Warehouse Industry – Fire Risks
Did you know warehouses are among the top locations likely to be affected by workplace fires? If you’re in the warehouse industry, here’s what to know about warehouse fire risks and what it means for your business and your employees.
The Major Causes of Warehouse Fires
- Electrical Malfunctions
If electrical equipment or machinery is not properly maintained, out-of-date or defective equipment can lead to fire hazards like faulty wiring or overloaded circuits.
- Flammable Materials
In some cases, warehouses may store flammable materials. These include chemicals, fuels, oils, and gases. If they are not properly and safely stored, flammable materials can be a major fire and explosion risk for warehouse employees.
- Combustible Dust
Similarly, warehouses may contain combustible materials, including dust from materials like wood and metal. If they are allowed to unsafely accumulate, materials like these can ignite and cause fire risks.
- Waste and Debris
Even if materials aren’t flammable, they can still cause fire risks. For example, if debris is scattered or stacked around the warehouse, it could catch on fire due to a stray spark.
Warehouse fires can also result from improper safety protocols. For example, if employees are not told about a designated smoking area, smoking too close to the warehouse could lead to fire risks. Fires can also be worsened by inadequate fire prevention measures, like broken fire alarms or fire escape routes blocked by debris.
Accidents from Warehouse Fires
When a fire breaks out in a warehouse, it can lead to major injuries.
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Slip-and-fall injuries
- Burns and scarring
- Smoke inhalation
- Other respiratory issues
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other metal health disorders
- Eye injuries from smoke, chemicals, or debris during a fire
Preventing Fire Injuries for Warehouse Workers
If you are a business owner in the warehouse industry, there are many steps you can take to prevent workplace fires. This includes regular inspections of the workplace to look for fire risks like faulty wires, blocked fire escapes, or improperly stored materials. You can also spend some time looking at your employee training methods, and ensuring your employees are properly educated on how to prevent and avoid fire-related injuries.
Another key aspect of protecting your employees is securing proper Workers’ Compensation coverage. If an employee at your warehouse business is injured in a workplace fire or other accident, Workers’ Compensation coverage helps them find the care and compensation they need to recover. Having coverage also protects your business from liability issues after a workplace fire.
However, it can be difficult to secure the right Workers’ Compensation coverage for your warehouse industry business. This is because the high risk of fires and other accidents often causes insurance carriers to regard warehouse businesses as “high-risk.” If your business is high-risk, it often leads to complications like raised premiums or limited coverage options. This can make it harder for you to find a coverage policy that fits the unique needs of your business.
At Work Comp Business Insurance Solutions, we understand the unique Workers’ Compensation challenges of the warehouse industry, and are ready to help you find the right coverage. We help business owners find the best Workers’ Compensation and payroll solutions.To learn more about our services and how we can help your business, visit us online at https://www.wcbis.com.
