WAREHOUSE SAFETY – MORE THAN SIGNAGE

Warehouses are a wonderful place (well we think so) but can be filled with many hazards. From fork-lift trucks to heavy items stored on high racking, the list goes on. So It’s important to get your health and safety measures right so that staff can perform their work as safely as possible. The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 section 2, states that every employer has a duty to ensure the health and safety of their employees so far as is reasonably practicable, therefore it’d your duty to operate within the legal requirements of your business. By considering key areas such as signage, racking and handling stock will help you on your way to creating a healthier and safer environment when operating a warehouse. Fitting signage in a warehouse is important to draw attention to hazards in the workplace and remind staff of what they should do to avoid accidents, such as wear personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes warning signs, such as where vehicles are being loaded with stock, or where toxic chemicals or dangerous machinery is used. Installing illuminated signs above fire exit doors should be considered especially if signs cannot be seen if there was a fire. Warning strips on hazardous areas of floors, such as steps, platforms and slopes should also be considered as part of your risk assessment. Making sure you have suitable and sufficient equipment for staff to do their jobs safely is paramount. This includes any PPE that you need to meet legal requirements when running a warehouse. We know PPE isn’t attractive but it is a must-have and shouldn’t be ignored. PPE can include things like protective footwear, hardhats, high visibility jackets, and eye goggles. The safety of the racking and storage where you store your stock should also be a priority in a warehouse. This includes making sure racking is installed by a competent person in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines, as well as looking at how to prevent items falling off high shelving, such as by fitting anti-collapse mesh or netting to the back of racks.. You should consider protecting racking so that it won’t be damaged and affect its stability, if, for example, it is accidentally hit by a passing vehicle lifting stock into place. Rules should be in place to make sure staff know not to climb on racking. It’s also wise to have an expert regularly inspect your racking to ensure it is safe, such as an approved rack inspector from the Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA). Ensuring your company is a safe place for your staff to work is essential when running a business, whether it consists of a warehouse, a factory, or is office-based. We appreciate this is a lot to think about, so it’s often wise to have an expert to lend a helping hand. With our expert team can do just that. We can offer you the help and support that allows you to run and grow your business. You’re welcome. If you’d like to see how we can help with any of the above, get in touch.

For more information on WAREHOUSE SAFETY – MORE THAN SIGNAGE talk to IKON Solutions ltd