How To Keep Warehouses Safe In 2025

Published on: February 26, 2025 Published in: OSHA

A warehouse is a critical infrastructure regardless of industry. Because of the bulk storage items and heavy lifting involved in the operations, the safety of all personnel is of prime concern.

Warehouse safety involves a set of guidelines and policies that help ensure a safer work environment for warehousing personnel.

In 2021, the warehousing and storage industry reported a significant increase in fatal injuries, with a 23% rise compared to the previous year. Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that the warehousing sector has experienced higher injury rates than other industries, underscoring the critical need for enhanced safety measures. Despite efforts to improve conditions, companies like Amazon have faced scrutiny over workplace safety, with reports indicating that injury rates at their warehouses remain higher than industry averages.

As you know, warehouses can be dangerous places to work, in this blog, you can find some practical Warehouse safety tips of 2025 to make your workplace secure for every worker.

Warehouse Safety Regulations and Standards of 2025

Based on OSHA regulations, warehouses must adhere to the policies and regulations specific to their industry.

Hazard Communication: Operators must be informed about the standards for proceeding with tasks and should be guided about possible hazards. The HazCom program advises organizations to teach workers about hazardous exposure and ways to protect them.

Fire Safety: Every warehouse must have proper fire safety procedures, an in-house fire brigade, and a detailed plan of evacuation.

Emergency Action Plan: Also known as an EAP, this plan instructs owners to prepare the workers for an emergency drill and what to do in times of crisis.

Exit Routes: Workers should be informed about the possible exit routes, and every warehouse should be able to facilitate different exits for various crises.

Walking/Working Surfaces: It’s essential to have properly maintained walking. working surfaces to avoid slips falls, or trips. The routes to drag and move bulk containers should be defined with proper signs and notices.

Medical and First Aid: The warehouse should have a proper medical aid facility for minor injuries and medical emergencies.

A Must-Follow Warehouse Safety Checklist 2025

Here’s a must-follow checklist with 7 warehouse safety tips and regulations every organization needs to implement in 2025.

Adequate Signage:

of workplace accidents

0 %

Clear safety signage helps prevent up to 50% of workplace accidents by alerting workers to hazards. Using color-coded labels and warning signs ensures compliance with OSHA standards and helps guide workers about possible hazards. However, as important as having a sign is, placing it in the right, readable, and viewable spot is vital, too.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

of hand injuries

0 %

Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential to safeguard workers’ lives and health. Common types of PPE include hard hats, safety gloves, goggles, glasses, and safety boots. Proper PPE, including helmets, gloves, and high-visibility vests, reduces workplace injuries. OSHA reports that appropriate gloves could prevent 70% of hand injuries.

Storage Policies for Hazardous Substances:

of warehouse fires annually

0 %

Proper safety systems, such as smoke alarms, emergency lights, and first aid kits, are essential for warehouses. Likewise, proper storage facilities are crucial for regulations and policies. Improper chemical storage accounts for 25% of warehouse fires annually. Following OSHA’s HAZCOM guidelines reduces exposure risks and prevents accidents.

Regular Maintenance and Inspection:

of all warehouse injuries

0 %

Routine inspections and maintenance of the warehouse are essential to ensure the long-term safety and security of workers. Equipment failures contribute to 15% of all warehouse injuries. Routine inspections of machinery, racking systems, and safety tools help prevent accidents before they happen.

Emphasizing Good Ergonomics:

of workplace injuries

0 %

Proper ergonomics helps prevent injuries related to weightlifting and jobs that involve equipment and machinery. Poor ergonomics contribute to 33% of workplace injuries, leading to musculoskeletal disorders. Implementing safe lifting techniques and ergonomic workstations minimizes strain and long-term health risks.

Proper Forklift Operation:

injuries annually in the U.S.

Forklifts are potential hazards in every warehouse. It’s essential to check if the operators are well-trained and experienced. Forlifts have caused some of the significant life-threatening incidents in the warehouse. Forklift accidents cause over 7,000 injuries annually in the U.S. Training operators and enforcing speed limits significantly reduce the risk of collisions and overturns.

Well-Defined Storage Systems:

injuries per year from falling objects

Poorly stacked inventory leads to over 20,000 injuries per year from falling objects. Implementing structured shelving and weight distribution protocols enhances workplace safety. Every warehouse should have the following mentioned safe storage policies in place.

Securing Unit Loads: There should be proper strapping and wrapping that can prevent falling objects.

Correct Pallet Placement: All the pallets should be securely supported.

Adhering to Load Limits: Workers must respect the maximum weight capacities.

Drive In Storage Precautions: Keeping forklifts out from under stored materials.

Conclusion:

The safety and security of warehouse workers are essential, as they not only impact an organization’s overall productivity but can also cause a huge financial blow. Workers also need to have proper training and skills to handle heavy equipment to stay safe.