Warehouse managers must be extremely attentive to the safety of the conditions in their facilities. There are a lot of potential hazards in this occupational setting, so managers need to stay on top of a wide scope of safety policies and procedures. Here are some important tips to establish and maintain a safe working environment.
1. Staff Facilities Adequately
Without enough hands on deck, warehouse employees may have a difficult time trying to accomplish everything that they need to get done during their workday. When people are rushing, they are less mindful about potential hazards and more susceptible to accidents on the job. Furthermore, tasks that should require a minimum of two workers may fall to just one. Resultantly, understaffed warehouses may see a higher incidence of injuries associated with lifting heavy objects or moving large items off of a shelving unit.
Managers have to anticipate their staffing needs pragmatically. During special events or seasonal increases in output, bringing in reinforcements from a warehouse temp agency may be the safest and most efficient way to keep operations running smoothly.
2. Assign Supervisory Authority to Senior Staff
Everyone bears responsibility for conducting their work in a manner that is consistent with a company’s internal safety policies, but employees still need direction and guidance on how to carry out certain job tasks safely. Bear in mind that some of their training may not necessarily prepare them for every unexpected event or obstacle that they encounter in the course of a workday.
Having supervisors onsite keeping a close watch to ensure that warehouse workers are performing their job duties safely. Delegating supervisory responsibilities to senior personnel gives managers a way to monitor and proactively address behaviors in the workplace that could jeopardize individuals’ safety. If workers persist in dangerous conduct after coaching and counseling from a supervisor, it may be appropriate to take disciplinary action or require employees to undergo additional health and safety training.
3. Encourage Ongoing Training
A structured course that offers advanced safety training will make personnel more mindful about safety on the job. Formal policies and handbooks are certainly useful, but they do not inspire the same depth of critical thinking that a formal safety training course can impart. Core concentrations typically include an examination of OSHA regulations, equipment maintenance, and rack safety.
Warehouse managers providing continuing education for warehouse workers can help companies put a strong emphasis on safety in their company culture. Workforces appreciate when their employers take decisive action to safeguard their health and safety.
4. Hold Weekly Safety Meetings
Regular meetings addressing safety training concepts and policies will keep safety at the forefront of your workers’ thoughts. In a fast-paced environment, it’s important for people to lose sight of fundamental precautions. Safety meetings reinforce the importance of various safety directives. It also gives people an opportunity to ask questions, so everyone will have a comprehensive understanding about their employers’ expectations involving safety.
Ultimately, strong safety protocols are integral to good warehouse management. Preventing accidents on the jobs protects workers while also significantly reducing liability risks for companies with warehouses.
