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| Occupational Safety & Health Administration | ||||||
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OSHA News Release
2004 - 02/11/2004 - Forklift Operations by Young Workers Subject of Safety Initiative |
OSHA News Release - Table of Contents |
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OSHA Trade Release February 11, 2004 Contact: Bill Wright Phone: (202) 693-1999 Forklift Operations by Young Workers Subject of Safety Initiative
OSHA, Wage and Hour Division, NIOSH Join Forces to Foster Youth Safety on the Job WASHINGTON -- Protecting young workers from the hazards of operating forklifts is the heart of a safety initiative recently announced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA has joined forces with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Wage and Hour Division of the Labor Department's Employment Standards Administration to increase awareness of the hazards associated with the operation of forklifts and the youth employment provisions that prohibit most workers under age 18 from operating forklifts. "We have to remind all employers of regulations that prohibit most workers under 18 from operating forklifts outside of agricultural operations," said OSHA Administrator John Henshaw. "Working with NIOSH and the Department's Wage and Hour Division, we compiled a packet of information that we believe will help protect working teens from being seriously injured or killed." The packet of information includes a Safety and Health Information Bulletin issued jointly by OSHA and the Wage and Hour Division titled, "Protecting Young Workers: Prohibition Against Young Workers Operating Forklifts." The bulletin discusses laws and standards that prohibit workers under the age of 18 from operating forklifts for non-agricultural operations, and discusses OSHA's powered industrial truck standard. It also discusses two fatal forklift accidents last year in Georgia and Massachusetts warehouses that claimed the lives of two workers under 18. Also included in the material is a forklift safety packet previously disseminated by NIOSH and the Wage and Hour Division that includes a one-page NIOSH Alert on forklift safety as well as specific fatality case reports. A "Forklift Stop Sticker" is added for employers to attach to equipment that will remind workers and supervisors of the age prohibition. Finally, a brochure on Labor Department's compliance assistance resources is also provided. "NIOSH is pleased to team with OSHA, the Wage and Hour Division, and other partners to provide essential information for preventing these tragic deaths and injuries among working youth. NIOSH's research findings and recommendations offer practical guidance for identifying potential hazards and designing effective preventive measures," said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. Added Tammy D. McCutchen, Wage and Hour Division Administrator: "The restrictions on youth employment are designed to provide young workers with safe and positive early work experiences. Employers must understand and comply with these laws to prevent serious occupational injuries and fatalities among youth. We believe the information we've assembled will help do just that." Approximately 2,500 copies of the packet of materials have already been sent to numerous federal agencies, professional associations, and educational institutions. Additionally, a number of Alliance Program participants are distributing the packets. A limited number of additional copies of the packet are available through OSHA's Publications Office by calling (202) 693-1888. OSHA is dedicated to assuring worker safety and health. Safety and health add value to business, the workplace and life. For more information, visit www.osha.gov. ###
U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7773 or TTY (202) 693-7755. |
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