Foley and Baugh in Great Yarmouth provide health and safety services to warehouses in Norfolk, Suffolk and East Anglia. Take steps now to safeguard your staff.
Warehouses are dynamic workplaces with numerous risks that can lead to serious incidents if not properly managed, but with appropriate professional support, warehouse staff stay safe athe the warehouse operator stays compliant.
Effective risk reduction starts with maintaining equipment. Regular inspections and servicing of trolleys, sack trucks and pallet trucks are essential. Specialised machinery, such as forklifts, should only be operated by trained and authorised personnel, with proper load testing performed where necessary. To further reduce risks, access to forklift operating areas should be strictly controlled during loading and unloading activities.
Storage systems like racking and shelving also demand attention. Regular inspections can identify issues such as instability or damage. Collapsing stacks should be restacked immediately, and where possible, shelving should be secured to the floor or walls. Limiting unsecured racking to two levels is a practical solution to mitigate risk.
Facilities for staff are another cornerstone of a safe warehouse environment. Providing appropriate welfare areas ensures employees can take breaks away from the operational space, fostering better focus and safety awareness. Equally, personal protective equipment (PPE) is crucial. Items like gloves and safety boots must be issued based on risk assessments; they should be kept clean, and replaced as needed, with detailed records maintained.
Training is a critical aspect of warehouse safety. Staff should receive thorough instruction on safe working practices, from manual handling techniques to hazard awareness. First aid provision is another essential, with readily available kits and nominated warehouse staff trained in first aid. Foley and Baugh offer a range of health and safety training for warehouses, as well as training and guidance in manual handling and other aspects of warehouse work.
We help institute safety protocols, too. Handling hazardous materials, for example, including oils and lubricants, requires clear protocols. Spillages should be addressed immediately to prevent slips and fire risks, with material safety data sheets readily accessible. Proper disposal of expired goods and damaged pallets further enhances safety, as does enforcing strict rules against open flames within the warehouse.
By implementing appropriate measures, warehouse operators can create safer environments that protect both employees and operations. If you’re looking for expert warehouse health and safety guidance in Norfolk, Suffolk or elsewhere in East Anglia, tailored to your particular warehouse’s needs, Great Yarmouth based Foley and Baugh are here to help. Contact us without delay to learn how we can support you with warehouse health and safety.
Call us today on 01493 659026 or email us at hello@foleyandbaugh.co.uk