U.S. Warehouse Safety Regulations you should know

You’ve probably heard of an organization called the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA. In fact, you probably know it well. OSHA was formed by the U.S. Congress in 1970 with the mission of ensuring safe and healthful working conditions for workers by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.

If you work in or manage a warehousing operation, there are several key OSHA regulations you should understand. This blog post will explain those regulations plus one from the EPA (Environmental Protection Administration) you should know.

OSHA warehouse safety regulations

Here are the key regulations you need to be aware of:

• General Duty Clause - The regulation requires that employers provide a workplace that's free from recognized hazards that can cause death or serious harm. This regulation applies to all workplaces.

• Walking-Working Surfaces - This regulation covers slip, trip, and fall hazards in warehouses. It requires employers to ensure proper floor loading, guardrails, ladder safety, lighting, and other features that can prevent these accidents,

• Powered Industrial Trucks (Forklifts) - The regulation requires training certification for all forklift operators. Training is to cover maintenance protocols, safe operation, load limits, and refueling procedures.

• Lockout/Tagout - The regulation requires that employers have procedures in place for disabling machinery and preventing accidental start-up during maintenance and cleaning.

• Hazard Communication -The regulation requires that workers be trained on safety data sheets, that hazardous chemicals be labeled, and that workers have access to information on chemicals used.

• Personal Protective Equipment - This regulation requires that employers provide proper protective gear such as masks, gloves, goggles, hard hats, steel-toed boots, and so on. Further, employers are required to train workers on the use of this protective gear and to ensure that workers use the protective gear.

• Storage of Materials - This regulation covers the safe piling and storage of inventory and materials. Employers are required to store inventory and materials in a manner that prevents collapse or falling.

• Fire Protection - This regulation requires that employers provide fire suppression equipment, fire exits, and employee training. It also requires procedures for the storage of flammable materials.

EPA warehouse safety regulation

An important regulation from the EPA:

• Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) - The regulation requires the employer to have procedures to prevent spills and equipment for proper spill response.

Staying in compliance with these and other regulations is essential for warehouse safety and avoiding penalties. Properly training employees are essential for maintaining compliance.

Warehouse safety and Morrison

One key method to stay in compliance with these important regulations is a program of regular employee training. Morrison is committed to training forklift operators with comprehensive coursework that meets OSHA requirements and emphasizes forklift safety.

Contact Morrison today for more information about our equipment and storage solutions, consulting and warehouse design services, and training courses.