Warehouse workers are exposed to hazardous substances, biological agents and communicable diseases depending on the goods handled and the working environment.
Risks arise from chemical products, cleaning agents, battery systems, fuel storage and damaged goods. In logistics environments handling food, pharmaceuticals or medical supplies, workers encounter biological hazards. Improper handling procedures, inadequate protective equipment and deficient ventilation in confined spaces can increase exposure risks.
Communicable diseases can spread rapidly in warehouses through the use of shared equipment and through close interaction between workers. During the Covid-19 pandemic, warehouses were identified as high-risk environments due to the difficulty of maintaining physical distancing while meeting production targets.
Exposure is worst where workers lack adequate training, personal protective equipment or access to sanitation facilities. Temporary and agency workers receive less training and are often less aware of hazard reporting procedures.
For more on exposure to hazardous substances, biological risks and communicable disease, see the Risks Across Transport guidance.
Companies can mitigate these risks by:
- Requiring hazard assessments for all warehouse operations.
- Ensuring suppliers provide adequate PPE and safety training.
- Monitoring workplace hygiene and infection control practices.
- Supporting worker participation in safety committees.
- Requiring incident reporting and transparent health monitoring systems.