Warehousing Consulting

To be able to recognize loading dock and warehouse hazards.

To be able to recognize loading dock and warehouse hazards.

Moving materials with a hand pallet truck may seem easy, but safe handling requires skill.

Moving materials with a hand pallet truck may seem easy, but safe handling requires skill.

Walking and working surfaces - floors, stairs and ladders are associated with slip, trip and fall accidents.

Ontario winters can sweep in quickly and unexpectedly, and once here they can still be unpredictable, with extreme variations in snowfall and temperature. If snow and ice could accumulate on the roof of your business, be proactive. Preparing a snow removal plan now could make all the difference between a worry-free winter and a frantic, last-minute response that could expose people to injuries, and your business to liability and loss.

Your injury frequency, severity rates and the impact on your workplace tell you that your health and safety program needs a boost. But do you know where to focus your efforts for maximum impact? Leading indicators will help you identify gaps and get your health and safety program where you want it to be.

How to move, store and ship products safely and efficiently drew a sold-out audience to WSPS' warehouse safety conference, held February 22 at the Centre for Health & Safety Innovation in Mississauga. One of the highlights was a panel of three industry members discussing their health and safety priorities and solutions.

Like most workplaces, THK Rhythm Automotive Canada doesn't have or need in-house expertise to assess worker exposure to chemical, physical or biological agents. The task requires rigorous scientific methodology, best left to specialists like WSPS occupational hygienist Ilma Bhunnoo.

"If you look at pictures of collapsed racking, it looks like a war zone," says WSPS consultant Norm Kramer. "Just a mangled mess of intertwined metal pieces that can cover a large area." This frightening scenario, with its obvious risks to people and property, can occur when warehouses repeatedly fail to identify and fix racking damage. It's often a case of "one time too many," says Kramer.

If retail and hospitality employers get their wish, this holiday season will be hectic and profitable. "For some businesses, particularly small businesses, Christmas makes or breaks their year financially," says Rodola Sibuma, a WSPS key account manager. But with high traffic and demand comes a faster pace and higher volume of work, the introduction of temporary staff into the workplace, and a need to keep extra inventory on hand - all of which can increase the risk of slips, trips, falls, strains and sprains, stress, and more.

Conduct a warehouse operation assessment that focuses on hazards and risks.

Sprains and strains account for almost 40% of the injuries registered with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Take a close look at the potential hazards associated with Musculoskeletal Disorders within the warehouse.

Don't wait for an accident to happen. Look for the conveyor hazards that can pose a risk to your workers and take steps to protect against injuries.

A pallet is a fundamental and standard piece of equipment used in warehouses and distribution centers. Don't take your pallets for granted. Take care of your pallets and you take care of your employees.

This video focuses on two of the most common causes of racking collapse: the racking structure is not properly installed, and the racking is damaged and it doesn't get reported and repaired quickly.

The person that has the most to lose when safe practices are not followed is the worker who loads or unloads the truck. Encourage your lift truck driver to take safety into his own hands.

Sound safety practices to manage traffic flow will ensure anyone in your facility is safe and your business keeps moving.

Warehouses can be dangerous places to work. It's important to understand warehouse hazards because they can lead to serious injury and even death. The key thing to remember is that most of injuries and fatalities can be prevented. Identify potential hazards that could be found in your facility.