Every job has hazards but a warehouse can be particularly dangerous
According to the DOSH, the manufacturing sector had the highest total of disabilities in 2020 due to hazards in the warehouse.
Refer here: Occupational Accident Statistics by Sector (Jan – July 2020)
Thus, before you know the warehouse safety tips to prevent such accidents, you must know of the common warehouse hazards too.
What are the hazards in a warehouse?
A warehouse has many operations that require caution and precision. So we’ve listed down the most common hazards in material handling and how to prevent them.
- Operating MHE
- Handling materials
- High stacking level
- Harmful substances
- Recklessness
1. Material Handling Hazards and Control Measures
Reported Fatal Accident
Date: 31st October 2019
Location: Factory in Selangor, Malaysia
Case: A general worker died after his forklift was overturned and crushed him.
Warehouse handling equipment can be extremely dangerous, especially if improperly used.
This is because warehouse MHE has many moving parts which can cause pallet truck hazards, scissor lift hazards, and other material handling hazards. Thus, workers may face serious injuries if the warehouse safety rules aren’t followed.
To prevent this from happening, all operators must be trained to use the MHE safely. It is also crucial to place warning signs wherever MHE are used to avoid potential risks.
2. Manual Material Handling Hazards
Reported Fatal Accident
Date: 22nd May 2020
Location: Factory in Johor, Malaysia
Case: A worker was killed after a truck crushed him when reversing to load and unload materials.
Of course a warehouse mainly deals with handling materials. As simple as it sounds, loading and unloading items can cause manual material handling hazards.
Just like the case above, everybody involved must take caution of their surroundings. All eyes must be alert to avoid any material handling hazard both during manual handling or using MHE in a warehouse.
3. High Stacking in Warehouse
Reported Fatal Accident
Date: 19th November 2019
Location: Factory in Johor, Malaysia
Case: An Assistant Production Manager was crushed by a mezzanine floor containing pallets
In any warehouse, high-level stacking is involved for maximum warehouse space organization. For that reason, there is a possibility of falling objects that could injure and kill workers.
Thus, all workers around high-level stacking must be alert of any possible warehouse hazards. Also, it is important to regularly check on racking systems such as a steel platform and pallet stacker.
Suggested read: How to Use Warehouse Space Efficiently
4. Safe Drum Handling Procedures
Reported Fatal Accident
Date: 13th January 2020
Location: Factory in Melaka, Malaysia
Case: A drum of liquid thinner exploded, killing a worker due to severe burns after catching fire from drum cleaning activities.
A warehouse hazard that has a high percentage of fatalities is the exposure of harmful substances. This is usually present in chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
So, to avoid fatal explosions like the case above, all workers dealing with harmful substances must practice warehouse safety rules. Besides this, they should also wear the appropriate gear when using drum handling equipment.
5. Reckless Material Handling
Recklessness can lead to all of the above warehouse hazards. Regardless because of being careless or non-compliant to warehouse safety suggestions.
Even handling a hand trolley can be dangerous if warehouse equipment handlers take safety rules lightly. So, make sure workers are supervised to confirm no accidents happen due to irresponsibility.
How can you be safe in a warehouse?
Warehouse operations are much safer and productive if everyone follows all the safety rules.
Whether you’re the manager or the laborer, you must know of all the common warehouse hazards present. Only then will you know exactly how to prevent it.
Apart from following safety precautions, you need the best material handling equipment that can help your operations run smoother.
Search no further than here! The leading supplier of warehouse equipment designed for functionality and suitable for any of your applications.
Suggested read: 8 Top Warehouse Material Handling Equipment in Malaysia
Or contact us now for more specialized options.
