Storage Ideas

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Warehouse Health and Safety: What to know and what to do

Safety is a vital part of many industries, but it is especially important in warehouses that use industrial storage equipment. Without safety guidelines, warehouses would pose too much of a risk to function safely and efficiently. In this article, we will explore what it means for industrial warehouses to be considered safe.

Workers

Safety is not solely about the equipment or environment. It is also about who works within the environment or uses the equipment, which is why it is important to consider workers. The handling and storing of materials can lead to devastating injuries if workers do not following safety guidelines correctly.

Training

Are employees aware of the dangers that may be encountered in the working environment? This knowledge is not meant to scare them off, but rather give them the tools to deal with it. An employee who has not been sufficiently trained may overload racks inadvertently, wear the wrong safety equipment for the area, or cause damage by incorrect use of equipment.
To avoid these hazards, and to ensure that materials are moved efficiently and safety, it is essential that workers receive ongoing training.

Implement Safety Measures

It is not enough for an environment to simply be safe – it must also be organised in a way where it is prepared for an emergency. This may mean installing emergency stop buttons or levers; ensuring all workers always use appropriate safety wear; and that all faulty equipment and hazards are clearly identified.

Emergency Plan

If your house was to catch on fire, would you know what to do? What if you are in an industrial warehouse surrounded by other workers and items? Would it still be as clear?
This is where an emergency plan is essential. An emergency plan not only minimises the effects of whichever emergency occurs, it also gives workers a safe way to proceed. When creating an emergency plan, do not think solely of the worst-case scenario – although this is something that needs to be taken into consideration, it is better to put just as much thought into scenarios that are more likely to occur. Keep in mind any facilities and buildings nearby, and how they would be affected by whichever emergency is taking place.
Once your emergency plan has been created, ensure that it is easily accessible to both your workers and nearby businesses. Emergencies are often quite stressful, so it is better if the instructions are clear so everyone is aware of the procedure.

Dangerous Goods

Dangerous goods storage and handling is very important. A dangerous good is any good that, due to its inherent property, may cause harm to its environment. Examples of dangerous goods include toxic substances, corrosive materials, as well as flammable gases and liquids.
If your facility stores dangerous goods, Australian Safety Regulations states they must be categorised, correctly packaged and labelled, and sufficiently stored. Storage includes having properly marked signage around them, so that workers are aware of potential hazards and safety issues.

Safety is Fundamental

Safety is fundamental to every business. Don’t skip out on safety: choose to provide safe working environments and equipment. If you have any questions about this article, or about any of the storage products offered by Storage Ideas, feel free to contact us.