The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently published a new regional emphasis program (REP) for warehouses, outside storage and distribution yards in region three (Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington D.C., Delaware, Virginia and West Virginia).
The focus of the new REP is identifying hazards that may be associated with powered industrial trucks (PITs), storage racking systems, egress/fire suppression and hazardous energy control. This REP comes after a rash of significant injuries while utilizing this equipment.
Affected Industries
The REP focuses on warehousing, storage, and distribution yard operations with emphasis on the following industries (if you are a part of the corresponding NAICS code, you are included in this REP):
- Manufacturing: Bottled and Canned Soft Drinks and Water (312111 and
- 312112)
- Manufacturing: Fluid Milk Manufacturing (311511)
- Transportation: Refrigerated Warehousing and Storage (493120)
- Transportation: General Warehousing and Storage (493110)
- Retail Trade: Groceries (445110)
- Wholesale Trade: General Line Grocery (445110)
- Wholesale Trade: Meat and Meat Products (424470)
- Wholesale Trade: Groceries and Related Products (424490)
- Wholesale Trade: Beer & Ale (424810)
What OSHA Is Looking For/Preparation Tips
Through this new program, OSHA will conduct site visits and request several pieces of key information. Your business should be prepared if an OSHA representative comes to your facility. It is key that documents are ready when requested.
Here’s what to expect as OSHA completes this process:
- OSHA may request your business training records.
- OSHA may require copies of OSHA logs for current and previous years
- An OSHA representative may tour your facility, taking notes and photographs.
- OSHA may conduct Interviews with your employees.
There are several key steps your organization can take to prepare for your participation in the REP. These steps include:
- Ensure you are addressing and rectifying any current safety issues
- Ensure all employee training is documented.
- Document any corrective actions that have been addressed for both training and safety issues, such as issues with equipment.
RCM&D can offer your business additional assistance to help guide your mitigation steps. Our risk consulting team can tour your facility and point out what corrective actions should be taken before your OSHA representative’s arrival.
Questions?
Now is the time to prepare for an OSHA REP Inspection. Contact an RCM&D advisor today to schedule your risk assessment and ensure you are prepared for your Inspection.