Forcible contact between a person and an object or equipment can cause struck-by injuries. Protect yourself by staying alert and following these tips for reducing struck-by injuries in a warehouse.
Wear Appropriate PPE
Personal protective equipment (PPE) protects your body from injury. Perhaps the most common form of PPE worn by warehouse personnel is high-visibility apparel. One significant reason why warehouse workers need high-visibility clothing is that these garments reduce the chances of struck-by injuries.
High-visibility or enhanced-visibility shirts, hoodies, and vests have bright colors and retroreflective material that makes you more visible to people operating heavy machinery and equipment. Whether you’re an operator or a pedestrian, you can appreciate how hi-vis clothes deter collisions.
Depending on your job and the environment, you might need to wear more protection. Safety footwear will protect your feet from falling objects, preventing painful injuries that might require lengthy or expensive recovery.
Operate Forklifts With Care
Another tip for reducing struck-by injuries in a warehouse is to carefully load, transport, and unload materials with a lift truck. When you load a lift truck, center the load’s weight for stability. Approach the load squarely to position and insert the forks. Improper weight distribution can cause tip-overs and falling loads.
Keep the forks a few inches above the ground to avoid obstacles on the path. Forklifts are top-heavy, so carry the load low and toward the back of the forks to avoid tipping. If the load blocks your vision, travel in reverse so you can watch the environment and use a spotter if needed.
Store Materials Safely
The more unstable a load is, the more likely it will fall. Boxes falling from any height can cause serious injuries. Standardized shelves make it easier and more efficient to store materials.
How high you can stack boxes depends on the weight, size, and dimensions of the boxes, as well as the contents of each box. Boxes should be stretch-wrapped or banded for stability, and warehouse supervisors should post clear signs that state the height restrictions.
By wearing appropriate PPE, operating forklifts with care, and storing materials safely, you can protect yourself and others from struck-by injuries. Make these simple practices a part of your everyday routine at work.
