How to Protect Your Employees from 6 Common Warehouse Hazards

Presented by ANSELL

 

Table of Contents

From dealing with lifts and handling sharp objects to working in extreme environments, warehousing can be a complex setting in which to safely navigate. When people and machines come together in one place, there is a potential for injury. To ensure worker safety, it's very important to understand some of the common hazards warehousing workers face in their daily jobs as well as the available protection options to prevent injury. 

Ansell is the ideal safety partner and has identified six hazards in warehousing environments to reduce on-the-job injuries and deliver the comfort, performance, and protection needed to keep warehouse workers safe and productive throughout the day.

diagram showing 6 types of warehouse hazards: chemicals, impacts, abrasions, viral hazards, cuts, ergonomic hazards

Fortunately, proper protection and planning can go a long way toward preventing injuries from these common warehouse hazards. In this guide, we'll take a close look at each of the six hazards and the products you can use to mitigate the risk of injury.

Hazard #1: Abrasion Protection

Abrasion Hazards Icon

Whether you're a facility manager, safety manager, or in any other role where you're responsible for worker safety, you should know that grip and abrasion resistance are essential to hand safety. A compromised grip can lead to an occupational hazard. If a glove isn’t providing the necessary grip, workers may opt to remove their gloves and expose their hands to significant abrasion risks and other hazards. 

Workers sustain approximately a quarter of a million serious injuries to fingers, hands, and wrists each year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and OSHA, wearing a glove reduces the risk of a hand injury by 27%. Ansell ensures worker safety through constant innovations and technologies such as ANSELL GRIP™ Technology, which is a coating treatment that minimizes the force required to grip dry, oily, and wet tools or materials, relieving hand and arm fatigue caused by poor grip.

HyFlex 11-840 Industrial Glove HyFlex 11-819 ESD Glove HyFlex 11-727 Ultralight Glove

Durable industrial gloves, offering 2x more grip and up to 20% greater abrasion protection (vs. previous technology version)

Durable touchscreen-compatible gloves that guard against electrostatic discharge Ultralight abrasion-resistant gloves that offer barehand comfort, dexterity, and protection
HyFlex 11-840 Industrial Glove HyFlex 11-819 ESD Glove HyFlex 11-727 Ultralight Glove

Hazard #2: Ergonomic Protection

Ergonomic Hazards Icon

The most common cause of injuries in warehouse facilities involves incorrect manual lifting and handling. Repetitive movements, along with incorrect postures and overexertion, can cause musculoskeletal disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome. Gloves designed with ERGOFORM™ Ergonomic Design Technology offer an exceptionally comfortable fit and support musculoskeletal health, which reduces the risk of injuries caused by prolonged and repetitive hand movements.

Microflex Ultraform UF-524 Ergonomic Glove HyFlex 11-937 Coated Glove HyFlex 11-812 Tearaway Glove
Offers excellent dexterity and comfortable protection with an ergonomic design Ultralight three-quarter-coated cut-resistant and oil-repellent work gloves Ultra-thin light-duty gloves designed to pre-emptively tear if entangled in rotating tools
Microflex Ultraform UF-524 Ergonomic Glove HyFlex 11-937 Coated Glove HyFlex 11-812 Tearaway Glove

Hazard #3: Cut Protection

Cut Hazards Icon 

Workers in warehousing are exposed to cuts and bruises while handling boxes, using tools, and coming in contact with sharp objects and edges. Cut and puncture injuries are likely to occur. Selecting the right PPE with the appropriate features such as INTERCEPT™ Cut-Resistance Technology is highly important. INTERCEPT™ is a specialized knitting technology that blends engineered, synthetic, and natural fibers into high-performance yarns that provide high cut protection with exceptional comfort and dexterity.

HyFlex 11-541 HyFlex 11-644 HyFlex 11-738
Lightweight cut-resistant industrial gloves with exceptional grip Versatile industrial gloves, combining cut protection, advanced durability, and dexterity Highly durable cut-resistant gloves with strong blended fibers and reinforced thumb crotch
HyFlex 11-541 Glove HyFlex 11-644 Glove HyFlex 11-738 Glove

Hazard #4: Impact, Crush, and Pinch Protection

Impact Hazards Icon 

When maintaining and operating machinery with rotating and pneumatic parts, such as forklifts and conveyors, workers are faced with the risk of crush and pinch injuries to their hands. Even easy tasks, such as shutting a truck door, can end up in a pinch-point injury. Ensuring workers consistently wear the proper hand protection throughout the day can reduce the risk of accidents and incidents.

Ringers R-161 Ringers R-167 Ringers R-065
Touchscreen-compatible TPR impact gloves with synthetic leather, for comfort and usability Impact and cut protection with synthetic red leather padded palm and touchscreen compatibility for comfort and ease-of-use Cut-resistant impact gloves with a TPR design and knit shell for dexterous comfort
Ringers R-161 Glove Ringers R-167 Glove Ringers R-065 Glove

Hazard #5: Chemical Protection

 Chemical Hazards Icon

Maintaining a warehouse may require cleaning with hazardous chemicals. Depending on the types of products in storage, some workers may also face exposure to chemicals when moving or storing goods. Workers need thick, non-porous PPE that will prevent liquids from leaking inside and touching the skin and that has the durability to withstand scrubbing and sharp corners.

TouchNTuff 92-600 Glove AlphaTec Solvex 37-155 Glove AlphaTec 4000 Coverall - Model 111
An unparalleled combination of chemical splash protection, comfort, and durability Versatile, comfortable chemical-resistant gloves, suited to a broad range of applications Innovative multi-layer chemical barrier technology; Type 3/4/5 protection
TouchNTuff 92-600 Glove AlphaTec Solvex 37-155 Glove AlphaTec 4000 Coveralls - Model 111

Hazard #6: Viral Hazards

Viral Hazards Icon

As a result of COVID-19, workplaces must consider the need to protect against the spread of illness and viral infection now more than ever. Ansell offers a wide range of solutions that comply with the World Health Organization’s guidance regarding infection prevention and control. In order to make an informed decision, product purchasers and users should stay informed of the latest and most complete information regarding appropriate PPE to protect against COVID-19 and other viruses in their specific environments and applications.

Microflex Diamond Grip MF-300 Glove AlphaTec Solvex 37-175 Glove AlphaTec 2000 Coverall - Model 111
Disposable latex gloves that provide dependable protection with a reliable grip An unparalleled combination of chemical splash protection, comfort, and durability Superior breathable microporous laminate technology; Type 5/6 protection
Microflex Diamond Grip MF-300 Glove AlphaTec Solvex 37-175 Glove AlphaTec 2000 Coveralls - Model 111
Conclusion

Without proper protection and safety measures, warehouses can be hazardous working environments with several possible ways for workers to sustain injuries, from abrasions and cuts to impacts and even injuries from lifting heavy objects. In addition, certain chemicals and even airborne viruses like COVID-19 can lead to additional hazards. Fortunately, Ansell's premium safety products can make a huge difference in your warehouse by supporting your workers, preventing injuries, and allowing for greater peace of mind on the part of facility and safety managers.

Related Articles

 

Product Compliance and Suitability

The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.