10 Reasons Why a Warehouse Safety Audit is Important
A warehouse safety audit is a thorough assessment “of the equipment, fixtures and systems in a typical warehouse …. relating to materials handling and storage.” The inspection is usually done in the form of a checklist. During the audit, warehouse safety experts complete an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) inspection of the entire warehouse.
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The Queensland Government is keen to ensure safe and healthy industry workplaces. However, a lot of warehouse owners don’t see a safety audit as a priority. Many workers and managers have a perception that safety auditors are a regulatory annoyance that is best avoided. The audit process needs all personnel and the safety experts to work toward a common goal. Before you get too apprehensive, here are ten reasons why safety audit is important:
Review Goals
Before the audit, it is important to review your safety goals. Reminding yourself what to achieve is the best starting place for any safety audit. These goals will be the basis for preparing for the inspection. Warehouse audits not only focus on physical installations; history of safety inspections and accidents, work process, and employee workplace competence are also examined. Redefine your goals as you prepare for the safety audit and study the areas requiring greater emphasis. Doing so will help make the process smooth while saving time.
Understand Standards
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Some warehouse owners in Queensland, Australia tend to be careless with health and safety standards inside the warehouse. While many safety regulations are obvious, there are many OHSA standards that are required by Queensland Workplace Health and Safety. Take time to research and understand the OHSA standards, rules and codes. Those details will serve as your guideline in figuring out the most suitable standard and code for your audit. Moreover, this will also help you check if you’re following your legal obligations within your industry.
Identify Violations
With you having a firm grasp over the OHSA standards, identifying areas for shortcomings is easy. Widespread violations typically happen in these areas: forklifts, hazard communication, entrances and exits, electrical wiring, electrical system design, fire safety, lockout/tagout, PPE, materials handling, and walking surfaces. Ensure all these areas are properly checked. Violations are often ingrained into the culture of the warehouse and can be a habit that is hard to destroy. Keep an ongoing eye on these as you walk through your warehouse.
Reduce Risk of Accidents
Most accidents happen when one violates a regulation. Ignorance is not always bliss. Not putting enough attention to the safety of your warehouse can lead to accidents that not only cost cost you and your business but also the lives of your staff. A safety audit makes you aware of these things. It enables you to be aware of accidents that might occur. Always remember, your workers are huge component of your success, hence, it is a mandatory to take good care of them while inside your warehouse. Employee care starts with a safety environment inside the workplace.
Uplift Worker’s Morale
When doing a safety audits, employees are generally the ones that benefit the most. Including them in the process offers an opportunity for them to grow in their knowledge. Moreover, you’ll get the chance to impart the good habits such as safety precautions, discipline, and holistic care. Equipping your workers with OHSA knowledge increases their confidence and is likely to them providing greater input in to the business.
Evaluate Materials and Equipment
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Aside from your workers, your equipment and materials are important as well. An equipment inspection enables you to understand equipment deterioration. The reality is equipment doesn’t last a lifetime. The earlier you find out about equipment issues, the more strategic you can be when it comes to investing in new items. In addition, you’ll have more time to budget.
Determine Effectiveness of Existing Management Controls
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Change is always occurring in any business. That’s why it is important for you to determine whether your warehouse management system is flexible to take in different team members and different environments. A safety assessment of your warehouse should address changes and bring up the performance level of all team members, particularly members that have joined your company recently. As much as you want to stay to your old and daily routine, you have to keep up with all the changes to remain productive and safe.
Promote Customer Assurance
Customers these days are well-informed. They are keen observers when it comes to purchasing goods. A hazardous warehouse may result in damaged goods, poor systems and poor service. As business is always a two-way process, nobody wants to sell or receive bad products. When safety is ensured, it is guaranteed that your storage and items will be in optimal state. Thus, quality products are offered to your satisfied customers.
Aspire for Consistency
A safety audit will motivate a warehouse owner to be consistent and always striving for improvement. Once you stop improving, deterioration often occurs. Being stagnant in your OHSA systems will often lead to complacency. Taking risks with safety may return and leave you with a business that is highly compromised.
Invest Cost-effectively
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A lot of business owners think a safety audit can be costly. But looking at the greater scheme, it is a cost-effective investment that prevents possible additional expenses caused by damaged storage and goods and injured workers.
One crucial aspect of warehouse safety is the state of the storage racking used. Australian standard AS4084-2012 sets out the minimum requirements for pallet racking. Collapsed racking due to overloading, poor installation or damage is potentially life threatening. Don’t let your warehouse get to the point where it is injuring your employees!
If your business has not had a racking audit in over 12 months, PRQ is offering free pallet racking safety audit for a limited amount of time. Call 07 3841 2233 now to know all the details!
