Security Gates and Warehouse Safety
Many people think of security gates as protection from criminals. This is true, but they’re also a great way to keep employees, customers and visitors safe on your property. Security gates can be used as safety barriers.
Warehouse safety is important. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the warehousing and storage industry suffers almost 15,000 injuries and illnesses every year. These incidents range from minor to severe. However, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration states that the fatal injury rate for the warehousing industry is higher than the national average. With these sorts of numbers, it’s easy to see why warehouse safety is so important.
Warehouse Safety Tips
Here are a few tips for using security gates to protect your warehouse and keep your employees, customers and guests safe and secure.
Prevent Falls
One of the main causes of injury at warehouses as well as at workplaces in general is slips, trips and falls. In fact, in Ontario, nearly 20 per cent of lost-time injury claims to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board involve slips, trips and falls. Installing security gates at loading docks, sliding doors and other potentially dangerous areas can reduce the likelihood of falls at these locations. As an added bonus, having security gates installed at your loading dock will reduce crime and protect your warehouse from robberies.
Secure Hazardous Zones
Dangerous equipment, chemicals, tools and other hazardous materials should be placed in a clearly marked and secure area. Using security gates to protect these areas can limit access to these locations. This is ideal as there may be some equipment or tools that can only be used by employees who have special training. By locking these tools behind security gates, you ensure that only those who should be using these tools are able to do so.
Locking hazardous zones behind security gates also prevents customers, visitors, guests and even criminals from entering these areas. Visitors and guests can be hurt in hazardous areas and criminals can use the tools found in these areas to cause crime.
Protect Against Crime
Warehouses are frequent targets for criminals. Unfortunately, during these crimes, employees, visitors or customers can be harmed. This can occur due to deliberate action by the criminals or due to damage caused by the criminals during the crime. By installing security gates on doors, windows, loading docks and secure areas, you reduce the likelihood of a crime taking place at your property. This protects employees and customers and keeps your warehouse safe and secure.
Warehouses can be dangerous. There are a number of other ways to ensure that they are secured properly. Signage, training and regularly reviewing your company’s health and safety policies are all crucial to keeping a warehouse safe. It’s important that all employees are aware of the policies in place for reporting potentially dangerous situations and for responding to warehouse accidents and injuries. All health and safety policies should be reviewed regularly. By taking the appropriate precautions, many warehouse injuries and fatalities can be prevented.
Are you looking to improve your warehouse safety? Contact us for your security and safety barrier solutions.
