The US Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Wage and Hour Division on Sept. 9 announced an alliance with Lehigh Career and Technical Institute and the Pennsylvania OSHA Consultation Program to ensure the safety of warehousing and storage workers.

The alliance will remain in effect for two years. 

OSHA first launched a five-year regional initiative in three Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia in August to protect workers and reduce injuries and illnesses in the warehousing, storage and distribution yards industries. 

The collaboration seeks to provide employers in the warehouse and material logistics industries and the public with information, guidance and access to training resources to help reduce and prevent workers’ exposure to safety and health hazards such as overexertion, contact with objects and falls from elevation. The alliance also addresses laws enforced by the Department of Labor, including the employment of temporary workers, to help industry workers understand their rights and their employer’s responsibilities under the Occupational Safety and Health Act.

“With the rapid growth of e-commerce, the warehousing industry has expanded significantly,” said Jean Kulp, OSHA area director in Pennsylvania. “We look forward to partnering with our alliance members to provide information, resources and training to reduce and prevent the hazardous conditions that warehousing and storage workers continuously face every day.”