Three Tips for Keeping your Industrial Site or Warehouse Safe
If you work at or manage an industrial site or warehouse, you know the importance of safety.
There are a number of hazards in any warehouse or industrial site. Potentially dangerous machinery and chemicals are used on a regular basis. Injuries can also result from electrical problems, fires, heavy lifting and slips and falls. In fact, almost 20 per cent of all lost-time injury claims in Ontario involve slips, trips and falls. This puts them among the leading causes of lost-time injuries in the province.
Here are a few tips that you can use to keep your industrial site or warehouse safer and reduce the likelihood of injuries and accidents.
Keep it Clean
Maintain a clean facility. Organize all tools and materials and make sure that they’re placed in their appropriate locations whenever they are not being used. Tools and other materials that are left in various locations around the warehouse can be tripping hazards and cause a wide variety of other issues as well. Make sure that all power cords are cleaned up or properly covered so that they are not tripping hazards.
You’ll also need to ensure that all spills are cleaned up promptly. This includes water, oil, cleaning products and any other spills. Failing to keep your facility clean can lead to accidents and injuries.
Make Safety a Priority
It’s crucial that you make safety a priority at your warehouse or industrial facility. This means making sure all that employees and personnel are aware of all safety plans and procedures and that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency. It also means ensuring that everyone has adequate training.
Make sure that employees wear all required safety equipment with no exceptions. This includes hard hats, gloves, eye protection, steel-toed boots and many other types of protective equipment, depending on your facility.
It’s also important to post appropriate signage. For example, post safety instructions, warnings and protocols in visible areas and near the machinery and tools that these warnings are associated with. As another example, post clearance limits in each aisle of your warehouse in a visible place where the notices cannot be missed. Clearly label all hazardous zones so that employees are aware of dangerous surroundings.
By taking steps to make safety a priority, you are creating a culture where safety and security is valued. This will allow you to have a safer location.
Use Security Gates for Safety
Secure loading docks with security gates. Not only does this reduce cases of breaking and entering and theft, but it also prevents slips and falls. By securing loading docks, you prevent them from becoming a hazard.
You can also use security gates to block off dangerous areas in your warehouse or industrial facility. By locking these areas behind security gates, you restrict access to only those people who have the experience and required training and who understand the importance of safety. This can drastically improve the level of safety at your warehouse or industrial site.
Security gates also prevent visitors and other non-employees from entering areas where they could be hurt.
By following these tips and taking the required precautions, you can make your workplace a safer location for everyone.
Looking for additional ways to improve the security of your facility? Use the button below to download our eGuide, 10 Critical Points for Securing your Shop, your Employees, and your Goods against crimes of opportunity.