OSHA has implemented a new regional emphasis program (REP) in Region 8 which will facilitate inspections of all general industry and construction workplaces where the operation of powered industrial vehicles (PIV) or personnel handling motorized equipment occurs. If your company has any type of warehouse, loading or unloading capability, most likely this will affect you.
As with all OSHA programs, the purpose is to reduce injuries and fatalities from the operation of this equipment. This REP includes PIVs ridden or controlled by a walking operator. It also includes mobile power-propelled trucks used to move materials. Golf carts or electric trucks used to transport personnel or ATVs used for grounds crews are included in this REP.
The REP aligns strategically with OSHA’s Agency Management Plan as it concerns the reduction of hazards in the Warehousing and Storage Industry and during the operation of powered industrial trucks (PIT). PIT standard (29 CFR 1910.178) is by far the most cited standard in the Warehousing and Storage industry over the previous three years. This standard is consistently in the top ten cited standards. The number of fatalities with a primary source of injury reported as PIT-related increased by 37% between 2017 and 2019. In 2017 alone, forklifts were involved in 9,050 nonfatal workplace injuries with days away from work. Of these, injuries to pedestrians resulted in the highest median number of days away from work.
Inspections of all General Industry and Construction worksites utilizing PIVs will be expanded to include PIV hazards and equipment. In addition, target inspection lists will be developed for certain industries listed in the emphasis program. Inspections under this program will begin after a 90-day period of outreach.
For a complete list of vehicles, other specs and programs to help your company receive high marks during this REP, contact Bobby Lewis at Hellman & Associates. We can also provide you answers about the program and provide training on OSHA’s PIT standard.
