In 2012, warehouse and storage workers experienced nearly 12,000 injuries requiring days away from work. More than one in three of these injuries were musculoskeletal disorders, with sprains, strains, and tears the most common by far. If you manage safety in the warehousing industry—or if your company facilities include a warehouse—keep reading for essential safety tips.

Scott Stone of Cisco-Eagle, a provider of material handling systems, says a safer, more efficient warehouse can improve workplace efficiency and ergonomics as well as compliance. He suggests 10 inexpensive, “quick-hit” ways to ramp up warehouse safety.

1.Floor marking tape. Marking lanes with tape can help workers stay out of forklift aisles and machine areas and away from running conveyors and other potentially dangerous work zones. Tape is a good start, but must be enforced by personal discipline and other means to control these areas.
2.Guard rails. Used in addition to tape at corners, guard rails can prevent forklifts from cutting corners and force drivers to pay attention while approaching corners. Drivers won’t swing inside or outside the corners, which can influence the way they drive the entire distance.
3.Aisles for employees (or forklifts) only. One way to separate people and vehicles in the warehouse is to limit some aisles to pedestrians or forklifts only. This can be done with floor tape but is most effective when done with a railing that presents a solid barrier between industrial traffic and workers.
4.Bright clothing for workers. Require workers to wear bright clothing. This increases alertness and helps ensure that drivers see workers in the area.
5.Upgraded lighting and clear aisles. Cluttered aisles can cause visual clutter that makes it difficult for workers and forklifts to see each other. Clutter can also cause forklifts to maneuver in ways that put people and equipment at risk.
6.Ergonomics. Design a warehouse so that everything in the workstation is within reach of the operator. Require the minimum amount of movement, since tired workers tend to make more mistakes and get injured more easily.
7.Safety and anti-fatigue mats. Safety mats improve working conditions, reduce fatigue, and make operations safer and more efficient. Use non-slip mats in oily, wet, or slippery conditions.
8.Cable protective covers. Fire hazards can arise in a warehouse or distribution center when protective insulation is worn off electrical wiring due to repeated traffic.
9.Safety curtains and screens. A noisy compressor is relatively inexpensive to screen off, which reduces the noise and can also reduce sparks or airborne debris.
10.Safety lights and signs. Safety lights and signs help prevent dangerous collisions and injury.