Warehouse Safety Standards You Need to Know

Warehouse safety is a top priority for your business. You cannot ignore warehouse safety standards; if you do, you put your company and its employees in danger.

You must learn warehouse safety standards and comply with them consistently. Then, your business can keep its warehouse workers safe. Your company can also avoid compliance penalties that otherwise impact your brand reputation and revenues.

What Warehouse Safety Standards Do You Need to Follow?

All provincially regulated workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). The general duties of this act fall into three categories:

1. Employers

Employers must provide workers with information, instructions, and supervision to protect their health and safety. They must share safe work policies, measures, and procedures specific to the work environment. In addition, employers must ensure workers are provided with appropriate equipment, materials, and protective devices to perform tasks safely.

Each employer must also prepare and review a written occupational health and safety policy at least once a year. It must develop and maintain a program to implement that policy, as well as post a copy of OHSA in their workplace.

2. Supervisors

Supervisors are responsible for executing and enforcing workplace safety guidelines. They must ensure that workers comply with OHSA every day.

Ultimately, supervisors must take every precaution possible to protect workers against on-the-job dangers. They must provide their workers with written instructions regarding on-the-job safety measures. Furthermore, supervisors must educate employees about these measures.

3. Workers

Workers must operate equipment safely. If any equipment defects are discovered, workers must report them to a supervisor. Also, workers should follow OHSA and report any safety or compliance concerns to a superior.

Under OHSA, workers have the right-to-know about any potential hazards in their work environments. Employees can refuse unsafe work, too.

Warehouse Safety Tips

It takes a team effort to make a warehouse safe. To develop and maintain a safe warehouse, you should:

  • Require workers to wear hard hats, eyewear, and other protective clothing
  • Keep floors clean and free of debris
  • Ensure only trained personnel use warehouse equipment
  • Verify that all emergency exits are clearly marked
  • Keep first-aid kits and supplies in an easy-to-access location

Along with these tips, you must educate all members of your team about warehouse safety. This allows your staff to get insights into up-to-date warehouse safety standards.

Finally, you should provide regular warehouse safety training and update your training program regularly. That way, your staff can stay informed about warehouse safety standards and do its part to minimize the risk of on-the-job accidents and injuries.

The Bottom Line on Warehouse Safety Standards

You must allocate the time, energy, and resources necessary to protect your warehouse staff. In doing so, you can maintain a safe, productive work environment. Plus, you can help your company stand out to potential warehouse professionals going forward.

Employment Professionals Canada is a light industrial staffing firm that can help you identify top talent for your warehouse. Our recruiters can put you in touch with experienced warehouse professionals who prioritize safety. For more information about our hiring solutions, please contact us today.