Warehouses are known for being a hotbed of workplace accidents and injuries, due in part to the high level of risk inherent in the job itself.
Knowing the most common sources of these injuries can allow a team to react appropriately and potentially limit some of these dangerous incidents and situations from occurring in the first place, though.
Slips, trips and falls
The Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) discusses common injuries in warehouses. The first type are slips, trips and falls. Warehouses have a lot of activity. There are plenty of people and machinery always moving around, and they tend to get cluttered, too. Even small things like plastic wrap or bits of cardboard can create tripping hazards. Up to 25 percent of all workers’ compensation claims are for these sort of accidents.
Accidents with forklifts
Next, there are forklift accidents. Forklifts are a somewhat unique danger to warehouses, as there are few other workplaces that employ them as often. When poorly trained or inexperienced workers are left to man forklifts alone, accidents can easily happen. There are 95,000 forklift-related injuries every year, with 100 of those resulting in death.
Repetitive stress injuries
Repetitive strain or stress injuries are also something to think about. Warehouse work is often repetitive in nature, and usually involves lifting and moving heavy items repeatedly throughout the shift. If workers do not have task variety or ergonomic work stations, the chance of these injuries occurring will rise. Teaching proper technique for manual labor is crucial, too.
By being aware of these potential problems, it is easier to address them well in advance and prevent them from becoming a huge issue.
