The Essential Training Checklist for Your Team

Apr 12, 2023

Running a successful warehouse operation is no small feat, and one of the keys to success is adequately training your warehouse team on all aspects of the job. From forklift safety to sanitation and cleaning practices, every team member must know how to perform their job safely and efficiently. To help ensure that your warehouse team is trained correctly, here is an essential training checklist that covers some of the most critical areas of warehouse operations.

Forklift Safety

Forklifts are essential in any warehouse operation but can also be dangerous if not operated correctly. Ensuring that all employees operating forklifts receive proper training before using them is crucial. Training should cover topics such as forklift operation, loading and unloading, and inspection and maintenance. It’s also vital to teach forklift operators about load capacity limits, the dangers of overloading, and the importance of maintaining a safe distance from pedestrians and other vehicles.

OSHA has specific standards for forklift training, and ensuring that your training program meets these standards is important. For example, OSHA requires that forklift operators receive formal instruction, practical training, and an evaluation of their skills before they’re allowed to operate a forklift.

Scissor Lift Safety

Scissor lifts are another standard piece of equipment in many warehouses, and they also come with their own set of safety concerns. Proper scissor lift operation, maintenance, and inspection training are essential to prevent accidents and injuries. Like forklifts, scissor lifts have specific load capacity limits, and operators need to be aware of these limits to avoid accidents.

OSHA has specific standards for scissor lift training as well. For example, operators must receive both classroom and hands-on training, and they must demonstrate their skills before they’re allowed to operate a scissor lift.

Sanitation and Cleaning Practices

A clean and organized warehouse is not only more efficient but also safer. Employees need to be trained on proper sanitation and cleaning practices to prevent the spread of germs and maintain a safe and healthy work environment. This includes properly disposing of waste, cleaning spills, and keeping work areas organized and clutter-free.

OSHA has specific standards for sanitation and cleaning practices in warehouses, and it’s crucial to ensure that your training program meets these standards. For example, OSHA requires that warehouses have a written sanitation program and that employees receive training on the program and how to implement it.

Loading Dock Safety

Loading docks are a high-traffic area in many warehouses, and they can also be dangerous if proper safety precautions aren’t taken. Employees must train on loading and unloading procedures, including securing loads properly and using equipment like dock levelers and dock plates. Training employees to properly use personal protective equipment (PPE) when working on the loading dock is also essential.

OSHA requires that employees receive training on safely operating loading dock equipment and recognizing and avoiding common hazards like slipping and falling. You must inspect the dock doors often to help prevent accidents, especially high-speed ones. 

Warehouse Organization

A well-organized warehouse is not only more efficient but also safer. Employees should train on proper warehouse organization techniques, including how to store and handle products, maintain inventory accuracy, and use equipment like pallet racks and shelving units. Many warehouses are experimenting with advanced, cloud-based inventory systems and automation. Taking advantage of new organizational technologies will help your warehouse remain efficient, safe, and effective. 

OSHA requires that warehouses have a written plan for how products will be stored and handled and that employees receive training on this plan and how to implement it. Written procedures ensure that you can replicate the standards and that all workers receive the same level of training. 

Work With Benco Industrial Equipment

Here at Benco Industrial Equipment, we know the ins and outs of the materials handling industry and can help you set your warehouse up for success. We have both electric and internal combustion forklifts ready to buy or rent. We have available legless stackers, straddle stackers, reach stackers, work assist unit forklifts, and more. We also have various other equipment and products to help get your job done. Get in touch with us today!

Common Hazards in Your Warehouse (And How to Avoid Them)

08 Apr, 2024
Warehouses are the backbone of many industries, storing and distributing goods to keep the economy moving. However, behind the scenes of this logistical hub lurk various hazards that can pose severe risks to employees and property. Let's investigate some of the most common warehouse hazards and explore proactive mitigation strategies. Slips/Trips/Falls Slips, trips, and falls are among the most prevalent hazards in warehouse spaces. Spills, cluttered aisles, and uneven surfaces can easily lead to accidents if not adequately addressed. To prevent such incidents, warehouses should prioritize proper housekeeping, including regular cleaning and maintenance of floors. Additionally, using signage to highlight potential hazards and ensuring adequate lighting throughout the facility can significantly reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Fires Flammable materials and electrical equipment in warehouses make them susceptible to fires. Faulty wiring, improper storage of combustible materials, and lack of fire suppression systems can all contribute to the risk of fire outbreaks. Implementing preventive measures such as regular equipment maintenance, proper storage protocols for flammable materials, and employee training on fire safety procedures are crucial in mitigating this hazard. Harmful Substances Warehouses often house various chemicals and hazardous substances, which can pose risks to employees' health if not handled properly. Exposure to harmful substances can lead to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other serious health problems. To mitigate this hazard, warehouses should properly store and label hazardous materials, provide employees with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), ensure adequate ventilation systems, and conduct regular training on safe handling procedures. Falling Objects With shelves stacked high with merchandise, falling objects present a significant hazard in warehouses. Poorly secured storage systems, improper stacking of items, and inadequate safety measures can all increase the risk of objects falling and causing injury. Warehouses can minimize this risk by adequately securing shelves and storage systems, using barriers or guardrails to prevent objects from falling, and conducting regular inspections of overhead storage areas. Overexertion The physical demands of warehouse work can lead to overexertion injuries if employees lack adequate training or don't perform tasks ergonomically. Lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, and working in awkward positions can all contribute to overexertion injuries such as strains and sprains. To prevent such injuries, warehouses should provide comprehensive training on proper lifting techniques, encourage the use of mechanical aids such as forklifts and pallet jacks, and implement ergonomic workstations to reduce strain on employees' bodies.

Common Inventory Management Mistakes

08 Mar, 2024
Effective inventory management practices influence the success of each warehouse, the supply chain, and the business at large. Inventory management involves many moving parts and elements – everything from the product catalog to the warehouse space to tracked KPIs. Experienced warehouse managers know that no matter how fool-proof your inventory management systems are, there’s always room to improve and prepare for unexpected circumstances. Let’s discuss common inventory management mistakes (and what to do instead). Overstocking or Understocking One of the most prevalent inventory management mistakes is maintaining too much or too little inventory. Overstocking ties up valuable capital and warehouse space, leading to increased carrying costs and a higher risk of obsolescence. On the other hand, understocking can result in stockouts, backorders, and dissatisfied customers. Businesses should leverage historical sales data, market trends, and advanced forecasting techniques to accurately predict demand and optimize inventory levels. Inaccurate Demand Forecasting Businesses are prone to making costly inventory planning errors without precise demand forecasting. Relying on outdated data or flawed forecasting methods can lead to inefficiencies and missed opportunities. By utilizing advanced analytics and predictive modeling, businesses can better anticipate shifts in demand, seasonal fluctuations, and emerging trends, allowing for more informed inventory decisions and improved responsiveness to customer needs. Lack of Inventory Visibility Poor visibility into inventory levels across multiple locations or channels can result in operational inefficiencies and errors. Without real-time data on stock levels and movement, businesses may struggle to fulfill orders on time, leading to customer dissatisfaction and lost sales. Implementing integrated inventory management systems that provide comprehensive visibility into inventory across the supply chain can help businesses optimize inventory allocation, reduce stockouts, and improve overall operational performance.

A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Forklifts

By Denis Benden • 08 Feb, 2024
Efficient material handling is crucial for businesses of all sizes and industries. It directly impacts productivity, cost-effectiveness, and overall operational success. Effective material handling ensures that goods are moved, stored, and transported in a streamlined and organized manner, minimizing delays, damages, and errors. Electric forklifts play a significant role in effective material handling, transforming the […] The post A Beginner’s Guide to Electric Forklifts appeared first on Benco Industrial Equipment.
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