Warehouses are temporary storehouses for a variety of goods. From soft toys to handpumps, these areas have a plethora of different products in bulk. As a result, handling warehouses or working in one entails handling these heavily weighted blocks of freight. Moreover, these goods can be made of lethal chemicals, some more volatile than others. 
 
For more reasons than one, warehouses are one of the most injury-prone working places to be employed in. Some injuries can occur while fork-lifting, inefficient handling of the storage system, chemical disasters or chemical exposures, improper manual lifting, and improper handling of electronic components. As a result, it is of prime importance to have safety protocols in place. These rules must be made keeping in mind the probable hazards and injuries that can take place in a warehouse.
 
Also, there must be a surveillance and monitoring system to ensure that all the people on the warehouse premises follow these safety protocols strictly.
 
Let's look at these warehouse hazards and precautions to prevent them.
 
Forklifts
 
A forklift is a mechanical device used to pull a heavily weighted package from one point to another in the warehouse. Usually, these boxes weigh at least a couple of tonnes. Therefore the chances of a mishap being catastrophic increase.
 
-       The warehouse management must ensure that only certified and trained personnel operate the forklift. The forklift must not be left unattended. 
 
-       A certified forklift must inspect the equipment daily to ensure all the controls are working effectively.
 
Storage system
 
Storage systems in a warehouse may seem relatively harmless. But if not arranged in proper order, it can prove to be fatal. For example, a heavy box falling from a height of fifteen feet can lead to a very unfortunate accident. Moreover, the boxes trip and fall at once if placed in no correct order. Therefore, All workers in the warehouse must take storage systems seriously.
 
-       All workers must keep the heaviest weight at the bottom and the lighter weighted boxes at the top.
 
-       The boxes from the top shelf must not be picked out before the item on its top is placed down carefully.
 
-       Items must be arranged in the order of their requirement as well. A heavy item that is required sooner must be placed on the outer end of the shelf.
 
Chemical Exposure
 
Often, warehouses store chemicals that are harmful to health if inhaled in massive amounts. And as mentioned before, most warehouse items are present in bulk. Therefore, these are the places where safety regulations must be followed strictly without fail. These regulations are
 
-       Workers must be provided with safety gear and a PPE kit to protect themselves from excessive exposure.
 
-       Many chemicals can be highly flammable and cause a fire hazard. Therefore, safety exit ways must be placed far away from each other in case of fire or smoke obstructing one way. All workers must be adequately familiarised with these exits.
 
Electric Switches
 
Electric equipment and switches are often one of a warehouse's most neglected safety protocols.
 
-       Electric switches, points or wires must be insulated regularly to prevent any worker from being electrocuted.
 
Manual Lifting
 
In a warehouse, most workers manually lift heavy equipment or goods. This may sometimes lead to health issues, back pains, and serious injuries.
 
-       All employees working in warehouses must be encouraged to use trolleys to move items from one place to another. 
 
-       Employees must lift weights in the correct posture.
 
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