Remember that Child Labor Laws do not permit employees younger than 18 years old from operating forklifts or employees younger than 16 from loading or unloading goods on or off trucks, railcars, or conveyors.

Workers can injure themselves from slips, trips, or falls, while loading or unloading supplies in the delivery area or storage area, or in the parking lot. Variable weather conditions add to the potential hazards.

• Be aware of outside conditions if unloading outside; wear sun protection if sunny, and coats, gloves, boots if wet or cold.
  
  
• Wear appropriate non-slip footwear.
  
  
• Keep walking surfaces free of ice and snow.
  
  
• Carry items only at a height over which you can safely see.
  
  
• Use no-skid waxes and surfaces coated with grit to create non-slip surfaces in slippery areas.
  
  
• Eliminate cluttered or obstructed hallways or walkways.
  
  
• Do not block hallways with delivery items.
  
  
• Use proper lifting techniques.
  
  

• The Walking/Working Surfaces Standard [29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1)]: Keep all places of employment clean and orderly and in a sanitary condition.
   
  • Keep floors clean and dry [29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2)]. 
    
    
  • Keep aisles and passageways clear and in good repair, with no obstruction across or in aisles that could create a hazard [29 CFR 1910.22(b)(1)].
    
• Keep exits free from obstruction. Access to exits must remain clear of obstructions at all times [29 CFR 1910.37(a)(3)].
  

• Younger than 16 from loading or unloading goods on or off trucks, railcars, or conveyors;
• Under age 18 from operating hazardous equipment such as forklifts; and
• Under age 18 from operating paper balers or box compactors. Minors 16 years old and older are allowed to load but not operate or unload certain scrap paper balers and box compactors.
   

• Provide floor plugs or ceiling plugs for equipment so power cords need not run across pathways.
  
  
• Re-lay or stretch carpets that bulge or have become bunched to prevent tripping hazards.
  
  
• Provide adequate lighting.