An image that may appear in the average person’s mind about a warehouse could be a large indoor facility packed with crates. Anyone who visits several warehouses in Kentucky soon learns that these facilities are not oversized storage units with little activity. Many workers come and go, doing more than loading and unloading crates. Warehouses might involve many workers performing many tasks, which, unfortunately, raises the chances for injuries. Some types of injuries may surprise those who are not familiar with this type of work.
Warehouse injury risks
Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos recently penned a letter to shareholders, and it may provide insights into the risks workers face. The letter referenced musculoskeletal disorders, which reflect about 40% of Amazon warehouse worker injuries. Lifting, carrying, hauling, and handling heavy items could lead to musculoskeletal issues.
Of course, there are scores of other injury risks workers face. Amazon alone logs many instances of worker mishaps and problems. Warehouse duties involve significant physical labor, so the chances for injuries might be high. Those injuries may result from a sudden incident, or they could be cumulative. Regardless, the worker ends up suffering.
Additional injury risks and problems
All kinds of movement and activity take place in a warehouse. Forklifts, trucks, cranes, and other machinery and vehicles might hit a worker. The crowded environment opens doors to slips and falls, sometimes from great heights.
Fires, electrical shocks, power tool accidents, and many other severe incidents could occur. Even physical confrontations with fellow employees might lead to harm. Thankfully, those injured and recuperating might have financial solutions available.
A workers’ compensation claim may help a warehouse employee cover bills while out of work. An attorney could assist a worker with filing a claim or dealing with any appeals.