The word ‘warehouse” may sound like the 19th century when we’re living in the 21st. After all, leading companies like Amazon and Walmart have created sophisticated storage and delivery systems across the country that are called distribution centers, not warehouses.
These operations have raised the logistical bar very high. It may well be that in the not-too-distant future, robots will pack the nation’s products and drones will deliver them.
In the meantime, however, humans continue to work in settings that are essentially warehouses – even if the name isn’t used – and many people get injured there. In this post, we will provide a reminder about the work-related injuries that can occur in warehouses.
Falling Objects
In a warehouse or “distribution center” setting, boxes of course abound. Boxes and other materials often get stacked up on high shelves and storage areas. This creates a risk of falling objects that can hit workers, causing serious injuries.
This can occur in any size of warehouse. But in massive distribution centers with hundreds of employees and thousands of objects, obviously the opportunities for harm are multiplied.
The size of these new centers is striking. Amazon has now opened one in Aurora, its first Colorado facility. It will employ hundreds of workers.
Forklifts
Forklifts are the pack mules of the industrial economy. They buzz around warehouses, picking up and carrying astonishing amounts of merchandise.
But they are also dangerous. A forklift can easily turn over, resulting in serious injury to the driver. Other workers nearby can also be badly hurt by a forklift accident.
Other injuries
Loading docks or bays where goods are put on trucks are also dangerous. The risk of injuries is always there, and it increases with the fast pace of work in the modern-day warehouse/distribution center.
The fast pace also puts a lot of strain on workers who do repetitive tasks. Lifting and moving packages all day long takes a great toll on the body and can result in back injuries, knee injuries and various musculoskeletal disorders.
The role of workers ‘comp
If you have suffered a work-related injury in a warehouse setting, it makes sense to discuss you situation with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney.
