A warehouse may be stand-alone, or adjoined to an office.  The main elements which may cause hazards in a warehouse include high-level storage / racking, forklift trucks and heavy loads.

Common mishaps in warehouse environments include:

• cuts and bruises

• back aches from manual handling (carrying heavy loads without a mechanical aid)

• slips, trips and falls from height

• fires (most likely as a result of electrical equipment)

The law requires that any UK working environment that is under the control of an organisation with at least 5 employees, must hold valid and up-to-date health & safety documentation.

For warehouse environments, the required documents are:

• health & safety policy statement

• fire risk assessment

• general risk assessment

• manual handling risk assessment

• health & safety annual audit

• disability access audit

• workplace transport / warehouse storage / working at height

© Clearworld Health & Safety Ltd 2011