Lifting and moving personnel

You should only lift personnel by lifts designed for that purpose (aerial work platforms, scissor lifts, vertical personnel lifts). These devices must be safety inspected annually and marked properly for personnel lifting. You must have a minimum of one year experience operating such a lift before lifting personnel on it. This means you must be at least 19 years old. Also, the person being lifted must be at least 18. Before attempting the lift, make sure you cause no danger to yourself or anybody else. If necessary, isolate the area from other traffic. (Decree 403/2008, Chapters 3 and 3a, 25§). You mustn’t transport another person in the forklift cabin unless there is an extra seat in the cabin. Also, forklift forks must not be used for transporting personnel, not even on pallets. This applies to manual jacks as well.

Suitability and condition of forklifts and other machinery

Only use machinery and devices that are in good working order and suited for the job. When starting to use a device, consider the weight, size and shape of the load, also how high you have to lift it and if the environment poses limitations (e.g. aisle width). The load you are handling may require using some type of accessories (slings, chains, booms), fork extensions, drum grippers, booms for reels, carpet poles, etc. Make sure the accessories are compatible with the forklift or machine. Do not use machines, devices or lifting aids that are not in good condition or lack safety equipment. Report, tag and remove defective forklifts from service until they have been repaired and notify your supervisor. It is the employer’s responsibility to organise the maintenance and repairs of the machinery. However, you should also carry out daily checks before operating the machine (e.g. forklift):

  • make sure the cables and chains are intact and that there are no spills
  • check the tires and air pressure
  • make sure there are no visible fractures
  • make sure the machine is tidy enough (consider fire safety)
  • make sure the controls and other functionalities are in proper working order – test them!

After your shift, park the machine in an appropriate place and leave it in good condition. Remove all trash (sticker sheets, tape rolls, wrapping material, coffee cups, etc). The employer is advised to listen to the opinions of the personnel before acquiring machinery and devices. You can tell your supervisor what you think of the current devices and if necessary, suggest better suited solutions.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and work wear

A worker must wear the personal protective equipment and working clothes provided by the employer for a particular job (OSH Act 20§). If you have a problem with the suitability of the PPE or work wear, discuss it with your supervisor. The appropriate PPE and work wear are assigned based on the tasks. Typically, in retailers’ warehouses, protective shoes, gloves and reflective vest (or other work wear ensuring visibility) are needed. When necessary, also the following will be used: hearing protection (consider also impulse noise from collapsing and stacking roll containers), goggles (glass crushing), respiratory protection (dust, bacteria, chemicals), hard hat and clothes appropriate for the season or different temperatures. The obligation to wear PPE also applies to subcontractors and truck drivers who need to move around in the warehouse environment. If you notice negligence, please point it out.

Warehouses always have fire hazards. Defective electrical equipment, forklift battery and engine defects, chemicals and smoking are the most common causes of fires but you should also recognize the possible risk of arson. Pallets and stored goods are fuel for fire. You can do your part in reducing the fire hazard and helping the rescue work. Good housekeeping plays an important role in this:

  • keep trash and other flammable material out of the machinery and equipment and their vicinity
  • do not store items along the walls; fire spreads quickly through voids, roof structures and attic spaces
  • obey the fire and safety instructions around the forklift recharging stations
  • if you smoke, only do it designated areas and make sure you discard the butts in proper containers
  • if the bin has a lid, make sure you close it after use.

Never prevent fire doors from closing (by wedging them open) even for a short while. Make sure you do not damage fire detectors by forklifts or loads. If you suspect damage, notify your supervisor. Obey instructions on how to handle, package and store chemicals and study the safety regulations of EX and ATEX classified spaces.

Loading, health and work ability

Physical strain

Typical loading factors in warehouses are lifting and moving of loads, fixed and awkward postures, repetitive work as well as some environment related factors, such as temperature, draft, noise and air quality. Harmful loading can, however, be prevented and reduced in many ways. Reasonable, steady pace of work helps. Rushing exposes you to accidents!

Temperature

Our thermal balance is affected by the environment and the clothing and how loading the work is. Environmental factors affecting the body temperature are:

  • air temperature
  • radiant heat
  • wind / air movement
  • humidity

Warehouse work can generally be classified as moderately strenuous work and the recommended temperature for that kind of work is 66-73 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperature that significantly deviates from that is a loading factor and affects workers’ performance adversely, leading to more mistakes and lessened productivity.

The The more strenuous the work and the hotter the environment, the higher the physical loading. It is therefore very important to take care of the fluid and electrolyte (salt) balance. Working in hot environments entails adequate breaks, fluids and skin protection. Heat exposure can be diminished by improving air conditioning and ventilation, by local cooling systems, fans or shades. It is advisable to turn off all heat generating machinery when not in use. When the temperature is high:

  • drink plenty
  • eat healthily
  • take breaks
  • use cooling methods appropriate for you task. Heat exposure can be lowered by fans and air conditioners, draft, or by taking a cool shower.

Outdoors work is performed in many warehouses, and storage freezers are an indoors cold working area. Going back and forth between a warm and a cold working area puts an extra burden on the body. Work is defined “cold work” if it is performed in temperatures below 59 degrees Fahrenheit. In practice, cold induced health problems occur in people who work in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. “Cold work” entails that the worker has a sensation of cold. Besides temperature, these sensations are caused by wind, humidity, cold liquids and cold surfaces and platforms. Cold is known to impair one’s performance and to increase the loading. Good physical condition improves the tolerance of cold because fit muscles generate more heat and their blood circulation is better.

Prevent cold hazards:

  • Keep doors shut.
  • Stay dry (including your feet).
  • Wear layered clothing.
  • Warm-up before starting the actual work.

If you work in irregular temperatures, contact your occupational health care for instructions and recommendations on breaks, protective clothing and hazard prevention.

Repetitive work

Repetitive work means work where similar, short tasks are performed repeatedly. In repetitive work, work cycles resemble each other in their duration, use of force and movement. According to the exact definition, repetitive work is such that one phase lasts less than 30 seconds or that more than half of the work phase is spent repeating the same movement, regardless of the length of the phase. The difference between repetitive and non-repetitive work is quite theoretical. Also tasks that include longer work phases or more versatile movement may cause upper limb pain. In the warehouse, for example loading and unloading goods and forklift driving may classify as repetitive work. Simultaneous repetition and excessive use of force cause a multiplied risk.

Breaks and energy intake

Breaks lessen the physical loading of work. Taking breaks is particularly important in jobs that include constant repetition, lifting and carrying. Static muscle exertion pauses during breaks and that enables the muscles to recover. Regular break-time exercise, done on your own or instructed, is an effective and inexpensive way to prevent musculoskeletal problems. Physically strenuous work requires sufficient energy intake. Eat well and time your meals right and you will have energy to work the entire shift. Tips for recovery:

  • Take several short breaks instead of one long one. Eat healthy snacks.
  • Make it a regular habit to stretch your muscles for a few minutes every once in a while

Work postures and movements

It is critical that the workstation arrangements and design and the use of machinery, equipment and tools make it possible for you to work in a good posture, to change positions and postures and to move around freely. You shouldn’t have to bend over or twist to reach the workstation, nor reach excessively or sustain arm extension. Use both hands when shelving or picking items or lifting loads. That way you can keep your wrists in a natural position and won’t need to grip forcefully or hold wrists in extreme positions.

Working at your workstation

Adjust the height of your workstation. If your task requires visual precision, position the task close and above elbow height. If your task requires moving your hands, position the task below elbow height.Large or heavy loads are best handled standing. Adjustable work surfaces are recommended in particular for workstations where people of different heights work or goods of different sizes are handled.Tool trolleys can be used as a moving workstation. A rubber mat provides good support if you have to stand a lot. Manual work puts a burden on the upper body joints. Prolonged, unchanged posture – be it sitting or standing – may cause static muscle tension and lead to different symptoms and pains. Other joints and lumbar discs may also get burdened.

Standing work

Warehouse jobs are often jobs that include a lot of standing and moving, which burdens the lower body. Standing still strains the muscles and blood circulation considerably more than walking or moving around. Constant standing consumes energy and you get tired. Standing posture makes it easier to reach further and also use force better than in a sitting posture. It is also easier to change postures and move around more easily and freely when standing. For the best results, sit, stand and walk and adjust your own postures.

  • Occasionally, sit down to work or sit during breaks.
  • Use a sit-stand stool.
  • Leaning and finding support ease the pressure on your back.
  • A rubber mat placed on the floor will ease the pressure on the back and lower body

Sedentary work

Some warehouse jobs are done sitting, eg. office work, goods receiving, and handling of smaller items. Also, driving a forklift can be sedentary work. Sedentary work poses too little and too monotonous demands on the body. Combined with standing and moving around, sitting provides much needed change.
Appropriate workstation, suitable tools and furniture (such as adjustable desk and chair) are particularly important in sedentary work. Adjust your workstation to fit you:

Desk:

  • adjust the height
  • shoulders relaxed and neck straight
  • elbows supported
  • room for materials

Display:

  • optimal distance
  • straight in front of you, below eye level

Chair:

  • height, feet on the floor or on a foot rest
  • back rest provides lumbar support
  • arm rests if needed Mouse and keyboard
  • same level, near each other
  • alternate using them
  • use an ergonomic mouse

Foot space

  • feet on the floor or on a foot rest
  • no electrical wiring in the foot space

Breaks

  • even good ergonomics will not prevent injuries if you don’t take frequent breaks.

Stress management

Typical challenges in warehouse work include rush, constant state of alertness required by internal traffic, non-functioning machinery for example in voice activated picking, and maintaining competence to use new and constantly developing systems. Recovery is essential for managing stress. If you don’t have enough opportunities to recover from work, this will lead to fatigue and lapsing alertness. And this in turn increases accident risk. Stress symptoms and effects of stress are different on different people. Learn to recognize harmful stress in time. The symptoms could be:

  • impaired performance
  • increased mistakes
  • aches and pains
  • concentration and memory problems
  • sleeping problems
  • irritability, conflicts
  • increased smoking and alcohol consumption.

Warehouse work is often shift work, with occasional night shifts. The Working Hours Act defines night work as work that is performed between 11 pm and 6 am. Night work is both physically and mentally more loading than regular day work. There are considerable individual differences as to how people react to shift work.

Prevent harmful stress:

  • recognize the symptoms early
  • discuss stress inducing matters with your supervisor
  • embrace the challenges provided by your work. Make suggestions to develop your job description
  • Occupational health care services can help you assess your work load
  • get enough sleep
  • take care of your social contacts
  • don’t think about work in your free time
  • lead active free time (social contacts, hobbies)
  • relax in your preferred way; listening to music, reading, walking in the nature.

Well-functioning working community and atmosphere

Everyone has the right to be treated properly and respectfully at work. Do your part to maintain a positive atmosphere in your workplace.

Conflicts need to be solved promptly and problems solved before they become personalized. Occupational Safety and Health Act prohibits harassment and inappropriate treatment of other workers in the workplace. This includes harassment and threatening behavior by customers as well. Inappropriate treatment means objectionable or disturbing behavior. Harassment and inappropriate behavior may mean for example bullying or psychological abuse, including oppression, insulting comments, shunning/excluding or name calling. The following do not constitute inappropriate treatment:

  • conflicts arising from work related decisions or interpretations
  • handling of task or work related problems among the working community
  • justified disciplinary actions
  • referral to work ability assessment after the performance-related problems have been discussed with the employee.

Inappropriate treatment may include discrimination based on color, gender, age or opinion. Also, unjustified removal of work tasks or employment benefits and not granting benefits may constitute harassment. Also, sexual harassment or abuse count as inappropriate behavior. They can be physical or verbal. Insinuations, gestures, offensive pictures or rude remarks can all be just as abusive as physical touching.

If you experience or observe inappropriate behavior or harassment:

  • make it known to the person harassing you that you find their behavior inappropriate and if this does not help, ask the employer to intervene
  • if needed, ask your Occupational Health and Safety Representative or shop steward or a colleague to accompany you to the meeting where the issue is handled.

If the situation doesn’t improve, notify your supervisor. Violence or threat of violence requires preventive measures and sufficient safety measures. In threatening or danger situations, always follow the given safety instructions.

Working alone

If a person works alone, the employer is obliged, considering the nature of the work, the circumstances and the location of the work, to arrange an opportunity for the employee to stay in contact with the employer and other employees. The employer must also ensure the means for calling for help to the person working alone. Working alone can be considered a hazard factor in itself. It is quite common that in smaller working communities workers work at least some part of the day alone or without visual contact to their colleagues.