Working in a Warehouse - Safety Issues

There are several health and safety issues to be concerned with if you are working in a warehouse and each staff member should be provided with a health and safety handbook which covers all of the main topics which you should be concerned with. Here is a summary of the main issues which a company operating a warehouse would need to consider, although this is by no means an exhaustive list.

Fire

We are all familiar with the damage and total destruction that fire can cause to a warehouse having seen this depicted on the news on many occasions. Not only does a warehouse blaze place its own staff in danger but can also affect nearby housing sometimes causing entire residential areas to be evacuated. All staff should, therefore, familiarise themselves with the proper procedures to follow in the event of fire and all necessary precautions should be put in place to prevent a fire outbreak with fire extinguishers and fire blankets strategically placed in the event of containing a small fire and staff should be taught how to use them.

Training

Warehouse staff do all kinds of different jobs within them so individually, they must all receive thorough training and supervision specific to their job and pass any examinations and obtain certified status wherever necessary. This includes working with any machinery such as fork lift trucks and equipment such as stock cages, hoists etc and where equipment is concerned, all records of maintenance checks and repairs should be kept up to date.

Hazardous Substances

If a warehouse contains any substances which could be classified as hazardous, data sheets from the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and any relevant assessments must be completed and kept up to date. In a warehouse, this could include cleaning chemicals, other chemicals which may be stored, forklift gases and engine oil, for example.

Electric and Gas Appliances

There must be stringent procedures in place for both the installation and inspection of all electrical and gas appliances which are located within the warehouse with any service, repairs or installations carried out by properly registered electricians and CORGI registered gas fitters.

Manual Handling

All relevant staff should receive proper training on manual handling techniques as there will be deliveries and the loading and unloading of lorries, for example. Incorrect manual handling can cause musculoskeletal disorders as well as causing other injuries and being unsafe in general and, wherever possible, manual handling should be minimised with the use of fork lift trucks and other lifting appliances being used in place where it’s possible to do so.

Traffic Routes

Warehouses often form part of much larger premises so health and safety would need to put in place procedures for keeping obstructions clear and maintaining safe routes for both vehicles and pedestrians.

Other Issues to Consider

These would include having visible and clear signage for visitors and external contractors, the latter whom would also need to understand the health and safety procedures relevant to the warehouse. There would also need to be adequate provision for toilets and rest areas as well as complying with all the relevant legislation concerning heating, lighting and ventilation and things like avoiding slips, trips and falls and any work at height.

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