The International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) has joined with OSHA to improve worker safety and health in the areas of forklift operations, materials handling, and hazard communication and chemical safety. In the new alliance signed Tuesday, OSHA will work with owners and operators in the warehousing industry to provide information, guidance and access to training resources.

“I'm pleased to enter into this important alliance with OSHA on behalf of the more than 500 warehouse and logistics companies IWLA represents,” said Joel R. Hoiland, IWLA President and CEO. “IWLA has always recognized the importance of safer and more healthful workplaces, devoting a great deal of time and resources to educating our members in this regard.”

“Together with our IWLA partners, we'll be able to provide valuable information and training resources on issues directly related to the warehouse industry,” added OSHA Administrator John Henshaw, “and I'm particularly pleased we'll be focusing on forklift safety and youth workers.”

Central to the alliance will be the development and availability of training and education programs on material handling, forklift safety, hazard communication and other health and safety issues targeted to the public warehouse industry.

Particular effort will be made to increase hard-to-reach and youth workers' access to safety and health information and training resources, including the development of materials in Spanish through community-based organizations.

OSHA and IWLA will develop safety and health assistance tools for the industry, including a safety and health inspection checklist for warehouse managers. The two groups will work together to develop a Web-based training tool for the industry.

Based in Des Plaines, Ill., IWLA represents third-party warehousing based logistics firms, warehouse/logistics divisions of industry firms, and warehouse logistics professionals around the world. It serves to foster and promote the growth and success of public and contract warehousing and related logistics services.