Regular maintenance is required to keep all equipment, machines and the work environment safe and reliable at all times in the warehouse. Dangerous situations, accidents and health problems can occur as a result of not conducting proper maintenance checks.

December 2019 Maintenance Safety Topics

With maintenance, some hazards in the warehouse are formed as a result of the nature of the work since it is a high-risk activity. Maintenance workers are more likely than other employees to be exposed to various hazards. 

Warehouse maintenance poses specific hazards and risks to those working alongside a running process and in close contact with machinery. During normal operation, automation typically diminishes the likelihood of human error that can lead to accidents. In maintenance activities, contrary to normal operation in a warehouse, direct contact between the worker and machine cannot be reduced substantially and poses a greater risk of human error. This, in turn, increases the accident risk because maintenance is an activity where the workers need to be in close contact with processes.

In 2018 alone, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, there was over 29,000 days spent away from work by maintenance workers as a direct result of an accident. In 2018, warehouse and transportation workers had 30,080 medical treatment facility visits, 26490 emergency room visits and 3,590 in-patient overnight hospitalizations.

Warehouse maintenance often involves unusual work, non-routine tasks and it is often performed in exceptional conditions, such as working in confined spaces.

Maintenance in a warehouse involves changing tasks and working environment. This is especially true in case of contract workers. Subcontracting is an aggravating factor in terms of safety and health - numerous accidents and incidents relate to subcontracting maintenance.

Since maintenance safety in warehouses is a big factor in decreasing risks in the workplace, we have created the following safety calendar that will help guide you through daily safety discussions with your employees. Feel free to use this calendar and our other calendars to operate a safer work environment.

Be sure to check out our safety blog for the latest, tips, tricks, and safety lessons below.

Download the calendar here: December 2019 Maintenance Safety Calendar