Warehouses are productive environments, but they’re dangerous too. Luckily, the right preparations can help business leaders oversee safe, responsible warehouses every day. After all, workplace productivity and safety go hand-in-hand. Below, we’ll details a list of safety items every warehouse should have at all times. Read through the list to ensure your workplace is as professional and responsible as it should be.
Sufficient Safety Signage
Proper signage is a must-have for any warehouse. First, it makes employees aware of nearby safety hazards. For instance, labeling forklift work zones shows personnel they should be aware or turn back if they’re in the wrong place. Additionally, having the right signage keeps business operations productive. For example, if an employee accidentally wanders into the forklift zone, not only are they in danger, but they’re wasting time they could be spending on completing the task at hand.
Fire Extinguishers
One of the most important safety items every warehouse should have ready is a fire extinguisher. In fact, your warehouse is likely big enough to warrant multiple extinguishers in key areas. Like any workplace, warehouses have various fire hazards, from the dust coming off machines to the chemicals employees must handle.
All warehouse fire hazards differ slightly depending on factors such as routine cleaning quality and the types of products employees handle regularly. So, always ensure your warehouse has clearly labeled fire extinguishers that sit within proximity of potential hazards. Furthermore, you should routinely inspect fire extinguishers to ensure they’re all full and free of dust or physical damage.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Employers are responsible for providing their employees with PPE in accordance with OSHA standards. Carrying PPE isn’t a suggestion; it’s necessary for keeping everyone healthy and shows personnel you’re a responsible professional.
For example, providing the right PPE is one of the essential methods for protecting employees from dangerous chemicals. Besides making the workplace more dangerous, neglecting proper PPE opens the door to OSHA violations, a situation no reputable business should find themselves in. Although the specific type of PPE any given workplace needs varies, seeking the right materials and providing them consistently is crucial.