Working in a warehouse can be a rewarding part of logistics and shipping, but it does come with a distinct set of ergonomic risks that would make the work more dangerous without intervention. Learning how to set up an ergonomic workstation, avoid lifting injuries, and avoid other common risks is essential. Even more important is actually taking steps to put strategies into place to stop those risks from leading to real injuries.
Common Ergonomic Risks in Warehouse Environments
There are many risks you face in a warehouse. Repetitive motion stress, slips and falls, lifting injuries, vibration-related musculoskeletal injuries if you’re stationed near vibrating equipment, excessive noise levels, excessive temperature exposure, eye strain, injuries from falling items, and overexertion are all risks to anyone working in this environment.
There are more, such as ventilation problems, that you may have to deal with. Old equipment, like older pallet racks, may break down if the items haven’t been maintained properly. There are ways to mitigate these issues, including using services for pallet rack repair and inspections in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas.
Proper Lifting Techniques to Prevent Injury
Lifting techniques may seem awkward at first, but that’s only because there are aspects of them that you may have yet to use. The basic form involves lifting “with your knees” rather than your back, but there’s more. Start by evaluating what you have to lift and gauge how heavy it might be. Observe where you have to take it to ensure there’s a spot to set it down safely. See if there are ways to carry the item in pieces (such as when you have a bundle of boxes that can be divided into smaller bundles).
Once you know that no obstacles could trip you, look again at how to carry the item. If you can carry it by hand, squat down close to the item, grasp it carefully, and stand up, using your knees to lift rather than your back muscles. If you can’t carry it by hand, look for a hand truck or dolly that you can use to transport it. You may need help from other people to load and unload the truck or dolly.
Creating an Ergonomically Friendly Workstation in the Warehouse
Creating an ergonomically friendly workstation in your warehouse is straightforward but requires thought and effort. You can’t just add a padded chair and say that’s enough. In addition to chairs with proper support, you need to place the chair and set its seat height correctly. Your posture in the chair needs to be a certain way so that your knees aren’t higher than your hips and your back rests at a certain angle relative to the seat, usually 100 to 110 degrees. Your elbows must copy that angle as you type on your keyboard, with your wrists straight and possibly resting on a pad.
You may need an anti-glare screen for your computer, and you need to take breaks to move your eyes away from the screen so they can focus on objects at both short and long distances. Anti-glare screens and other safety products in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas help prevent eye fatigue. You also need to change tasks periodically, and taking a break at least a couple of times an hour is essential.
The Role of Stretching and Breaks in Reducing Fatigue
You wouldn’t think letting your muscles stay in one position would be problematic, but it is. Rather than letting them rest, holding them in one position creates fatigue as the muscles stiffen. It can even reduce circulation. The result is that you feel tense and tired, and you may even notice more pain.
Stretching is essential to preventing the side effects of being stationary. The stretching doesn’t have to be elaborate; even standing up and walking around a little can help. Taking a break, moving away from your workstation, and stretching a little can do a lot to keep you healthier and safer at work.
The Storage and Ergonomic Equipment Company offers warehouse safety products that help keep you and your workers healthy and safe. If you need anything from special equipment pallet rack repair to a full range of other services, contact us to discuss them.
