Safety is an aspect of warehouse management that cannot be ignored. Accidents and other safety issues can have serious and even fatal consequences. The good news, though, is that implementing safety measures not only protects your employees, but also enhances warehouse efficiency at the same time – a win-win!

Create Ergonomically Sound Workstations

Warehouses are utilitarian spaces, so the employee workstations within the warehouse are often utilitarian as well. Simple chairs pulled up to tables seem to be the rule of thumb in many warehouses. Unfortunately, these function-over-form setups are often ergonomically unsound and can cause musculoskeletal disorders in workers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, warehouse workers rank among the top occupations which suffer with musculoskeletal disorders.

A better option is to improve the work environment for your employees by setting up ergonomically sound workstations for specific tasks and specific workers within the warehouse. Workers can then do their jobs more quickly and efficiently without the risk of injury. Plus, by setting up specific workstations for specific tasks, there is no delay in updating inventory, printing pick tickets, or doing other ongoing warehouse management tasks.

Incorporate Automated Warehouse Tools When Possible

Lifting heavy loads and shifting bins are both common causes of warehouse injuries. Adding automation tools can help keep these injuries from occurring.

Automation in a warehouse comes in many different forms:

• Using a forklift to lift heavy loads to top shelves
• Utilizing a fully automated storage and retrieval system
• Including carousels to bring product to the picker instead of the picker needing to go to the product on a stationary shelf
• Using conveyor belts to move items or bins from one part of the warehouse to the other without a human being involved

Make It Easy for Warehouse Workers to See

Keep the warehouse well-lit when anyone is working in the space. Poor lighting makes it difficult for workers to see obstacles or other dangers in their paths, which substantially increases the chances of accidents. Avoid collisions by adding mirrors that allow workers to see around sharp or obstructed corners.

Keep the Warehouse Floor Clean

Keeping the warehouse floor clean helps keep operations running smoothly. Any debris on the warehouse floor is a potential hazard for both warehouse workers and warehouse equipment. All spills should be cleaned up immediately. If there is any delay, the area should be cordoned off to keep the potential hazards to a minimum.

Implement a Warehouse Management System (WMS)

You might not think a software package can make your warehouse safer. However, when used properly, it can make a significant difference in both warehouse efficiency and safety.

• A good WMS package will help warehouse managers anticipate heavy or bulky items coming into the warehouse. The manager can plan on having equipment and personnel available to get those items on the shelves quickly and without incident.
  
  
• The WMS can help reorganize the warehouse space. Bringing top sellers to a space closer to the packing/shipping area can make pick trips shorter and keep potential accidents to a minimum.
  
  
• Using a WMS to track product locations and amounts helps minimize the need for employees to be mobile throughout the facility looking for lost or misplaced products.
  
  
• A WMS identifies appropriate placement for stock on shelves and effectively reduces the amount of damage done to items stacked or squeezed into poorly sized spaces. This feature also reduces the risk of falling boxes or items from shelves that can cause damage and/or injury.