Workplace Safety and Health Hazards in Warehouses, Factories, and Physical Operations

The  Occupational Safety and Health Administration, better known as OSHA, provides safety and health standards to ensure safe working conditions. This is especially important in industries like construction, manufacturing, warehousing, oil and gas, and more. These physical operations often necessitate work in hazardous or high-risk conditions, which can lead to work-related injuries and even fatalities. 

In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor, 4,764 workers in the United States suffered fatal work injuries in 2020. The private construction industry accounted for 21.2%  of total fatalities, followed by transportation and warehousing with 16.9% of total fatalities. 

These industries require extensive precautions to ensure worker safety and well-being. In this guide, we’ll share the most common hazards and how managers can use digital forms technology to improve safety and reduce workplace injuries.

What are common workplace hazards in physical operations?

To ensure the occupational safety of your worksite, managers must have an understanding of commonplace issues before implementing proper safety training. Take special care to train young workers who may not be familiar with protocols and ensure compliance with OSHA safety and health standards.

• Chemical hazards: For operations that handle chemical materials, employees face significant chemical hazards. Chemicals that interact with one another or come into contact with a worker due to improper storage, handling, and disposal can result in serious injuries and property loss.

• Heat stress:  It is important to regularly monitor your team for work-related heat stress when working in weather conditions or areas that produce excessive heat, such as with heavy machinery. Furthermore, heatwaves and working conditions may also contribute to increased wildfire activities, requiring PPE such as masks, heat proof clothing, or a respirator. 

• Workplace violence: For employees that perform work in a public capacity (for example, a government employee), there have been instances of physical assault or aggressive behavior against workers. Protect employees with security guards and video surveillance to ensure proper oversight and response in the case of workplace violence.

• Ergonomics: Proper posture isn’t only a concern for office workers. Truck drivers, construction workers, and others can experience ergonomic pain or injury when working conditions cause strain on the body.

For more information, visit the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) website or download OSHA's recommended practices for safety and health programs.

How can digital forms help improve workplace safety?

Ensuring workplace safety involves adhering to extensive OSHA protocols, compliance standards, and comprehensive safety training programs. To effectively manage these requirements, safety checklists are frequently employed. These checklists help organizations address potential hazards, ensure compliance with regulations, and maintain a safe working environment for all employees.

Innovative organizations can now digitize mission-critical forms with digital forms technology such as Samsara Connected Workflows. Digital form solutions transform the way organizations gather, manage, and analyze operational data. They significantly enhance data accuracy and operational efficiency, helping organizations maintain compliance and reduce workplace injuries. If you’re curious about how Samsara can help you reduce workplace hazards and minimize worker injuries, reach out for a free demo or trial today.