Industry-specific guidelines for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in grocery stores announced today by OSHA provide practical recommendations to help store employers and employees reduce the number and severity of injuries in their workplaces.

OSHA's Guidelines for Retail Grocery Stores are intended to build upon the progress that the grocery-store industry has made in addressing the causes of these injuries. These voluntary guidelines were developed with input from trade associations, labor organizations and individual grocery stores.

The guidelines emphasize various solutions that have been implemented by grocery stores across the country and have been effective in reducing work-related injuries and illnesses. An "Implementing Solutions" section offers examples of ergonomic solutions that may be used to control exposure to ergonomic risk factors in grocery stores. The section includes corrective actions, including checkout, shelf stocking, bakery, produce and meat departments.

OSHA will be working with trade, labor and professional organizations to assure these guidelines and other effective practices are accessible and implemented where appropriate. OSHA's free consultation service will be available to assist small employers.