Attention to safety can help warehouse owners avoid the costs that are attendant to non-compliance. Warehouse accidents injure many employees in Texas every year, and many of these incidents lead to workers’ compensation claims. Workplace accidents can also lead to fines levied by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, especially for repeat offenders.
Some of the most common warehouse injuries are forklift-related accidents. These lead to approximately 100 deaths every year nationwide. Slips, trips and falls are also common in warehouses. Pallet damage can sometimes lead to injuries because workers may not be able to detect it upon first inspection.
Proper training is crucial for forklift operator safety. About 20,000 employees are injured every year as a result of forklift accidents. Annual training for forklift providers is not required by OSHA, but it’s not a bad idea for employers to provide it to ensure that forklift operators do not forget proper procedures. New drivers especially should undergo extensive training before operating a forklift and be paired with a more experienced operator for a probationary period.
It is important for employers to increase awareness about safety issues among their employees. Getting workers to pay attention to safety protocols with rewards and incentive programs can help encourage employees to be more aware of safety issues. Proper warning labels can also promote warehouse safety.
Injured workers may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits after a workplace accident. These benefits can in some cases cover medical expenses and a portion of wages lost due to the injured party’s inability to return to work while recovering. An attorney can often be of assistance with the preparation and submission of the required claim.