It doesn’t matter whether you’re a forklift operator, general labourer or a shipping specialist, safety in the warehouse is paramount for anyone who works there. Overcoming sophisticated challenges is at the core of working in a warehouse, but keeping everything running safely and smoothly during the winter months can be even more challenging.  

While advances in technology have reduced some safety concerns and vulnerabilities, there are still things to consider when it comes to the safety of inventory, workers and overall operations over winter. 

There’s nothing you can do about the harsher weather, but you can follow some easy steps to help mitigate exposure when the inevitable transpires. Doing so will keep operations running safely and effectively through the coldest months.

Warehouse preparation

Take a strategic approach to preparing your warehouse for the winter conditions, by firstly checking the condition of heat generating equipment. Being proactive with making sure heating facilities are working properly will allow you to fix any potential problems you may discover before the extreme weather conditions set in. When the temperatures really start to drop, a damaged heating facility could potentially cost significant levels of inventory.

Keeping an eye on warehouse temperature regulation will work wonders for ensuring your inventory is safe during the long cold days. Especially if any operations in the warehouse are exposed to the elements fairly frequently. Investing in High-Volume, Low-Speed (HVLS) fans could provide a solution if temperature regulation is an issue. 

You should also focus on protecting inventory that could be vulnerable to freezing temperatures. It’s essential that you regularly assess the overall organisation of your warehouse. This will help to ensure products are stored properly and distributed intact. When things aren’t organised, it creates a breeding ground for unproductive practices, which can lead to greater damage and possibly injury during winter. 

Workforce preparation 

The safety of your workforce is always the number-one priority, no matter what time of year it is. When the temperatures drop, it can leave staff vulnerable to thinks like frostbite and even hyperthermia. You can help your workforce prepare for these conditions by making sure they wear the appropriate attire attire during the coldest months, including:

• Layered clothing, with insulated coats and preferably heavy no-slip work gloves.
• Boots that have great traction and that are waterproof. 
• Hats and beanies that don’t obstruct visibility. 

Keep in mind that the cold weather can cause muscles and joints to tighten. Leading to strains, pulls and tears for those who frequently alternate between being stationary and active. Small measures such as stretching before work can help to mitigate the risk of these injuries occurring. 

At H&F Lift Trucks, we’ve got all the new or used forklift models you could ask for.

Please, contact us today on 0800 298 8790 for more information.