Your Safety Checklist for OSHA requirements for building material warehouses

Building material warehouses present a unique set of safety challenges—from heavy loads and forklift traffic to chemical storage and elevated work areas. OSHA regulations are designed to protect workers in these environments, but compliance can be complex without a structured approach.

Use this safety checklist to ensure your warehouse meets OSHA requirements, reduces risk, and maintains a safe and efficient operation.

• Employee Training and Hazard Communication

Conduct OSHA-required safety training during onboarding and at regular intervals

Maintain up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous materials on-site

Train workers to interpret GHS-compliant labels and hazard warnings

Document and store all training records for quick access during inspections

Why It Matters: OSHA cites hazard communication violations as one of the most frequent warehouse compliance issues.

• Proper Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Perform hazard assessments to determine necessary PPE (e.g., gloves, hard hats, safety glasses)

Provide PPE at no cost and ensure proper fit

Train employees on when and how to use PPE

Replace worn or damaged PPE immediately

Why It Matters: PPE is a frontline defense against chemical, mechanical, and environmental hazards.

• Safe Forklift and Material Handling Practices

Certify all forklift operators and keep certifications current

Perform and document daily forklift inspections

Keep forklift travel paths clear and marked with visible floor signage

Never allow unauthorized personnel to operate powered industrial trucks

Why It Matters: OSHA requires formal training and periodic evaluation for all powered industrial truck operators.

• Clear Aisles and Emergency Exits

Maintain a minimum aisle width of 36 inches for employee access

Keep all exits clear and unlocked during business hours

Clearly mark all emergency exits with illuminated signage

Conduct regular emergency evacuation drills

Why It Matters: Obstructed exits are a common violation and create major risks in an emergency.

• Fall Protection for Elevated Work Areas

Install guardrails or fall arrest systems for platforms over 4 feet high

Use toe boards on mezzanines and storage racks

Provide harnesses and training for workers performing tasks at height

Conduct regular inspections of fall protection equipment

Why It Matters: Falls are one of the top causes of serious injuries in warehouse environments.

• Proper Storage and Stacking of Materials

Follow manufacturer weight limits for shelving and racking

Store heavy items on lower shelves to prevent tipping

Secure unstable materials with bands, shrink wrap, or pallets

Keep stacked items below sprinkler heads and clear of walkways

Why It Matters: Poor material storage creates both physical and fire hazards.

• Hazardous Material and Chemical Compliance

Label all containers with GHS-compliant hazard labels

Store chemicals according to compatibility and flammability ratings

Provide spill containment and cleanup kits in areas where chemicals are used

Train staff on EPA and OSHA handling procedures for treated wood or adhesives

Why It Matters: Chemical mishandling can lead to injury, environmental violations, or costly EPA penalties.

• Fire Safety and Prevention

Install and maintain fire extinguishers and sprinkler systems

Train employees in fire extinguisher use and emergency response

Conduct monthly inspections of extinguishers and safety systems

Store flammable materials in OSHA-approved containers or cabinets

Why It Matters: OSHA requires fire safety measures tailored to warehouse inventory and risk levels.

• Ladder and Equipment Safety

Inspect ladders for cracks, loose rungs, or defects before each use

Train employees on safe ladder use, including proper angles and load limits

Never use makeshift platforms like pallets or boxes

Provide the right equipment for the task—scaffolds, lifts, or mobile platforms if needed

Why It Matters: Ladder-related injuries are preventable with proper equipment and training.

• Ongoing Safety Inspections and Recordkeeping

Conduct routine workplace safety audits and correct hazards immediately

Maintain OSHA injury and illness logs (Forms 300, 300A, 301)

Review near-miss incidents and update safety protocols accordingly

Post the annual OSHA 300A summary in a visible location from Feb 1–Apr 30

Why It Matters: Inspections and accurate records show your commitment to safety and help avoid fines.

Final Thoughts

Building material warehouses are high-traffic, high-risk environments—but with the right OSHA checklist in place, you can turn safety into a daily habit instead of a compliance scramble. Use this guide to audit your current practices, close compliance gaps, and create a safer workplace for your team.