Even though employers in Illinois are expected to protect the health and safety of their employees, many workers realize that they are the best protectors of their own safety. Workers in depots or distribution centers can avoid warehouse accidents by becoming familiar with the typical hazards in such facilities. Warehouses are potentially dangerous environments that pose numerous risks.
Forklifts can cause serious accidents, and only qualified employees should operate them. However, all workers must learn about safety around forklifts. Just by cleaning up spills and getting rid of debris and random out-of-place objects, workers can prevent slip-and-fall or trip-and-fall accidents, which typically result in serious injuries. Wearing non-slip shoes could prevent falls on slippery floors.
Manual materials handling pose risks of musculoskeletal injuries, which are common among workers who have to lift, move, carry and place heavy objects. Learning proper lifting techniques might prevent back and shoulder trauma. Objects falling from teetering stacks or high shelves and platforms can cause life-threatening injuries, and workers must be alert to threatening stacks of goods and take action to secure it.
Fire might be the most severe threat to the safety of warehouse workers, and knowing the locations of fire extinguishers and emergency exits is crucial. Although workers can protect themselves, the negligence of others can cause warehouse accidents. Injured victims can claim workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical expenses and lost income, and they are free to utilize the services of an experienced Illinois attorney. A lawyer can assist with the navigation of claims in pursuit of maximum benefits.
Source: reliableplant.com, “5 Warehouse Safety Hazards and How to Prevent Them“, Accessed on May 25, 2018
