For businesses that require shipping, storage or any type of warehousing to operate, safety is crucial. Safety procedures guarantee order, which, in turn, yield efficiency and productivity. As a bonus, your workers will have peace of mind and better understand their daily responsibilities.
Unfortunately, even with safety procedures, accidents are prone to occur in this environment. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is “an average of 16 fatalities yearly in the warehousing and storage industry and an injury and illness rate of 5 out of every 100 staff employed in this sector.” These accidents can be avoided by following the guidelines set forth by governing bodies, such as the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA). The information about every warehouse safety checklist below can help you use best practices at your facilities.
What is a Warehouse Safety Checklist?
A warehouse checklist identifies safety hazards and suggests preventive measures to avoid accidents and injury to your workers. This type of checklist is commonly used by warehouse workers, managers or any safety auditors. While warehouse safety tips are a handy tool, many checklists are more useful and templates are available online. Your warehouse safety staff can edit these templates, tailoring them to your business. According to iAuditor, a company dedicated to ensuring safer workplaces, some examples include:
- General Warehouse Safety Checklist
- Warehouse Walkthrough Checklist
- Machinery/Forklift Checklist
- Warehouse Ergonomics Checklist
Other types should be followed more specifically to the regulations governing agencies established. This is because they cover the mandatory rules and how to execute them correctly according to their codes. This includes:
Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Issues to Consider
OSHA conducts regular safety audits of warehouses across the country. According to OSHA, there are several common safety mistakes that most businesses are guilty of committing. The following 10 issues are the most frequently overlooked safety concerns in warehouses. Therefore, you should review these cited problems before any government-based safety audit occurs at your facility.
Fall protection, construction (29 CFR 1926.501)
These issues pertain to fall protection systems, including walking and working surfaces and structural safety and integrity.
Hazard communication standard, general industry (29 CFR 1910.1200)
These issues pertain to the storage and labeling of hazardous materials, which must follow the strict communication rules set forth in the United Nations Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), Revision 3.
Scaffolding, general requirements, construction (29 CFR 1926.451)
These issues pertain to the capacities of scaffolding around the warehouse, maintaining weight and the ropes/hardware required.
Respiratory protection, general industry (29 CFR 1910.134)
These issues pertain to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), specifically respirators to protect from harmful dust, gases, etc.
Control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout), general industry (29 CFR 1910.147)
These issues pertain to the maintenance of machines and equipment that may harm employees if unexpectedly started.
Ladders, construction (29 CFR 1926.1053)
These issues pertain to the capabilities and maintenance of ladders throughout the facility and the required weight they can sustain.
Powered industrial trucks, general industry (29 CFR 1910.178)
These issues pertain to protection from fire caused by motorized machinery, specifically internal combustion engines and electric motors.
Fall Protection–Training Requirements (29 CFR 1926.503)
These issues pertain to training and seminars required for workers who may encounter any fall risk at the facility.
Machinery and Machine Guarding, general requirements (29 CFR 1910.212)
These issues pertain to guarding workers against machinery hazards, such as rotating parts, flying chips, and sparks.
Eye and Face Protection (29 CFR 1926.102)
These issues pertain to ensuring safety equipment for the eyes and face of all workers subject to flying particles, liquid chemicals, gases, and vapors, etc.
Warehouse Safety Checklist from Specialized Storage
For over 30 years, the experts at Specialized Storage Solutions worked with clients to help them organize their workspace, maximize efficiency and improve profitability. As a result, the products and solutions we deliver are always up to the latest in safety standards. Our team installs these products in your facility up to the latest codes, ensuring the safety of your business and workers is the top priority. To learn more about the products we offer and how we can help your business succeed, contact us today!