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Warehouses are dangerous places but it’s easy to become complacent about your personal safety when those around you are bending the rules. They ignore warehouse safety rules at their peril; the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) says warehouses are a common cause of worker injury and even death. Here are some of the most common warehouse safety rules to help keep you just a little bit safer during your next shift.

Common Warehouse Safety Rules to Follow

You may not think about it, but warehouses are some of the most dangerous job sites in the U.S. Some of the most common on-the-job injuries in a warehouse setting are caused by:

  • Pallet rack collapses
  • Forklift accidents
  • Slips, trips, and falls
  • Accidents with hazardous materials

Each year, thousands of people are injured in warehouse accidents. This can include:

  • Forklift rollovers that occur from taking corners too sharply with an excessive speed.
  • Workers being crushed between a forklift and the loading dock.
  • Conveyor belts that snag clothing, hair, or fingers.
  • Improperly stacked loads can topple over.
  • Back strain from lifting too heavy loads.
  • Chemical burns.
  • Fires or explosions at charging stations.

Even when you know all the risks, safety rules may feel like a big hassle when you’re trying to get things accomplished at work. But they were designed to keep you safer from the hazards that come with warehouse work. One of the most common safety rules we seek workers discarding, it the use of proper protective equipment. Hardhats can get awfully hot in the summer, and eye protection can get steamed up. But these tools will protect you in case the unthinkable occurs. Don’t forget gloves either, and, during COVID-10, protective masks.

Another safety precaution seems like a simple one, but it’s probably one of the most neglected. Staying alert and having situational awareness of the kinds of on-the-job hazards that are all around you will keep you safer. However, it’s easy to let your guard down, especially if there hasn’t been a safety incident in your warehouse recently. Warehouses are full of hazards we can grow accustomed to, from tripping in a cluttered aisle to a forklift turnover or even falling from a dock or an elevated platform.

Stay alert to hazards and also report them to management right away. This can be challenging when other employees are flaunting safety rules, but the reality is that it is part of your job to watch for safety violations. Not complying with safety rules puts everyone on your team at risk. But some companies just seem to have a culture of “get it done” as fast as possible without considering the risks to you, the employee. When this happens, it may be time to consider a new job that keeps you a little safer so you can go home every night. That’s where Stellar Staffing can help. Our job is to place you in a good job that pays to the top of your abilities while still keeping you safe. Talk with our team. We have jobs available to discuss with you.

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