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Warehouses can be particularly dangerous work environments when compared to others. It’s not uncommon for warehouse workers to be injured due to falls, slips, accidents involving equipment failure, and numerous other potential causes.

Pennsylvania law requires most employers to purchase workers’ compensation insurance. Thus, if you’re a warehouse worker in Philadelphia or the surrounding areas, you should know you can at least seek compensation for your medical bills and related losses if you are injured at work by filing a claim to collect from your employer’s workers’ compensation policy. An experienced Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorney can help you recover the compensation for which you may be eligible.

That said, the main goal is to never be involved in such an accident in the first place. The following tips will help you achieve this goal:

Don’t do a Job You’re Not Trained to Do

There may be instances at work when someone asks you to perform a task that is not normally among your work duties. If there is any chance that performing this task will put your safety at risk, explain that you have not been trained to perform this task, and therefore someone else must handle it. It may be difficult to feel comfortable saying you can’t handle a particular task when the individual asking you to do so may be your supervisor, but you don’t want to risk being injured because you were not qualified to use a certain piece of equipment or perform a certain process.

Report Behavior That May Cause Accidents

This is another tip that you initially might not feel comfortable applying. No one wants to think they are betraying their coworkers by reporting dangerous behavior.

This is understandable. Still, in the long run, reporting such behavior is the act of a quality coworker. Taking steps to minimize hazards in the workplace will keep both you and your fellow team members safer.

Choose the Right Footwear

Depending on the specific nature of the tasks you perform at work, the “right” type of footwear for your job may vary. For example, maybe your job typically involves carrying or otherwise moving heavy items. If so, you should likely wear sturdy boots with steel toes.

It’s also important to consider how well your footwear grips the surface of the warehouse floor. Spills often cause warehouse accidents. You’re less likely to be involved in such an accident if you wear non-slip shoes.

Don’t Use Equipment That Seems Unsafe

Employers of warehouse workers should make a point of regularly inspecting and maintaining all equipment that has the potential to cause harm. When a piece of equipment is too old to be used safely anymore, it needs to be replaced.

Unfortunately, some employers do not always make equipment maintenance a priority. If you’re asked to use a piece of equipment that seems very old and poorly maintained, ask if you can use a replacement instead.

Just keep in mind that warehouse accidents can still happen even when employees are responsible. If you’re ever injured in such an accident, our Philadelphia workers’ compensation attorneys at Gross & Kenny, LLP can help you pursue compensation. Call us at 215-512-1500 or contact us online for more information.