The Most Common Warehouse Injuries and How to Prevent Them

According to the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), warehouse work can be riskier than work in other types of industries. Warehouses are sites were heavy equipment is used, where heavy material is loaded and unloaded, and where mechanical equipment can pose dangers is not used and maintained properly.

It’s important to know the most common warehouse injuries and how to prevent them.

Forklift Accidents

Forklifts accidents are the most common warehouse mishap, according to OSHA. are heavy equipment that can injury or even kill a worker if the event of a collision.

It is highly important that all forklift operators be trained and certified before operating the forklifts. Proper safety procedures should, of course, be part of the training. Forklifts should never be driven over 5 miles per hour.

All warehouse employees need to be trained about the proper safety around forklifts as well, including keeping proper distance.

Training needs to be part of onboarding, of course. Training updates and refreshers for both operators and other warehouse workers should be ongoing, repeated every several months.

Falling Objects

The second most common warehouse injury is caused by warehouse employees being hit by falling objects.

The biggest cause of falling objects is improper stacking of goods. Employees must be taught thoroughly how to stack goods. The heaviest items should usually be stacked at the bottom, for example, so that stacks don’t become easily unbalanced.

Employees need to be trained how to stack objects that might roll and fall easily, such as cylindrical or round goods.

In addition, employee training and onboarding needs to include mandates on proper safety attire when in the warehouse, including protective headgear and shoes.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

The third most common injury in warehouses is caused by slipping, tripping, or falling.

Proper workplace maintenance and cleanliness needs to take place at all times for prevention of these injuries. Packing or other material left out and not put away, for example, could lead to employee slip and falls.

If liquid is spilled, it needs to be cleaned up as quickly as possible. The area should be roped off and safety cones placed around so no one comes near it.

Employees also need to be trained to avoid slipping, tripping, and falling.

There need to be warning signs around any uneven areas on a warehouse floor.

Contact a Staffing Firm Today

Staffing firms can help recruit employees with warehouse experience and assist in devising training plans.

Staffing agencies are pros. We’re happy to help. Contact us today.