Warehouse workers may experience violence and harassment from supervisors, colleagues, security personnel or external actors such as delivery drivers or contractors. Women workers, migrant workers and young workers may face heightened risks.
Harassment may take many forms, including verbal abuse, intimidation, bullying or sexual harassment. In hierarchical workplaces where workers depend on supervisors for scheduling or job security, harassment may go unreported.
Violence and harassment can also occur during night shifts or in isolated work areas where supervision is limited. Workers may fear retaliation if they report incidents, particularly when grievance mechanisms are weak or inaccessible.
Workplace violence can have serious psychological and physical consequences, including stress, trauma and reduced job satisfaction.
The ITF Warehousing Principles call for a violence- and harassment-free world of work and require companies to establish clear policies and reporting mechanisms.
Companies can address violence and harassment risks by:
- Requiring supplier anti-harassment policies aligned with ILO Convention 190.
- Establishing confidential reporting and investigation procedures.
- Monitoring gender equality and workplace culture indicators.
- Supporting training on harassment prevention.
- Ensuring remediation for affected workers.