OSHA Increases Focus on Warehouse and Distribution Center Safety
👨🏽💼 OSHA Increases Focus on Warehouse and Distribution Center Safety.
OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has launched a national emphasis program aimed at reducing workplace hazards in warehouses, distribution centers, and similar facilities. The program is a response to the significant growth of these facilities over the past decade and aims to prevent injuries and illnesses in the industry. The initiative will also target mail and parcel processing facilities, local delivery, and high-risk retail establishments. With over 1.9 million people employed in warehousing and distribution, the labor department cited data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics that show higher than average rates of injury and illness in the industry. Under the three-year program, OSHA will conduct safety inspections focused on various hazards, including powered industrial vehicle operations, material handling, and storage, walking and working surfaces, means of egress, fire protection, heat, and ergonomic hazards.
Costco, the membership-only warehouse chain, has significantly expanded across the U.S., boasting over 600 locations.c