Communication Is The Key To Safety In Warehouses
Warehouses are a crucial part of our economy and serve as a link between producers and consumers. It’s critical that warehouses across the country are safe and efficient places to work, and that there are strategies in place to keep workers safe.
Warehouse managers can invest in training and safety equipment, but if they don’t establish an open line of communication with their workers, there will still be accidents.
Here are 4 reasons why communication is the key to keeping your warehouse safe, and a few ways to open up the line of communication:
Communication Promotes Safety & Prevents Accidents
There are nearly 100,000 warehouse accidents reported each year. These range from forklift accidents and chemical spills to injuries sustained from improper lifting techniques or overexertion. Proper training is crucial in creating a safe work environment, but constant communication is key to reducing accidents. Having posters on the wall isn’t enough to ensure everyone is following the safety guidelines.
Try this:
Schedule regular meetings to go over the proper use of warehouse equipment
Go over what to do in case of a chemical spill or fire
Practice carrying/lifting techniques
Create a work environment where workers feel safe asking questions or bringing up safety concerns
Communicate with workers about what they can do to keep the workplace safe
Have regular conversations about emergency procedures
Communication Promotes Consistency
Communication ensures that each task is done the right way every time. If every warehouse worker has their own process or strategy for completing the task, you increase the chance for miscommunication and mistakes.
When you’re consistently communicating with your team, you help everyone manage their expectations. This creates a happier and healthier work culture because everyone knows their roles and what is expected of them. It also makes it easier for workers to bring concerns or problems to your attention because they know you’ll be consistent in the way you handle them.
Communication Builds Teams
Running a warehouse is a team effort, and communication on any team is essential. Not only should there be a clear line of communication from workers to management, but those on the floor should be in constant communication with each other. The warehouse workforce should not be a bunch of strangers working in the same building, but a cohesive team of professionals who can count on each other, help each other, and look out for each other.
Try this:
Hold regular team meetings to help workers get to know each other
Provide workers with two-way radios or work cell phones so they can quickly get a hold of each other
Establish team-based goals that everyone can work toward together
Communication Keeps You Compliant
OSHA has strict requirements designed to keep warehouses clean and safe. According to OSHA standards:
Warehouse operators should prepare and implement a written Hazard Communication (HazCom) program and warehouse workers who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals should know about them and how to protect themselves.
Warehouse owners should have an emergency action plan describing the actions warehousing employees should take in the event of a fire or other emergencies.
Warehouse management employing more than 10 workers should have a written fire prevention plan, kept in the warehouse, and made available to warehouse personnel for review.
These are just a few of the communication standards OSHA has for warehouses across the country. Having these documents in place isn’t just a good idea, it’s the law.
Safety. Period.
Communication is the key to keeping workers safe in all industries. An open line of communication increases productivity reduces accidents, improves company culture, and makes the warehouse a safer place to work.
If you’re looking for a fast and efficient way to hire qualified warehouse workers, connect with a Los Angeles staffing agency today. They work with a pool of active, available, and experienced warehouse professionals who could be an asset to your team. Start the conversation here.
