Warehouse Health and Safety Regulations

Warehouse safety laws to know

Working in a warehouse? Manage a warehouse? We all know there are many risks and safety hazards when it comes to working with machinery, heavy loads, hazardous materials, etc. With so much going on in a warehouse environment it’s important to stay ahead and stay vigilant of hazards. It’s important to provide staff and employees with warehousing safety training to ensure the safety of all individuals, minimising fatalities. We’ll cover everything you need to know and consider when it comes to operating safely within a warehouse setting including our warehouse health and safety checklist and safety tips!

• Establishments are legally required to look after the health and safety of all employees. This should include first aid training and fire awareness training. Employers must also carry out risk assessments and reduce risks through adequate training
• In line with the provisions and use of work equipment regulations (PUWER) ensure all work equipment is safe and compliant. Ensure all staff are trained in using machinery, moving vehicles and work equipment
• The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 regulate the safe handling and lifting of equipment and items to avoid risks and accidents. Remember to always lift using your legs and knees, back straight, eyes up.
• If employees are required to work at a height, ensure safety equipment and appropriate training are provided to ensure minimal risk
• Ensure adequate training is provided to comply with the control of substances hazardous to health regulations 2002 (COSHH). Including COSHH assessments, exposure prevention or exposure control when it comes to hazardous substances spillages
• Slips and trips are a common risk factor in any workplace, so much so that slips, trips and falls on the same level caused 30% of the non-fatal injuries employers reported to HSE in 2024/25. Easily reduce risks by ensuring all individuals are aware of potential hazards and how to prevent hazards through fast and easy training

Our Warehouse Safety Tips

Warehouse Fire Safety Training

To begin with, workplace fire warden training is essential for warehouse operatives, as with any industry fire awareness training ensures individuals are educated in fire prevention and what equipment should be used in the event of a fire. Fire Awareness training is a legal requirement and should be carried out during a new employee’s first day or induction. It’s essential that all individuals know their closest escape routes and fire exits, how to prevent fires from spreading, where fire alarms and extinguishers are located and which fire extinguisher to use in the event of a fire. Train yourself and your staff in fire safety for your business today. Ensure fire signage and warning signs are clearly displayed to help individuals locate fire safety equipment and fire exit routes.

Warehouse Health and Safety

General health and safety training will also provide employees with a general code of conduct for behaving safely within the workplace. Help prevent accidents, raise hazard awareness and ensure companywide processes to ensure everyone’s safety. And for those working in high-risk environments, dynamic risk assessment training provides a great overview of how to respond to hazards and risks quickly and efficiently. An important skill to have in busy environments which operate heavy machinery and heavy loads.

Warehouse Vehicle Safety

Warehouse floor walkways can quickly become a moving vehicle highway. Ensure one way systems are in place for pallet trucks, forklift trucks and other vehicles in addition to proper training provided to those operating the vehicles. Avoid the need for reversing, sharp bends and blind corners while ensuring proper path and ground maintenance.

Warehouse PPE

It’s essential that all staff be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) like safety shoes, hard hats and reflective jackets. Protecting against falling objects, supporting manual handling and ensuring visibility with bright reflective jackets. Ensure warehouse risks are assessed to ensure the proper, applicable PPE is provided and available to staff.

Warehouse Health and Safety Checklist

Download and use our warehouse health and safety checklist to carry out everyday safety checks. Remember warehouse staff and operatives should also carry out full job role training to ensure full compliance with warehouse safety

• Aisles and walkways are clear of obstructions and debris.
• Floor surfaces are in good condition and free of cracks, holes, or unevenness.
• Aisles are marked with appropriate signage to indicate traffic flow and pedestrian walkways.
• Materials are properly stacked and secured to prevent tipping or falling.
• Forklifts and other material handling equipment are operated safely and in accordance with manufacturer guidelines.
• Employees are trained on the proper use of material handling equipment.
• Guardrails are installed in places where there is a risk of falling from a height.
• Stairways are equipped with handrails and are in good condition.
• Floor surfaces are free of slippery substances.
• Electrical cords are in good condition and free of fraying or damage.
• Outlets and switches are properly grounded.
• Electrical equipment is properly guarded to prevent accidental contact with live wires.
• Fire extinguishers are located in easily accessible locations and are regularly inspected.
• Emergency exits are clearly marked and unobstructed.
• Employees are trained on fire evacuation procedures.
• Employees are provided with the appropriate PPE for their job tasks.
• Employees are trained on the proper use and care of PPE.
• PPE is inspected regularly and replaced as needed.
• Warehouse floors are kept clean and free of debris.
• Trash is disposed of properly.
• Spills are cleaned up promptly.
• Employees are trained in emergency procedures.
• Emergency contact information is readily available.
• Fire drills are conducted regularly.
• Employees are provided with training on all aspects of warehouse safety.
• Training is conducted regularly and updated as needed.
• Employees are tested on their safety knowledge.
• A record of all injuries and illnesses is kept.
• A record of all safety training is kept.
• Accident reports are completed promptly and thoroughly.

Adapting these safety tips to your workplace

Please Note: This checklist is not exhaustive and may need to be modified to meet the specific needs of your workplace. It is important to consult with a qualified occupational safety professional and amend our framework to develop your own complete safety program for your warehouse.

ProCompliance Warehouse Safety Training

For more information on warehouse and storage safety consult the HSE website and guides and for warehouse safety training choose the online ProCompliance training programme for all your health and safety training needs. Start a two-week free trial for all your training needs, gain free access to online courses and resources in fire safety, COSHH, manual handling and so much more so you can ensure your workplace is safety-compliant.