5 Ways to Make Warehouse Safety Part of Your Company Culture

‍

1. Ensure Proper Material Storage Practices

Safe material storage is foundational to warehouse safety. To reduce hazards, make sure to:

• Clearly label and separate hazardous and incompatible materials as detailed in their Safety Data Sheets (SDS/MSDS).
• Store materials securely on level surfaces or pallets. Drums and barrels should be symmetrically stacked, and the bottom tier should be choked to prevent rolling.
• Clearly mark maximum stacking heights using painted stripes or signs for quick visual reference to prevent collapses and accidents.

‍

2. Reinforce Loading Dock and Forklift Safety

Loading docks and forklift operations present significant safety risks. To mitigate these risks:

• Limit dock access strictly to essential, trained personnel.
• Forklift operators are required to have proper certification and regular safety refresher courses.
• Encourage clear communication between dock workers using prominently displayed safety signage, including reminders such as:
  • Avoid overloading lift trucks to prevent tipping.
  • Adjust forklift loads to the lowest stable position while moving.
  • Center loads evenly on forks close to the mast.
  • Always wear high-visibility vests when working near forklifts.

‍

3. Focus on Ergonomics and Safe Lifting Techniques

Preventing musculoskeletal disorders and fatigue is key to maintaining a safe warehouse environment. Implement ergonomic practices such as:

• Regular ergonomic training on proper lifting, standing, and sitting postures is conducted at least twice yearly.
• Providing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety shoes, gloves, and back support belts.
• Modifying the warehouse layout by adding conveyor belts, lift-assist equipment (hoists), or adjustable shelving and workstations to minimize strain and improve employee comfort.

‍

‍

4. Emphasize Safe Handling of Hazardous Materials

Hazardous materials communication should be deeply ingrained in your warehouse safety culture. To achieve this:

• Assign a safety officer or supervisor clear responsibility to oversee chemical safety protocols and training schedules.
• Provide regular HAZMAT training:
  • Level 1 training for employees directly handling hazardous materials.
  • General awareness training for all warehouse personnel on identifying hazards, responding to chemical spills, and understanding emergency protocols.
• Incorporate regular fire safety training, including the proper use of fire extinguishers, ensuring all employees are prepared for emergencies.

‍

5. Prioritize Material Movement and Conveyor Safety

To address OSHA's "Big Four" workplace hazards (falls, electrocution, caught-in, and struck-by incidents), warehouses should:

• Implement minimum safety standards, including safety shoes, glasses, hard hats, and PPE, especially when working at heights exceeding four feet.
• Regularly inspect and maintain flooring to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
• Routinely audit conveyor systems and energized equipment, installing safety measures such as machine guards at pinch points and guardrails along conveyor lines.

‍

Build a Culture of Safety with Ambrose

Your warehouse's productivity and employee well-being rely on a strong safety culture. Ambrose is dedicated to providing customized solutions, equipment, training programs, and expert guidance to keep your employees safe and your operations efficient.

📞 Contact Ambrose today to learn more about comprehensive safety solutions tailored specifically to your warehouse needs.

‍