Tips to protect warehouse workers from struck-by incidents

Struck-by incidents are a significant hazard in warehouse and distribution centres, contributing to traumatic, life-altering injuries and fatalities. WSPS warehouse specialist Norm Kramer says there are two main causes of these incidents. “They occur when vehicles and mobile equipment strike pedestrians, and when material falling from racks and high storage strikes workers nearby.

“With the high toll these incidents take on workers, and on workplaces (high-direct and indirect costs), warehouse/distribution centres must take proactive measures to prevent them.”

This means following a thorough hazard management process to ensure that struck-by risks are identified and effectively controlled. Kramer recommends involving internal people in the process, including the warehouse manager, shipper/receiver(s), safety committee member(s), mobile equipment operator(s), truck driver(s) and pedestrian(s), to name a few.

“A tried-and-true approach to hazard management includes reviewing all related documentation, such as incident reports, policies and procedures and training; conducting observations and interviewing key staff; and reviewing applicable industry best practices, such as CSA standard B335, Safety Standard for Lift Trucks and A344, User Guide for Steel Storage Racks,” Kramer said.

How can incident reports help? 

“Reviewing incidents that have occurred in your workplace, and asking appropriate questions, can be an effective way to isolate and address root causes, and determine control measures,” Kramer explained

Here is an example:

Incident: A worker is struck by a falling load

A lift truck operator places a pallet on the upper level of a storage rack. Unbeknownst to the operator, the pallet pushes a dislodged box into the adjacent pallet, which falls to the floor and strikes a worker.

“Here are questions you can ask in reviewing this incident to help identify causes and solutions,” said Kramer.

• Are loads secured with wrapping or strapping before they are placed on the rack?
• Are workers, such as order pickers, working on one side of back-to-back racking when a load is placed from the other side?
• Do lift truck operators have good visibility by using different controls, such as the adoption of camera technology?

“Hazard management cannot be left to chance, including identifying struck-by risk,” Kramer said. “Take the time to do it right, follow a stringent process and get as much input as possible from the appropriate people. I’ve found from experience that lift truck operators who perform their duties day after day, perhaps for many years, have valuable insights to share to prevent struck-by injuries.”

How WSPS can help

Connect with a WSPS consultant for help carrying out a job hazards analysis and risk assessments to prevent struck by injuries in your business.

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