Working in a warehouse comes with various risks. The presence of heavy objects and large machinery can make warehouses dangerous places to work. To be adequately protected against warehouse accidents, it’s essential to be aware of some of the most common warehousing hazards and how to protect yourself from experiencing accidents or injuries.
Warehouse Injuries
Warehouses are unsurprisingly among the top worksites for injuries to occur every year. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the worker injury rate within transportation and warehousing was 4.0 per 100 full-time employees. 
The number of U.S. warehouse employees increased to 1.4 million in 2021, so taking work precautions to ensure the safety of warehouse workers is essential. Warehouses are inherently places of risk and danger, so knowing common hazards and safety tips is necessary to combat the increase in injuries among warehouse workers.
Warehouse Hazards
Here’s a list of common warehousing hazards and how to mitigate those risks:
- Housekeeping–Keeping a warehouse organized and clean can eliminate clutter and, thus, prevent dangerous slips or falls. Housekeeping is a team effort, so taking the proper steps to eradicate clutter might encourage fellow workers to do the same to ensure a safe work environment.
- Loading dock safety–While loading dock injuries are not among the most common warehouse injuries, statistics show that they have the highest rate of fatality or devastating injury. Keep the loading area clean of debris, and try not to stack used pallets or containers too high.
- Hazardous substances–Vehicle exhaust fumes and cleaning fluids are ever-present in warehouses. Never leave vehicles running in closed settings, wear proper protective gear and be aware of first aid facilities in case an accident or injury occurs.
- Physical strain–Warehouse jobs often entail lifting heavy objects, which can pose awkward twists and turns. Because of the nature of warehouse jobs, it’s hard to eliminate harmful physical movements. Use conveyor belts and machinery whenever it’s safe enough to do so to make your job easier and reduce the physical strain on your body.
Learn More
Reviewing your insurance policies to ensure you’re adequately protected in a warehouse setting is essential. Contact Iten Agency at 954-680-0360 to learn more.
This blog is intended for informational and educational use only. It is not exhaustive and should not be construed as legal advice. Please contact your insurance professional for further information.