Infographic Originally Created by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Warehouse work can be dangerous, so you must take measures to ensure every employee is properly trained to do their job. What you might not realize is fatigued employees can actually be as much of a liability as untrained workers.
As one of the top warehouse employment agencies in Lehigh Valley, HTSS, Inc. understands the danger of exhausted warehouse workers, and we want to make sure you get the memo. Find out why it’s a safety hazard to allow overworked employees to stay on the clock.
The Risk of Warehouse Worker Fatigue
Nearly 25% of Americans work more than 40 hours per week, according to OSHA. Approximately 15 million people work full-time, with shifts often rotating and falling in the evening and night hours. This is common in warehouses, where production often runs around the clock.
Some people voluntarily take on additional shifts to earn extra cash, while others find themselves scheduled to work irregular hours that result in a lack of sleep. This might not seem like a big deal, especially if the person insists they’re fully alert, but exhausted workers are unable to produce the same quality of work as those who get enough rest.
OSHA warns that fatigue can cause workers to develop poor eating habits, higher stress levels, leave no time for physical activity and face an increased risk of injury and illness. Along with these negative implications, warehouse workers who work excessive overtime may see negative impacts of shiftwork and long work hours that make it difficult to complete common work assignments.
Preventing Worker Fatigue in Your Warehouse
You can’t give your warehouse team a nightly curfew, but there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of worker fatigue. OSHA recommends taking the following steps to keep your staff well-rested:
- Closely monitor factors such as employee workloads, work hours and total manpower, because these issues can result in worker fatigue.
- Make sure work schedules allow for breaks and a good night’s sleep.
- Adjust warehouse lighting, temperature, and surroundings to encourage alertness.
- Educate employees on the risks of worker fatigue and how to identify it.
- Implement a Fatigue Risk Management Plan that includes formal measures to manage worker fatigue.
Don’t lose sleep over staffing.
Worried about completing a big project or staffing up for your seasonal rush? Have a key position to fill and need to get it right the first time? Trouble managing a large temporary team?
Relax. HTSS is on call for you 24/7.
- Reliable workforce consultants with the know-how to uncover the best talent.
- Pre-screened candidates with proven credentials and strong track records.
- Local ownership for the ease of local decision making – and less red tape.
- WBENC certification to meet your supplier diversity goals.
- On-site coordinators are available to handle all aspects of managing your temporaries.
Spend less time and money recruiting, screening and managing your workforce – and more time reaching your business goals.
Worry less. Get more done. Contact HTSS.
