Warehouse work is critical to the supply chain. Warehouse workers ensure that goods are efficiently stored, managed and distributed. Unfortunately, working in this environment involves navigating many hazards that can lead to life-threatening injuries.
Understanding the hazards of this type of work is essential for implementing effective safety measures and preventing injuries in the workplace.
Heavy and awkward lifting
One of the primary hazards in a warehouse setting is the risk of injury from lifting and handling goods. Repetitive strain injuries and musculoskeletal disorders can develop over time, affecting the back, shoulders and knees. Improper lifting techniques, overexertion or the continuous handling of heavy objects contribute to these injuries. Slips, trips, and falls represent a significant risk caused by wet floors, uneven surfaces or obstacles left in walkways.
Machinery and equipment accidents
Using forklifts, pallet jacks and conveyor belts is commonplace in warehouses, streamlining processes. Accidents involving machinery can result from inadequate training, operator error and mechanical failures. Collisions with pedestrians, falling loads or tip-overs can lead to serious injuries or fatalities.
Exposure to hazardous materials
Many warehouses store chemicals and other hazardous materials, which exposes workers to potential health risks. Contact with corrosive substances, which can occur during spills, is problematic because it can injure the skin. Chemical burns are a primary issue when skin comes in contact with these chemicals. Lung injuries from inhaling chemicals are also an issue.
Fire and electrical hazards
Warehouses are prone to fire and electrical hazards. Improper storage of flammable materials, faulty wiring and overloaded electrical circuits can lead to fires, which puts workers’ lives at risk. Exposed electrical components can lead to shocks that cause catastrophic situations. Electrocutions are fatal.
Warehouse workers who suffer from any type of injury need to receive urgent medical care. This can be costly, but workers’ compensation should cover those expenses. Sometimes, injured workers need to appeal unfavorable workers’ compensation decisions. This can be a complex undertaking, so it may behoove them to work with a legal representative who’s familiar with these matters.