As a warehouse manager, a big part of your job is to ensure your employees are safe all year. However, with shorter days and falling temperatures, there are a few special considerations for autumn. What are they and how can you ensure your people remain healthy in the season ahead? Here’s a look at a few areas to focus on:
Prevent slips and trips.
Thanks to more rainfall and heavier winds, conditions are wet and more dangerous. This can lead to a higher number of accidents, especially slips, trips and falls. For instance, employees can more easily track in wetness from outside, creating a slippery mess inside your workplace. Simply be aware, watch out for these kinds of situations and prepare ahead for them. One way to do that is by placing industrial mats in each entrance to soak up errant water.
Get ready for cold and flu season.
It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year again. However, cold and flu season is just around the corner and you need to get your staff ready for it. Make sure they’re educated about getting the flu shot and also encourage regular hand washing. In addition, keep plenty of cleaning products and hand sanitizer in the office so employees can create cleaner, healthier conditions in the workplace.
Remind drivers about safety issues.
With fall comes a change in the weather and more dangerous driving conditions. Roads can be wet with standing water, making for slippery driving. Likewise, it gets darker much earlier, making it harder to see pedestrians and cyclists. So regularly remind your employees about these hazards and to practice defensive driving techniques, including driving slowly and avoiding hard-braking.
Prepare for cooler temperatures.
There’s a chill in the air and you want to ensure your employees feel comfortable when they’re at work. So adjust your thermostat accordingly. Likewise, you might want to get your furnace or heating system serviced before it gets colder to ensure it’s operating at peak performance.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, warehouses experience around 15,000 accidents, illnesses and injuries every year. Help to protect your workers from them this fall by following the tips above.
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