BackWhat are the requirements for working in a warehouse in Poland?
Warehouse work is one of the most popular and accessible industries. Although there are plenty of opportunities, the requirements can be surprising. What are the requirements for warehouse work in Poland? What’s it like working in a warehouse? What are the responsibilities of a warehouse worker? What skills are needed for a warehouse worker?
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What is it like to work in a warehouse?
- What are the responsibilities of a warehouse worker?
- What are the different positions of a warehouse worker?
- What are the requirements for working in a warehouse in Poland?
- What qualities should a warehouse worker have?
- UDT certifications – are they worth having?
What’s it like to work in a warehouse?
The job of a warehouse worker is a responsible position that ensures the smooth operation of a warehouse. While every company has its own unique characteristics, a warehouse worker’s duties are based on several consistent processes that ensure goods reach customers safely. The work of a warehouse worker requires a high degree of attention, and the performance of duties must always be coupled with a commitment to occupational safety.
What are the responsibilities of a warehouse worker?
Here are the main responsibilities of a warehouse worker:
Receiving and verifying goods – a warehouse worker’s job includes unloading deliveries and checking whether the received goods match the warehouse documentation.
Storing materials – after receiving goods, the warehouse worker must properly arrange the products on the shelves. Proper warehouse organization and warehouse space planning facilitate the subsequent work of the entire team.
Order picking – this is the most important step, performed by the warehouse worker. They must collect the appropriate products using a scanner. Order picking is supported by modern warehouse management systems (WMS).
Issuing goods – preparing packages for shipment, securing them, and loading them onto delivery vehicles.
Forklift operation – if the employee has forklift certification and UDT certifications, their responsibilities include safe forklift operation and transporting heavy loads. As a forklift operator, they are responsible for efficient internal transport systems.
Inventory – involves regularly counting products to ensure that the physical inventory matches what’s displayed in the computer.
Compliance with safety regulations – knowledge of safety and occupational health and safety regulations is a key responsibility. Ensuring occupational safety includes wearing protective clothing and ensuring that the health and safety of all people on the floor are not endangered.
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Warehouse Worker Jobs – What Are They?
In the logistics industry, the warehouse job isn’t uniform – depending on the size of the facility and the type of product, different specializations are distinguished. Each warehouse worker is assigned a specific scope of warehouse responsibilities, which influences their daily work.
Here are the most common warehouse job positions:
Warehouse Worker – Order Picker
This is the most common position, primarily responsible for picking orders. The worker navigates the warehouse with a scanner, while warehouse management systems (WMS) indicate the location of products. Accuracy, speed, and teamwork are key in ensuring that packages are shipped to customers without delay.
Forklift Operator
This position requires specialized forklift certifications and UDT (Office of Technical Inspection) certifications. Forklift operators are responsible for operating high-bay forklifts, accepting goods from transport, and efficiently arranging them on racks. Excellent forklift operating skills and strict adherence to safety regulations are essential.
Receiving and Returns Clerk
This position requires highly meticulous individuals. Their work involves physically checking deliveries and entering data into warehouse management systems. They monitor inventory and ensure that any discrepancies are recorded in the system. Sanitary and epidemiological inspections are often required if the warehouse handles food or pharmaceuticals.
Packer / Quality Controller
This stage involves the final preparation of goods for shipment. The employee checks that orders have been completed correctly, packs products, and ensures that goods are released to couriers. This position is crucial for ensuring the condition of the product upon arrival.
Foreman / Warehouse Manager
Management positions are responsible for coordinating warehouse operations and managing the warehouse as a whole. Their responsibilities include organizing warehouse operations, scheduling schedules (taking into account that shift work is often involved), and ensuring that safety within the warehouse is maintained at the highest level. The Warehouse Manager also ensures regular occupational health and safety inspections and efficient internal transport systems.
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What are the requirements for working in a warehouse in Poland?
The most important factor in increasing a candidate’s attractiveness is a forklift license. Modern logistics is based on machinery, so UDT (Office of Technical Inspection) certifications are often a prerequisite for positions such as forklift operators. Employers are looking for individuals whose forklift operating skills are supported by practical experience, ensuring the smooth operation of the warehouse and minimizing the risk of damage to goods.
Since this is largely physical work, health requirements are crucial. The candidate must have a certificate from an occupational health physician confirming there are no contraindications to performing the duties of this position (e.g., working at heights above 3 meters).
It’s also worth remembering that warehouses distributing food, cosmetics, or pharmaceuticals require up-to-date sanitary and epidemiological examinations. Failure to include these examinations in medical records often prevents recruitment at many distribution centers.
What qualities should a warehouse worker possess?
These days, the warehouse profession requires much more than just physical strength. The dynamic development of logistics has led to expectations for those employed in warehouses with specific technical skills and personality traits.
What qualities should a warehouse worker possess?
- Accuracy and meticulousness
- Responsibility
- Compliance with safety regulations
- Teamwork skills
- Good work organization
- Efficiency and endurance
- Availability and flexibility
- Willingness to learn
UDT certifications – are they worth it?
Obtaining qualifications confirmed by the Office of Technical Inspection (UDT) is currently the best way to increase your value in logistics. With UDT certifications, employees become specialists who directly impact the smooth operation of a warehouse. In practice, a qualified forklift operator can expect significantly better job offers and higher wages than those without certifications. The ability to operate forklifts has a real impact on work speed and the safe storage of materials.
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