Warehouses can be very dangerous work environments. There are many people moving rapidly through the space, as well as machinery and possibly vehicle. No one wants to get hurt on the job, but it can be easy to let a safety focus take a back seat to efficiency or getting off work as early as possible.
The company that employs you should carry workers’ compensation insurance in case you get hurt and also employ best practices for safety aimed at limiting your risk on the job. There are also a few things that you can do to keep yourself as safe as possible in the warehouse.
Do not succumb to the temptation of distraction
If you are walking from one end of the warehouse to the other, you might feel tempted to pull your phone out of your pocket and shoot a text to your best friend or your spouse. If your employer allows you to listen to music, you might have headphones on while you go about your job.
Those distractions can mean that you won’t notice warning signs of impending danger, like the beeping sound of a hi-low backing up. Although it can mean that work doesn’t go quite as quickly, keep your focus on the job so that you stay safe. You also want to stay aware of where vehicles and exits are at all times.
Wear the right gear for your job
Gloves, hardhats and even visibility vests can help save your life on the job. Your employer should provide you with personal protective equipment that reflects the dangers of your job responsibilities. Making sure you use it appropriately and consistently could help you reduce your risk on the job.
Of course, there’s nothing any one worker can do to totally eliminate work safety risks. Employees who do get hurt at work may need to file a claim for workers’ compensation, especially if they need time off to heal and get medical care.