20 Mar Ensuring Safety and Efficiency in Your Operations
Strategies for a Secure and Productive Work Environment
In the workspace known as material handling, there are few moments of downtime. From forklifts facilitating materials to stacking inventory, various hazards pose a risk to operator and workers wellbeing and operational efficiency. To continue the workflow while keeping your employees protected, it is important to ensure the safety and efficiency in your operation. This article will explore the essential aspects of safety and training all material handling companies should emphasize when stepping onto the warehouse floor, ensuring safety and efficiency in your operations.
The Essentials of Safety
When implementing safety measures, conducting a thorough risk assessment is essential. Identifying potential hazards in the warehouse such as slippery floors, uneven surfaces, obstructed pathways, and machinery related risks. Regular inspections can help identify these hazards and proactively address safety concerns. A walkthrough of the warehouse is essential for safety, to help gain an understanding of the floor, including unauthorized travel areas and pedestrian pathways.
In all warehouse operations, well-trained employees are the backbone of successful operation. As per CFR 29 1910.178 anyone operating a Lift Truck, electric jack, stock picker, or ariel scissor needs to be certified by a trainer. These certifications last for three years, and hands on training should include the job function for each operator before issuing a license. As well, training should cover proper lifting techniques, fire safety, and use of protective equipment. Lift Power offers operator training and technician training to help ensure your employees are maximizing their safety potential.
Regular maintenance and inspection of warehouse equipment plays a crucial role in preventing accidents and breakdowns. Implementing a maintenance schedule for your forklifts, conveyor systems, pallet racks and other machinery is crucial not only for the efficiency of your warehousing operations, but for the safety of employee. Learn more on how Lift Power can provide you regular service to your forklifts to ensure longevity and safety.
A warehouse is only as good as its signs. Clear signage and floor striping is essential in guiding workers and promoting safety. Using bright, prominent signs to indicate hazards, emergency exits, loading zones, and restricted areas helps keep workers and visitors safe as well as reducing accidents. It is always good practice to have these signs clear and the text is easy to read.
Ensuring safety within your warehouse is paramount for protecting your workers, as well as keeping operations as efficient as possible. Through implementing comprehensive safety strategies including risk assessment, employee training, proper equipment maintenance, and clear signage and markings, one can create a safe working environment for everyone involved. Ensuring these strategies are in place fosters a culture of responsibility and security in material handling operations.
