Warehousing and Storage

The warehousing and storage industry includes establishments operating facilities for general merchandise, refrigerated goods, and other products. These establishments may also provide logistical services relating to goods distribution. 

Warehousing and Storage

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What are the hazards associated with warehousing and storage?

Potential hazards in this rapidly growing, fast-paced industry include those associated with powered industrial trucks (forklifts), ergonomics, material handling, hazardous chemicals, slip/trip/falls, and robotics. The most common injuries are musculoskeletal disorders (mainly from overexertion in lifting and lowering) and being struck by powered industrial trucks and other materials handling equipment.

Is there a special emphasis program associated with this topic?

Warehousing and storage falls within the OSH Division warehousing and storage and related product distribution industries special emphasis program.

What can I do to protect myself?

Employees should always examine any walking or working surface for the presence of slippery conditions, non-intact surfaces, or unguarded openings or open sides before stepping onto it. Workers working from elevated platforms should be sure to wear and properly use any required fall arrest or position restraint systems. Any fall arrest or position restraint devices worn by employees must be examined for defects prior to using it.

Employees should familiarize themselves with the procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency. A distinction should be made regarding when to evacuate the area or building and the circumstances that require employees to shelter in place.

Before beginning any task, ask yourself if you will be subjecting any part of your body to a hazard for which PPE is recommended or required.

Never reach into the pinch points of a moving belt, chain or gears to retrieve an item. Be sure to follow lockout/tagout procedures when it becomes necessary to clear a jam or to remove machine guards to perform repair or maintenance. Be sure not to wear loose clothing when working in close proximity to moving machinery parts.

Before using any chemical, information on the label and accompanying information (e.g., safety data sheets) should be consulted in order to identify any personal protective equipment necessary to prevent direct contact through inhalation, splash or spatter to eyes, nose or mouth, or skin contact.

When working in or walking through areas where powered industrial trucks are being used, especially forklifts, be mindful of traffic patterns and do not cross immediately in front of a moving forklift. Do not pass under the raised portion of a forklift, regardless of the presence or absence of a load.

Workers should try to take breaks to allow soft tissues (muscles, tendons, ligaments) to rest throughout the day. Changing the work area or process to improve posture, reduce force or limit repetition can reduce stress on the body.  Additionally, rotating to another task that involves use of a different motion or body part can help if done correctly.

Employees should ensure that they have been informed about any chemical processes in their work area(s) and know about procedures associated with changes to these processes.

Following a few basic rules will greatly reduce the risk of injury when using hand and portable power tools. Examine each tool before use and do not use if damaged. Keep all tools in good condition with regular maintenance. Use the right tool for the job. Use tools according to the manufacturers’ instructions.

Whether at work or away from work, when working with loud equipment (e.g., leaf blowers, chain saws) or hunting with firearms, be sure to wear the appropriate type of hearing protection.

What resources are available to assist employers?

Safety and Health Programs

An forklift inspection program, fire prevention plan,  personal protective equipment hazard assessment, hazard communication program, hearing conservation program, bloodborne pathogens Exposure control plan and respiratory protection program are available for employers to use in their workplace. It should be customized to fit the conditions and equipment used in the workplace.

Training and Outreach Services

The presentations on powered industrial trucks, materials handling, ergonomics, machinery and machine guarding, walking-working surfaces, exit routes, emergency action and fire prevention plans, personal protective equipment, hazard communication, respiratory protection, noise exposure, bloodborne pathogens and struck by/caught between can be used to assist with employee training. 

These pre-recorded webinars on powered industrial trucks. walking and working surfaces, hazard communication, toxic and hazardous substances, bloodborne pathogens and ergonomic awareness can also be accessed at any time.

In addition, the education, training and technical assistance bureau provides free online safety and health training and outreach services (i.e., speaker's bureau requests, safety booths) upon request. 

Lastly, the NCDOL Library offers free safety and health videos (including streaming video services) and related research assistance on consensus standards (i.e., ANSI, NFPA, NEC).

Safety and Health Topics

More related information can be found on the safety and health topic pages for walking and working surfaces, materials handling and storage, fall protection, ergonomics, exits and exit routes, emergency action plans, respiratory protection, noise, machine guarding, medical services and first aid, hazard communication, electrical safety, heat stress, amputations, special emphasis programs (North Carolina), process safety management, HAZWOPER, hand and portable powered tools, eyewash stations and emergency showers. bloodborne pathogens and fire prevention plans.

Consultation Services

The consultative services bureau provides free and confidential onsite consultation regarding worksite safety and health hazards.

Which standards apply?

OSH has adopted the following standards for materials handling and storage in North Carolina. Note: Please also check the standards information and activity webpage to see if there has been any recent or upcoming regulatory activity on this topic.

General Industry

29 CFR 1910 Subpart D - walking and working surfaces

29 CFR 1910 Subpart E - exit routes and emergency planning

29 FR 1910 Subpart G - occupational health and environmental control

29 CFR 1910 Subpart H - hazardous materials

29 CFR 1910 Subpart I - personal protective equipment

29 CFR 1910 Subpart J - general environmental controls 

29 CFR 1910 Subpart K - medical services and first aid

29 CFR 1910 Subpart L - fire protection

29 CFR 1910 Subpart N - material handling and storage

29 CFR 1910 Subpart O - machinery and machine guarding

29 CFR 1910 Subpart P - hand and portable powered tools and other hand-held equipment

29 CFR 1910 Subpart S - Electrical

29 CFR 1910 Subpart Z - toxic and hazardous substances

Other Applicable Standards

The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can also help identify other standards that may be applicable to your worksite.

Where can I learn more?

Compliance Documents

Fact Sheets

Industry Guides

Technical Assistance

Inquiries about workplace safety and health requirements can be submitted to Ask OSH through the online form, by email to ask.osh@labor.nc.gov, or by phone at 919-707-7876.