Workers in the warehouse industry perform a wide variety of tasks such as labelling, breaking bulky shipments down, stock control, order entry, picking and packing and transportation of goods. Job roles vary and include reach and counter balance drivers, shipping and receiving clerks, packers, pickers and stock control clerks.
Did you know that warehouse workers are twice as likely to get injured at work than employees in other industries?
A recent study showed that injuries such as trips, falls, overexertion and strains were higher in the warehouse industry, with backs, arms and knees the most affected areas. Most of these injuries are caused by awkward positions, insufficient breaks and incorrect handling procedures. But if you bear in mind a few simple tips, you can reduce your risk of musculoskeletal injury.
In the first of our short series of tips, we’re looking at Picking. These roles often involve lifting and taking things off and putting things on shelves or in bins and boxes. So you may be lifting large or heavy items, picking items from various heights or moving items from floor level to a higher level.
Our top tips:
- Make sure that when you’re lifting an item, you stand so that you don’t have to twist your back to reach it.
- If you’re lifting, pushing, pulling or placing items, make sure you do this between your knee and shoulder height. If an item is heavy, you should position it between knuckle and elbow height.
- Make sure you use correct manual handling techniques and procedures – check with your supervisor if you’ve not been made aware of these. If you’re lifting something that weighs more than 50lbs, there should be more than one person lifting it. If you can’t lift something, make sure you tell your supervisor immediately.
- When handling heavy or awkward items, use appropriate equipment such as hoists, pulleys, lifts etc. if available.
- Make sure that wheels on trolleys are well maintained and in good working order. If they’re not maintained it can increase the amount of force you need to use to move them.
- Don’t overload trolleys etc. And make sure that the weight is evenly distributed and not above your field of vision.
- Make sure that safety checks are performed regularly on all mechanical equipment and that it’s in safe working order before you use it.
If you like this blog, please share it with your friends and watch out for our tips for Packers coming soon.
If you need any advice get in touch with our friendly team. And if you’re looking for work in the warehousing industry, we have lots available on our online job search.