4 common dangers when working in a warehouse

On Behalf of | Apr 17, 2023 | Industrial, Manufacturing And Warehouse Accidents

Warehouse workers are often paid well. While the job is essential, the high pay rate may be because warehouses are a lot more dangerous than people think.

Workers suffer many common kinds of injuries in warehouses. Here’s what can happen:

1. Forklifts

Forklifts are heavy machinery and, in the wrong hands, could cause fatal injuries. As such, workers often have to be trained before they can use forklifts. But, even trained and experienced forklift users could cause accidents.

An accident from a forklift could look very similar to a car accident. The two collided vehicles may cause workers to suffer concussions, cuts, bruises, whiplash and other medical conditions. However, the prongs on the end of forklifts can be especially dangerous. The prongs are fairly sharp and the speed of a forklift could cause a worker to suffer fatal puncture wounds. 

2. Falling crates

Warehouses are typically stacked to the roof with crates. Many of the crates can weigh hundreds of pounds. One small accident, such as a forklift collision, or the improper placement of a crate could cause them to fall down. The velocity and weight of a falling crate could severely injure workers. They could suffer from broken bones, head and spine trauma or other injuries.

3. Hazardous chemicals

Many of the crates stored in warehouses hold chemicals. These crates should have some kind of label stating that the chemicals within are hazardous. If a crate is broken or punctured, then chemicals could leak out. Skin or lung exposure to these chemicals could cause workers to suffer from medical conditions and disabilities. 

4. Slip-and-fall accidents

There are a lot of chances to suffer a slip-and-fall accident in a warehouse. Forklifts and crakes may leak oils, chemicals and fluids that aren’t cleaned up. Or, there may be wires that can easily be tripped on. A slip-and-fall accident can lead to herniated discs, head trauma and broken bones.

If you’ve suffered injuries and can’t work, then you may need to learn what kind of legal options you have when filing for workers’ compensation