in warehouses as well, which is why it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings and wear the right safety equipment. If you’re not careful, you could slip or trip over something on the ground that wasn’t properly cleaned up from being moved around by a forklift, making it slippery due to oil getting spilled or other substances building up there.

When working at a warehouse where chemicals are used, you need to be aware of the chemical storage location. Also, make sure that if you’re working with chemicals or doing something in which it might spill on your skin or clothes (like opening a drum), always wear protective gloves and clothing so the hazardous material doesn’t touch your skin directly.

3. Warehouses can be dangerous

Warehouses are a dangerous workplaces. They can be especially unsafe for employees working with goods that come in and out on pallets, which increases the chances of falling from a height. The most common type of accident is when someone falls from ladders or at an elevated area where they are carrying something heavy or trying to reach up onto shelves. Other common causes of warehouse falls include falling over stacked pallets or losing your footing due to slippery floors caused by things like oil spills, water leaks, and dust build-up.

If you work with heavy machinery in your warehouse, make sure that all safety guards are fully working before starting it up (i.e., on a forklift, make sure all the safety mechanisms are on and that nobody is under it). Make sure to use proper lifting techniques when moving things around with machinery (like a forklift), especially if you’re working at height.

4. Wear non-slip shoes with rubber soles that have good grip on both wet and dry surfaces

Many workers suffer injuries that could have been prevented by wearing proper footwear, like steel toe boots or shoes with non-slip rubber soles. Even if you think you’re steady on your feet, it’s still important to wear these types of protective shoes because warehouse floors can be slippery due to spills or any other reason.

The most dangerous falls are when someone is working at height or on ladders, scaffolds, etc., so it’s important to always be aware of what you’re doing and where your footing might slip because the floor isn’t clean enough for safe walking without slipping. Be sure that if there are spills on the ground from something like oil or chemicals, that they are all cleaned up quickly.

5. Warehouses are full of unforeseen hazards

When you’re at a warehouse, it’s important to be aware of the potential hazards that could cause an accident. Avoid walking near stacked pallets or boxes where someone might not see you coming and accidentally hit you with something they are moving around (like if they were trying to stack more on top). If there is spilled water or oil on the floor, make sure to notify your manager or supervisor.

Last, but not least…

Make sure you know what type of dangers are specific to working at the warehouse you’re at. Avoiding these common workplace accidents in warehouses can mean preventing injuries and saving you from spending time away from work recovering. If you have a workplace accident, you may need to contact a Coral Springs workers’ comp attorney to make sure you get compensation.