Do you pay attention to warehouse hazards while on the job?

Every worker has duties expected of them. Because each type of job is different, the potential hazards that you and other workers could face daily also differ. As someone who works in a Florida warehouse, you face risks on a daily basis that could result in serious injuries in the event of an on-the-job accident.

Fortunately, you, your co-workers and your employer can take steps to lessen the likelihood of serious accidents by remaining aware of the potential hazards all around you. Training, safety equipment and other measures could go a long way in preventing harm to workers.

What hazards should you watch out for?

One of the best ways to avoid an accident is to recognize the hazards that could lead to harm. Aspects of your work environment that you may see and interact with every day could easily pose risks to your safety. Some hazards to keep in mind include the following:

• Fall hazards: You could fall due to a number of reasons whether working on the ground or at height. Guardrails, clean floors and unblocked paths could help prevent falls.

• Heavy equipment: You and other workers may need to use forklifts or other machinery in the course of your duties, and while you may feel comfortable using the equipment due to years of experience, a mishap could happen at any time.

• Falling objects: Not only are you and your co-workers at risk of falling, but you are also at risk of falling objects striking you. Warehouses often have items stacked on platforms and shelves that could pose a hazard if stacked too high or improperly.

• Crush hazards: The possibility of suffering crush injuries also exists for warehouse workers. You could become crushed by a machine, a truck at a loading dock, a forklift, moving objects or even falling objects.

These examples are just a few of the hazards that you likely face on a daily basis. While you may not want to dwell on the possibility of receiving an injury on the job, it is a real issue.

What if you suffer injuries?

If you do find yourself injured on the job due to any of these or other warehouse hazards, you may wonder what it means for you. Of course, you will want to seek medical attention immediately and work to recover from your injuries, but you may also want to look into your options for obtaining workers’ compensation benefits. Though you may think that receiving such benefits after a work-related accident should be straightforward, the process can be complicated, and working with an attorney during this time may be wise.