A warehouse is a space dedicated to storing commodities and supplies. They are used for storing, shelving, and handling the distribution of manufactured goods. Sometimes warehouses also store semi-finished goods that have a separate assembling facility and a distribution facility.
While we are steadily moving towards automation, we still utilize manual labor and people for managing warehouse operations. This indicates that despite the industrial nature of the warehouse, the facility must be kept safe for the people working there. Unfortunately, many safety measures are often overlooked, causing trouble for employees.
Warehouse Safety 101
The primary reason why safety precautions are frequently overlooked is that they disrupt the warehouse workflow. There are many reasons people working in a warehouse would themself not care about their safety. From inadequate resources to inefficiency of streamlined working – it’s like safety is coming in their way.
However, it is quite the opposite indeed. Unless you practice warehouse safety measures, your functionality will suffer because of the major risks involved with handling equipment and goods, etc. Therefore, it is crucial to follow legal guidelines, safety laws, and regulations to keep the warehouse a safe place for smooth working.
8 Ways to Ensure the Warehouse Is Safe yet Functional
To make things easier, we have compiled eight effective ways to ensure the safety of the warehouse without compromising on everyday functionality. In fact, after adding these six ways to your safety measures, you’ll notice how your work is streamlined even better than before and is completed efficiently. So let’s get started, shall we?
1) Use Protective Gear at All Times
First things first, it is crucial not to neglect your personal safety in the warehouse and use protective gear at all times. According to what type of industrial facility you work in, your PPE or personal protective equipment should include a hard hat, a safety vest, and boots. Many warehouses also encourage safety goggles and gloves as part of their recommended PPE, and it is vital to follow these protection guidelines.
2) Clearly Label the Areas of the Warehouse Accordingly
It is important to clearly label certain warehouse areas that might be unsafe for the unknowing. For instance, there can be hazardous units prone to injuries, slippery areas that may be susceptible to leakage or disruption, etc. Such areas should have a fixed, clear, big sign that notifies the workers. Otherwise, if the susceptibility is infrequent, then you have on-hand signs to put up anywhere there is a safety chokehold.
3) Have Designated Forklift Paths
Forklifts are essential to warehouses, storage units, distribution centers, etc. They are moving vehicles to speed up the process of carrying goods from one place to another (as warehouses tend to be huge). Hence, warehouses must have a designated forklift path that is not used by personnel and is only used for a forklift to go from point A to point B.
4) Conduct Regular Inspection of Equipment
Only a limited number of equipment is in regular use, and as a result, they undergo automatic performance checks. However, there are also pieces of equipment that may not see regular use but could become crucial in emergencies. Consequently, regular inspections of all equipment become imperative. Compromising safety, whether for yourself or the warehouse, is simply not an option. Imagine the consequences if a critical tool, such as a drill machine or step ladder, was not checked prior to use.
5) Initial Training & Follow-up Refreshers
Your warehouse personnel must be trained initially as they join to work. But it is just as important for them to keep availing follow-up refresher training sessions to stay in the loop and on the front with all the safety precautions they can take for their and the warehouse’s safety. These refresher sessions can be conducted at the start of every month and in duration to ensure that people remember and follow up as well.
6) Create a Sense of Awareness & Communication
It is always a great idea to listen to what the floor personnel have to say about the safety of the warehouse. After all, they are the ones who succumb to such situations daily that risk their livelihood. Hence, create a sense of awareness and encourage your personnel to communicate what they think would work, internal communication to help them decide within themselves how to coordinate tasks and handling equipment, etc.
7) Do Emergency Practice Drills
Emergency practice drills are great at keeping everybody’s instincts and reflexes fresh. It enhances the “emergency preparedness” in people in case of a lockdown, fire, natural disaster, etc. This way, warehouse personnel can stay calm and collected in the face of adversity and handle the situation better for everyone’s safety. Otherwise, there is always a risk of chaos and commotion in the face of emergencies that just complicates things even more.
8) Install Mezzanine Flooring For Better Layout
Lastly, working on the warehouse layout might require time and financial investment, but it is well worth it. Using mezzanine floor installations has been one of the best ways to optimise the layout of a warehouse without even creating permanent fixtures. That is because you can choose the installation according to your warehouse needs. It greatly helps minimise foot traffic and collisions and automates many processes to be streamlined.
So if you are looking for a professional service provider in this regard, check out our services at Unistor. We are Australia’s largest manufacturer of industrial mezzanines. From creating custom floor plans and outlines to manufacturing and installing – we do everything your industrial warehouse needs to ensure safety and optimal functioning.
Our innovative solutions have been working for clients for the last 30 years. Also, we are spread across every part of Australia. We know how essential it is to ensure the safety of an industrial facility while not compromising on its functionality. Contact our professional team today for a tailored mezzanine flooring experience for your warehouse.