According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, warehouse workers are at a higher risk of injury, with nearly 5% of full-time workers being injured in a calendar year. While warehouse work does come with the risk of injury, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of your employees being significantly injured. At Strapping-Products.com, we carry an excellent selection of ergonomic strapping tools that can reduce one of the most common types of injuries in warehousing, overuse injuries. Let’s take a closer look at how ergonomic strapping tools, when used appropriately, can reduce the risk of injuries in the warehouse workplace.
The Impact of Warehouse Injuries on Operations
Warehouse injuries can negatively impact your operations in several profound ways. Injuries can be detrimental to your employees, leading to time off work and lower employee morale when a worker is injured. Warehouse workers who feel they are not working in a safe environment are also much more likely to leave, leading to increased turnover. According to the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index, workers’ compensation for injuries sustained on the job can also cut into your profits, with an estimated 48 billion dollars in workers’ compensation claims being filed in 2023 alone. Safety should be the top priority in a warehousing operation to ensure your workers remain safe on the job and that you and your operations are protected.
Common Strapping-Related Injuries in Warehouse Settings
There are several different ways that strapping can lead to injury in a warehouse. Common strapping-related injuries seen in warehouse work include:
- Repetitive Strain Injuries
- Muscle Strains and Sprains
- Hand and Wrist Injuries
- Back and Shoulder Pain
These injuries often result from improperly using strapping tools during long and busy shifts. Ergonomic and automated strapping tools can significantly reduce these common injuries in warehouse work.
Features of Ergonomic Strapping Tools
Ergonomic strapping tools have several benefits that make them excellent at reducing the rate of strapping injuries in the workplace. Quality strapping tools will have a lightweight design and adjustable tension settings to prevent your workers from overexerting themselves. Strapping tools with a balanced weight distribution also reduce strain on workers’ backs and shoulders. Some strapping tools also have vibration-dampening features to reduce worker strain during operations. Finally, automated strapping tools can eliminate many of the roles filled by manual strapping tools and the repetitive motions associated with overuse injuries.
Best Practices for Reducing Strapping-Related Injuries
Warehouse worker safety starts with proper training on using tools safely and effectively while on the job. Misusing strapping tools is often one of the leading causes of warehouse injuries. Regular tool maintenance is also just as essential, as tools that malfunction can cause injury or overexposure to a worker. We recommend regularly inspecting your tools to ensure they work as designed and performing frequent preventive maintenance. Dedicated strapping stations and regular rotating tasks for warehouse workers can also reduce the chances of a worker developing an overuse injury. By following these recommendations and investing in quality strapping tools, you can decrease the chances of your workers being injured.
Get the Best Deals on Ergonomic Strapping Tools at Strapping-Products.com
Strapping-Products.com has an incredible selection of affordable ergonomic and automated strapping tools for all your warehousing needs. To learn more about our inventory and inquire about bulk pricing, contact our team directly today at 888-803-8140.
