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Beyond PPE: How to Keep Your Warehouse OSHA Compliant

Remaining compliant with the guidelines of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is something that is frequently on the minds of every warehouse manager. But it’s important that you don’t forget about the standard guidelines in lieu of what’s going on with the COVID-19 pandemic — your warehouse employees need PPE to stay safe from the virus, but that doesn’t mean you can forgo the requirements that were already in place before the crisis struck.

Here are a few tips on making sure your warehouse stays OSHA-compliant as we continue to navigate the pandemic.

Keep up with current OSHA compliance regulations.

You can’t keep your warehouse OSHA-compliant very easily if you aren’t familiar with the most up-to-date OSHA regulations. And since the risk of injuries is higher in the warehousing industry than it is in many other fields, it’s essential for your workers’ safety and health that you keep things up to standard. Visit OSHA’s Laws and Regulations page to learn more. You might also consider using their Compliance Assistant Quick Start tool.

Be aware of the most common workplace hazards.

When you know what the most common hazards are in warehouses in general, you know what to look out for. Slips and falls, falling objects, and forklift incidents are some of most common dangers facing warehouse workers. And some of the most frequently cited OSHA violations in warehouses include improper lockout/tagout procedures, failure to establish exits in case of an emergency, faulty electrical system wiring or design, the placement and/or use of portable fire extinguishers, and lack of protective gear.

Report injuries and illnesses as required.

Did you know that you’re required to report injuries and illnesses in your warehouse? Familiarize yourself with OSHA’s recordkeeping and reporting requirements so that you’re aware of what you need to report. Almost anything beyond very minor scrapes and bruises will probably have to be reported, and you don’t want to run afoul of the recordkeeping guidelines.

Consider partnering with a compliance trainer.

It’s definitely not easy to be completely aware of every single OSHA guideline out there. But you must keep your workers safe. For many warehouses, partnering with a compliance trainer can make a huge difference. This individual can come to your warehouse, offer training to you and your staff, identify any problem areas around the premises, and help you get your warehouse and other facilities up to OSHA standards. It’s well worth the investment if you need a little help with OSHA guidelines.

Need to staff your warehouse with the very best? We can help. Get in touch with Axiom Staffing Group to fulfill all of your staffing needs.

 

 

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