Warehouses are dangerous work environments, noisy and sometimes chaotic. But when you are there all day everyday you gradually get used to it and start to tune it out. In the process, and in an effort to get things done more quickly, it is easy to let basic safety practices fall by the wayside, or simply forget that it is not second nature to less experienced workers. Whether you work in a warehouse on a daily basis or only visit the warehouse occasionally, some basic safety tips can help keep you and others from getting injured or killed.
- Wear the proper personal protection equipment. This can include hard hat, gloves, mask, eye protection, hearing protection and the proper footwear.
- Act like you are on a very busy street. Expect and look for machinery before you cross or step into an aisle. If you are wearing hearing protection you may not be able to hear machinery coming.
- Do not try to lift or move items that are meant to be moved with machinery such as a forklift or pallet truck.
- Do not take it upon yourself to operate machinery without the proper training and certification.
- Do not climb, sit or lean on stacked material. It may not be as stable as it appears.
- Keep debris and obstacles out of aisles and other pathways. Always remove packing materials right away.
- Clean up or clearly mark spills right away. Oil and grease from machinery can quickly create slick dangerous conditions on concrete floors.
- All machinery should be professionally inspected and maintained on a routine basis. Equipment operators in the warehouse should have a basic safety inspection list.
- Beware of weight restrictions for storage racks and lifting equipment.
- Know where emergency exits are located and the fastest escape route in case of fires and other emergencies necessitating evacuation.
If you have been injured while working in a warehouse in Atlanta or elsewhere in Georgia, please talk to attorney Laurie Robbins to learn more about your rights.