Warehouse safety is everyone’s responsibility. Warehouses are inherently dangerous places. Risks range from falling items to malfunctioning machinery. While your employer should have a safety plan in place, you are their eyes and ears on the ground. Here’s what to do if you notice something unsafe in the warehouse.
Mitigate the Hazard
If you can safely do something about the hazard, do that first. For example, you might mop up a spill or unplug a machine that isn’t working properly. If you don’t have the training or experience to mitigate the hazard, don’t try. Instead, put up a safety cone or otherwise attempt to block off the area. Then let management know about the issue right away.
Talk to Your Coworkers
What if your coworkers are cutting corners or taking dangerous risks? If you have a good relationship with them, consider reminding them of the safety policy. Likewise, if there seems to be a management issue that is affecting workplace safety, find out if your coworkers sense the same thing. It may be best to approach management as a group.
Tell Your Boss
No matter exactly what the issue is or who is causing it, your supervisor is ultimately responsible for enforcing workplace safety. Unless your boss is the one directly causing the issue, be sure to let them know. If your boss is the problem, consider making a report to the next level in the chain of command.
File an OSHA Complaint
If you don’t get anywhere with management, the next step is to file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). You can file online, by email, or even in person at a local office. The agency will investigate the matter. This will likely include sending a representative to inspect your warehouse in person. Don’t worry about your job, as retaliation for whistleblower complaints is illegal.
Warehouse safety is ultimately your employer’s responsibility. But each worker has an important role to play. Mitigate the hazard if possible, speak with your coworkers, and talk to your boss. If the situation is not resolved, don’t hesitate to file an official complaint.
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