Warehouse Safety Hazards

How to Safely Avoid Warehouse Hazards

Warehouses are statistically one of the most hazardous places to work. According to OSHA, warehouses have a fatality rate higher than the national average. To promote warehouse safety, OSHA created a series of regulations that can help workers avoid hazards.

Types of Warehouse Hazards

Warehouse safety depends on workers being aware of their surroundings and knowing which hazards are most common in their workplace. The most common injuries in warehouses are from:

• Forklifts – In 2013, OSHA reported that 37% of deaths and 71% of serious injuries were caused by being struck, thrown, or crushed by forklifts.
• Slips and falls – Over 12% of the major injuries reported in 2013 were caused by slips and falls. Many of these injuries were the result of improper training or workers violating safety rules.
• Falling objects – Falling objects accounted for 20% of the major injuries and deaths reported in 2013.
• Repetitive motion such as lifting, reaching, pulling, and pushing – According to the International Warehouse Logistics Association, most reported injuries in warehouses are the result of poor ergonomics.

• Failure to wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) – Failing to wear PPE exposes workers to additional risks. PPE helps protect workers from respiratory, impact, and crushing hazards. One of the most commonly cited violations in warehouses comes from workers not using proper respiratory protection.

By teaching workers about the most common causes of injuries, workers can better recognize and avoid hazards, improving warehouse safety.

OSHA Warehouse Safety Regulations

OSHA has many regulations designed to keep people safe while working in warehouses. These regulations can be found in OSHA’s General Industry Standard 29 CFR 1910. Some of the most commonly cited warehouse safety regulations are:

1910.178 – This regulation requires businesses to train operators and perform routine forklift maintenance. It also contains strict rules for modifications which may affect the ability to safely operate forklifts. Employers must prove that modifications do not make forklifts more dangerous to operate (reduce visibility, stability, and so on).

1910.176 – Closely related to 1910.178, this regulation requires facilities to maintain safe clearances and keep aisles clear. In addition, OSHA requires employers to use floor marking and signs to permanently mark passageways that will be used by forklifts and other powered vehicles. Materials also must be securely stored, so they won’t collapse or fall on workers.

1910.1200 – The second most cited regulation in warehouses, otherwise known as HazCom 2012, is designed to protect workers from hazardous chemicals through effective communication. To help protect workers, OSHA’s Worker Safety Series: Warehousing requires that warehouses provide:

• Cleanup kits wherever chemicals are stored
• A written spill control plan
• Proof that workers have been trained to handle chemicals properly
• Proper PPE
• Secure storage for all chemicals
• Proper labeling for all chemicals

1910.132 – Another important safety regulation concerns the use of PPE in the workplace. Specifically related to warehouse safety, OSHA found that workers are often not trained about the following:

• When to use PPE
• What PPE is needed
• How to properly wear PPE

1910.23 – This regulation requires employers to guard openings in floors and walls. Every stairway, ladderway, hatchway, and chute opening must be guarded according to OSHA’s standards. These requirements help keep workers safe from trips and falls.

The best way to keep workers safe is to follow OSHA’s rules and regulations. These regulations are designed to mitigate most workplace hazards. Having the proper training, the correct PPE, the right equipment, and an approved safety plan will go a long way towards reducing injuries.

Warehouse Safety Solutions

Graphic Products offers several warehouse safety services that can help keep workers safe. Our on-site Safety Compliance Analysis can ensure your facility is following all pertinent OSHA regulations and review your current safety plans for completeness.

Need more information about warehouse hazards and safety solutions? Graphic Products offers an in-depth guide to Warehouse Safety Hazard Solutions that presents solutions based on OSHA standards and guidelines.

Clearly marking travel lanes and work areas can help reduce the risk of collision and keep workers safe. Graphic Products’ PathFinder floor marking and wayfinding solutions can protect workers, organize workflow, and direct traffic. Meanwhile, our DuraLabel line of printers and labeling supplies can be used to clearly mark hazards, communicate safety information, and improve warehouse safety.