Occupational Medicine: Tips for a Safe Warehouse
The most common injuries among workers in warehouse, according to occupational medicine experts, are trips, slips and falls; ergonomic-related injuries due to improper lifting, pulling or pushing, and reaching; and materials handling injuries like driving forklifts. While many of these injuries are not particularly severe in nature, the trouble lies in the number of warehouse injuries – according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 15,000 injuries and illnesses in the warehouse industry per year.
Fortunately, there are several ways that you can ensure safer warehouses for your workers. Be sure to work with occupational health experts at a Healthpointe clinic, such as at Corona; it also accepts clients from the Norco, Home Gardens, Mira Loma, and Pedley areas.
- Comply with the OSHA Guidelines
Admittedly, this step consists of a series of steps including the determination of the present safety compliance in the warehouse and among its workers, the assessment of the safety regulations the management and workers must comply with, and the implementation of the new safety policies, among others. But even the acknowledgement that OSHA guidelines must be followed not only for the sake of compliance but also for worker safety, company profitability, and stakeholder satisfaction is a good first step.
Besides, you must remember that resistance against OSHA guidelines is futile especially as it has regulatory powers. You should also be aware about state and federal agencies that have regulatory powers in the warehousing industry, such as the U.S. Department of Transportation.
- Create a culture of safety among everybody
Safe warehouses do not happen by accident – these are planned from layout design to worker adoption of safety regulations to prevent accidents. Everybody from the members of the safety committee and the warehouse managers to the workers should make it a conscious decision to adopt a culture of safety in and out of warehouses (i.e., premises).
Keep in mind that the maintenance of an effective and efficient culture of safety is a continuous process. Every day, everybody should be aware of their roles and responsibilities in maintaining safety in the warehouse.
- Emphasize the monetary and non-monetary benefits of culture of safety
The effective adoption of safety policies in warehouses will result in direct and indirect savings. Think about it: With lesser workers injured on-site, the company can save on the payment of workers’ compensation as well as sustain its profitability thrust (i.e., workers remain productive).
Ultimately, everybody benefits from lesser incidence of injuries in warehouses!
Ask our experts of the Occupational Medicine Programs at any of the Healthpointe clinics, such as the one at La Mirada for more information about warehouse safety. We also invite companies from the Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Santa Fe Springs areas.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles County, Orange County, San Bernardino County, and Riverside County). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including La Mirada, which is conveniently located by Whittier, La Habra, Norwalk, Cerritos, Buena Park, and Santa Fe Springs. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit Healthpointe.net.