Within New Jersey warehouse-related businesses, there are numerous safety issues that employers, employees and independent contractors should identify. From alerting employees to the location of fire exits to keeping the premises organized and sanitary, warehouse employers must carefully adhere to OSHA regulations.
Business owners should make sure all their employees know what to do in the event of a fire. Everyone, including independent contractors that are hired from time to time, should be aware of the company’s evacuation and fire safety plan and the location of fire exits, fire extinguishers and first aid equipment.
Roofing contractors and maintenance workers should know where roof access or built-in ladders are stored in the warehouse. Large warehouses that contain indoor roofs should have plenty of built-in ladders so that contractors can easily and safely reach the roofing areas where they need to work.
A clean and neat working environment is essential towards keeping employees and visitors safe. Since warehouse environments are filled with equipment, tools and miscellaneous materials lying around, people can easily trip, slip or fall over them, which could lead to serious injuries.
Warehouse employers are required to follow federal and state health and safety regulations to not only avoid fines but also keep everyone who enters the premises healthy and safe. When employees or contractors are injured on the job, it can cost the company money, and, in some cases, the owner his or her business.
Nearly all business owners in New Jersey are required to carry workers’ compensation for the protection of their employees. Workers’ compensation benefits typically pay for a portion of the injured employee’s lost wages and his or her medical expenses.
