Common Warehouse Injuries and How To Prevent Them

Every industry has its dangers, but some industries have more than others. The manufacturing industry is one industry with an extremely high injury and illness rate. According to the Work Injury Source, there were 395,300 workplace injuries and 35,000 workplace illnesses at manufacturing companies in 2019.

But just because warehouse injuries and illnesses are common doesn’t mean they’re inevitable. In fact, most warehouse injuries are completely preventable. Here are some of the most common warehouse injuries and how to prevent them.

Slip, Trips, and Falls

Have you ever seen a warehouse that wasn’t busy? A busy warehouse is a productive warehouse, and that’s a good thing. But a busy warehouse can also be a dangerous warehouse. When people are in a rush, they often pay little attention to their surroundings.

This can lead to debris, spills, and other pathway obstructions going unnoticed. If someone doesn’t clear these things immediately, they can turn into tripping hazards. To prevent employees from getting hurt, ensure the warehouse has ample lighting and that stairs, ramps, or other inclines or declines have clear markings. You should also train your employees to attend to any spills or debris immediately.

Machine Accidents

Machines can be dangerous. Did you know that overturned forklifts account for roughly 20,000 workplace injuries per year? And that’s just forklifts! To prevent machine-related accidents, make sure your warehouse invests in equipment with top-of-the-line safety features. Unmanned machines like laser-guided vehicles (LGVs) should be able to detect movement around them and stop or reroute accordingly.

You should also correctly install and regularly maintain your machines. Employees need to do their part to prevent injuries as well. Take the time to train your employees on using each machine in your warehouse. This way, they’ll know what to do and what not to do.

Overexertion

Many warehouse workers spend their days moving products, pallets, and other heavy objects from place to place or operating machines. But heavy weights and repetitive movements can strain your employees’ muscles and lead to arm, back, leg, and foot injuries. To reduce ergonomic strain on your employees:

• Train employees on proper lifting techniques.
• Leave weights over 50 lbs to machines.
• Provide regular stretch breaks.
• Install rubber floor pads to reduce foot and leg strain.
• Place equipment at waist level.

Now that you know the most common warehouse injuries and how to prevent them, you can take steps to make your warehouse a happier and safer place to work.