Every year, many injuries and fatalities occur in warehouses across the world. In the US, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that the fatality rate for warehousing is above the national average for all industries. However, it’s been reported that around 2,920 warehouse employees per 100,000 suffer non-fatal injuries at work every year. According to OSHA, the number one hazard in the United States is the forklift. We can, however, all play our part in bringing down these numbers and implementing a warehouse safety.
OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.176
According to OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.176, the following must be done in the inspection: Mechanical equipment must be clear of aisles and passageways
- Storage of materials should not create a hazard and must be secure and stable
- Clearance signs to warn of limits
- Covers or guardrails to protect personnel from hazards (open pits, tanks, ditches, etc.)
OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.22
According to OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910.22, the following must be done in the inspection:
- All places of employment, passageways, storerooms, service rooms, and walking-working surfaces are kept in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition
- The floor of each workroom is maintained in a clean and, to the extent feasible, in a dry condition
- Walking-working surfaces are maintained free of hazards (sharp/protruding objects, spills, etc.) and can support the maximum intended load for that surface
- Safe means of access and egress to and from walking-working surfaces
- Walking-working surfaces are inspected, regularly and as necessary, and maintained in a safe condition Hazardous conditions on walking-working surfaces are corrected or repaired.
Other common hazards in the warehouse include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Chemical exposure ex. fumes from gassing batteries
- Poor hazard communication
- Guarding of floor, wall openings, and holes
- Emergency exit location positioning
- Lack of proper Lockout/Tagout procedures
- Location and use of portable fire extinguishers
Maintaining the warehouse
Keep all work areas clean. Keep the floor clean and dry. If anything is protruding into the aisle, put it securely back in place. Make sure floors don’t have holes. Put equipment that isn’t being used in its spot. Make sure aisles and passageways are clear to avoid tripping hazards. Keep sharp edges facing the wall so they are not out into the aisle. And keep storage neat, and secure to avoid trips and falls.
What’s next
It is important to us that we maintain safety regulations to keep this workplace a safe place, and everyone is doing their part. If your rental needs to be serviced, our mechanics can go to your jobsite, or it can be hauled back to the yard. If you need to book equipment for your next project, call 877-740-RENT (7368) today to book with Partner Rentals.
Keywords: Forklift, OSHA, Occupational Safety and health, OSHA Standard 1910.176, OSHA Standard 1910.22, Warehouse safety, safety, workplace safety