Most warehouse accidents come from a small set of causes: damaged racking, forklifts and people sharing the same space, blocked exits and poor housekeeping. The good news is that the basics are simple and cheap compared with the cost of an accident, lost stock or a closed operation.
Racking
- Use a qualified supplier. Racking should be designed and installed for your pallets, loads and floor.
- Show the safe load. Put a load sign on each racking bay so everyone knows the limit.
- Inspect regularly. Look for bent uprights, damaged beams and missing safety clips. Report damage straight away and unload a damaged bay until it is repaired.
- Protect the uprights. Column guards at the end of aisles take the knocks instead of the racking.
Forklifts and people
- Trained drivers only. Only trained and authorised staff should drive forklifts.
- Separate walkways. Mark pedestrian routes on the floor and keep people out of busy aisles.
- Daily checks. Brakes, horn, lights, forks and tyres before each shift.
- Never lift people on forks or pallets.
Fire prevention
- Keep exits and fire equipment clear. Never stack stock in front of exits, extinguishers, hose reels or electrical panels.
- Respect sprinkler clearance. Keep the top of your stock below the level set by fire safety rules.
- Store hazardous goods correctly. Flammable materials, gas cylinders and chemicals need proper storage and may need special approval.
- Look after electrics. Avoid overloaded sockets and extension leads. Charge forklift batteries in a ventilated area away from stock.
- Keep approvals valid. Make sure the unit has a valid civil defence approval, and check again after any fit-out change.
Housekeeping
Clean floors prevent slips and trips. Remove empty pallets, shrink wrap and cardboard regularly, because they are both trip hazards and fuel for a fire. A tidy warehouse is a safer and faster warehouse.
Heat and people
Summers in the UAE are hot. Give staff access to drinking water and shaded rest areas, plan heavy work for cooler hours where possible, and make sure ventilation works well.
Make it a habit
Assign one person to own safety, run a short weekly walk-around with a checklist, and train every new staff member on day one.
Al Maha warehouses are brand new buildings in Sajaa, Sharjah. Book a site visit and talk to us about setting up your operation safely from the start.