Unless the right steps are taken, accidents in warehouses are a matter of ‘when’ and not ‘if’. There are all kinds of things that could go wrong, from fire hazards to accidents from dangerous machinery, the possibilities are seemingly endless. The good news is that there are a lot of proactive measures that businesses or warehouse managers can take. In this article, we’ll cover a few safety ideas for warehouses that can reduce the likelihood of injuries and keep operations running smoothly.
1. Create Designated Safe Spaces with Modular Offices, Vision Towers, and Guardhouses
Needless to say, warehouses can be busy places. Simply walking on the warehouse floor can lead you into potential hazards, such as moving forklifts, falling objects, and slippery surfaces. Supervisors, team leaders, or other administrative staff often need to be near operations to observe, but working directly on the warehouse floor may expose them to all kinds of unnecessary risks.
By installing warehouse offices or vision towers, your administrative staff can have a safe space for work, while keeping the other staff close enough to be observed. Similarly, placing guardhouses at entry points to warehouses gives businesses better access control, protecting goods, equipment, and possibly even trade secrets.
Make sure to consider the layout and workflows before laying down any buildings, though, as they may be better suited in low-traffic areas. (This will reduce risk to administrative staff as much as possible.)
At Allied Modular, our offices, vision towers, and guardhouses can come with special safety features such as reinforced doors, safety glass, and emergency exits. (You can check out some of our interior product options here.)
2. Fire Safety Measures in Warehouses
In many industries, warehouses store large volumes of flammable materials; they could be packaging supplies, certain chemicals, or even the pallets themselves. As a result, a small spark can suddenly turn into a raging fire. Unfortunately, the large open layouts of most warehouses make it hard to contain them. Needless to say, this can place both products and workers at risk.
The good news is that there’s a simple solution: create proper fire barriers around high-risk areas, and the chance of a fire escalating will be significantly lower. Products such as fire-rated modular walls can help contain fires, which gives workers enough time to evacuate to safety. At Allied Modular, we have special Fireline Wall Systems that meet ASTM E119 standards and can resist flames at 1500-1600°F for up to 60 minutes.
In addition to this, you can’t go wrong with fire suppression systems like sprinklers and fire extinguishers; if you combine these tools with clearly-marked emergency exits and regular fire drills, then you’ll be able to greatly improve your protection.
3. Maximize Space and Improve Safety with Mezzanines
As we’ve touched on already, crowded warehouse floors can be chaotic and disorganized, which can increase the risks of accidents. A general lack of space often forces materials and workers to compete for room in narrow pathways, making it keep the workplace unsafe and dysfunctional.
Mezzanines are a great solution to free up extra space. They do not have to take up space on the warehouse floor itself, but instead add vertical space, which creates room for additional storage or work areas. It acts as a kind of raised platform that can help declutter the ground floor.
4. Improve Workflow and Protection with Warehouse Separation Walls
Further, in many busy warehouses, different operational zones often overlap. This lack of clear boundaries increases the risk of accidents, as workers and equipment have to share the same crowded spaces. Similarly, noise and distractions from nearby machinery can disrupt worker focus, which as you might expect, also increases the chances of accidents.
To reduce overall noise pollution and separate your warehouse into distinct zones and spaces, consider installing warehouse separation walls. They can act as a kind of demising wall, and help create clear and defined zones for workflows. By doing this, you will minimize the overall risk of collisions, reduce noise pollution, and create a safer, more organized workspace.
5. Use Machine Enclosures to Reduce Unwanted Accidents
Finally, warehouses may also often contain large and complex machinery, which may pose some risks to workers. Easy access to these machines can lead to accidental contact with moving parts, exposure to dangerous emissions, or even injuries caused by noise or dust. Without a proper barrier, workers may be constantly exposed.
To remedy this, you might consider installing modular machine enclosures to create a physical barrier between them and the equipment. Enclosures may be particularly valuable in areas with continuously operating machinery, like CNC machines. Such machine enclosures also help control dust, noise, and emissions, all of which contribute to a cleaner and safer place of work.
Safety Ideas for Warehouses: The Bottom Line
It’s not always easy to figure out how to best protect your employees and products in a warehouse. Constant attention is needed observing workflows and personnel to be able to figure out the best solutions for your space. Regardless, there is almost always potential for some kind of accidents, whether via machinery, falling items, or fire hazards. But with careful forethought and planning, you can significantly minimize such risks.
Thinking of improving safety at your warehouse? Contact the experts at Allied Modular today to get a free quote on new modular spaces.
FAQs About Safety in Warehouses
1. What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required in a warehouse?
PPE requirements will vary depending on the industry and the specific tasks workers are performing. However, PPE usually consists of items like hard hats, high-visibility vests, steel-toed boots, gloves, and safety goggles. Respirators may sometimes be necessary in environments where workers are exposed to excessive dust, fumes, or chemicals.
2. What is the best way to prevent slip-and-fall accidents in a warehouse?
To prevent slips and falls, warehouses need to keep floors that are both clean and dry. Anti-slip mats or coatings can be added to areas where spills are common. Regular inspection is also important to address damaged flooring and any areas where workers may be at risk.
3. How can lighting affect safety in a warehouse?
Another important safety factor in warehouses is lighting. Poor or low lighting can lead to accidents due to a lack of visibility, especially in high-traffic or low-ceiling areas. Installing bright and evenly distributed lighting can help avoid visibility-related accidents.
