What PPE and workwear do I need when working in a warehouse?
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If you work in a warehouse and you are not sure on the PPE and workwear you need to make sure you are carrying out your tasks effectively and safely on a daily basis then this is the post for you, we will look at the typical hazards in warehouses and the right warehouse workwear to reduce / prevent injury.
It is important to say that PPE and workwear for warehouses has been designed as a last line of defence and if you can safely prevent the need for PPE and workwear through blocking areas of danger, working smarter or seeing other safer routes forward, perhaps through a risk assessment then this should be taken. To ensure high safety and low injury rates you should have a effective risk assessment in place with precautionary PPE and workwear equipped.
When working around a warehouse there is always a risk of bumping your head whether that is low hanging objects and the obvious metal raking bars to contend with, a bump cap allows for a lightweight feel and secure fit to prevent head injury.
Depending on the size of the warehouse and the levels within you may be required to work at heights, the risk of falling is a serious health risk and will require the right safety harness and safety lanyard to prevent falling.
One of the most regular risks when working in a warehouse is cutting your hands while opening boxes or packing them, making sure your safety gloves have a good cut resistance rating is important. The Portwest A622 safety gloves are a popular choice in warehouses due to them being designed for medium cut risk.
As you are consistently receiving deliveries, driving forklifts or working within that proximity, it is essential that you are easily visible to your colleagues, wearing a hi vis bomber jacket will ensure you can be seen even in low light situations as well as retaining warmth while carrying out your role.
When working in a warehouse you need to have lots of storage options to ensure you take care of your tools and valuables, this hi vis vest has pocket storage options, even pockets that can hold a tablet as it is becoming more and more common for work to be carried out on hand held devices. This hi vis vest has a ID pocket holder as well due to many warehouses needing authorisation to access the area.
Then looking for trousers that are suitable for warehouse work, you want a pair of trousers which will have a high quality fit to prevent loose clothing being caught on sharp objects, these trousers are also perfect for warehouse work due to the maximum range of movement on offer, allowing you to have no restrictions while carrying out your work.
Other excellent options on are workwear joggers as these provide a maximum range of movement, keeping the wearing super comfortable while having practical pockets to hold key items.
Safety footwear is essential in many industries and professions due to having a risk of something falling onto your toe, bumping your toes or something sharp making impact with your feet. The BASE Be-Jetty / Be-Browny have a puncture resistant sole while offering a steel toe cap. These safety boots have been designed to offer excellent comfort, durability and performance, making them a perfect reliable safety boot.
There are various safety hazards that can be present in a warehouse. Some common ones include:
Slips, trips, and falls:
The floors of the warehouse can be slippery and uneven, and items left lying around can cause people to trip and fall.
Heavy machinery:
Forklifts, pallet jacks, and other heavy equipment can be dangerous if they are not operated correctly or if they malfunction.
Falling objects:
Objects can fall from high shelves, causing injury to those below.
Electrical hazards:
Faulty wiring, exposed wires, and poorly maintained electrical equipment can pose a risk of electrical shock or fire.
Fire hazards:
The use of flammable materials, improperly stored chemicals, and smoking can all contribute to the risk of fires.
Heat stress:
In hot weather, workers can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke if they are not given adequate breaks and access to water.
Ergonomic hazards:
Repetitive motions, awkward postures, and heavy lifting can cause musculoskeletal injuries.
Chemical hazards:
Chemical spills or exposure to hazardous chemicals can cause serious health problems.
How to keep employees protected and safe in a warehouse?
There are several ways to keep employees protected in a warehouse besides providing them with PPE and workwear. Here are a few suggestions:
Training:
Provide comprehensive training to employees on the safe use of equipment, proper lifting techniques, and emergency procedures. This will ensure that they are aware of the potential risks and hazards in the warehouse and know how to avoid them.
Regular equipment maintenance:
Ensure that all equipment in the warehouse is well maintained and functioning properly. This will help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries caused by malfunctioning equipment.
Adequate lighting:
Proper lighting is essential in a warehouse to prevent accidents and help employees navigate the area safely. Ensure that the entire warehouse is well-lit, including all corners, aisles, and other areas.
Clear signage and markings:
Clearly mark all hazardous areas, such as loading docks, electrical panels, and equipment storage areas, with appropriate signage. Use floor markings and other visual aids to clearly identify walkways and traffic patterns.
Regular safety inspections:
Conduct regular safety inspections to identify potential hazards and make necessary improvements. Involve employees in this process to encourage them to be proactive about safety.
Ergonomic design:
Design workstations and equipment to be ergonomic, reducing the risk of strain and injury. Consider providing adjustable workstations and chairs, and use anti-fatigue mats to reduce stress on employees' feet and legs.
Adequate ventilation:
Ensure that the warehouse is well-ventilated to prevent the build-up of fumes, dust, and other harmful particles. This will help protect employees' respiratory health and reduce the risk of illness.
Conclusion
To conclude, this is a list of PPE and workwear warehouse which is required for most warehouses, there many be warehouses which do not require all these items although making sure this PPE and workwear is available to employees is essential. Likewise there is more PPE that may be required such as eye protection andrespiratory protection to ensure employee safety. A risk assessment should always be carried out before final PPE and workwear requirements have been finalised.
