In the workplace there can be many hazards, especially when vehicles and workers are side by side, such as in a warehouse for example. In a warehouse you could potentially have multiple forklift trucks carrying loads and several workers stacking loads or unpacking goods. Moving around in a workplace such as this needs to be properly thought out and planned. This is generally done by using designated traffic routes. This could be a designated route or area where only site vehicles are permitted. This is quite straight forward as workers know not to stand in or cross the designated vehicle path unless it is safe and necessary to do so.
It is common for traffic routes to be mixed, which means that a traffic route can be used by vehicles and by individual workers. This can cause some problems and it is often recommended that the traffic route be adequately separated – i.e. part of the traffic route is specifically for vehicles and part is specifically for individual workers/pedestrians. This could be done by using coloured lanes for example.
It is generally accepted that a traffic route without separation (between workplace vehicles and pedestrians/workers) would be an accident waiting to happen. The Health & Safety Executive commented on this area in a “Warehousing and storage” handbook:
“Pedestrians and vehicles have to be able to circulate safely. Workplace traffic routes should be suitable for the people and vehicles using them. Where vehicles and pedestrians use the same traffic route, there should be adequate separation between them. Consider the complete separation of vehicles and pedestrians first – where this is not possible you will need to use other control measures.”
Tripping on plastic wrapping is a potential hazard, if the plastic wrapping is not properly discarded. Plastic wrapping is often used to wrap crates of goods and it should not be left on the floor. If plastic wrapping falls off of or comes loose during the movement of goods within a warehouse then it must be cleaned up as soon as possible.
Plastic wrapping on the floor could pose a tripping accident!
Tripping accidents are relatively common in most workplace environments. The number of tripping accidents can easily be reduced by making sure the workplace is tidy and clear of tripping hazards. In a warehouse environment goods are in transit to and from the warehouse and if any loads are dropped or any packaging comes loose, this must be rectified as soon as possible. Packaging such as cardboard and plastic wrapping can cause a tripping hazard if left on the floor unattended. Such accidents can be easily avoided.
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