Department of Labor's National Emphasis Program Targets Warehouses and Distribution Centers

Signage plays a crucial role in communicating and mitigating potential hazards

written by Bernard Martin

In July 2023, the Department of Labor made a significant announcement aimed at fortifying workplace safety across the nation. The unveiling of a new national emphasis program specifically targets warehouses and distribution centers, recognizing the unique challenges and potential hazards inherent in these environments. With a focus on reducing and preventing workplace hazards, this initiative underscores the government's commitment to safeguarding the well-being of employees across diverse industries.

From the OSHA News Release:

"In the past 10 years, warehousing and distribution centers have experienced tremendous growth with more than 1.9 million people employed in the industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows injury and illness rates for these establishments are higher than in private industry overall and, in some sectors, more than twice the rate of private industry.

"Our enforcement efforts are designed to do one thing: lead to permanent change in workplace safety," said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. "This emphasis program allows OSHA to direct resources to establishments where evidence shows employers must be more intentional in addressing the root causes of worker injuries and align their business practices with the goal to ensure worker health and safety."

Under this three-year emphasis program, OSHA will conduct comprehensive safety inspections focused on hazards related to powered industrial vehicle operations, material handling and storage, walking and working surfaces, means of egress and fire protection.

The Department of Labor's initiative comes as a proactive response to the evolving landscape of workplace safety. Warehouses and distribution centers, pivotal components of the supply chain, often contend with a multitude of hazards ranging from tripping and fall risks to more complex issues like equipment identification and emergency evacuation procedures.

What can you start to do right now to address this three year focus program is a comprehensive evaluation of your signage. 

Key Area of Focus:
Signage and Identification

To align with the goals of the national emphasis program, companies operating in warehouses and distribution centers should prioritize the review and enhancement of various safety measures.

Signage plays a crucial role in communicating and mitigating potential hazards. Here are key items that companies should start reviewing related to signage:

Lock-Out / Tag-Out Procedures

• Ensure that clear and comprehensive signage is in place to communicate lock-out/tag-out procedures for machinery and equipment.
• Periodically review and update signage to reflect any changes in equipment or safety protocols.

Emergency Evacuation Routes

• Clearly mark emergency evacuation routes with visible signage throughout the facility.
• Conduct regular drills to ensure that employees are familiar with evacuation routes and assembly points.

Tripping & Fall Hazards

• Identify and label potential tripping and fall hazards, such as uneven flooring or exposed cords.
• Implement consistent and standardized signage to alert employees to these risks.

Pipe Labeling / Container Labeling

• Ensure that pipes and containers containing hazardous materials are clearly labeled.
• Review and update labeling regularly to reflect any changes in the types or locations of materials.

Shelving & Location ID

• Implement a systematic shelving and location identification system to enhance efficiency and reduce the risk of workplace accidents.
• Clearly label storage areas, shelves, and aisles for easy navigation and inventory management.

Equipment ID

• Clearly mark and identify all equipment, including forklifts, conveyors, and other machinery.
• Use standardized symbols and colors for quick and easy recognition.

Prioritizing Safety in Warehouses and Distribution Centers

As the Department of Labor emphasizes the importance of workplace safety in warehouses and distribution centers, companies must proactively review and enhance their safety measures.

Implementing clear and effective signage related to lock-out/tag-out procedures, emergency evacuation routes, tripping and fall hazards, pipe/container labeling, shelving and location ID, and equipment ID is a crucial step toward creating a safer work environment.

​By investing in these initiatives, companies not only ensure compliance with regulatory standards but also foster a culture of safety that benefits both employees and the organization as a whole.  

If you would like some assistance in developing developing signage to help you with compliance please feel free to reach out to us.