What PPE and workwear do I need when working in a warehouse?

If you work in a warehouse and you are not sure on the PPE and workwear you need to make sure you are carrying out your tasks effectively and safely on a daily basis then this is the post for you, we will look at the typical hazards in warehouses and the right warehouse workwear to reduce / prevent injury.

It is important to say that PPE and workwear for warehouses has been designed as a last line of defence and if you can safely prevent the need for PPE and workwear through blocking areas of danger, working smarter or seeing other safer routes forward, perhaps through a risk assessment then this should be taken. To ensure high safety and low injury rates you should have a effective risk assessment in place with precautionary PPE and workwear equipped.

Previous analysis has suggested that there is over 1,500 warehouse units that are over 100,000 sq ft of space which as you can imagine requires a wide range of employees to help run this space efficiently.

PPE for warehouse workers

Head protection

When working around a warehouse there is always a risk of bumping your head whether that is low hanging objects and the obvious metal raking bars to contend with, a bump cap allows for a lightweight feel and secure fit to prevent head injury.

Working at height safety harness

Depending on the size of the warehouse and the levels within you may be required to work at heights, the risk of falling is a serious health risk and will require the right safety harness and safety lanyard to prevent falling.

Safety Gloves

One of the most regular risks when working in a warehouse is cutting your hands while opening boxes or packing them, making sure your safety gloves have a good cut resistance rating is important. The Portwest A622 safety gloves are a popular choice in warehouses due to them being designed for medium cut risk.

Warehouse Workwear

Hi Vis Jackets

Portwest S463 Hi Vis Bomber Jacket

In a busy warehouse, visibility is safety. Our hi-vis jackets keep staff seen around forklifts, racking, and loading bays while meeting EN ISO 20471 standards. Designed for comfort and durability, they’re built to handle long shifts indoors and out.

Hi Vis Vest

Warehouses demand clear visibility and easy movement. Our hi-vis vests keep staff safe around forklifts and loading zones while meeting EN ISO 20471 standards. Lightweight, practical, and built for all-day wear, they’re the simplest way to stay compliant on site.

Workwear trousers

Then looking for trousers that are suitable for warehouse work, you want a pair of trousers which will have a high quality fit to prevent loose clothing being caught on sharp objects, these trousers are also perfect for warehouse work due to the maximum range of movement on offer, allowing you to have no restrictions while carrying out your work.

Other excellent options on are workwear joggers as these provide a maximum range of movement, keeping the wearing super comfortable while having practical pockets to hold key items.

Safety Footwear

Safety footwear is essential in many industries and professions due to having a risk of something falling onto your toe, bumping your toes or something sharp making impact with your feet. The BASE Be-Jetty / Be-Browny have a puncture resistant sole while offering a steel toe cap. These safety boots have been designed to offer excellent comfort, durability and performance, making them a perfect reliable safety boot.

Warehouse work demands PPE that keeps you visible, protected, and comfortable through long shifts. The essentials usually include:

• Hi-Vis Clothing (EN ISO 20471): Ensures you’re seen around forklifts and moving vehicles.
• Safety Footwear (EN ISO 20345): Steel or composite toe protection with slip-resistant soles.
• Gloves & Eye Protection: For handling sharp, heavy, or dusty materials.

When it comes to hi-vis clothing, the OAKLINE range is built specifically for UK industries:

• The Blake Executive Vest – A premium hi-vis vest with multiple pockets for radios, scanners, and small tools, making it ideal for supervisors and warehouse leads who need visibility without compromising practicality.
• The Kimi Hi-Vis Jacket – A durable, weather-resistant jacket designed to keep you safe, warm, and visible in busy warehouse yards or outdoor loading areas.

Both garments meet EN ISO 20471 standards and are designed to be tough, comfortable, and compliant — ensuring your team stays safe and professional on site.

What are the safety hazards in a warehouse?

There are various safety hazards that can be present in a warehouse. Some common ones include:

1. Slips, trips, and falls:
   
   The floors of the warehouse can be slippery and uneven, and items left lying around can cause people to trip and fall.
   
2. Heavy machinery:
   
   Forklifts, pallet jacks, and other heavy equipment can be dangerous if they are not operated correctly or if they malfunction.
   
3. Falling objects:
   
   Objects can fall from high shelves, causing injury to those below.
   
4. Electrical hazards:
   
   Faulty wiring, exposed wires, and poorly maintained electrical equipment can pose a risk of electrical shock or fire.
   
5. Fire hazards:
   
   The use of flammable materials, improperly stored chemicals, and smoking can all contribute to the risk of fires.
   
6. Heat stress:
   
   In hot weather, workers can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat stroke if they are not given adequate breaks and access to water.
   
7. Ergonomic hazards:
   
   Repetitive motions, awkward postures, and heavy lifting can cause musculoskeletal injuries.
   
8. Chemical hazards:
   
   Chemical spills or exposure to hazardous chemicals can cause serious health problems.
   
   

How to keep employees protected and safe in a warehouse?

There are several ways to keep employees protected in a warehouse besides providing them with PPE and workwear. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Training:
   
   Provide comprehensive training to employees on the safe use of equipment, proper lifting techniques, and emergency procedures. This will ensure that they are aware of the potential risks and hazards in the warehouse and know how to avoid them.
   
2. Regular equipment maintenance:
   
   Ensure that all equipment in the warehouse is well maintained and functioning properly. This will help reduce the risk of accidents and injuries caused by malfunctioning equipment.
   
3. Adequate lighting:
   
   Proper lighting is essential in a warehouse to prevent accidents and help employees navigate the area safely. Ensure that the entire warehouse is well-lit, including all corners, aisles, and other areas.
   
4. Clear signage and markings:
   
   Clearly mark all hazardous areas, such as loading docks, electrical panels, and equipment storage areas, with appropriate signage. Use floor markings and other visual aids to clearly identify walkways and traffic patterns.
   
5. Regular safety inspections:
   
   Conduct regular safety inspections to identify potential hazards and make necessary improvements. Involve employees in this process to encourage them to be proactive about safety.
   
6. Ergonomic design:
   
   Design workstations and equipment to be ergonomic, reducing the risk of strain and injury. Consider providing adjustable workstations and chairs, and use anti-fatigue mats to reduce stress on employees' feet and legs.
   
7. Adequate ventilation:
   
   Ensure that the warehouse is well-ventilated to prevent the build-up of fumes, dust, and other harmful particles. This will help protect employees' respiratory health and reduce the risk of illness.

Conclusion

To conclude, this is a list of PPE and workwear warehouse which is required for most warehouses, there many be warehouses which do not require all these items although making sure this PPE and workwear is available to employees is essential. Likewise there is more PPE that may be required such as eye protection and respiratory protection to ensure employee safety. A risk assessment should always be carried out before final PPE and workwear requirements have been finalised.

To understand more about safety footwear, check out our blog on the different types of safety footwear or perhaps you want to know our recommendations on the most comfortable safety boots, check out the link provided.