A warehouse that’s buzzing with activity is a good thing. When people, products, supplies, and equipment are moving in sync, productivity and profits improve. Keeping your facility humming at peak efficiency means implementing policies and procedures that maximize your workforce and space. But that doesn’t mean that warehouse safety shouldn’t always be at the forefront of efforts to ensure that your workers are safe and that your company remains OSHA compliant. You’ll certainly face some unique challenges when it comes to fall protection, but we’re here to help point out the common fall hazards for warehouses, and how to protect employees from them.
Common Warehouse Fall Hazards
Every warehouse is different, from the layout and contents of the building to the types of equipment and machinery that are present. While your facility’s fall hazards are going to be specific to your company, your industry, and your facility, there are some hazards that are common across the board, as well as the tips on mitigating the hazard, including:
Loading Docks
Your loading docks are among the busiest places in your warehouse. Employees are faced with a variety of fall hazards as trucks are arriving and departing and forklifts and other equipment are moving around. As they’re working to load or unload the truck, they’re vulnerable to falling off the loading dock. Fall safety mitigation should include:
- Guardrails around exposed edges.
- Loading dock safety gates to minimize entry and protect against falls.
- Bright, contrasting warnings on steps and ledges.
- Flashing lights and warning signs.
Elevated Walking/Working Surfaces
Floor space is at a premium in your warehouse, and it makes sense to take advantage of the vertical space you have. Elevated platforms give you more space to store product, supplies, and equipment, but they also present a unique set of fall hazards to workers. Keeping people safe at heights of more than 4′ in your facility involves:
- Installing guardrails around the leading edge.
- Toeboards should be installed to prevent falls and eliminate falling object hazards, like tools or other equipment.
- Safety swing gates to warn of fall hazards and to keep minimize unauthorized entry.
- Good housekeeping practices, keeping elevated surfaces clean and free of debris.
Dangerous Equipment and Machinery
Areas of your warehouse that are dominated by equipment and machinery can be very dangerous for employees. The space around and above machinery needs to be evaluated in order to identify the fall hazards that are present. In addition, keeping objects from falling onto or in the machines is vital. Steps to take include:
- Installing an OSHA compliant fall protection system like guardrails around the machines.
- Installing toeboards in addition to safety rails to keep objects from falling into machinery.
- Using safety swing gates to control traffic and protect workers.
- Maintaining a clean, dry space around machinery and equipment.
Unsafe Stairways
Whenever employees climb stairs to get to another level of the facility, they’re at risk of falling. If they’re carrying tools, equipment, supplies, or other items, the risk is even greater because they’re not able to see as well. Stairways can be made safer, and OSHA compliant, by taking a few simple steps:
- Providing adequate lighting, so workers can see clearly in stairways.
- Stairs should be clear of any obstructions, dry and free of dirt and debris.
- Installing handrails for workers to use as they climb and descend stairs.
- Using safety gates at stairway entries to protect against unexpected falls.
Floor Holes, Wall Holes, and Other Openings
Anytime workers are exposed to a floor hole, wall hole, or other opening that poses a fall hazard, protective devices are necessary. At the same time, you need to ensure that authorized employees have access to the areas to perform their duties. Keeping workers safe includes:
- Installing a safety guardrail around the hole or entry.
- Using safety swing gates to allow workers access to the area.
- Maintaining a clearly defined area around the hole to warn workers.
- Providing personal fall protection equipment like a harness and lanyard when necessary.
Crowded Warehouse
A full warehouse means that business is booming and that’s what you want. But busy shouldn’t mean over-crowded and disorganized. In fact, the busier you get, the more organized you need to be. Maintaining a safe work environment in a warehouse means incorporating some simple solutions including:
- Keeping aisles, walkways, and equipment lanes free of inventory, materials, and supplies.
- Properly stacking boxes and other containers to minimize falling object hazards.
- Providing proper lighting so employees can clearly see and avoid potential fall hazards.
- Posting warning signs, rails and/or safety gates in areas that hold potential fall hazards for workers.
Dirty or Wet Floors
Water, snow, ice, and even dirt and debris can make warehouse floors slippery, increasing the risk of falls. But it’s not always possible to keep your warehouse floors clean and dry. If your facility is susceptible to moisture, spills, and other issues with wetness, you can take some actions to keep your workers safer.
- Install drains to reduce standing water issues wherever possible.
- Clean up spills as soon as possible in areas without drainage.
- Use lights, signage, and other warnings to alert workers to slippery conditions.
- Install guardrails, swing gates, and other fall protection systems around wet areas.
Warehouse Safety Begins at the Top
Installing fall protection systems and providing personal protective equipment for all your workers will improve your warehouse safety. But you can’t stop there. It’s up to you and your management team to promote a safe work environment for all your employees. That begins with a safety-first mentality and insistence on safety compliance. Safety training is vital not only for newly hired employees who need to be onboarded but every worker throughout their employment.
OSHA-Compliant Safety Products and Expert Advice
Your warehouse facility is full of potential fall hazards, and it’s up to you to understand and mitigate them the best you can. That means taking stock of your facility and paying close attention to areas that pose a risk to workers. Choosing the right fall protection systems for your facility is vital for your workers’ safety and to keep your company compliant. This isn’t something you can afford to get wrong. The stakes are too high. Contact the safety specialists at Fabenco to learn how you can minimize the fall hazards in your facility and avoid costly OSHA fines and fees with safety gates and other fall protection equipment.
