Warehouse workers regularly face all sorts of risks. Workplace hazards, malfunctioning equipment, and typical human error can all lead to disastrous consequences. To ensure workers have access to a secure workplace environment, here is the essential safety gear that every warehouse should always have ready and available.
Anti-Slip Tape and Guardrails
Nasty falls are among the most common workplace accidents. Anti-slip tape helps reduce these risks and is crucial in areas such as stairs and raised platforms. Examining workplace floors and identifying where slipping hazards are most likely to occur will help you address potential risks.
Additionally, per OSHA’s guidelines, warehouses should have guardrails between 39 and 45 inches on raised platforms to prevent workers from falling off hazardous areas.
Personal Safety Gear
All employees should have access to proper up-to-code safety equipment. Protective eyewear, such as goggles or facemasks, is a necessity. Further, orange or yellow high-visibility clothing will help workers see each other as they operate equipment and carry out other daily tasks. It’s also smart to ensure workers have access to thick gloves that allow them to perform any necessary tasks without damaging their fingers.
In loading areas or other parts of the building where workers may regularly need to bend over or spend ample time on their knees, we recommend providing padded pressure mats to alleviate the chance of pain over time.
First-Aid Kits and Stations
No amount of careful planning and accident prevention will eliminate the chance of a hazard befalling your warehouse. An essential piece of safety equipment every warehouse should have is access to first aid. Accounting for potential risks such as cuts, sprains, falls, and burns will ensure you have the necessary equipment to provide immediate treatment in the event of an accident.
In addition to having first-aid kits available throughout the warehouse, it’s a good idea to set up designated first-aid stations. For example, it’s important to have a few eyewash stations if you work in an environment with chemicals.
