Health and Safety Tips for Warehouse and Retail Industries

Guest Post

Most of the accidents that occur in the warehouse and retail industry in the UK can be prevented if proper health and safety regulations are followed. In the UK more than 2,300 warehouse injuries are reported each year, although the actual figure could be as high as 6000 as many of the smaller injuries aren’t often reported. There is a high number of incidents because of the kind of work the industry demands- stacking and storing heavy objects in high places using machinery or mechanical devices. The figures below for occupational injuries speak for themselves and highlight that health and safety at work needs to be taken seriously to minimise the threat to workers.

· On average there are six fatalities reported per year, the majority of them caused by employers falling from great heights. · Around 10% of the total injuries are of a serious nature, many involving fractures by being hit by moving machinery (mostly forklifts), slipping on spilled liquids and tripping over misplaced objects.

· 14% are caused by being hit by falling or moving objects.

· 40% of injuries involved workers carrying or lifting heavy objects. If proper health and safety procedures were in place, this number could be lowered drastically.

Being one of the primary machines used in the retail and warehouse industry, accidents involving forklifts are very common. Column guards should be used to prevent collision into racking or shelving, reducing potential falls. It is highly recommended that only trained personnel should operate forklifts and that performance evaluations should be completed every few years. Furthermore, refresher health and safety courses should be completed when needed. The speed of the forklift must be limited to a safe and reasonable figure and forklifts should be given a health and safety risk assessment before each use. If space allows, a one way driving system should be put in place to avoid collisions, reversing should be limited as far as possible and finally, designated areas for pedestrians and moving vehicles should be marked clearly and without ambiguity.

Incorrect lifting and handling of heavy objects causes back injuries in many workers. To prevent this, healthy and safety training in general ergonomics and proper lifting techniques should be provided. Lifting equipment should always be used for heavy items. Floors should be clear of any health and safety hazards such as misplaced object, to prevent tripping.Finally, great care should be taken to prevent objects from falling. Storage items should be packed evenly, with heavier items at the bottom. Proper racking and shelving equipment should be used that follows health and safety legislation. This does not mean that great expense must be incurred, as many health and safety companies have quality second hand racking for sale that complies with industry standards.

Dave Tucker is an experienced writer in health and safety in the workplace issues.