Forklift safety initiative designed to protect young workers

April 21, 2004 -Protecting young workers from the hazards of operating forklifts is the heart of a safety initiative recently announced by OSHA.

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.

The organizations have compiled a packet of information that includes a safety bulletin that discusses laws and standards that prohibit workers under the age of 18 from operating forklifts for non-agricultural operations. The bulletin also discusses OSHA's powered industrial truck standard and includes information on 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 NIOSH Alert on forklift safety and specific fatality case reports. A "Forklift Stop Sticker" is included for employers to attach to equipment that will remind workers and supervisors of the age prohibition.

A brochure listing Labor Department compliance assistance resources is also provided.

"The restrictions on youth employment are designed to provide young workers with safe and positive early work experiences," said Tammy McCutchen, Wage and Hour Division Administrator.

About 2,500 copies of the packet have been sent to federal agencies, professional associations, and educational institutions. Additionally, a number of Alliance Program participants are distributing the packets. A limited number of additional packets are available through OSHA's Publications Office by calling 202-693-1888. For more information, go to www.osha.gov