Warehouse Safety
Your customers rely on you to ensure that their products are stored and distributed properly. Every day, you manage logistical processes for the safe operation of your warehouse/distribution centre and control the hazards that could put your workers, your customers' products, and your business at risk.
It's a logistical balancing act, but you don't have to do it alone.
How We Can Help
WSPS experts help businesses like yours understand how to keep your workers safe in a warehouse environment so you can feel confident that you are:
- Protecting your employees and capital investment.
- Storing and shipping products in accordance with service level agreements.
- Reducing the risks of damaged products and equipment.
- Managing your supply chain effectively.
- Meeting legislated standards.
What you can do
Loading Docks are the entry/exit point to your operations, and they need to be safe and efficient.
Did you know?
- You should ensure all staff and drivers are aware of your operational procedures and implement them daily for the safe loading, unloading and transportation of materials.
Racking is the backbone of a warehouse and yet many managers and supervisors don't treat it that way.
Did you know?
- You should be conducting regular inspections of your racking systems to check for signs of damage like cracked paint, dents and damaged or missing components.
Manual material handling is the dynamic element of your operations.
Did you know?
- You should ensure all pedestrians and operators are trained in the proper handling of materials and equipment to avoid incidents.
What the law says
In all provincially regulated workplaces, employers and other workplace parties must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations.
Some of the general duties of workplace parties include:
Employers
- provide information, instruction and supervision to workers to protect their health and safety, including information on safe work policies, measures and procedures specific to the workplace and the work to be performed
- take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers
- ensure equipment, materials and protective devices are maintained in good condition
- ensure equipment, materials and protective devices required by the regulations are provided
- prepare and review, at least annually, a written occupational health and safety policy, and develop and maintain a program to implement that policy
- post a copy of the OHSA in the workplace
Supervisors
- ensure workers comply with the OHSA and its regulations
- ensure any equipment, protective device or clothing required by the employer is used or worn by workers
- advise workers of any potential or actual health or safety dangers known by the supervisor
- if prescribed, provide workers with written instructions about measures and procedures to be taken for the workers' protection
- take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers
Workers
- use or operate equipment in a safe manner
- report defects in equipment
- work in compliance with the OHSA and its regulations
- report any known workplace hazards or contraventions of the OHSA to your supervisor or employer
Workers should also be aware of their rights under the OHSA, including the right to refuse unsafe work and the right-to-know about any potential hazards to which they may be exposed in the workplace.
