Why warehouse safety should be a top priority.
Failing to implement proper safety measures can lead to severe consequences, including accidents, injuries and damaged goods — all of which harm employee retention, company reputation and your bottom line.
According to industry studies, 123 workers were killed in work-related accidents in 2021/22, with 22 of these happening in the manufacturing sector.
To learn how to avoid statistics like this, read our blog, 10 warehouse accident and injury statistics you should know, offering easy-to-implement strategies to tackle the harshest statistics.
By prioritising safety and investing in comprehensive safety protocols, logistics managers can create a secure and efficient working environment that offers several benefits:
1. Reduced accidents and injuries.
By implementing safety protocols and maintaining a secure environment, the risk of accidents and injuries in the warehouse can be significantly reduced. This not only protects the well-being of employees but also minimises the potential legal and financial implications associated with workplace incidents.
2. Improved employee morale.
Prioritising warehouse safety shows employees that you value their well-being, which can boost morale and job satisfaction. When employees feel safe and supported, they are more likely to be engaged, productive and loyal to the organisation.
3. Enhanced productivity.
A safe working environment promotes efficiency and productivity. When employees are confident in their safety, they can focus on their tasks without distraction or fear of injury. Additionally, well-implemented safety measures help streamline operations, reduce downtime caused by accidents and optimise workflow.
4. Cost reduction.
Implementing warehouse safety measures can lead to significant cost savings for businesses. Fewer accidents and injuries mean reduced expenses related to medical treatments, compensation claims and potential legal battles. Furthermore, insurance premiums can be lower for companies with a strong safety record.
5. Improved customer satisfaction.
Warehouse safety directly impacts the quality of products and services provided to customers. By preventing accidents and damage to goods, you can maintain high-quality standards, meet customer expectations and build trust and loyalty.
6. Attracting and retaining talent.
In today's competitive job market, potential employees consider workplace safety as a crucial factor when choosing an employer. By prioritising warehouse safety, you can attract top talent and retain a skilled workforce who value a safe work environment.
So you can experience these benefits, let us discuss how to create a secure working environment in the following sections:
The laws and regulations of warehouse safety.
The warehouse health and safety regulations in the UK are extensive but, with the right motivation and intention, are easy to follow and implement within your warehouse.
The most important regulations to follow include:
- The Health and Safety Act 1974.
This act establishes a general duty for employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees. - The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).
These regulations require employers to ensure that work equipment in warehouses is suitable, maintained and used safely by employees.
- The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER).
These regulations apply to lifting equipment used in warehouses and require employers to ensure that lifting operations are planned, supervised and carried out safely.
- The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992.
These regulations aim to protect employees from the risks associated with manual handling tasks in warehouses, requiring employers to assess and reduce the risk of injury from manual handling activities.
- The Work at Height Regulations 2005.
These regulations apply to working at height in warehouses and require employers to assess risks, plan work and provide suitable equipment and training to ensure the safety of employees working at heights.
- The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH).
These regulations require employers to prevent or control exposure to hazardous substances in warehouses and ensure that appropriate measures are in place to protect the health and safety of employees.
Of course, you are not expected to know the ins and outs of these regulations. So, we have broken them down in this blog and explain what each regulation means for your warehouse.
Apart from ensuring you remain compliant with the regulations, there are general safety guidelines you can implement to maximise the safety of your warehouse.
These include:
- A well-executed warehouse layout.
An easy-to-navigate warehouse layout will ensure your employees are not putting themselves in risky situations. - Using the proper equipment.
Your employees can only be as safe as their equipment. Ensure appropriate equipment is being used for each task and that it is well maintained. - Employee training.
A well-educated employee is less likely to be involved in an accident. Training is an investment for the whole company.
Common warehouse hazards
29 fatal injuries occurred in 2021/2022 due to people falling from heights in the workplace. These injuries accounted for 24% of all worker deaths over the year.
To avoid warehouse accidents, you must first be aware of which situations are threatening to employees and then become proactive about implementing solutions.
The most common warehouse injuries you need to be aware of and how to avoid them include:
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Falls from height. How to avoid: Ensure the use of proper fall protection equipment and barriers, provide training on working at heights and regularly inspect and maintain safety equipment and platforms. |
Slips and trips. |
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Forklift incidents. |
Handling heavy materials. |
And that is only half of them. View more common injuries, their staggering statistics and helpful tips to prevent them by clicking below.
Ultimately, the most effective strategy for logistic managers to avoid warehouse accidents is to be informed and spread their knowledge. By staying well-informed about safety protocols and enforcing training procedures, you can create a culture of safety and awareness among your workforce.
To help you achieve your health and safety goals, we have listed 10 important warehouse safety tips you should consider implementing.
1. Optimise your warehouse layout.
Helps improve safety by creating efficient traffic flow, minimizing congestion and reducing the risk of collisions or accidents.
2. Supply and wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
Supplying and wearing appropriate PPE, such as safety helmets, high-visibility vests, protective gloves and safety shoes, helps protect employees from potential hazards in the warehouse.
3. Regularly run training sessions.
Conducting regular training sessions ensures that employees are well-informed about warehouse safety procedures, hazards and best practices.
4. Inspect your equipment.
Regular equipment inspections help identify any potential faults, damage or wear and tear that could compromise safety in the warehouse.
Click the link below for further explanation and to discover the rest of the 10 tips.
Consequently, accident rates decrease, leading to improved safety records and reduced financial losses associated with workplace incidents.
Furthermore, comprehensive safety training instils employees with a sense of confidence, empowerment and ownership over their well-being, promoting a positive work environment.
It also enhances productivity and efficiency as employees can work with a focus on safety, minimising disruptions and downtime caused by accidents.
Ultimately, investing in effective warehouse safety training benefits both employees and businesses by creating a safer, more productive and more successful work environment.
You can further discover the importance of training, when and how often you should offer training and what the training should cover by heading to our blog post below.
Secure your warehouse safety with our helpful resources.
Warehouse safety is of utmost importance for logistics managers, ensuring the well-being of employees and protecting goods from damage.
Logistics managers can create a secure environment in their warehouses by adhering to safety regulations, implementing practical tips and strategies and prioritising training.
Failing to do so can lead to accidents, injuries and legal consequences. It is crucial for logistics managers to take proactive steps to prevent accidents, reduce risks and promote a safety culture within their organisations.
To get you on the right track to maximising your warehouse safety, sign up for our free safety resources.
Our extensive library of resources includes safety guides, checklists and posters promoting best practise in the industry that you can share with your team.
To access your copy of free safety resources, click below.
