Warehouse workers are often paid well for their work, but the environment is often not as safe as people would hope.
People who work in warehouses may need to be aware of the following dangers:
Overexertion and exhaustion
While many people don’t take it seriously, overexertion and exhaustion in the workplace are possible and dangerous. A lot of tasks in warehouses can put physical stress on employees, such as repetitive motions and lifting heavy objects. Furthermore, many warehouses have poor ventilation, which can lead to fatigue and heat-related illnesses.
Forklift accidents
Forklifts should only be used by people who are highly trained and experienced. Improper use of a forklift can cause severe injuries. For example, a worker who is speeding and does not signal a turn could collide with another worker.
Rollovers are also another kind of common forklift accident. A forklift may roll over if the operator uses a forklift to lift heavy materials too high or during a sharp turn. A rollover accident can crush employees and cause broken bones and blunt force trauma.
Slip-and-fall accidents
Some warehouses do not regularly clean the floors. As a result, there may be oil spills and slick surfaces. Furthermore, there could be uneven terrain, wires and loose rugs. Any of these obstacles could cause a slip-and-fall accident.
Chemical exposure
Many of the shipments in warehouses contain hazardous chemicals. While these shipments should be labeled, it could still be damaged during handling and shipping. Employees could be exposed to burns, respiratory issues and other medical conditions if a damaged shipment leaked dangerous chemicals.
When an employee suffers an injury while working, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation can provide injured workers with health care benefits. Employees who have been injured in the workplace may need to reach out for legal help to understand their options.