Top 10 Safety Hazards in Warehouse & Production Jobs
Safety hazards pop up almost everywhere we go. Taking proper care in hazardous circumstances can make all the difference in the world in determining safe passage. Especially on the job.
One thing that makes Your Employment Solutions the best staffing agency in Utah is our involvement with safety. We make “safety” a synonymous word with “staffing.”
During the more than 14 years that I’ve been a Safety Manager at Your Employment Solutions, I’ve been lucky to have a wonderful workplace safety partnership with the Workers Compensation Fund of Utah. With the education, tools and expertise that the WCF provides us, we do our best to pass along that education to our employees about the hazards that exist in their future workplace. We customize workplace safety training and I take time to tour facilities regularly to seek out potential on-site safety hazards and to ensure safe practices are being followed.
I’ve come up with a Top 10 list (no particular order) of the most common safety hazards new employees need to know before they start a new job in a blue-collar setting. Hopefully they will help you understand the importance of keeping yourself, your employees and others around you safe on the job.
Safety Hazard 1 | Not paying attention
Always be thinking about workplace safety. Almost all injuries are preventable but not thinking and not paying close attention are the leading cause of all workplace injuries. Watch out for safety hazards for yourself and for others around you. There is NEVER a good reason NOT to be safe at work.
Safety Hazard 2 | Slips and Trips
Wet floors indoors, or icy floors outdoors, can cause you to slip. Watch for liquids on the walkways and be sure to clean them up or notify the cleaning crew immediately. Ensure you always use a handrail when available. If you see objects on the floor in walkways be sure to pick them up and not just step over them.
Safety Hazard 3 | Falls
Falling from a height of 4ft and above can cause broken bones and even death. Do not climb above 4ft on the job unless you are wearing a proper harness or proper fall protection is in place.
Safety Hazard 4 | Fires
A fire in the workplace can be very dangerous so be sure to find the nearest fire extinguishers and become familiar with the nearest emergency exits to avoid confusion in the event of a fire.
Safety Hazard 5 | Crushing
Do not climb into machines without ensuring proper lock-out/tag-out has occurred. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not walk between forklifts and stationary objects. Do not attempt to lift items that are too heavy. Ask for help lifting or moving heavy and/or unstable loads.
Safety Hazard 6 | Hazardous Chemicals
Be sure to always understand the chemicals that are in or around you work area. Do not mix chemicals without consulting the user guides or Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Ensure proper ventilation and use proper respirators as required.
Safety Tip 7 | Ergonomics
Be sure to always stretch before, during and after work to avoid strains and sprains that come from basic repetitive work movements. Wear proper footwear and be sure to use proper lifting techniques to avoid injuries.
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Safety Hazard 8 | Moving Parts of Machines
Pay attention to labels and safeguarding on machines. Never reach into a live machine. Watch for pinch-points. Do not wear baggy/loose clothing or loose jewelry that may get caught in machines. Learn where emergency stop buttons are located.
Safety Hazard 9 | Falling Objects
Use proper stacking and unstacking techniques to avoid products falling onto body parts. Seek help when lifting heavy or oversized objects. Wear hardhats in designated areas.
Safety Hazard 10 | Heavy Equipment Accidents
Forklifts are as just as heavy as a car and move almost as quickly in the workplace. Always watch where you are going and do not walk in front or behind a forklift without making eye-contact with the driver so they know you are there.
If you are injured, follow these steps:
- Notify your lead or supervisor AND notify Your Employment Solutions! Y.E.S. will authorize medical treatment if necessary.
- DON’T FORGET STEP 1!!!
If your company could benefit from using Utah’s safest staffing agency, don’t hesitate to give me a call and see how I can customize a solution to make “safety” and “staffing” synonymous words for your business.
Jarum Stone
Safety Manager
Your Employment Solutions
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I hope this list of workplace hazards helps you stay safe on the job!
