Common Warehouse Hazards

Warehouse and distribution center hazards can present high-risk environments to your employees and your inventory. But being aware of these common warehouse hazards helps you keep your employees safe and your products undamaged.

Here are some of the most common warehouse hazards – and the most dangerous – according to the 2018 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index – and what you can do to help prevent them.

Overexertion

Overexertion is the leading cause of disabling injuries in warehouses and distribution centers, accounting for 23.4% of injuries and costing businesses $13.67 billion annually.

For example, injuries caused by lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, or throwing objects all fall under the category of overexertion. 

To help prevent overexertion-related accidents, your employees must receive proper safety training. In particular, learning how to lift and carry projects without injury is a vital part of warehouse worker training. Also, provide your employees with safety equipment such as lifting straps to help encourage safe moving and lifting.

Falls

Fall injuries take up the next two most common injuries; falls on the same level rank as the second-leading cause of injury, and falls to a lower level rank third. All falls combined are actually costlier and more dangerous than overexertion. In total, falls account for 29.2% of injuries and cost businesses $17.08 billion annually.

Once again, safety training is important. Make sure your employees know to use safety railings, harnesses, and other measures in place to protect them. It is also beneficial to cordon off uneven or damaged areas while completing repairs. The cost of fixing a damaged pathway will be much less than paying for an injured employee.

Struck by Object

Being struck by an object or equipment ranks as the fourth worst cause of injury in US workplaces, costing companies $5.33 billion this year alone.

Work area and walkway protection is key to keeping your employees and products safe.

Adrian’s Pallet Rack Safety product line offers many solutions for your warehouse safety needs. They’re effective, simple, and affordable – and, of course, they help keep your employees safe.

Fire

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), there are an average of 1,210 warehouse fires every year. These fires resulted in the death or injury of 22 employees and cost an average of $155 million in direct property damage.

It’s important to maintain open flue space, the space between racks and the items on the racks, in your warehouse. The Rack Safety Strap and Fixed Rack Safety Net are wonderful products for maintaining a clear flue space.

Without a clear flue space, a fire is more likely to spread due to decreased access to the sprinkler system, causing severe consequences.

By following safety procedures and outfitting your warehouse with proper safety equipment, you can help prevent these common warehouse hazards from injuring your employees and damaging your products.