The Occupational Safety and Health Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor (OSHA) launched a national program to prevent workplace hazards in warehouses, processing facilities distribution centers and high-risk retail establishments. 

National injury and illness rates at warehousing and distribution centers are higher than in the private industry overall.

“Our enforcement efforts are designed to do one thing: lead to permanent change in workplace safety.”

Over the past decade, the warehousing and distribution industry witnessed significant growth, employing more than 1.9 million people. However, injury and illness rates in these establishments were found to surpass those in private industries overall, with some sectors experiencing rates exceeding twice the private industry average.

For the next three years, OSHA will conduct thorough safety inspections targeting hazards related to powered industrial vehicle operations, material handling and storage, walking and working surfaces, means of egress and fire protection. 

The program will also encompass inspections of retail establishments with high injury rates, particularly focusing on storage and loading areas.

Nevertheless, OSHA retains the flexibility to expand inspection scopes based on evidence indicating possible violations in other areas of the establishments. 

Moreover, OSHA will address heat and ergonomic hazards through this emphasis program and health inspections may be conducted if OSHA identifies the presence of these hazards. 

The establishments to be inspected will be selected from two lists—one comprising establishments with industry codes covered under the emphasis program and the other consisting of a limited number of retail establishments with the highest rates of injuries and illnesses leading to days away, restricted duty, or job transfers.