Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 9333
Warehouse worker
A warehouse worker is a person who handles, packs and stores materials in a warehouse with care for accuracy: receiving goods, labelling them, checking their quality, putting them away and documenting any damage. The work is physical and it is also a record-keeping job.
Check yourself in a minute: warehouse worker
Rate 5 of the 40 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
operate warehouse record systems
operate warehouse materials
sort waste
clean industrial containers
maintain physical condition of warehouse
About warehouse worker
Receiving opens the chain. The worker takes in deliveries, labels what arrives, inspects quality against what was ordered, and documents damage at the point it is found rather than after the carrier has left. Knowing the types of packaging used in industrial shipments tells the worker what a case should look like and therefore when it has been mishandled.
Storage is the next stage. The worker stores the goods, applies container stuffing techniques, manages the warehouse stock, and keeps the inventory management systems and the goods recording systems current.
Dispatch closes it. The worker monitors stock levels for individual items, takes stock counts, handles the shipping documents and sends the goods out. Housekeeping duties belong to the same role. Several communication channels are used across the shift, from a scanner to a radio to a written note on a pallet.
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (40)
types of packaging used in industrial shipmentstypes of packaging used in industrial shipmentsThe various types of packaging materials used for industrial shipments, according to the type of goods to be shipped.products coding systemproducts coding systemPackaging codes and markings required to implement proper handling procedures for goods.operate warehouse record systemsoperate warehouse record systemsOperate systems for recording product, packaging, and order information in specific formats and types of record.operate warehouse materialsoperate warehouse materialsBe able to operate pallet jack and similar motorised warehouse equipment, for loading and storage purposes.sort wastesort wasteManually or automatically sort waste by separating it into its different elements.clean industrial containersclean industrial containersClean residual dirt particles from containers. Adapt cleaning process to the customer's requirements.maintain physical condition of warehousemaintain physical condition of warehouseDevelop and Implement new warehouse layouts in order to maintain facilities in good working order; issue work orders for repair and replacement operations.receive goodsreceive goodsControl documentation, unloading and booking of goods with which the receipt from a vendor or from production is posted.match goods with appropriate packaging according to security proceduresmatch goods with appropriate packaging according to security proceduresRelate goods to be packed with the required security equipment following appropriate security procedures.assist in the movement of heavy loadsassist in the movement of heavy loadsProvide assistance in the relocation of heavy loads; set up and operate a rigging system of ropes and cables in order to move heavy cargo.apply techniques for stacking goods into containersapply techniques for stacking goods into containersApply techniques required to stack materials into containers. Use techniques to maximise the space in containers.stack goodsstack goodsStack goods and manufactured products into containers. This may include anticipating the need for and utilising additional protective materials in stacking the products.use different communication channelsuse different communication channelsMake use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.monitor stock levelmonitor stock levelEvaluate how much stock is used and determine what should be ordered.dispatch order processingdispatch order processingPack and deliver the packed goods to a shipping carrier.have spatial awarenesshave spatial awarenessBe aware of your position and the space around you. Understand the relationship of objects around you when there is a change of position.perform cleaning dutiesperform cleaning dutiesPerform cleaning duties such as waste removal, vacuuming, emptying bins, and general cleaning of the working area. Cleaning activities should follow health and safety regulations if required.use rigging toolsuse rigging toolsEmploy rigging tools such as cables, ropes, pulleys and winches to safely secure high structures.handle paperwork related to warehouse stockhandle paperwork related to warehouse stockDeal with goods notes right after stock delivery; keep stock record up-to-date; prepare and make up invoices.handle shipment paperworkhandle shipment paperworkHandle paperwork containing information on shipments and attached to goods about to be shipped. Ensure that identification information is complete, visible, and in compliance with all regulations. Che...manage warehouse inventorymanage warehouse inventoryManage warehouse inventory and control storage and movement of warehouse goods. Monitor transactions such as shipping, receiving and putaway.stay alertstay alertStay focused and alert at all times; react quickly in the case of unexpected events. Concentrate and do not get distracted performing a task over a long period of time.load products for dispatchload products for dispatchLoad goods appropriately so that they can be sent safely to the receiver.check for damaged itemscheck for damaged itemsIdentify products that have been damaged and report the situation.plan shifts of employeesplan shifts of employeesPlans shifts of employees to ensure completion of all customer orders and satisfactory completion of the production plan.use warehouse marking toolsuse warehouse marking toolsLabel containers and container tags or products; use warehouse marking and labelling tools.lift heavy weightslift heavy weightsLift heavy weights and apply ergonomic lifting techniques to avoid damaging the body.secure goodssecure goodsFasten bands around stacks or articles prior to shipment or storage.follow stock control instructionsfollow stock control instructionsStack items according to the stock control instructions received.implement efficiency plans for logistics operationsimplement efficiency plans for logistics operationsImplement efficiency plans developed by managers in facilities. Use techniques, resources, and training in order to improve workplace efficiency.have computer literacyhave computer literacyUtilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.operate weighing machineoperate weighing machineWork with a weighing machine to measure raw, half-finished and finished products.maintain stock control systemsmaintain stock control systemsKeep stock control systems up to date and ensure inventory accuracy.control of expensescontrol of expensesMonitor and maintain effective cost controls, in regards to efficiencies, waste, overtime and staffing. Assessing excesses and strives for efficiency and productivity.pick orders for dispatchingpick orders for dispatchingPick orders in warehouses destined for dispatching, ensuring that correct numbers and types of goods are loaded and dispatched. Tag and mark product items as requested.identify damaged goods before shipmentidentify damaged goods before shipmentIdentify damaged goods before packaging and shipping following established procedures.operate package processing equipmentoperate package processing equipmentOperate electric package processing equipment and control systems.manage transport of goods from warehouse facilitiesmanage transport of goods from warehouse facilitiesKnow the goods transported from warehouse facilities. Understand the legal and safety requirements of goods, the hazards that materials may represent. Provide solutions and appropriate direction for t...follow verbal instructionsfollow verbal instructionsHave the ability to follow spoken instructions received from colleagues. Strive to understand and clarify what is being requested.pallets loadingpallets loadingAbility to load and unload pallets on vehicles in a safe way.
Optional (25) — show
product packaging requirementsproduct packaging requirementsThe packaging requirements for different types of products and the related materials.freight transport methodsfreight transport methodsThe different modalities of freight transport such as air, sea, or intermodal freight transport, including the details and procedures specific to them.packaging engineeringpackaging engineeringThe processes of packaging or protecting products for distribution, storage and sale.tend packaging machinestend packaging machinesTend packaging machines such as filling, labelling, and sealing machines. Stock and sort products to be processed according to specifications. Replenish packaging supplies as required, such as boxes, ...cooperate with colleaguescooperate with colleaguesCooperate with colleagues in order to ensure that operations run effectively.handle customer complaintshandle customer complaintsAdminister complaints and negative feedback from customers in order to address concerns and where applicable provide a quick service recovery.apply procedures to ensure cargo complies with customs regulationsapply procedures to ensure cargo complies with customs regulationsApply the different procedures required to meet customs obligations when transporting goods across borders and arriving via ports/airports or any other logistics hub, such as producing written customs...manage packaging materialmanage packaging materialManaging all packaging materials be they primary (wrapping, cans, bottles) or secondary (cartons, crates, pallets).monitor packaging operationsmonitor packaging operationsObserve and supervise the packaging operations undertaken by the workers for compliance to production requirements. Check products for proper packaging such as labelling and date coding in order to en...analyse packaging requirementsanalyse packaging requirementsAnalyses packaging requirement against the design of the production plan. Perform the analysis considering engineering, economic, ergonomic, and other perspectives.ensure quality control in packagingensure quality control in packagingImplement and monitor activities so that all requirements of packing procedures and packing standards are met at all times.follow written instructionsfollow written instructionsFollow written directions in order to perform a task or carry out a step-by-step procedure.adapt to changing situationsadapt to changing situationsChange approach to situations based on unexpected and sudden changes in people's needs and mood or in trends; shift strategies, improvise and naturally adapt to those circumstances.handle fragile itemshandle fragile itemsUse different specialised handling for products that are delicate and tend to be broken or damaged easily.oversee stock quality controloversee stock quality controlCheck overall product quality prior to shipment.apply transportation management conceptsapply transportation management conceptsApply transport industry management concepts in order to improve transportation processes, reduce waste, increase efficiency, and improve schedule preparation.use a warehouse management systemuse a warehouse management systemUse software in order to store materials within a warehouse and perform operations such as shipping, receiving and picking.carry out ship-to-shore operationscarry out ship-to-shore operationsOperate ship-to-shore radios and perform processes to exchange information required for vessel operations.assemble goodsassemble goodsAssemble goods coming from in manufacturing processes or in removing activities.clean warehouseclean warehouseMaintain the work area of the warehouse in an organised and clean manner.handle returnshandle returnsManage goods that have been returned by customers, following the applicable goods return policy.organise informationorganise informationArrange information according to a specified set of rules. Catalogue and classify information based on the characteristics of that information.receive shipment packaging informationreceive shipment packaging informationReceive information from consignors about the goods, about aspects of the paperwork, and about how the goods should be packed and loaded onto trucks. Understand information and rigorously apply instru...use barcode scanning equipmentuse barcode scanning equipmentTrack the inventory by operating barcode scanning devices.work in a logistics teamwork in a logistics teamAbility to work confidently within a logistics team, with each member of the team fulfilling a role designed to increase the efficiency of the whole.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
materials handler16 shared essential skillsforklift operator11 shared essential skillswarehouse order picker10 shared essential skillsdistribution centre dispatcher5 shared essential skillsraw material reception operator5 shared essential skillsdairy products manufacturing worker4 shared essential skillsinventory coordinator4 shared essential skillswarehouse manager4 shared essential skills
Frequently asked questions
What does a warehouse worker do?
Warehouse workers execute the accurate handling, packing and storage of materials in a warehouse. They receive goods, label them, check quality, store the goods and document any damage. Warehouse workers also monitor stock levels of items, keep inventory and ship goods.
What skills does a warehouse worker need?
A warehouse worker needs 40 essential skills, including types of packaging used in industrial shipments, products coding system, operate warehouse record systems, operate warehouse materials, sort waste.
Will AI replace warehouse worker jobs?
The AI disruption score for warehouse worker is 58/100 (high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: operate warehouse record systems, monitor stock level, follow written instructions. Most resilient: use rigging tools, lift heavy weights, cooperate with colleagues.
AI Replacement Risk
58/ 100
High Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Skills most at risk from AI
Skills resilient to automation
This is the average for the whole occupation. The AI Career Shield test (about 10 minutes) shows the risk in your own work and what you can do about it.
Check your own AI riskQuick Facts
ISCO GroupLabourers in mining, construction, manufacturing and transport
Essential Skills40
Is warehouse worker right for you?
Take the free 10-minute Career Portrait to see which career direction fits your motivations and strengths.
Take the free test