Excellent planning and uncompromising safety measures are the fundamental pillars of high-quality logistics. Protecting employee health and complying with safety regulations not only minimize the risk of workplace injuries but also contribute to greater productivity—both at the individual and company-wide level. In the following article, we’ll focus on identifying risks in logistics operations, implementing preventive measures, employee training, and other key topics related to occupational safety in the logistics sector.
Logistics operations encompass a wide range of activities, many of which present potential risks to employees. Identifying these risks is the first step toward effectively minimizing them.
Manual handling of heavy loads is a common component of logistics operations. However, it also represents a significant risk of various injuries and musculoskeletal and spinal issues.
Therefore, Government Regulation No. 361/2007 Coll. sets weight limits for manual handling that must be respected. For instance, the maximum weight for men during occasional lifting is 50 kg, for women 20 kg – exceeding these limits can lead to serious health problems. It’s crucial to educate workers in logistics centers and warehouses on these limits and equip them with suitable handling aids.
Handling Equipment Operation
The use of handling equipment, such as forklifts, brings multiple risks – collisions, tip-overs, and other incidents that can lead to injuries. The most common causes are human error, insufficient operator training, or poor equipment condition. When forklifts are part of the process (as in most warehouses), regular operator training, equipment maintenance, and safety compliance are essential.
In warehouses where goods are stored on high shelves, it is important to follow safety rules for working at height. Regulation No. 362/2005 Coll. requires employers to implement fall prevention measures for heights over 1.5 meters.
In practice, this includes the use of safety features such as guardrails and personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent falls or mitigate their consequences. Employees must also be properly trained and medically cleared to work at heights.
Handling chemicals and hazardous substances requires special measures. Employers must ensure these substances are stored in designated areas, in proper quantities and containers, clearly labeled with contents and hazard symbols. Employees must be informed of associated risks and provided with adequate protective gear.
People are the key factor in ensuring logistics safety. That’s why it’s essential to provide regular training and implement preventive measures that all employees must follow.
Employee training in occupational safety and health (OSH) is fundamental. It serves as a regular reminder of potential risks and how to prevent them. Training must be continuously updated according to changing regulations and workplace specifics. Employers should also document training completion and regularly assess employee knowledge.
Clear rules and proven procedures help maintain order and reduce injury risk. When each employee follows set procedures for handling goods, operating equipment, or moving within the warehouse, it greatly reduces the chance of errors and hazards.
It’s also important to continuously evaluate what works well and what needs improvement to keep safety measures aligned with operational realities. Besides protecting health, these rules improve overall operations – fewer accidents mean fewer delays and higher efficiency.
To protect employees from work-related risks, it's crucial to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, helmets, safety shoes, and goggles. Employees must also be thoroughly trained in how to use them correctly.
Besides training and preventive actions, technical measures also play a major role in reducing risks in logistics operations.
Visual and audio signals are crucial for accident prevention, especially in areas with frequent equipment movement. Simple floor markings, safety signs, and warning signals help employees navigate operations safely and avoid collisions.
According to standard ČSN ISO 3864, safety signs must be clearly visible, durable, and placed for easy comprehension. For example, forklift routes should be marked in yellow or red for immediate recognition.
In addition to human error, equipment malfunctions—like with forklifts, conveyors, or lifting devices—are common causes of incidents. Regular maintenance and adherence to service schedules are vital. Even if it reduces short-term efficiency, it’s essential to keep equipment in top condition. Any identified issue must result in the immediate removal of the equipment from use until fixed.
Health risks in logistics aren’t limited to injuries or falls. Chronic issues like fatigue and back pain are also prevalent. These can be prevented through ergonomic work environment design.
This includes adjusting workstation and shelf heights to reduce bending and stretching, using height-adjustable platforms for lifting, and ensuring regular breaks—especially for those with physically or mentally demanding tasks.
Workplace safety in logistics is a complex issue that every employer should understand well. While OSH compliance may sometimes seem excessive or inefficient, it benefits both employees and the business by enhancing efficiency and reducing injury-related losses over time.
Every logistics operation should have a well-defined safety strategy that includes regular training, equipment checks, and modern safety practices. Investment in safety pays off long term – it protects employee health and contributes to more efficient, sustainable operations.