Running a building materials warehouse isn’t just about moving product—it’s about doing it safely and legally. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets strict standards to keep workers protected, and falling out of compliance can lead to costly fines, operational downtime, or worse—serious injuries on site.
Here’s how to stay compliant with OSHA requirements in your warehouse or yard and keep your team—and your business—safe.
- Know the Core OSHA Standards for Warehousing
While OSHA doesn’t have a “one-size-fits-all” warehouse standard, it enforces several key rules under general industry regulations (29 CFR 1910), including:
Hazard communication (labels, Safety Data Sheets for chemicals)
Forklift safety (operator certification, vehicle maintenance, operating rules)
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Material handling and storage (safe stacking, racking, and lifting)
Walking and working surfaces (clear aisles, proper lighting, fall protection)
Emergency exits and fire safety
For building material warehouses, where workers handle heavy loads, operate equipment, and move product in fast-paced environments, these regulations are especially critical.
- Keep Forklift Operations in Check
OSHA citations for powered industrial trucks (forklifts) are among the most common. Stay compliant by ensuring:
All operators are trained and certified
Refresher training is provided when needed
Daily equipment inspections are performed and logged
Safe speeds, load limits, and traffic rules are enforced in the yard and warehouse
Don’t let shortcuts or expired certifications slide—OSHA checks this closely.
- Label and Store Materials Properly
From lumber and drywall to pavers and adhesives, your materials need to be stored and labeled with safety in mind:
Stack materials securely to prevent shifting or collapse
Clearly mark hazardous products and keep SDSs (Safety Data Sheets) on site
Avoid overloading racks or storing items in unstable piles
Maintain clear access to aisles, exits, and fire extinguishers
Improper storage isn’t just unsafe—it’s one of the top triggers for OSHA violations in building supply environments.
- Provide and Enforce PPE Use
Depending on your warehouse, PPE requirements may include:
Steel-toe boots
High-visibility vests
Gloves for handling rough or sharp materials
Safety glasses or goggles
Hearing protection in loud environments
Train employees on when and how to use PPE, and enforce its use—especially around forklifts, cutting tools, or dusty materials.
- Post the Right Signage and Documentation
OSHA requires that specific signage, notices, and safety materials be posted clearly in the workplace. These include:
OSHA’s Job Safety and Health “It’s the Law” poster
Emergency exit maps
Hazard communication signs
Lockout/tagout procedures (if applicable)
First-aid and fire extinguisher locations
Make sure these are visible, current, and not blocked or covered.
- Conduct Regular Safety Audits and Training
Don’t wait for an accident—or an inspection—to catch issues. Schedule regular internal safety audits and:
Inspect storage racks, stairs, ladders, lighting, and forklifts
Identify and correct tripping or fall hazards
Review incident reports and near-misses to spot trends
Refresh employee safety training at least annually
Training records should be documented and ready to present during inspections.
- Know What to Do If OSHA Shows Up
If OSHA conducts an inspection:
Cooperate fully and assign a point of contact
Provide documentation and access to required records
Walk through with the inspector and take notes
Ask for clarification if violations are cited, and respond quickly
Fix any issues as soon as possible—some violations can be resolved on the spot to avoid larger penalties.
Final Word
OSHA compliance in a building material warehouse is about more than avoiding fines—it’s about protecting your people, your products, and your reputation. By staying proactive, keeping clear records, and creating a safety-first culture, you’ll run a tighter, safer, and more productive operation.
