All organizations that engage in potentially dangerous activities should create and implement an accident prevention plan. A well-crafted plan identifies potential hazards and outlines ways to mitigate injury, illness or death. Many states have requirements and guidelines for creating workplace injury and illness prevention programs. Read on to learn more.
According to OSHA, investing in accident prevention programs pays big dividends—expect a 6x ROI on every dollar spent.
Key Elements of An Accident Prevention Plan
Most accident prevention plans are built around a common set of elements. When you develop a plan, you will want to address these themes:
- Management leadership
- Worker participation
- Hazard identification
- Hazard prevention and control
- Education and training
- Continuous program evaluation and improvement
Safety Guidelines for Warehousing and Material Handling
Following this general safety checklist from OSHA will help you keep your employees safe from injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
__ Block off open loading docks and other areas where employees could fall more than four feet.
__ Clear floors of any debris or obstacles that could cause employees to trip or slip.
__ Factor in proper work practices into time requirements for performing tasks.
__ Allow adequate periodic rest breaks for employees who are performing physical work.
__ Provide ergonomics training and task-specific training for new employees.
__ Ensure adequate ventilation in the warehouse.
__ Educate employees in preventing heat stress in hot, humid environments.
__ Educate employees in working safely in cold environments.
__ Implement lockout/tagout procedures for your facility.
Watch Out For These Hazards
OSHA has identified specific hazards at warehouses. These include potential dangers involving:
- Loading docks
- Forklifts
- Conveyors
- Materials storage
- Manual lifting and handling
- Hazardous materials
- Charging stations
- Poor ergonomics
You can find OSHA's recommendations for preventing injuries and accidents in these areas in the OSHA Pocket Guide. Incorporate them into your accident prevention plan.
Learn What's Required By Your State
Thirty-four states have programs for keeping workers safe and healthy. They go by various names, including:
- Accident Prevention Programs
- Injury and Illness Prevention Programs
- Comprehensive Safety and Health Programs
These plans can be voluntary or mandatory, comprehensive or partial, and applicable to all employees or only a subset.
Check your state's recommendations or requirements for developing accident prevention plans.
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Sources:
OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/3220_Warehouse.pdf
OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/dsg/InjuryIllnessPreventionProgramsWhitePaper.html
OSHA: https://www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/safetyhealth/states.html