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The holiday shopping rush is quickly approaching. That means an influx of boxes and packages that need to get unloaded, stacked, and unpacked. In anticipation of the upcoming holiday shopping season, many retailers try to hire additional workers to help them get through the hectic season. Unfortunately, even with extra help, warehouses can quickly become full and overcrowded, posing significant safety risks to warehouse workers.
At Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman, our legal team knows the busy holiday shopping season strains everyone, including warehouses, retailers, and workers. Our personal injury legal team wants to offer warehouse workers safety tips to get through the holiday shopping rush safely and without injury.
Warehouse Workers Safety Tips for the Busy Holiday Shopping Rush
All retail workers, including warehouse workers, know that the holiday shopping season is one of the busiest times of the year. As consumer spending increases toward the end of the year, so does the influx of goods shipped to warehouses for distribution and unpacking. The holidays can be a stressful time of year for retailers and warehouse workers. Sometimes, the stress and anxiety of the busy season can lead to safety lapses, negligence, and workplace accidents.
What can warehouse workers do during the holiday shopping rush to protect themselves from traumatic accidents and injuries? Consider these proactive tips for preventing accidents in the workplace this holiday:
- Ensure the warehouse has an adequate supply of personal protective gear – Safety tools like personal protective equipment (PPE) are essential for maintaining warehouse worker safety. Make sure your workplace has an adequate supply of necessary gear and that the safety equipment is in good condition. Advise your supervisor if there isn’t enough PPE to go around.
- Inspect all equipment – Forklifts and other trade tools can help warehouse workers save time when boxes and new shipments arrive and need to be moved. However, you should always inspect warehouse equipment before using it to help prevent accidents. Stay current on part or product recalls and report unsafe equipment or mechanical defects to your manager or supervisor.
- Keep the floor clear – Boxes and shipping containers can quickly pile up, blocking critical walkways and aisles. Always place boxes and shipments in a safe location, keeping the floor clear. Never stack containers so they block doorways or other high-traffic areas.
- Use caution when stacking – You can maximize floor space by stacking containers vertically. However, use caution. The heaviest crates and boxes should be on the ground level, then stack boxes of the same size together. Avoid stacking containers in a way that makes them unstable or wobbly to avoid potentially catastrophic spills that can crush other workers. Report unsafe-looking structures to your supervisor or manager.
- Temporary workers and extra training are essential – Many warehouses rely on temporary workers to help them get through the holiday rush. These temporary workers must get the necessary training to help them do their jobs correctly without compromising the safety of other workers. Notify your supervisor if a new employee needs additional help or training because they are struggling or conducting themselves unsafely. Seek a refresher course or additional training if it’s been a while since you worked the warehouse floor or operated heavy machinery.
- Learn the basics of bending and lifting – Lifting injuries, like back strains, are among the most common workplace injuries. Review best lifting practices to protect your back, legs, and knees from injury.
If You Are Injured this Holiday Season, Get a Personal Injury Attorney on Your Side
During the hectic holiday rush, warehouse injuries can put you in a physically and financially compromising position. If you get hurt on the job in Hernando or Southaven, contact Chatham Gilder Howell Pittman for help recovering the compensation and benefits you deserve. We offer a free initial legal consultation.
