Be on the lookout for warehouse hazards

Working in a warehouse is a job that many people have. Though some may not consider it an important job, these workers are necessary for the fulfillment of many tasks. Unfortunately, these workers often also do not get enough credit for carrying out their work-related duties in hazardous conditions.

Though work-related hazards are present at almost every job, warehouses can pose risks that other worksites do not. As a result, it is important that you, your employer and your co-workers do what you can to ensure that the warehouse in which you work is as safe as possible. That step could begin with recognizing hazards.

Do you account for these risks?

A number of accidents could happen at any time while you are at work. If you hope to avoid involvement in an accident and avoid suffering injuries, you may want to make sure to look out for the following hazards:

• Machinery: You likely work with various machinery throughout your workday. Any type of machine can prove dangerous due to its moving parts, and complacency or carelessness could increase the chances of an accident.
• Loading areas: The loading docks are likely a busy part of the warehouse due to the incoming and outgoing deliveries. If vehicles and workers end up in the path of one another, a serious accident could take place.
• Tripping, slipping or falling: A number of factors could pose tripping, slipping or falling hazards in a warehouse, such as a buffed concrete floor, a puddle caused by a spill, sawdust or boxes in the walkways.
• Improper storage: Though storage is vital to a warehouse, if workers store items improperly, those items could fall from shelves or racks and injure other workers.
• Heavy or awkward lifting: Any type of heavy or awkward lifting could cause bodily strain. This may seem like a minor injury, but in reality, strains to the body can have lasting effects.

Fortunately, you can take steps toward helping yourself avoid accidents due to these hazards. Of course, even your best efforts may not prevent a work-related accident. If you do suffer injuries on the job, you may want to explore workers’ compensation options or even the possibility of filing a legal claim against your employers, if negligence on their part contributed to the injury-causing incident. Discussing the details of your incident with a Texas attorney may be helpful.