You may be one of the many Michigan residents who work in a warehouse. Even if your position was not the dream job you may have imagined, you still appreciate your ability to go to work and earn an income. Of course, that ability hinges on avoiding accidents and injuries that could take place on the job.
Unfortunately, warehouse work can come with many hazards. Hopefully, your employer and your co-workers do their part to avoid creating any unnecessary hazards and work toward lowering the chances of accidents due to unavoidable hazards. In efforts to maintain a safe workplace, you may want to watch out for certain common risks.
What Should You Look Out For on The Job?
As part of your work-related duties, you likely come across various equipment and machinery. You may consider yourself a pro when it comes to using any of these tools because you have years of experience. However, it only takes a momentary slip-up for you to become injured. Some machine-related hazards you may want to be aware of include the following:
- Conveyors: Using conveyors to transport equipment is likely something you see every day. Still, if the equipment does not have proper safeguards, your clothing, body parts or other objects could get caught and cause serious injuries.
- Energized equipment: Any energized equipment poses the risk of electrocution and sudden operation. Therefore, it is important that proper lockout/tagout procedures are in place to ensure that the equipment is properly shut down.
- Forklifts: Though forklifts are often vital in completing warehouse duties, these machines can pose dangers if they are not used correctly or if they malfunction. Training on using the forklifts and regular maintenance could prevent injuries.
It’s not just the equipment that can pose hazards in warehouses. If materials are stored improperly, they could fall and injure a worker. If you try to lift a heavy object alone or without using the right lifting technique, you could get hurt, for example.
What Can You Do If You Are Injured on The Job?
If you do suffer injuries in a work-related accident, your first order of business is to obtain medical attention. Your injury may mean that you need time away from work in order to heal, and that may cause you some concern, especially relating to your finances. Fortunately, workers’ compensation may be able to help. Because applying for benefits can be complicated, you may want to enlist the help of an attorney during this time.
