Warehouse Safety Issues

Following the lead of retail e-commerce retailers like Amazon, many warehouse companies are modernizing technology and finding an increase in safety concerns. One of these technological changes is the move toward robotics and automated tech, which has been feared that it will be the harbinger of decline in jobs. Instead of job loss, the industry is seeing a shift in the work performed by human workers; it is becoming increasingly repetitive, physically demanding, and rapidly paced.

As the warehouse industries take advantage of new technologies, such as automated forklifts and robotic assistance, the safety hazards for employees increase. Fortunately, there are several ways warehouse companies can stay ahead of the curve and address safety concerns to keep their workers from suffering workplace injuries.

Safety in the Warehouse

New advanced technologies increase productivity in the workplace but increase safety concerns for workers in a warehouse environment. As technology advances, there must be new standards to achieve a safe work environment. The following steps will help achieve this goal:

• Safety managers should be enforced. Warehouse companies should employ full-time safety managers. This would be someone on duty for each shift that is dedicated to maintaining safety standards and focus on eliminating hazards. This role should be separate from productivity managers, who may be tempted to lessen their focus on safety in comparison to efficiency.
• Safety incentives will help motivation. Safety managers should implement goals that will encourage workers and managers to prioritize safety.
• Implement technology for safety protocols. Management should invest in digital safety management systems that allow them to use technology in identifying safety hazards.
• Balance machine efficiency with safety basics. The pace of the machines must not interfere with safety. Ensure that upticks in efficiency do not create additional hazards. Machines must maintain efficient processes while following safety regulations to ensure a safe workspace, such as clearing cluttered paths, unloading trucks, and storing goods.
• Ergonomic practices to safeguard workers. As machines take on some of the work, human employees are being left to handle mundane and repetitive tasks that can cause strain injuries. Managers should be sure to rotate workers to avoid the potential for such injuries.
• Training is vital. The most crucial way to heavy equipment accidents is to ensure that the worker has proper training to perform the job, especially when the job requires unfamiliar technology, heavy machinery, or both.
• Providing a fair work pace can prevent accidents. Managers and department heads must keep realistic goals for their workers. Efficiency should not supersede safety. Hurried workers are more prone to injuries. The productivity gains are not worth the costs of an injured worker.

Vineland Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Help Injured Employees Obtain Compensation

Employers have an obligation to provide a safe work environment for their workers. If safety violations were the cause of an injury you suffered at work, you should talk with a Vineland Workers’ Compensation lawyer at DiTomaso Law. Contact us online or call us at 856-414-0010 to discuss your case for free. Located in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we represent injured workers throughout South Jersey, including Mt. Holly, Camden County, and Vineland.