Due to the increase in e-commerce, we will continue to see the need for warehouse workers. Working in a warehouse is a fast-paced and physically demanding job. Because of that, employees are at a greater risk of injury.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that over 250,000 injuries are reported annually. What are the most common hazards that warehouse workers face?
Overexertion
Warehouse workers constantly move and lift objects, causing issues such as pulled muscles, joint pain and sprains.
Forklift accidents
Forklifts are powerful machines that can cause serious physical harm if misused. Severe lacerations, broken bones, head injuries and spinal damage are all commonplace outcomes of warehouse forklift accidents.
Slips, trips and falls
Slip, trip and fall hazards in a warehouse setting include obstacles or objects left in walkways and wet or slippery surfaces caused by spilled liquids such as oil.
Exposure to hazardous materials
One of the more severe issues is exposure to hazardous materials, which can cause acute and chronic health effects for warehouse employees. These materials may include industrial solvents, dust from steel, asbestos and silica, welding fumes, and toxic gasses. Many times these hazards are invisible or difficult to detect. In addition to respiratory illnesses and skin irritations caused by the contact or inhalation of toxic materials, long-term exposure has been linked to cancer and other serious conditions.
Employers must provide proper safety training for their warehouse staff to understand how to operate equipment safely and handle materials without putting themselves at risk of injury. Employers should also ensure that all areas of the warehouse are well-lit and free from any potential hazards, such as slippery surfaces or loose objects that could cause slips and falls. In the event you are injured at work, workers’ compensation will help replace lost wages while you recover.
