Effective warehouse operations lead to improved productivity and profitability and, likely, a healthy business organization. However, one important factor lies at the heart of building an efficient and productive supply chain organization: safety. Making workplace safety “rule number one” in your supply chain business plays a critical role in your continued success.
With a goal of fostering safe operations in your warehouse, check out these best practices on workplace safety. Emphasizing the well-being of your supply chain team also fosters an environmentthat’s able to retain its employees. From your managers to a new employee, focusing on safety builds a successful culture.
Ensure Your Warehouse has Enough Safety Equipment
Any supply chain warehouse needs to be well-appointed when it comes to safety equipment. This includes PPE, fire extinguishers, respirators, as well as the color-coded marking of hazardous equipment and materials. At the same time, make sure all warehouse employees receive proper training in any onsite safety equipment. This education also needs to include basic first aid techniques, and even CPR.
Conduct Regular Risk Assessments
Periodic risk assessments of your warehouse and supply chain operations also contribute to maintaining workplace safety. Identify the most critical hazards within the warehouse and develop plans for handling any problematic events or issues. These plans need to include a chain of command identifying the responsible parties for managing any adverse incidents.
Clearly Identify and Mark any Hazardous Areas in your Warehouse
We already talked about the importance of using color-coded labeling to identify hazardous materials and equipment in your warehouse. This same rule also applies to highlighting any hazardous and secure locations throughout your warehouse and related buildings.
Safety signs are especially important in this scenario. Identify and segregate any areas containing fire and/or hazardous waste. Once again, color coding becomes essential, particularly if you employ a diverse warehouse team. Signs that include other languages besides English ultimately become important in providing employee safety.
Institute a Preventive and Predictive Equipment Maintenance Policy
Old, obsolete, or malfunctioning equipment obviously has an adverse effect on safety throughout your supply chain operations. Regularly perform preventive maintenance to ensure all critical equipment remains safe and operational. Some supply chain organizations even leverage predictive equipment maintenance using data analytics for this purpose. In addition to providing a safe environment for employees, this proactive approach also saves money over time.
If your company needs warehouse talent, connect with the expert team at Primero Staffing.
As an exceptional supply chain talent acquisition service provider, expect to onboard top-shelf professionals in a fast and cost-effective manner. Schedule some time with us to discuss your current needs.
