New program seeks to reduce hazards in warehouses and distribution centers

A new program from the Department of Labor aims to prevent workplace hazards in warehouses, distribution centers and other high-risk retail establishments.

In the past 10 years, warehousing and distribution centers have experienced tremendous growth with more than 1.9 million people employed in the industry, according to a news release. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows injury and illness rates for these establishments are higher than in private industry overall and, in some sectors, more than twice the rate of private industry, the release said.

"Our enforcement efforts are designed to do one thing: lead to permanent change in workplace safety," Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker said in the release. "This emphasis program allows [the Occupational Safety and Health Administration] to direct resources to establishments where evidence shows employers must be more intentional in addressing the root causes of worker injuries and align their business practices with the goal to ensure worker health and safety."

Under this three-year emphasis program, OSHA will conduct comprehensive safety inspections focused on hazards related to powered industrial vehicle operations, material handling and storage, walking and working surfaces, means of egress and fire protection, the release said. The program will also include inspections of retail establishments with high injury rates with a focus on storage and loading areas, however, OSHA may expand an inspection's scope when evidence shows that violations may exist in other areas of the establishment, according to the release.

In addition, OSHA will assess heat and ergonomic hazards under the emphasis program, and health inspections may be conducted if OSHA determines these hazards are present. The agency offers a website featuring solutions to common industry hazards.