Introduction - Warehouse & Retail distribution centers are the nerve centers of retail corporations. Thousands of merchandise items are received and shipped daily. The environment is work intensive. Efficiency and accuracy are critical. There is always a lot of work going on in a retail distribution center and its a job for professionals. Part of your professional responsibilities include safety - safety for you and your co-workers. Distribution centers are safe places to work if you follow safety procedures. Today we'll review some safety tips to help you improve safety awareness. We certainly cannot cover all safety rules. Your company's safety policies and procedures are the formal rules for you to follow, but the information provided in this program will help you to be more aware of your responsibilities and improve safety in your distribution center.

Forklifts & motorized vehicles - Naturally motorized material handling vehicles are used extensively because they are efficient and save time. Anyone operating motorized vehicles must be trained and authorized by the company. Everyone needs to be aware of pedestrians. Forklift operators must watch carefully for pedestrians and other motorized vehicles. But distribution center pedestrians also share a responsibility for accident prevention by watching out for forklifts, pallet jacks, and other material handling equipment. Forklift operators have difficulty spotting pedestrians because of awkward loads, blind corners, and other vehicle traffic. Everyone must watch for traffic, not only the persons operating equipment - It's called teamwork.

Personal Protection - Ok. More safety tips include clothing. Your company’s dress code dictates the proper attire to be worn at work, but it is recommended that you do not wear tennis shoes. We know many companies allow tennis shoes, but athletic or canvas shoes offer little if any protection from minor cuts, chemical spills, or other foot hazards. It’s also a good idea to leave your rings and jewelry at home as these items can get caught on pallets, merchandise, or even material handling equipment. Keep long hair tied back or contained under a hat or net. Long hair caught in moving machinery can be quite serious.

Fire Prevention - Fire prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Good housekeeping, proper stacking of merchandise, smoking only in designated areas, and equipment maintenance are all part of fire prevention. Don’t stack merchandise within 18 inches or 36 inches of sprinkler heads. Stacking merchandise close to sprinkler heads may render the sprinkler system ineffective in case of a fire. Fire hoses and extinguishers must be in good condition, inspected monthly, and be charged and ready to operate if a fire occurs. Fire hoses should be manned by 3 persons: 1 to hold the nozzle, 1 to string out the hose, and 1 to operate the on/off valve. Of course, never use water on electrical fires. It could be a shocking experience. You can remember how to use fire extinguishers with the simple word P.A.S.S. Pull the pin. Aim the Nozzle. Squeeze the trigger. Sweep from side to side. The most important part of fire extinguishers is to call the fire department. A small fire can turn into a major blaze within a manner of seconds. If you can extinguish a fire safely, ok, give it a shot. If there is any threat to your safety get out and let the fire department handle the fire.

Ladder Safety - Next let’s take a second to talk about ladders. Falls from ladders can be serious. Falls from racks are equally hazardous. Never climb on storage racks or use chairs as ladders. Most distribution centers use rolling ladders. Make sure the rollers and legs are in good working condition. Never use defective or unserviceable equipment. Don’t lean the center of your body past the outside rail of any ladder. We call this the belt buckle rule. Stay within the ladder’s center of gravity.