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Materials Handling and Storing

Materials Handlingand StoringU.S. Department of Labor

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

OSHA 2236

1998 (Revised)


This informational booklet providesa generic, non-exhaustive overview ofOSHA standards-related topics. Thispublication does not itself alter ordetermine compliance responsibilities,which are set forth in OSHA standardsthemselves and the OccupationalSafety and Health Act of 1970.Moreover, because interpretations andenforcement policy may change overtime, for additional guidance on OSHAcompliance requirements, the readershould consult current administrativeinterpretations and decisions by theOccupational Safety and HealthReview Commission and the courts.

Material contained in this publica-tion is in the public domain and maybe reproduced, fully or partially,without permission of the FederalGovernment. Source credit isrequested but not required.

This information will be madeavailable to sensory impairedindividuals upon request.

Voice phone: (202) 219-8615

Telecommunications Device for theDeaf (TDD) message referral phone:(800) 326-2577.

Materials Handlingand Storing

U.S. Department of Labor

Alexis M. Herman, Secretary

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Charles N. Jeffress, Assistant Secretary

OSHA 2236

1998 (Revised)

Contents

Contents iii

Page

Potential Hazards ..................................................................... 1

Methods of Prevention ............................................................. 3

Moving, Handling, and Storing Materials ................................ 4

Using Materials Handling Equipment ....................................... 7Conveyors ................................................................................. 7Cranes ....................................................................................... 8Slings ........................................................................................ 9Powered Industrial Trucks ........................................................ 9

Ergonomic Safety and Health Principles ............................... 14

Training and Education .......................................................... 16

Safety and Health Management Guidelines .......................... 18

Other Sources of OSHA Assistance ........................................ 19State Programs ........................................................................ 19Consultation Services ............................................................. 19Voluntary Protection Programs (VPPs) .................................. 20Training and Education........................................................... 20Electronic Information............................................................ 21Emergencies............................................................................ 21

Glossary .................................................................................. 22

References ............................................................................. 23

Related Publications .............................................................. 24

States with Approved Plans ................................................... 25


Contentsiv

Page

Consultation Project Directory .............................................. 28

OSHA Area Offices .................................................................. 30

OSHA Regional Offices ........................................................... 33

Potential Hazards

Handling and storing materials involves diverse operationssuch as hoisting tons of steel with a crane, driving a truckloaded with concrete blocks, manually carrying bags or materi-als, and stacking drums, barrels, kegs, lumber, or loose bricks.

The efficient handling and storing of materials is vital toindustry. These operations provide continuous flow of rawmaterials, parts, and assemblies through the workplace, andensure that materials are available when needed. Yet, theimproper handling and storing of materials can cause costlyinjuries.

Workers frequently cite the weight and bulkiness of objectsbeing lifted as major contributing factors to their injuries. In1990, for example, 400,000 workplace accidents resulted inback injuries. Workers also frequently cited body movement ascontributing to their injuries. Bending, followed by twistingand turning, were the more commonly cited movements thatcaused back injuries. Back injuries accounted for more than20 percent of all occupational illnesses, according to data fromthe National Safety Council [1]. By 1994, the U.S. Bureau ofLabor Statistics reported there were 613,251 over-exertioncases with lost-workdays. The majority of those cases weredue to lifting (367,424), pushing/pulling (93,325), and carrying(68,992). Those cases represent 27 percent of all lost-workdaycases.

In addition, workers can be injured by falling objects, im-properly stacked materials, or by various types of equipment.When manually moving materials, workers should be aware ofpotential injuries, including the following:

• strains and sprains from improperly lifting loads or fromcarrying loads that are either too large or too heavy;

• fractures and bruises caused by being struck by materialsor by being caught in pinch points; and

• cuts and bruises caused by falling materials that have beenimproperly stored or by incorrectly cutting ties or othersecuring devices.

Potential Hazards 1


Since numerous injuries can result from improperly han-dling and storing materials, it is important to be aware ofaccidents that may occur from unsafe or improperly handledequipment and improper work practices, and to recognize themethods for eliminating—or at least minimizing—the occur-rence of those accidents. Consequently, employers and em-ployees can and should examine their workplaces to detectany unsafe or unhealthful conditions, practices, or equipmentand take the necessary steps to correct them.

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Methods of Prevention

Methods of Prevention

General safety principles can help reduce workplace acci-dents. These include work practices, ergonomic principles, andtraining and education.

Whether moving materials manually or mechanically, em-ployees should be aware of the potential hazards associatedwith the task at hand and know how to control their workplacesto minimize the danger.

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1 For a single, free copy of Personal Protective Equipment (OSHA 3077), contactthe OSHA Publications Office, P.O. Box 37535, Washington, DC 20013-7535;(202) 219-4667.

Moving, Handling, and Storing Materials

When manually moving materials, employees should seekhelp when a load is so bulky it cannot be properly grasped orlifted, when they cannot see around or over it, or when theycannot safely handle the load.

When placing blocks under a raised load, an employeeshould ensure that the load is not released until his or her handsare removed from under the load. Blocking materials andtimbers should be large and strong enough to support the loadsafely. Materials with evidence of cracks, rounded corners,splintered pieces, or dry rot should not be used for blocking.

Handles or holders should be attached to loads to reduce thechances of getting fingers pinched or smashed. Workers alsoshould use appropriate protective equipment. For loads withsharp or rough edges, wear gloves or other hand and forearmprotection. In addition, to avoid injuries to the eyes, use eyeprotection. When the loads are heavy or bulky, the mover alsoshould wear steel-toed safety shoes or boots to prevent footinjuries if he or she slips or accidentally drops a load. SeeOSHA’s booklet, Personal Protective Equipment (OSHA3077), for additional information.1

When mechanically moving materials, avoid overloading theequipment by letting the weight, size, and shape of the materialbeing moved dictate the type of equipment used for transport-ing it. All materials handling equipment has rated capacitiesthat determine the maximum weight the equipment can safelyhandle and the conditions under which it can handle thatweight. The equipment-rated capacity must be displayed oneach piece of equipment and must not be exceeded except forload testing.

When picking up items with a powered industrial truck, theload must be centered on the forks and as close to the mast as

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Moving, Handling, and Storing Materials

possible to minimize the potential for the truck tipping or theload falling. Never overload a lift truck since it would be hardto control and could easily tip over. Do not place extra weighton the rear of a counterbalanced forklift to allow an overload.The load must be at the lowest position for traveling and thetruck manufacturer’s operational requirements must be fol-lowed. All stacked loads must be correctly piled and cross-tiered, where possible. Precautions also should be taken whenstacking and storing material.

Stored materials must not create a hazard. Storage areasmust be kept free from accumulated materials that causetripping, fires, or explosions, or that may contribute to theharboring of rats and other pests. Stored materials insidebuildings must not be placed within 6 feet of hoist ways orinside floor openings nor within 10 feet of an exterior wall.When stacking and piling materials, it is important to be awareof such factors as the materials’ height and weight, how acces-sible the stored materials are to the user, and the condition ofthe containers where the materials are being stored.

Non-compatible material must be separated in storage.Employees who work on stored materials in silos, hoppers, ortanks, must be equipped with lifelines and safety belts.

All bound material should be stacked, placed on racks,blocked, interlocked, or otherwise secured to prevent it fromsliding, falling, or collapsing. A load greater than that ap-proved by a building official may not be placed on any floor ofa building or other structure. Where applicable, load limitsapproved by the building inspector should be conspicuouslyposted in all storage areas.

When stacking materials, height limitations should beobserved. For example, lumber must be stacked no more than16 feet high if it is handled manually; 20 feet is the maximumstacking height if a forklift is used. For quick reference, wallsor posts may be painted with stripes to indicate maximumstacking heights.

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Used lumber must have all nails removed before stacking.Lumber must be stacked and leveled on solidly supportedbracing. The stacks must be stable and self-supporting. Stacksof loose bricks should not be more than 7 feet in height. Whenthese stacks reach a height of 4 feet, they should be taperedback 2 inches for every foot of height above the 4-foot level.When masonry blocks are stacked higher than 6 feet, the stacksshould be tapered back one-half block for each tier above the6-foot level.

Bags and bundles must be stacked in interlocking rows toremain secure. Bagged material must be stacked by steppingback the layers and cross-keying the bags at least every tenlayers. To remove bags from the stack, start from the top rowfirst. Baled paper and rags stored inside a building must not becloser than 18 inches to the walls, partitions, or sprinkler heads.Boxed materials must be banded or held in place usingcross-ties or shrink plastic fiber.

Drums, barrels, and kegs must be stacked symmetrically. Ifstored on their sides, the bottom tiers must be blocked to keepthem from rolling. When stacked on end, put planks, sheets ofplywood dunnage, or pallets between each tier to make a firm,flat, stacking surface. When stacking materials two or moretiers high, the bottom tier must be chocked on each side toprevent shifting in either direction.

When stacking, consider the need for availability of thematerial. Material that cannot be stacked due to size, shape, orfragility can be safely stored on shelves or in bins. Structuralsteel, bar stock, poles, and other cylindrical materials, unless inracks, must be stacked and blocked to prevent spreading ortilting. Pipes and bars should not be stored in racks that facemain aisles; this could create a hazard to passers-by whenremoving supplies.

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Using Materials Handling Equipment


To reduce potential accidents associated with workplaceequipment, employees need to be trained in the proper use andlimitations of the equipment they operate. This includesknowing how to effectively use equipment such as conveyors,cranes, and slings.

ConveyorsWhen using conveyors, workers’ hands may be caught in nip

points where the conveyor medium runs near the frame or oversupport members or rollers; workers may be struck by materialfalling off the conveyor; or they may become caught on or inthe conveyor, being drawn into the conveyor path as a result.

To reduce the severity of an injury, an emergency button orpull cord designed to stop the conveyor must be installed at theemployee’s work station. Continuously accessible conveyorbelts should have an emergency stop cable that extends theentire length of the conveyor belt so that the cable can beaccessed from any location along the belt. The emergency stopswitch must be designed to be reset before the conveyor can berestarted. Before restarting a conveyor that has stopped due toan overload, appropriate personnel must inspect the conveyorand clear the stoppage before restarting. Employees mustnever ride on a materials handling conveyor.

Where a conveyor passes over work areas or aisles, guardsmust be provided to keep employees from being struck byfalling material. If the crossover is low enough for workers torun into it, the guard must be either marked with a warningsign or painted a bright color to protect employees.

Screw conveyors must be completely covered except atloading and discharging points. At those points, guards mustprotect employees against contacting the moving screw; theguards are movable, and they must be interlocked to preventconveyor movement when not in place.

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CranesEmployers must permit only thoroughly trained and compe-

tent persons to operate cranes. Operators should know whatthey are lifting and what it weighs. For example, the ratedcapacity of mobile cranes varies with the length of the boomand the boom radius. When a crane has a telescoping boom, aload may be safe to lift at a short boom length and/or a shortboom radius, but may overload the crane when the boom isextended and the radius increases.

All movable cranes must have boom angle indicators; thosecranes with telescoping booms must have some means todetermine boom lengths, unless the load rating is independentof the boom length. Load rating charts must be posted in thecab of cab-operated cranes. All mobile cranes do not haveuniform capacities for the same boom length and radius in alldirections around the chassis of the vehicle.

Always check the crane’s load chart to ensure that the cranewill not be overloaded for the conditions under which it willoperate. Plan lifts before starting them to ensure that they aresafe. Take additional precautions and exercise extra care whenoperating around powerlines.

Some mobile cranes cannot operate with outriggers in thetraveling position. When used, the outriggers must rest on firmground, on timbers, or be sufficiently cribbed to spread theweight of the crane and the load over a large enough area. Thiswill prevent the crane from tipping during use.

Hoisting chains and ropes must always be free of kinks ortwists and must never be wrapped around a load. Loads shouldbe attached to the load hook by slings, fixtures, and otherdevices that have the capacity to support the load on the hook.Sharp edges of loads should be padded to prevent cuttingslings. Proper sling angles must be maintained so that slingsare not loaded in excess of their capacity.

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All cranes must be inspected frequently by persons thor-oughly familiar with the crane, the methods of inspecting thecrane, and what can make the crane unserviceable. Craneactivity, the severity of use, and environmental conditionsshould determine inspection schedules. Critical parts—such ascrane operating mechanisms, hooks, air, or hydraulic systemcomponents and other load-carrying components—should beinspected daily for any maladjustment, deterioration, leakage,deformation, or other damage.

SlingsWhen working with slings, employers must ensure that they

are visually inspected before use and during operation, espe-cially if used under heavy stress. Riggers or other knowledge-able employees should conduct or assist in the inspectionbecause they are aware of how the sling is used and whatmakes it unserviceable. A damaged or defective sling must beremoved from service.

Slings must not be shortened with knots or bolts or othermakeshift devices; sling legs that have been kinked also areprohibited. Slings must not be loaded beyond their ratedcapacity. Suspended loads must be kept clear of all obstruc-tions, and crane operators should avoid sudden starts and stopswhen moving suspended loads. Employees also must remainclear of loads about to be lifted and suspended. All shockloading is prohibited.

Powered Industrial TrucksWorkers who must handle and store materials often use fork

trucks, platform lift trucks, motorized hand trucks, and otherspecialized industrial trucks powered by electrical motors orinternal combustion engines. Affected workers, therefore,should be aware of the safety requirements pertaining to fire

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protection, and the design, maintenance, and use of thesetrucks.

All new powered industrial trucks, except vehicles intendedprimarily for earth moving or over-the-road hauling, must meetthe design and construction requirements for powered indus-trial trucks established in the American National Standard forPowered Industrial Trucks, Part II, ANSI B56.1-1969. Ap-proved trucks also must bear a label or some other identifyingmark indicating acceptance by a nationally recognized testinglaboratory.

An owner or user must not make modifications and additionsaffecting capacity and safe operation of the trucks without themanufacturer’s prior written approval. In these cases, capacity,operation, and maintenance instruction plates and tags ordecals must be changed to reflect the new information. If thetruck is equipped with front-end attachments that are notfactory installed, the user should request that the truck bemarked to identify these attachments and show the truck’sapproximate weight, including the installed attachment, when itis at maximum elevation with its load laterally centered.

There are 11 different types of industrial trucks, some havinggreater safeguards than others. There also are designatedconditions and locations under which the vast range of indus-trial-powered trucks can be used. In some instances, poweredindustrial trucks cannot be used, and in others, they can only beused if approved by a nationally recognized testing laboratoryfor fire safety. For example, powered industrial trucks mustnot be used in atmospheres containing hazardous concentra-tions of the following substances:

• Acetylene• Butadiene• Ethylene oxide• Hydrogen (or gases or vapors equivalent in hazard to

hydrogen, such as manufactured gas)• Propylene oxide

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• Acetaldehyde• Cyclopropane• Dimethyl ether• Ethylene• Isoprene, and• Unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine.

These trucks are not to be used in atmospheres containinghazardous concentrations of metal dust, including aluminum,magnesium, and other metals of similarly hazardous character-istics, or in atmospheres containing carbon black, coal, or cokedust. Where dust of magnesium, aluminum, or aluminumbronze dusts may be present, the fuses, switches, motor con-trollers, and circuit breakers of trucks must be enclosed withenclosures approved for these substances.

There also are powered industrial trucks that are designed,constructed, and assembled for use in atmospheres containingflammable vapors or dusts. These include industrial-poweredtrucks equipped with additional safeguards to their exhaust,fuel, and electrical systems; with no electrical equipment,including the ignition; with temperature limitation features; andwith electric motors and all other electrical equipment com-pletely enclosed.

These specially designed powered industrial trucks may beused in locations where volatile flammable liquids or flam-mable gases are handled, processed, or used. The liquids,vapors, or gases should, among other things, be confinedwithin closed containers or closed systems from which theycannot escape.

Some other conditions and/or locations in which specificallydesigned powered industrial trucks may be used include thefollowing:

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• Only powered industrial trucks without any electricalequipment, including the ignition, and that have theirelectrical motors or other electrical equipment completelyenclosed should be used in atmospheres containing flam-mable vapors or dust.

• Powered industrial trucks that are either powered electri-cally by liquefied petroleum gas or by a gasoline or dieselengine are used on piers and wharves that handle generalcargo.

Safety precautions the user can observe when operating ormaintaining powered industrial trucks include:

• That high lift rider trucks be fitted with an overheadguard, unless operating conditions do not permit.

• That fork trucks be equipped with a vertical load backrestextension according to manufacturers’ specifications, ifthe load presents a hazard.

• That battery charging installations be located in areasdesignated for that purpose.

• That facilities be provided for flushing and neutralizingspilled electrolytes when changing or recharging a batteryto prevent fires, to protect the charging apparatus frombeing damaged by the trucks, and to adequately ventilatefumes in the charging area from gassing batteries.

• That conveyor, overhead hoist, or equivalent materialshandling equipment be provided for handling batteries.

• That auxiliary directional lighting be provided on thetruck where general lighting is less than 2 lumens persquare foot.

• That arms and legs not be placed between the uprights ofthe mast or outside the running lines of the truck.

• That brakes be set and wheel blocks or other adequateprotection be in place to prevent movement of trucks,trailers, or railroad cars when using trucks to load orunload materials onto train boxcars.

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• That sufficient headroom be provided under overheadinstallations, lights, pipes, and sprinkler systems.

• That personnel on the loading platform have the means toshut off power to the truck.

• That dockboards or bridgeplates be properly secured, sothey won’t move when equipment moves over them.

• That only stable or safely arranged loads be handled, andcaution be exercised when handling tools.

• That trucks whose electrical systems are in need of repairhave the battery disconnected prior to such repairs.

• That replacement parts of any industrial truck be equiva-lent in safety to the original ones.

For more detailed information on powered industrial trucks,overhead and gantry cranes, and slings, see Title 29 Code ofFederal Regulations, Part 1910.178 through 1910.184 SubpartN. A separate publication, Sling Safety (OSHA 3072), also isavailable.2

2 Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations Part 1900-1910.999, is available from theU.S. Government Printing Office, Superintendent of Documents, P.O. Box 371954,Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. Include Order No. S/N 869-032-00104-9; Cost $43.00.For a single, free copy of Sling Safety (OSHA 3072), contact the OSHA PublicationsOffice, P.O. Box 37535, Washington, DC 20013-7535; (202) 219-4667.

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Ergonomics is defined as the study of work and is based onthe principle that the job should be adapted to fit the person,rather than forcing the person to fit the job. Ergonomicsfocuses on the work environment, such as its design and func-tion, and items such as design and function of work stations,controls, displays, safety devices, tools, and lighting to fit theemployees’ physical requirements and to ensure their healthand well being. [2]

Ergonomics includes restructuring or changing workplaceconditions to make the job easier and reducing stressors thatcause cumulative trauma disorders and repetitive motioninjuries [2]. In the area of materials handling and storing,ergonomic principles may require controls such as reducing thesize or weight of the objects lifted, installing a mechanicallifting aid, or changing the height of a pallet or shelf.

Although no approach has been found for totally eliminatingback injuries resulting from lifting materials, a substantialnumber of lifting injuries can be prevented by implementing aneffective ergonomics program and by training employees inappropriate lifting techniques.3

In addition to using ergonomic controls, there are some basicsafety principles that can be employed to reduce injuriesresulting from handling and storing materials. These includetaking general fire safety precautions and keeping aisles andpassageways clear.

In adhering to fire safety precautions, employees should notethat flammable and combustible materials must be storedaccording to their fire characteristics. Flammable liquids, forexample, must be separated from other material by a fire wall.Also, other combustibles must be stored in an area where

Ergonomic Safety and Health Principles

3 Information on an approach for accessing ergonomic controls for lifting tasks isavailable in the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health publication,Work Practice Guide for Manual Lifting, No. PB 821-789-48, $44.00, availablethrough the National Technical Information Service, Springfield, VA 22161;(800) 553-6847.

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Ergonomic Safety and Health Principles

smoking and using an open flame or a spark-producing deviceis prohibited. Dissimilar materials that are dangerous whenthey come into contact with each other must be stored apart.

When using aisles and passageways to move materialsmechanically, sufficient clearance must be allowed for aisles atloading docks, through doorways, wherever turns must bemade, and in other parts of the workplace. Providing sufficientclearance for mechanically-moved materials will preventworkers from being pinned between the equipment and fixturesin the workplace, such as walls, racks, posts, or other ma-chines. Sufficient clearance also will prevent the load fromstriking an obstruction and falling on an employee.

All passageways used by employees must be kept clear ofobstructions and tripping hazards. Materials in excess ofsupplies needed for immediate operations should not be storedin aisles or passageways, and permanent aisles andpassageways must be marked appropriately.

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OSHA recommends using a formal training program toallow employees to recognize and avoid materials handlinghazards. Instructors should be well-versed in matters thatpertain to safety engineering and materials handling and stor-ing. The content of the training should emphasize those factorsthat will contribute to reducing workplace hazards includingthe following:

• Alerting the employee to the dangers of lifting withoutproper training.

• Showing the employee how to avoid unnecessary physicalstress and strain.

• Teaching workers to become aware of what they cancomfortably handle without undue strain.

• Instructing workers on the proper use of equipment.• Teaching workers to recognize potential hazards and how

to prevent or correct them.

Because of the high incidence of back injuries, safe liftingtechniques for manual lifting should be demonstrated andpracticed at the worksite by supervisors as well as byemployees.

A training program to teach proper lifting techniques shouldcover the following topics:

• Awareness of health risks to improper lifting—citingorganizational case histories.

• Knowledge of the basic anatomy of the spine, themuscles, and the joints of the trunk, and the contributionsof intra-abdominal pressure while lifting.

• Awareness of individual body strengths and weaknesses—determining one’s own lifting capacity.

• Recognition of the physical factors that might contributeto an accident and how to avoid the unexpected.

• Use of safe lifting postures and timing for smooth, easylifting and the ability to minimize the load-momenteffects.

Training and Education16

Training and Education

• Use of handling aids such as stages, platforms, or steps,trestles, shoulder pads, handles, and wheels.

• Knowledge of body responses—warning signals—to beaware of when lifting.

A campaign using posters to draw attention to the need to dosomething about potential accidents, including lifting and backinjuries, is one way to increase awareness of safe work prac-tices and techniques. The plant medical staff and a team ofinstructors should conduct regular tours of the site to look forpotential hazards and allow input from workers.

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To have an effective materials handling and storing safetyand health program, managers must take an active role in itsdevelopment. First-line supervisors must be convinced of theimportance of controlling hazards associated with materialshandling and storing and must be held accountable for em-ployee training. An ongoing safety and health program shouldbe used to motivate employees to continue using necessaryprotective gear and observing proper job procedures.

OSHA’s recommended Safety and Health Program Manage-ment Guidelines issued in 1989 can provide a blueprint foremployers who are seeking guidance on how to effectivelymanage and protect worker safety and health. The four mainelements of an effective occupational safety and healthprogram are

•management commitment and employee involvement,

•worksite analysis,

•hazard prevention and control, and

•safety and health training.

These elements encompass principles such as establishingand communicating clear goals of a safety and health manage-ment program; conducting worksite examinations to identifyexisting hazards and the conditions under which changes mightoccur; effectively designing the jobsite or job to prevent haz-ards; and providing essential training to address the safety andhealth responsibilities of both management and employees.

Instituting these practices, along with providing the correctmaterials handling equipment, can add a large measure ofworker safety and health in the area of materials handling andstoring. A single, free copy of the guidelines can be obtainedfrom the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA/OSHA Publica-tions, P.O. Box 37535, Washington, DC 20013-7535, bysending a self-addressed mailing label with your request.

Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines18

Other Sources of OSHA Assistance

State ProgramsThe Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 encourages

states to develop and operate their own job safety and healthplans. States with plans approved under Section 18(b) of theOSH Act must adopt standards and enforce requirements thatare at least as effective as federal requirements. There arecurrently 25 state plan states: 23 of these states administerplans covering both private and public (state and local govern-ment) employees: the other 2 states, Connecticut and NewYork, cover public employees only. Plan states must adoptstandards comparable to federal requirements within 6 monthsof a federal standard’s promulgation. Until such time as a statestandard is promulgated, Federal OSHA provides interimenforcement assistance, as appropriate, in these states. Alisting of approved state plans appears at the end of thispublication.

Consultation ServicesConsultation assistance is available on request to employers

who want help in establishing and maintaining a safe andhealthful workplace. Largely funded by OSHA, the service isprovided at no cost to the employer. Primarily developed forsmaller employers with more hazardous operations, the consul-tation service is delivered by state government agencies oruniversities employing professional safety and health consult-ants. Comprehensive assistance includes an appraisal of allwork practices and environmental hazards of the workplaceand all aspects of the employer’s present job safety and healthprogram.

The program is separate from OSHA’s inspection efforts.No penalties are proposed or citations issued for any safety orhealth problems identified by the consultant. The service isconfidential.

Other Sources of OSHA Assistance 19


For more information concerning consultation assistance,see the list of consultation projects at the end of thispublication.

Voluntary Protection Programs (VPPs)Voluntary Protection Programs (VPPs) and onsite consulta-

tion services, when coupled with an effective enforcementprogram, expand work protection to help meet the goals of theOSH Act. The three VPPs—Star, Merit, and Demonstration—are designed to recognize outstanding achievement by compa-nies that have successfully incorporated comprehensive safetyand health programs into their total management system. Theymotivate others to achieve excellent safety and health results inthe same outstanding way as they establish a cooperativerelationship among employers, employees, and OSHA.

For additional information on VPPs and how to apply,contact the OSHA area or regional offices listed at the end ofthis publication.

Training and EducationOSHA area offices offer a variety of information services,

such as publications, audiovisual aids, technical advice, andspeakers for special engagements. The OSHA Training Insti-tute in Des Plaines, IL, provides basic and advanced courses insafety and health for federal and state compliance officers, stateconsultants, federal agency personnel, and private sectoremployers, employees, and their representatives.

OSHA also provides funds to nonprofit organizations,through grants to conduct workplace training and education insubjects where OSHA believes there is a lack of workplacetraining. Grants are awarded annually and grant recipients areexpected to contribute 20 percent of the total grant cost.

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Other Sources of OSHA Assistance

For more information on grants, training, and education,contact the OSHA Training Institute, Office of Training andEducation, 1555 Times Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018;(847) 297-4810.

Electronic InformationInternet—OSHA standards, interpretations, directives, and

additional information are now on the World Wide Web athttp://www.osha.gov/.

CD-ROM—A wide variety of OSHA materials, includingstandards, interpretations, directives, and more, can be pur-chased on CD-ROM from the U.S. Government PrintingOffice. To order, write to the Superintendent of Documents,P.O. Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954; or phone(202) 512-1800. Specify OSHA Regulations, Documents, andTechnical Information on CD-ROM (ORDT), GPO Order No.S/N 729-013-00000-5. The price is $38 per year ($47.50foreign); $15 per single copy ($18.75 foreign).

EmergenciesFor life-threatening situations, call (800) 321-OSHA. Com-

plaints will go immediately to the nearest OSHA area or stateoffice for help.

For further information on any OSHA program, contact yournearest OSHA area or regional office listed at the end of thispublication.

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Glossary

Boom—a long, straight beam hinged at one end and used forlifting heavy objects by means of cables and/or hydraulics.Booms can be of lattice construction or heavy tubular material.

Boom radius—the horizontal distance from the axis ofrotation of a crane or derrick boom to the boom tip.

Bracing—a diagonal piece of structural material that servesto strengthen something.

Chassis—the frame upon which a vehicle’s body ismounted.

Chock—a wedge or block for steadying a body and holdingit motionless, for filling in excess space, or for preventing themovement of a wheel.

Crib —to line or support with a framework of timber.

Cumulative trauma disorders—injuries that result fromcontinuous or repetitive motions over prolonged periods oftime.

Outrigger—a projecting member that extends from a mainstructure to either provide additional stability or support.

Powered industrial trucks—forklift trucks, tractors, plat-form lift trucks, motorized hand trucks, and other specializedindustrialized trucks powered by electrical or internalcombustion engines.

Rigger—a worker who prepares heavy equipment or loadsof material for lifting.

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References

References

1. National Safety Council. Accident Facts, 1989 and 1991Editions, Chicago, IL.

2. U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety andHealth Administration. Ergonomics: The Study of Work.Publication Number 3125. Washington, DC, 1991.

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Related Publications

Single free copies of the following publications can be obtainedfrom the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA/OSHA PublicationsOffice, P.O. Box 37535, Washington, DC 20013-7535.Send a self-addressed mailing label with your request.

All About OSHA – OSHA 2056

Concrete and Masonry Construction – OSHA 3106

Consultation Services for the Employer – OSHA 3047

Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) –OSHA 3120

Crane or Derrick Suspended Platforms – OSHA 3100

Personal Protective Equipment – OSHA 3077

Sling Safety – OSHA 3072

The following publications are available from the Superin-tendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,P.O Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954; (202) 512-1800.Include GPO order number and make checks payable to theSuperintendent of Documents.

Assessing the Need for Personal Protective Equipment:A Guide for Small Business Employers (OSHA 3151);GPO Order No. 029-016-00179-4; Cost $4.25.

Ergonomics: The Study of Work (OSHA 3125); GPO OrderNo.029-016-00124-7; Cost $1.00.

Handbook for Small Business (OSHA 2209); GPO OrderNo. 029-016-00176-0; Cost $6.50.

Job Hazard Analysis (OSHA 3071); GPO OrderNo. 029-016-00142-5; Cost $1.00.

Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1900 to1910.999 (General Industry Standards); GPO OrderNo. S/N 869-032-00104-9; Cost $43.00.

Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.1000to End (General Industry Standards); GPO OrderNo. S/N 869-032-00105-7; Cost $29.00.

24

CommissionerAlaska Department of Labor1111 West 8th StreetRoom 306Juneau, AK 99801(907) 465-2700

DirectorIndustrial Commission of Arizona800 W. WashingtonPhoenix, AZ 85007(602) 542-5795

DirectorCalifornia Department of Industrial Relations45 Fremont StreetSan Francisco, CA 94105(415) 972-8835

CommissionerConnecticut Department of Labor200 Folly Brook BoulevardWethersfield, CT 06109(860) 566-5123

DirectorHawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations830 Punchbowl StreetHonolulu, HI 96813(808) 586-8844

States with Approved Plans

CommissionerIndiana Department of LaborState Office Building402 West Washington StreetRoom W195Indianapolis, IN 46204(317) 232-2378

CommissionerIowa Division of Labor Services1000 E. Grand AvenueDes Moines, IA 50319(515) 281-3447

SecretaryKentucky Labor Cabinet1047 U.S. Highway, 127 South, Suite 2Frankfort, KY 40601(502) 564-3070

CommissionerMaryland Division of Labor and IndustryDepartment of Labor Licensing and Regulation1100 N. Eutaw Street,Room 613Baltimore, MD 21201-2206(410) 767-2215


25


DirectorMichigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services4th Floor, Law BuildingP.O. Box 30004Lansing, MI 48909(517) 373-7230

CommissionerMinnesota Department of Labor and Industry443 Lafayette RoadSt. Paul, MN 55155(612) 296-2342

AdministratorNevada Division of Industrial Relations400 West King StreetCarson City, NV 89710(702) 687-3032

SecretaryNew Mexico Environment Department1190 St. Francis DriveP.O. Box 26110Santa Fe, NM 87502(505) 827-2850

CommissionerNew York Department of LaborW. Averell Harriman State Office Building - 12, Room 500Albany, NY 12240(518) 457-2741

CommissionerNorth Carolina Department of Labor319 Chapanoke RoadRaleigh, NC 27603(919) 662-4585

AdministratorDepartment of Consumer & Business ServicesOccupational Safety and Health Division(OR-OSHA)350 Winter Street, NE, Room 430Salem, OR 97310-0220(503) 378-3272

SecretaryPuerto Rico Department of Labor and Human ResourcesPrudencio Rivera Martinez Building505 Munoz Rivera AvenueHato Rey, PR 00918(809) 754-2119

26

DirectorSouth Carolina Department of Labor Licensing and RegulationKoger Office Park, Kingstree Building110 Centerview DriveP.O. Box 11329Columbia, SC 29210(803) 896-4300

CommissionerTennessee Department of LaborAttention: Robert Taylor710 James Robertson ParkwayNashville, TN 37243-0659(615) 741-2582

CommissionerIndustrial Commission of Utah160 East 300 South, 3rd FloorP.O. Box 146650Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6650(801) 530-6898

CommissionerVermont Department of Labor and IndustryNational Life Building - Drawer 20120 State StreetMontpelier, VT 05620(802) 828-2288


CommissionerVirginia Department of Labor and IndustryPowers-Taylor Building13 South 13th StreetRichmond, VA 23219(804) 786-2377

CommissionerVirgin Islands Department of Labor2131 Hospital Street, Box 890ChristianstedSt. Croix, VI 00820-4666(809) 773-1994

DirectorWashington Department of Labor and IndustriesGeneral Administrative BuildingP.O. Box 44001Olympia, WA 98504-4001(360) 902-4200

AdministratorWorker’s Safety and Compensation Division (WSC)Wyoming Department of EmploymentHerschler Building, 2nd FloorEast 122 West 25th StreetCheyenne, WY 82002(307) 777-7786

27


State Telephone

Alabama............................................................... (205) 348-7136Alaska .................................................................. (907) 269-4957Arizona ................................................................ (602) 542-5795Arkansas .............................................................. (501) 682-4522California ............................................................. (415) 972-8515Colorado .............................................................. (970) 491-6151Connecticut .......................................................... (8600 566-4550Delaware .............................................................. (302) 761-8219District of Columbia ............................................ (202) 576-6339Florida.................................................................. (904) 488-3044Georgia ................................................................ (404) 894-2643Guam ............................................................. 011(671) 475-0136Hawaii .................................................................. (808) 586-9100Idaho .................................................................... (208) 385-3283Illinois .................................................................. (312) 814-2337Indiana ................................................................. (317) 232-2688Iowa ..................................................................... (515) 965-7162Kansas.................................................................. (913) 296-7476Kentucky.............................................................. (502) 564-6895Louisiana ............................................................. (504) 342-9601Maine ................................................................... (207) 624-6460Maryland.............................................................. (410) 880-4970Massachusetts ...................................................... (617) 727-3982Michigan .............................................................. (517) 332-1817(H)

......................................................................... (517) 322-1809(S)Minnesota ............................................................ (612) 297-2393Mississippi ........................................................... (601) 987-3981Missouri ............................................................... (573) 751-3403Montana ............................................................... (406) 444-6418Nebraska .............................................................. (402) 471-4717Nevada ................................................................. (702) 486-5016New Hampshire ................................................... (603) 271-2024New Jersey........................................................... (609) 292-2424New Mexico ........................................................ (505) 827-4230New York ............................................................. (518) 457-2481North Carolina ..................................................... (919) 662-4644North Dakota ....................................................... (701) 328-5188Ohio ..................................................................... (614) 644-2246Oklahoma ............................................................ (405) 528-1500Oregon ................................................................. (503) 378-3272Pennsylvania ........................................................ (412) 357-2561

OSHA Consultation Project Directory28

Puerto Rico .......................................................... (787) 754-2188Rhode Island ........................................................ (401) 277-2438South Carolina ..................................................... (803) 734-9614South Dakota ....................................................... (605) 688-4101Tennessee ............................................................. (615) 741-7036Texas .................................................................... (512) 440-3809Utah ..................................................................... (801) 530-7606Vermont ............................................................... (802) 828-2765Virginia ................................................................ (804) 786-6359Virgin Islands ....................................................... (809) 772-1315Washington .......................................................... (360) 902-5638West Virginia ....................................................... (304) 558-7890Wisconsin ............................................................ (608) 266-8579(H)

......................................................................... (414) 521-5063(S)Wyoming ............................................................. (307) 777-7786

(H) - Health(S) - Safety

OSHA Consultation Project Directory

29


Area Telephone

Albany, NY ................................................................. (518) 464-4338Albuquerque, NM ....................................................... (505) 248-5302Allentown, PA ............................................................. (610) 776-0592Anchorage, AK ........................................................... (907) 271-5152Appleton, WI .............................................................. (414) 734-4521Austin, TX .................................................................. (512) 916-5783Avenel, NJ .................................................................. (908) 750-3270Baltimore, MD............................................................ (410) 962-2840Bangor, ME................................................................. (207) 941-8177Baton Rouge, LA ........................................................ (504) 389-0474Bayside, NY................................................................ (718) 279-9060Bellevue, WA .............................................................. (206) 553-7520Billings, MT................................................................ (406) 247-7494Birmingham, AL ......................................................... (205) 731-1534Bismarck, ND ............................................................. (701) 250-4521Boise, ID ..................................................................... (208) 334-1867Bowmansville, NY ..................................................... (716) 684-3891Braintree, MA ............................................................. (617) 565-6924Bridgeport, CT ............................................................ (203) 579-5581Calumet City, IL ......................................................... (708) 891-3800Carson City, NV ......................................................... (702) 885-6963Charleston, WV .......................................................... (304) 347-5937Cincinnati, OH............................................................ (513) 841-4132Cleveland, OH ............................................................ (216) 522-3818Columbia, SC ............................................................. (803) 765-5904Columbus, OH ............................................................ (614) 469-5582Concord, NH............................................................... (603) 225-1629Corpus Christi, TX ..................................................... (512) 888-3420Dallas, TX................................................................... (214) 320-2400Denver, CO ................................................................. (303) 844-5285Des Plaines, IL............................................................ (847) 803-4800Des Moines, IA ........................................................... (515) 284-4794Englewood, CO .......................................................... (303) 843-4500Erie, PA ....................................................................... (814) 833-5758Fort Lauderdale, FL .................................................... (954) 424-0242Fort Worth, TX ........................................................... (817) 428-2470Frankfort, KY ............................................................. (502) 227-7024Harrisburg, PA ............................................................ (717) 782-3902Hartford, CT ............................................................... (860) 240-3152Hasbrouck Heights, NJ ............................................... (201) 288-1700Guaynabo, PR ............................................................. (787) 277-1560

OSHA Area Offices30

Honolulu, HI ............................................................... (808) 541-2685Houston, TX ............................................................... (281) 286-0583Houston, TX ............................................................... (281) 591-2438Indianapolis, IN .......................................................... (317) 226-7290Jackson, MS ................................................................ (601) 965-4606Jacksonville, FL .......................................................... (904) 232-2895Kansas City, MO......................................................... (816) 483-9531Lansing, MI ................................................................ (517) 377-1892Little Rock, AR ........................................................... (501) 324-6291Lubbock, TX............................................................... (806) 472-7681Madison, WI ............................................................... (608) 264-5388Marlton, NJ ................................................................. (609) 757-5181Methuen, MA ...............................................................(617) 565-8110Milwaukee, WI ........................................................... (414) 297-3315Minneapolis, MN ........................................................ (612) 348-1994Mobile, AL .................................................................. (334) 441-6131Nashville, TN.............................................................. (615) 781-5423New York, NY ............................................................ (212) 466-2482Norfolk, VA ................................................................ (804) 441-3820North Aurora, IL ......................................................... (630) 896-8700North Syracuse, NY .................................................... (315) 451-0808Oklahoma City, OK .................................................... (405) 231-5351Omaha, NE ................................................................. (402) 221-3182Parsippany, NJ ............................................................ (201) 263-1003Peoria, IL .................................................................... (309) 671-7033Philadelphia, PA .......................................................... (215) 597-4955Phoenix, AZ ................................................................ (602) 640-2007Pittsburgh, PA ............................................................. (412) 644-2903Portland, OR ............................................................... (503) 326-2251Providence, RI ............................................................ (401) 528-4669Raleigh, NC ................................................................ (919) 856-4770Sacramento, CA .......................................................... (916) 566-7470Salt Lake City, UT ...................................................... (801) 487-0073San Diego, CA ............................................................ (619) 557-2909Savannah, GA ............................................................. (912) 652-4393Smyrna, GA ................................................................ (770) 984-8700Springfield, MA .......................................................... (413) 785-0123St. Louis, MO ............................................................. (314) 425-4249Tampa, FL ....................................................................(813) 626-1177Tarrytown, NY ............................................................ (914) 524-7510

Area Telephone

OSHA Area Offices

31


Toledo, OH ................................................................. (419) 259-7542Tucker, GA.................................................................. (770) 493-6644Westbury, NY.............................................................. (516) 334-3344Wichita, KS................................................................. (316) 269-6644Wilkes-Barre, PA ........................................................ (717) 826-6538Wilmington, DE........................................................... (302) 573-6115

Area Telephone

32

Region I(CT,* MA, ME, NH, RI, VT *)JKF Federal BuildingRoom E-340Boston, MA 02203Telephone: (617) 565-9860

Region II(NJ, NY,* PR,* VI *)201 Varick StreetRoom 670New York, NY 10014Telephone: (212) 337-2378

Region III(DC, DE, MD,* PA, VA,* WV)Gateway Building, Suite 21003535 Market StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19104Telephone: (215) 596-1201

Region IV(AL, FL, GA, KY, * MS, NC,SC,* TN*)Atlanta Federal Center61 Forsyth Street, SW,Room 6T50Atlanta, GA 30303Telephone: (404) 562-2300

Region V(IL, IN, * MI, * MN,* OH, WI)230 South Dearborn StreetRoom 3244Chicago, IL 60604Telephone: (312) 353-2220

Region VI(AR, LA, NM, * OK, TX)525 Griffin StreetRoom 602Dallas, TX 75202Telephone: (214) 767-4731

Region VII(IA, * KS, MO, NE)City Center Square1100 Main Street, Suite 800Kansas City, MO 64105Telephone: (816) 426-5861

Region VIII(CO, MT, ND, SD, UT,* WY*)1999 Broadway, Suite 1690Denver, CO 80202-5716Telephone: (303) 844-1600

Region IX(American Samoa, AZ,* CA,*Guam, HI,* NV,* TrustTerritories of the Pacific)71 Stevenson StreetRoom 420San Francisco, CA 94105Telephone: (415) 975-4310

Region X(AK, * ID, OR,* WA*)1111 Third AvenueSuite 715Seattle, WA 98101-3212Telephone: (206) 553-5930

*These states and territories operate their own OSHA-approved job safety and healthprograms (Connecticut and New York plans cover public employees only). Stateswith approved programs must have a standard that is identical to, or at least aseffective as, the federal standard.

OSHA Regional Offices

OSHA Regional Offices 33