Knowledge
How to Keep Employees Safe in Your Warehouse
Employee safety is important in every working environment, and that's no different when it comes to warehouses. With heavy machinery, high shelves and vehicles being a staple feature of the warehouse environment, there's no doubt that accidents can happen if you don't have the correct safety precautions in place. In fact, we've noted before that 1,300 people are injured in the UK every year by forklifts. Fortunately, there are a few ways in which you can improve health and safety in a warehouse.
Making sure that employees are safe isn't just a legal requirement, but it also can also go a long way when it comes to creating a healthy and productive work environment. Whether you're looking to improve your existing safety setup or you're about to start managing a warehouse, this blog from Axelent will explain the different ways in which you can improve safety in your warehouse!
Warehouse Safety Training
Proper warehouse safety training is essential for all employees, especially those operating heavy machinery like forklifts. Forklift training tips should cover everything from safe driving practices to proper load handling. Well-trained employees are less likely to cause accidents, reducing the overall risk within the warehouse. You can find out more about forklift accidents and how to prevent them here!
Training and educating your staff on health and safety isn’t just a one-time process, it’s something that should be ongoing. The warehouse environment is a fast-paced environment that can throw up all sorts of obstacles, therefore you need to ensure that this important information isn’t forgotten. Make sure that you set frequent reminders to your employees that they must wear PPE, adhere to designated walkways, and follow all safety protocols.
Polymer Safety Barriers
As we have mentioned, warehouses can be particularly dangerous because of the heavy equipment machinery involved. Whilst heavy machinery such as forklifts can be extremely helpful, they also pose serious risks. Impact protection systems, such as crash barriers and pedestrian walkway barriers, play a vital role in minimising these risks. These systems are designed to absorb and deflect impacts, protecting both employees and infrastructure.
You might be wondering what makes polymer a better material for preventing damage when compared to traditional steel alternatives. Polymer safety barriers are particularly effective due to their durability and flexibility. Unlike traditional steel barriers, polymer barriers can withstand repeated impacts without damage, making them an excellent investment for long-term safety. Not only that, but steel barriers can be difficult to transport and install when compared to polymer barriers. At Axelent, we’re proud to say that all of our polymer crash protection barriers have been tested against real-world forces, giving you complete confidence that they’ll give you the protection you need!
Communication is Essential
Although it may seem like a simple change, making sure that your employees and staff communicate effectively can go a long way when it comes to improving warehouse safety. As well as encouraging them to communicate with each other on the warehouse floor to signal any potential risks or hazards, it’s important that they’re given a voice in other aspects too. Enabling your employees to voice concerns or report hazards can help to foster a culture of safety, but it can also help you to identify any hazards or risks that you might not already be aware of. If employees don't feel comfortable expressing safety concerns, it can negatively impact their morale and productivity.
Separate Walkways and Work Zones
Protecting employees who are on foot is another critical aspect of employee protection in the workplace. Pedestrian walkway barriers are essential in separating pedestrian traffic from areas where forklifts and other vehicles operate. Clearly marked walkways and the use of crash protection barriers can significantly reduce the risk of accidents involving pedestrians.
Warehouse safety barriers such as these are a simple yet effective solution to ensure that employees stay safe while moving around the warehouse. These barriers also serve as visual reminders for forklift operators to be cautious when approaching pedestrian zones.
Safety Audits
Regular maintenance and safety audits are essential to ensure that your warehouse safety measures remain effective. Check your impact protection systems and warehouse safety barriers frequently for any signs of wear and tear and replace them as needed. Audits should also include a review of warehouse safety training records to confirm that all employees are up to date with their training and understand the latest safety measures. When employees see that management is committed to their well-being, they are more likely to adhere to warehouse safety practices and contribute to a safer working environment.
Improve Safety with Axelent's Warehouse Safety Barriers
Keeping employees safe in a warehouse can be a difficult task, however the team at Axelent are here to help you make your warehouse and logistics environment a safe place to work. Known as the complete safety solutions provider, Axelent are renowned for manufacturing polymer crash barriers that are modular, easy to assemble and most importantly, able to withstand a lot of damage. Our impact protection range includes a number of products including crash barriers, pedestrian walkway barriers and impact bollards. Take a look at our warehouse safety barriers today and get a quote!
Area Sales Manager | East & Midlands
Area Sales Manager | North & Ireland
Customer Success Lead
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