Transportation and warehousing rank in the top four most dangerous occupations in the United States. In fact, a recent study from 2019 placed that industry as number one in nonfatal injuries with a reported ratio of 202 injuries per 10,000 workers.¹
Because order picking in warehouse and fulfillment centers involves working at heights, with a potential for slips and falls, it’s critical that effective safety equipment is available and that order-picking lift trucks are properly maintained. Additionally, OSHA and other regulatory/standards organizations require workers to be attached to the PIT whenever using it by utilizing an SRL (self-retracting lanyard). An SRL secures a worker to the truck, while still providing the freedom of movement to reach product while fulfilling the order.
But even with these requirements and proper training, human error when it comes to the use of safety gear and equipment can still lead to accidents and injuries – especially in the fast-paced, demanding environment of warehouses and fulfillment centers.
So is there a solution to minimize human error? While we may never eliminate it entirely, we can help to mitigate its risk with the right safety solutions.
With the new V-TEC® io1 – a first-of-its-kind “smart” SRL – workers are immediately alerted with an audible alarm and flashing light if they are not attached properly in the lift. In addition to alerting the worker, it also notifies supervisors and other employees in the immediate area. So they can monitor for SRLs that aren’t attached, and remind the worker to ‘snap up for safety.’
Download the white paper below to learn more about the hazards of order picking and how the advanced technology behind the V-TEC io1 can help to improve compliance and worker safety when working at heights.
Sources:
Most Dangerous Industries
