Warehouse and industrial safety is paramount to properly and efficiently running any premises while ensuring employers and employees are safe.
Running a warehouse comes with unique challenges, and maintaining safety for your team is crucial for efficient, accident-free operations. Fortunately, we’re here to help guide you through the essential safety practices and proper material handling that every warehouse employer should know and implement. With the correct protocols and equipment, you can create a secure environment that keeps your workforce safe and productivity high.
At Kingfisher Direct, we’ve helped countless businesses elevate their safety standards and know what it takes to create a safe, compliant workspace. Here, we’ll cover the top tips and actionable steps to help you build a safety-first culture in your warehouse.
Why is Warehouse Safety Important?
Warehouses are busy environments with heavy machinery, high shelves, and preoccupied team members working in close proximity. Unfortunately, this can lead to potential hazards, such as slips, trips, and machinery-related accidents, resulting in injuries, legal liabilities, and operational delays.
Large warehouses are rapid operations with demanding productivity targets set for every employee. Complacency and a desire to hit targets set in, and accidents can quickly happen. That's where your visibility and organisation come in.
You can educate staff to spot things and be mindful of safety regarding walkways, signage and barriers, so even when under pressure, they will be naturally alert to the possibility of pedestrians or heavy machinery operating in these areas.
Of course, businesses must comply with the necessary legislation, too, including:
- Storage and warehouse health and safety guidance and legislation.
- PUWER regulations (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) concerning the inspection and maintenance of work equipment.
- Adhering to standards with a LOLER Inspection (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) every 12 months or every 6 months regarding equipment that lifts people, e.g. a forklift man cage and order pickers.
Prioritising warehouse safety isn’t just about preventing fines and liabilities—it’s about protecting your employees, enhancing efficiency, and maintaining a positive workplace culture. Ensuring a safe warehouse shows your team that their well-being matters, leading to higher morale and greater productivity.
Top Warehouse Safety Tips for Employers
1. Conduct Regular Safety Training
A well-trained team is your first line of defence against workplace accidents. Ensure that your team understands the proper procedures for using equipment, handling hazardous materials, and moving goods around the warehouse.
- Schedule regular safety workshops to keep everyone updated on the latest protocols.
- Provide hands-on training for new equipment and processes.
- Reinforce safety practices with visual aids like posters and signage throughout the warehouse.
2. Implement a Routine for Equipment Maintenance
Regular equipment checks prevent unexpected breakdowns, reduce the risk of accidents, and lessen the chance of malfunctioning machinery.
- Set a maintenance schedule for forklifts, conveyors, and other machinery to ensure they operate safely and efficiently.
- Encourage your team to report issues immediately, allowing quick repairs and preventing further damage.
- Keep a logbook of equipment inspections to track wear and tear and maintenance over time.
3. Promote Safe Lifting Techniques
Improper lifting can lead to strains and injuries, among the most common warehouse accidents. Help keep your team injury-free with proper lifting protocols.
- Educate employees on ergonomic lifting techniques to prevent back and muscle injuries.
- Provide personal protective equipment (PPE), such as lifting belts, and ensure the equipment is used correctly.
- Mechanical aids like pallet trucks and forklifts for heavy loads should be considered to reduce the need for manual lifting.
4. Enhance Visibility and Organisation
Warehouse clutter and poor visibility can create serious hazards, especially in a fast-moving environment. You should organise your warehouse to minimise risks.
- Use floor markings, barriers, and signage to create pedestrian segregation and clear pathways, as well as designated areas for storage and movement.
- Invest in proper lighting, especially in high-traffic areas, to prevent accidents in poorly lit corners.
- Arrange shelving to reduce overcrowding and ensure items are easily located without blocking pathways.
5. Establish Emergency Procedures
Preparation is critical for responding to unexpected events. Explicit, well-communicated emergency procedures will make all the difference in an emergency.
- Conduct regular fire drills and other emergency preparedness exercises to keep your team informed and ready.
- Designate evacuation routes and exits, ensuring they are always clear and visible.
- Have an emergency response kit readily available, including first-aid supplies, fire extinguishers, and emergency contact information.
Recommended Equipment and Tools for a Safer Warehouse
To help you meet these safety standards, we recommend considering the following equipment:
- Safety signage and floor markings remind employees of safe practices and designated areas.
- Warehouse safety barriers are essential for safety and security measures. Safety barriers can help manage warehouse traffic and crowds, defining clear routes and walkways throughout the warehouse.
- Industrial-grade PPE is essential. You can significantly reduce the risk of injuries with quality PPE, whether heavy-duty and disposable gloves or eye protection and lifting belts.
- Lighting solutions should also be considered. High-visibility lighting will improve safety and efficiency in all areas of the warehouse.
- Emergency response kits, including first-aid supplies, housekeeping carts, spill kits, and fire extinguishers, ensure your warehouse is prepared for any incident.
Creating a Culture of Safety
Beyond physical safety measures, building a culture that prioritises safety can empower your employees to stay vigilant, feel in control, and take responsibility for their safety. You should encourage your team to:
- Report any hazards or near-miss incidents to improve practices continually.
- Take ownership of keeping their areas clean and organised.
- Participate in safety discussions and provide feedback on warehouse safety measures.
Your commitment to safety sets the tone for your entire team, making it clear that a safe warehouse is a priority for everyone.
Stay Prepared with Kingfisher Direct
Kingfisher Direct is here to support you when outfitting your premises with essential warehouse safety equipment. With vast experience across multiple industries, we offer the highest-quality products to meet your unique operational needs.
Explore our blog for helpful tips and guides, or contact our team with any questions or tailored advice.