Think Safety Checklists
The following checklists may help you take steps to avoid hazards that cause injuries, illnesses and fatalities. As always, be cautious and seek help if you are concerned about a potential hazard.
General Safety
❏Exposed or open loading dock doors and other areas that employees could fall 4 feet or more or walk off should be chained off, roped off or otherwise blocked.
❏Floors and aisles are clear of clutter, electrical cords, hoses, spills and other hazards that could cause employees to slip, trip or fall.
❏Proper work practices are factored into determining the time requirements for an employee to perform a task.
❏Employees performing physical work have adequate periodic rest breaks to avoid fatigue levels that could result in greater risk of accidents and reduced quality of work.
❏Newly-hired employees receive general ergonomics training and task-specific training.
❏The warehouse is well ventilated. ❏Employees are instructed on how to avoid heat stress in hot, humid environments. ❏Employees are instructed on how to work in cold environments.
❏The facility has lockout/tagout procedures.
Materials Handling Safety
❏There are appropriately marked and sufficiently safe clearances for aisles and at loading docks or passageways where mechanical handling equipment is used.
❏Loose/unboxed materials which might fall from a pile are properly stacked by blocking, interlocking or limiting the height of the pile to prevent falling hazards.
❏Bags, containers, bundles, etc. are stored in tiers that are stacked, blocked, interlocked and limited in height so that they are stable and secure to prevent sliding or collapse.
❏Storage areas are kept free from accumulation of materials that could lead to tripping, fire, explosion or pest infestations.
❏Excessive vegetation is removed from building entrances, work or traffic areas to prevent possible trip or fall hazards due to visual obstructions.
❏Derail and/or bumper blocks are provided on spur railroad tracks where a rolling car could contact other cars being worked on and at entrances to buildings, work or traffic areas.
❏Covers and/or guardrails are provided to protect personnel from the hazards of stair openings in floors, meter or equipment pits and similar hazards. ❏Personnel use proper lifting techniques.
❏Elevators and hoists for lifting materials/ containers are properly used with adequate safe clearances, no obstructions, appropriate signals and directional warning signs.
Hazard Communication Safety
❏All hazardous materials containers are properly labeled, indicating the chemical’s identity, the manufacturer’s name and address, and appropriate hazard warnings.
❏There is an updated list of hazardous chemicals.
❏The facility has a written program that covers hazard determination, including Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs), labeling and training.
❏There is a system to check that each incoming chemical is accompanied by a MSDS.
❏All employees are trained in the requirements of the hazard communication standard, the chemical hazards to which they are exposed, how to read and understand a MSDS and chemical labels, and on what precautions to take to prevent exposure.
❏All employee training is documented.
❏All outside contractors are given a complete list of chemical products, hazards and precautions.
❏Procedures have been established to maintain and evaluate the effectiveness of the current program.
❏Employees use proper personal protective equipment when handling chemicals.
❏All chemicals are stored according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and local or national fire codes.