forklift safety

Automated loading dock equipment a boon for aging workforce

Eliminate backbreaking manual labor

November 1, 2019

America’s workforce is aging. According to AARP, nearly half of new jobs in the U.S. last year were filled by workers 55 years or older. Due largely to ongoing labor shortages, this disproportionately small demographic accounted for more than 1.4 million of the 2.9 million new jobs in 2018, many of them in the fast-growing sector of warehousing and distribution centers.

Four worker fatalities lead to $1M+ fine for Ill. company

October 28, 2019

An OSHA investigation into the deaths of four employees of an Illinois chemical plant has resulted in more than a million dollars in proposed penalties against AB Specialty Silicones LLC. The company has been cited for a dozen willful federal safety violations in the explosion and fire at its Waukegan facility on May 3, 2019 that claimed the lives of four workers.

2019 top standards- OSHA Most Frequently Violated Standards

OSHA powered industrial truck standard

Powered Industrial Trucks (1910.178)

January 4, 2019

OSHA statistics indicate that there are roughly 85 forklift fatalities and 34,900 serious injuries each year, with 42 percent of the forklift fatalities from the operators being crushed by a tipping vehicle.

OSH across the USA: LOTO, forklift safety violations

October 5, 2018

Here’s a look at recent OSHA and state-level OSHA enforcement activities across the U.S., from Hawaii to Connecticut, in construction, manufacturing, food processing and other industries.

Advocacy group slams Amazon’s worker safety record

Seven deaths at company warehouses since 2013

October 5, 2018

Amazon, the retail giant which announced this week an across-the-board wage increase to $15 an hour for all employees, must also pay “urgent attention” to workplace safety issues, says the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH).

Five safety hazards to avoid in the manufacturing industry

Casey Heigl

October 2, 2018

The manufacturing industry is the beating heart of any strong economy. To keep that heart beating, it is vital for companies to keep their workers safe. Safe workers are happier, healthier, and more productive. Naturally, manufacturing processes involve a large number of hazards. Health and safety regulations have improved immensely over the last century, but accidents can and do still happen every day.

Ten workers at Ill. company treated for carbon monoxide exposure

July 19, 2018

An OSHA investigation begun after workers at an Illinois manufacturer had to be treated for exposure to toxic gas has resulted in multiple citations against the company. OSHA is proposing penalties totaling $216,253 against Cleary Pallet Sales Inc., a Genoa, Illinois-based pallet manufacturer.

Disconnected safety devices lead to forklift driver’s death

July 12, 2018

Cal/OSHA has issued citations to marine cargo handler SSA Pacific Inc. for willful and serious safety violations following the investigation of a fatal forklift accident at the Port of San Diego.

Slow down & watch out: Know the FACTS about loading dock hazards

November 1, 2017

Loading docks are flooded with potential danger, and without the proper training, procedures, equipment, and maintenance they are liable to deliver disaster at every turn.

A Confined Space blog post

Weekly Toll: OSHA won't tell you who died in the workplace. We will

Jordan Barab

August 29, 2017

Last week in the workplace: Of note, three fatalities related to forklifts. Also, while OSHA removes workplace fatalities from its homepage and buries them on their website without victims’ names, you’ll continue to find them here.