10 Warehouse Safety Rules

What are Warehouse Safety Rules?

Creating warehouse safety rules depend on company size, policy, and procedures. However, implementing rules based on the most frequently cited violations can be a viable starting point to ensure baseline OSHA compliance.

Here are general examples of 10 warehouse safety rules you can apply in your specific context:

1. Ensure safety equipment are being used

Take advantage of safety equipment such as PPE’s and other required equipment relating to fire protection, design, maintenance, and use of powered industrial trucks. Having them on site and actually using them goes a long way in keeping workers safe and getting your money’s worth.

2. Eliminate any potential safety hazards

Classify the potential hazards of chemicals and communicate information concerning hazards and appropriate protective measures to warehouse staff. This can be done by doing risk assessments and other relevant methods concerned in identifying and evaluating hazards.

3. Control electrical hazards

Promote safe electrical wiring methods, specifically when dealing with temporary wiring, cable trays, and open wiring on insulators. Cover electrical installations and utilization equipment installed or used within or on the warehouse, its structures, and other areas near the premises.

4. Clearly label designated hazardous zones

Safety signs and labels will help promote awareness for the people within hazardous zones and prevent accidents and injury from occurring. In a warehouse, both employees and visitors might be exposed to dangerous equipment and areas. In which case, such equipment should be stored away with proper labels and the appropriate warning signage. Some examples of safety signs that can be used are:

• Danger signs

• Warning signs

• Caution sign

• Biological hazard signs

• Notice signs

• General safety signs or safety instructions

• Fire safety signs

• Admittance signs

5. Inspect ladders before use

For safe use, it is important to inspect ladders initial use in each work shift. This will help in reducing accidents caused by missed defects. Ensure that they are parallel, level, and uniformly spaced when in position for use. See ladder safety rules here.

6. Be emergency ready

Maintain operational features for exit routes like adequate lighting, appropriate marking, and operable employee alarm system. Employees should also be aware of emergency protocols in place.

7. Implement safeguards

Keep secure from potential danger for mechanical power-transmission apparatus such as machine guarding, regular inspections, and proper lubrication.

8. Respiratory protective equipment

Provide suitable respirators to warehouse personnel when such equipment is necessary to protect their health as a part of the respiratory protection program.

9. Proper safety procedures

Develop and implement safety protocols or procedures to guide employees to work safely. Depending on the hazards and risks present in the warehouse, additional precautionary measures might be required.

10. Preventive maintenance

Most accidents and injuries are caused by poor maintenance. Machineries, equipment, tools, and the building structure itself should be regularly inspected and maintained. Not only does this keep employees and visitors safe, it also prevents costly unplanned downtime from occurring.