Residents of the Twin Cities, as well as other areas of Minnesota, might want to learn more about the warehouse accidents that often make the warehouse a dangerous place. Mostly preventable, these accidents cause injury and may lead to absences and workers’ compensation claims.
- Trips and slips: These account for 25 percent of workplace injuries, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Filling cracks in the floor and attending to stray cords and spills quickly are important.
- Elevated Falls: Elevated falls can create life-threatening trauma. For those who have to climb to retrieve a product, lanyards and harnesses should part of safety equipment.
- Heavy Equipment: accidents can be particularly dangerous. Safety materials should be on view near each machine with information on how to avoid accidents. Furthermore, lifting heavy objects can also lead to both repetitive stress and catastrophic injury.
- Forklift accidents: Twenty percent of forklift accidents involve a pedestrian, according to information from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Barricades should be in place as well as signage to warn pedestrians of a hazardous area. Blue and red lights may also warn of an approaching piece of heavy equipment as well as verbal warnings, such as “Coming through!”
- Exposure to harmful substances: Substances such as battery acid and propane cause a danger to employees. Ventilation as well as protective equipment, such as face protection, gloves and glasses should be part of safety equipment. Everyone should know how to use the first-aid station and eye-wash kit as well as the location of fire extinguishers.
- Ergonomics: and improper lifting also cause accidents in a warehouse. Employees should be aware of the best practices when it comes to lifting and repetitive motions.
Injury Prevention: Maintaining a safe work environment
Staying informed is a great first step to creating a safer work environment. Warehouse employers have specific guidelines they must follow both from federal agencies and Minnesota’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MNOSHA). Additionally, employers must adhere to professional practices around premises inspection and reporting.
Furthermore, employers are required to carry workers’ compensation policies for their workers. If you’ve experienced a workplace injury, you may be entitled to compensation for the injury and time off of work due to injury.
