Quick Safety Tips to Remember
Warehouse and manufacturing jobs are physically demanding and come with real safety risks. Every year, thousands of workers suffer injuries due to avoidable hazards, improper lifting techniques, and lack of preparation.
In 2023, private industry employers reported 2.6 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, with the manufacturing sector alone accounting for 355,800 cases.
The incidence rate of recordable workplace injuries declined to 2.4 cases per 100 full-time workers, but the risks remain significant.
Forklift-related incidents alone cause nearly 7,500 injuries annually, and overexertion from improper lifting is one of the most common workplace injuries.
These numbers highlight a critical truth: most injuries can be prevented with the right preparation and safety habits. Whether it’s wearing the correct gear, performing a proper warm-up, or staying aware of your surroundings, small steps before your shift can reduce risk and improve productivity.
If you're looking for warehouse solutions to create a safer work environment, these 10 warehouse safety tips will help you minimize risk, improve efficiency, and ensure a productive shift.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is your first line of defense in any warehouse or manufacturing setting. Make sure you have:
Steel-toe boots for foot protection
High-visibility vests for visibility in busy areas
Gloves if handling materials or machinery
Protective eyewear if required for your task
Hearing protection if working in a loud manufacturing environment
Fire-resistant clothing if working near heat or flammable materials
If your job involves conveyor belts or moving parts, tuck in your shirt and tie up long hair to prevent anything from getting caught. This is a simple warehouse and manufacturing safety tip that can prevent serious injuries.
A proper warm-up helps prevent injuries, but not all stretching is beneficial before work. Many people assume that holding a stretch—like bending over and touching your toes—prepares the body for physical activity. This type of static stretching actually relaxes the muscles, reducing their ability to react quickly.
Instead, a dynamic warm-up gets the blood flowing and activates the muscles needed for lifting, bending, and moving efficiently. Before your shift, try:
These manufacturing safety tips can help prevent strains and improve workplace efficiency.
Take a moment to inspect your work area and any equipment before starting. Look for:
Loose materials, spills, or misplaced tools that could cause hazards
Machinery that needs maintenance before operation
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures for machine safety in manufacturing
Emergency stop buttons and exits for safety awareness
A safety message of the day could be as simple as reminding employees to inspect their workstations before beginning tasks. Small precautions like this can prevent major slowdowns and accidents later.
Warehouse and manufacturing jobs are physically demanding. Dehydration leads to fatigue, dizziness, and slower reaction times, which can result in mistakes or injuries. Drink water before your shift and stay hydrated throughout the day. If possible, bring a water bottle to your workstation.
Being prepared for an emergency can make all the difference. Know the locations of:
Emergency exits
First aid stations
Fire extinguishers
Fire safety protocols for handling flammable materials in manufacturing
Procedures for reporting hazards or injuries
These are key safety meeting topics that every team should regularly review.
Understanding your tasks before starting can help improve workflow. Check in with your team or supervisor to clarify priorities and prevent miscommunication.
Good warehouse solutions include clear communication systems, shift planning tools, and real-time task updates to improve operations.
Lifting too much weight improperly can cause serious injury. Before picking up an object:
Test the weight to ensure it’s manageable
Use proper lifting aids like pallet jacks, forklifts, or hoists in manufacturing
Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift with your legs
A warehouse or manufacturing floor is always busy. Stay alert and watch for:
Forklifts and moving machinery
Coworkers carrying heavy loads
Floor markings and designated walkways
Machine guarding awareness to prevent entanglement in moving parts
A great rule to follow: “Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.” Working methodically prevents mistakes and improves overall efficiency.
If you see a hazardous material leaking, do not attempt to clean it up yourself. Instead:
Report it immediately
Follow workplace safety guidelines
Keep others away until it’s properly handled
This is another critical safety meeting topic that should be reinforced regularly.
Your mindset at the beginning of a shift sets the tone for your workday. Stay focused and alert to maintain both productivity and safety.
Taking a few extra minutes before starting your shift can make a huge difference in workplace safety and productivity. Following these safety tips for warehouse and manufacturing workers will set you up for success.
For more warehouse and manufacturing career tips, check out:
Once you are ready for your next job, explore your opportunities with Timpl.