Working in a warehouse is often a well-paying job, but the dangers employees face aren’t always worth the pay and benefits. A serious injury in a warehouse could cause life-long disabilities and even lead to fatal wounds.
Sometimes, however, the only work available is at a warehouse and that may mean you have to prepare for the unexpected. If you’re working in a warehouse, you may need to know what dangers to watch for. Here’s what you should know:
1. Forklift injuries
Many employees only have basic training with forklifts. Their minimal skills and experiences could cause them to improperly use a forklift and injure themselves and other employees. Forklift injuries can be more severe than car injuries because of their front prongs.
2. Dangerous substances
Many of the packages being moved in a warehouse contain toxic or flammable substances. Even a minor dent in a package could cause these chemicals to be released, injuring employees with serious burns.
3. Falling crates
Many shipments shift during delivery and could end up falling against the pack of a truck. These crates, and other shipments, could end up falling on an employee, causing serious head and spine injuries, internal bleeding and more.
4. Pulled muscles
Some shipments fall apart and employees may need to pick up supplies by hand. Without the correct posture or if the inventory is too heavy, workers could throw their back out and suffer debilitating injuries.
You have to expect the unexpected when working in a warehouse, but even the most cautious of people can still be injured. You may need to reach out for legal help when discussing your workers’ compensation claim.