OSHA 2236

2002 (Revised)

iii

Contents

Introduction.......................................................... 1

What should your employees know before moving,

handling, and storing materials? ..................................................... 1

What are the potential hazards for workers? .................................. 2

What precautions should workers take when

moving materials manually? ........................................................... 2

What precautions should workers take when

moving materials mechanically? ..................................................... 3

What precautions must workers take to avoid

storage hazards? ............................................................................ 4

What safeguards must workers follow when

stacking materials? ......................................................................... 5

Important Safety Measures ................................ 7

What safety measures should employers take

regarding conveyors? ..................................................................... 7

What safety measures should employers take

regarding cranes? ........................................................................... 8

What must employers do to ensure the safe use

of slings? ...................................................................................... 10

What must employers do to protect workers who

operate powered industrial trucks? ............................................... 10

What are the safety requirements for design?................................ 11

What are the safety requirements for modification? ...................... 11

What are the safety requirements for modification? ...................... 11

What safety precautions should employers and

workers observe when operating or maintaining

powered industrial trucks? ............................................................ 13

Are there any training requirements for operators

of powered industrial trucks? ........................................................ 14
iv

Basic Safety and Health Principles ................... 16

What is ergonomics? .................................................................... 16

What about fire safety? ................................................................ 16

What about aisles and passageways? ........................................... 17

Training and Education......................................18

Should the prevention of some injuries receive special

emphasis? .................................................................................... 18

How can employers make their training programs

more effective? ............................................................................. 19

OSHA Assistance ................................................20

What are safety and health system management

guidelines? ................................................................................... 20

What are state programs? ............................................................ 21

How do I obtain consultation services? ......................................... 21

What are Voluntary Protection Programs (VPPs)? ........................ 22

What is the Strategic Partnership Program? .................................. 23

Does OSHA offer training and education? ................................... 23

Does OSHA provide any information electronically? .................... 24

How do I learn more about related OSHA publications? .............. 25

How do I contact OSHA about emergencies, complaints,

or further assistance? ................................................................... 25

Glossary ..............................................................26

Related Publications ..........................................27

OSHA Office Directory ........................................28

OSHA Regional Offices ............................................................... 28

OSHA Area Offices ..................................................................... 29

State and Territories with Approved Plans .................................... 32

OSHA Consultation Projects ........................................................ 35
1

Introduction

Handling and storing materials involve diverse operations

such as hoisting tons of steel with a crane; driving a truck

loaded with concrete blocks; carrying bags or materials

manually; and stacking palletized bricks or other materials

such as drums, barrels, kegs, and lumber.

The efficient handling and storing of materials are vital to

industry. In addition to raw materials, these operations

provide a continuous flow of parts and assemblies through

the workplace and ensure that materials are available when

needed. Unfortunately, the improper handling and storing of

materials often result in costly injuries.

What should your employees know before

moving, handling, and storing materials?

In addition to training and education, applying general

safety principles—such as proper work practices, equipment,

and controls—can help reduce workplace accidents involving

the moving, handling, and storing of materials. Whether

moving materials manually or mechanically, your employees

should know and understand the potential hazards associated

with the task at hand and how to control their workplaces to

minimize the danger.

Because numerous injuries can result from improperly

handling and storing materials, workers should also be aware

of accidents that may result from the unsafe or improper

handling of equipment as well as from improper work

practices. In addition, workers should be able to recognize

the methods for eliminating—or at least minimizing—the

occurrence of such accidents. Employers and employees

should examine their workplaces to detect any unsafe or

unhealthful conditions, practices, or equipment and take

corrective action.
2

What are the potential hazards for workers?

Workers frequently cite the weight and bulkiness of

objects that they lift as major contributing factors to their

injuries. In 1999, for example, more than 420,000 workplace

accidents resulted in back injuries. Bending, followed by

twisting and turning, were the more commonly cited

movements that caused back injuries.

Other hazards include falling objects, improperly stacked

materials, and various types of equipment. You should make

your employees aware of potential injuries that can occur

when manually moving materials, including the following:

■ Strains and sprains from lifting loads improperly or from

carrying loads that are either too large or too heavy,

■ Fractures and bruises caused by being struck by materials

or by being caught in pinch points, and

■ Cuts and bruises caused by falling materials that have been

improperly stored or by incorrectly cutting ties or other

securing devices.

What precautions should workers take

when moving materials manually?

When moving materials manually, workers should attach

handles or holders to loads. In addition, workers should

always wear appropriate personal protective equipment and

use proper lifting techniques. To prevent injury from oversize

loads, workers should seek help in the following:

■ When a load is so bulky that employees cannot properly

grasp or lift it,

■ When employees cannot see around or over a load, or

■ When employees cannot safely handle a load.
3

Using the following personal protective equipment

prevents needless injuries when manually moving materials:

■ Hand and forearm protection, such as gloves, for loads

with sharp or rough edges.

■ Eye protection.

■ Steel-toed safety shoes or boots.

■ Metal, fiber, or plastic metatarsal guards to protect the

instep area from impact or compression.

See OSHA’s booklet, Personal Protective Equipment

(OSHA 3077), for additional information.

Employees should use blocking materials to manage loads

safely. Workers should also be cautious when placing blocks

under a raised load to ensure that the load is not released

before removing their hands from under the load. Blocking

materials and timbers should be large and strong enough to

support the load safely. In addition to materials with cracks,

workers should not use materials with rounded corners,

splintered pieces, or dry rot for blocking.

What precautions should workers take

when moving materials mechanically?

Using mechanical equipment to move and store materials

increases the potential for employee injuries. Workers must be

aware of both manual handling safety concerns and safe

equipment operating techniques. Employees should avoid

overloading equipment when moving materials mechanically

by letting the weight, size, and shape of the material being

moved dictate the type of equipment used. All materialshandling equipment has rated capacities that determine the

maximum weight the equipment can safely handle and the

conditions under which it can handle that weight. Employers

must ensure that the equipment-rated capacity is displayed on

each piece of equipment and is not exceeded except for load

testing.
4

Although workers may be knowledgeable about powered

equipment, they should take precautions when stacking and

storing material. When picking up items with a powered

industrial truck, workers must do the following:

■ Center the load on the forks as close to the mast as possible

to minimize the potential for the truck tipping or the load

falling,

■ Avoid overloading a lift truck because it impairs control

and causes tipping over,

■ Do not place extra weight on the rear of a counterbalanced

forklift to allow an overload,

■ Adjust the load to the lowest position when traveling,

■ Follow the truck manufacturer’s operational requirements,

and

■ Pile and cross-tier all stacked loads correctly when possible.

What precautions must workers take to

avoid storage hazards?

Stored materials must not create a hazard for employees.

Employers should make workers aware of such factors as the

materials’ height and weight, how accessible the stored

materials are to the user, and the condition of the containers

where the materials are being stored when stacking and

piling materials. To prevent creating hazards when storing

materials, employers must do the following:

■ Keep storage areas free from accumulated materials that

cause tripping, fires, or explosions, or that may contribute

to the harboring of rats and other pests;

■ Place stored materials inside buildings that are under

construction and at least 6 feet from hoist ways, or inside

floor openings and at least 10 feet away from exterior

walls;
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■ Separate noncompatible material; and

■ Equip employees who work on stored grain in silos,

hoppers, or tanks, with lifelines and safety belts.

In addition, workers should consider placing bound

material on racks, and secure it by stacking, blocking, or

interlocking to prevent it from sliding, falling, or collapsing.

What safeguards must workers follow

when stacking materials?

Stacking materials can be dangerous if workers do not

follow safety guidelines. Falling materials and collapsing

loads can crush or pin workers, causing injuries or death. To

help prevent injuries when stacking materials, workers must

do the following:

■ Stack lumber no more than 16 feet high if it is handled

manually, and no more than 20 feet if using a forklift;

■ Remove all nails from used lumber before stacking;

■ Stack and level lumber on solidly supported bracing;

■ Ensure that stacks are stable and self-supporting;

■ Do not store pipes and bars in racks that face main aisles to

avoid creating a hazard to passersby when removing

supplies;

■ Stack bags and bundles in interlocking rows to keep them

secure; and

■ Stack bagged material by stepping back the layers and

cross-keying the bags at least every ten layers (to remove

bags from the stack, start from the top row first).
6

During materials stacking activities, workers must also do

the following:

■ Store baled paper and rags inside a building no closer than

18 inches to the walls, partitions, or sprinkler heads;

■ Band boxed materials or secure them with cross-ties or

shrink plastic fiber;

■ Stack drums, barrels, and kegs symmetrically;

■ Block the bottom tiers of drums, barrels, and kegs to keep

them from rolling if stored on their sides;

■ Place planks, sheets of plywood dunnage, or pallets

between each tier of drums, barrels, and kegs to make a

firm, flat, stacking surface when stacking on end;

■ Chock the bottom tier of drums, barrels, and kegs on each

side to prevent shifting in either direction when stacking

two or more tiers high; and

■ Stack and block poles as well as structural steel, bar stock,

and other cylindrical materials to prevent spreading or

tilting unless they are in racks.

In addition, workers should do the following:

■ Paint walls or posts with stripes to indicate maximum

stacking heights for quick reference;

■ Observe height limitations when stacking materials;

■ Consider the need for availability of the material; and

■ Stack loose bricks no more than 7 feet in height. (When

these stacks reach a height of 4 feet, taper them back 2

inches for every foot of height above the 4-foot level. When

masonry blocks are stacked higher than 6 feet, taper the

stacks back one-half block for each tier above the 6-foot

level.)
7

Important Safety Measures

To reduce the number of accidents associated with

workplace equipment, employers must train employees in the

proper use and limitations of the equipment they operate. In

addition to powered industrial trucks, this includes knowing

how to safely and effectively use equipment such as

conveyors, cranes, and slings.

What safety measures should employers

take regarding conveyors?

When using conveyors, workers may get their hands

caught in nip points where the conveyor medium runs near

the frame or over support members or rollers. Workers also

may be struck by material falling off the conveyor, or they

may get caught in the conveyor and drawn into the conveyor

path as a result. To prevent or reduce the severity of an

injury, employers must take the following precautions to

protect workers:

■ Install an emergency button or pull cord designed to stop

the conveyor at the employee’s work station.

■ Install emergency stop cables that extend the entire length

of continuously accessible conveyor belts so that the cables

can be accessed from any location along the conveyor.

■ Design the emergency stop switch so that it must be reset

before the conveyor can be restarted.

■ Ensure that appropriate personnel inspect the conveyor and

clear the stoppage before restarting a conveyor that has

stopped due to an overload.

■ Prohibit employees from riding on a materials-handling

conveyor.

■ Provide guards where conveyors pass over work areas or

aisles to keep employees from being struck by falling
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material. (If the crossover is low enough for workers to run

into it, mark the guard with a warning sign or paint it a

bright color to protect employees.)

■ Cover screw conveyors completely except at loading and

discharging points. (At those points, guards must protect

employees against contacting the moving screw. The

guards are movable, and they must be interlocked to

prevent conveyor movement when the guards are not in

place.)

What safety measures should employers

take regarding cranes?

Employers must permit only thoroughly trained and

competent workers to operate cranes. Operators should

know what they are lifting and what it weighs. For example,

the rated capacity of mobile cranes varies with the length of

the boom and the boom radius. When a crane has a

telescoping boom, a load may be safe to lift at a short boom

length or a short boom radius, but may overload the crane

when the boom is extended and the radius increases.

To reduce the severity of an injury, employers must take

the following precautions:

■ Equip all cranes that have adjustable booms with boom

angle indicators.

■ Provide cranes with telescoping booms with some means to

determine boom lengths unless the load rating is

independent of the boom length.

■ Post load rating charts in the cab of cab-operated cranes.

(All cranes do not have uniform capacities for the same

boom length and radius in all directions around the chassis

of the vehicle.)
9

■ Require workers to always check the crane’s load chart to

ensure that the crane will not be overloaded by operating

conditions.

■ Instruct workers to plan lifts before starting them to ensure

that they are safe.

■ Tell workers to take additional precautions and exercise

extra care when operating around power lines.

■ Teach workers that outriggers on mobile cranes must rest

on firm ground, on timbers, or be sufficiently cribbed to

spread the weight of the crane and the load over a large

enough area. (Some mobile cranes cannot operate with

outriggers in the traveling position.)

■ Direct workers to always keep hoisting chains and ropes

free of kinks or twists and never wrapped around a load.

■ Train workers to attach loads to the load hook by slings,

fixtures, and other devices that have the capacity to support

the load on the hook.

■ Instruct workers to pad sharp edges of loads to prevent

cutting slings.

■ Teach workers to maintain proper sling angles so that slings

are not loaded in excess of their capacity.

■ Ensure that all cranes are inspected frequently by persons

thoroughly familiar with the crane, the methods of

inspecting the crane, and what can make the crane

unserviceable. Crane activity, the severity of use, and

environmental conditions should determine inspection

schedules.

■ Ensure that the critical parts of a crane—such as crane

operating mechanisms, hooks, air, or hydraulic system

components and other load-carrying components—are

inspected daily for any maladjustment, deterioration,

leakage, deformation, or other damage.
10

What must employers do to ensure the safe

use of slings?

As an employer, you must designate a competent person to

conduct inspections of slings before and during use, especially

when service conditions warrant. In addition, you must

ensure that workers observe the following precautions when

working with slings:

■ Remove immediately damaged or defective slings from

service.

■ Do not shorten slings with knots or bolts or other makeshift

devices.

■ Do not kink sling legs.

■ Do not load slings beyond their rated capacity.

■ Keep suspended loads clear of all obstructions.

■ Remain clear of loads about to be lifted and suspended.

■ Do not engage in shock loading.

■ Avoid sudden crane acceleration and deceleration when

moving suspended loads.

What must employers do to protect

workers who operate powered industrial

trucks?

Workers who handle and store materials often use fork

trucks, platform lift trucks, motorized hand trucks, and other

specialized industrial trucks powered by electrical motors or

internal combustion engines. Employers must make these

workers aware of the safety requirements pertaining the

design, maintenance, and use of these trucks.
11

What are the safety requirements for

design?

All new powered industrial trucks, except vehicles

intended primarily for earth moving or over-the-road hauling,

must meet the design and construction requirements for

powered industrial trucks established in the American

National Standard for Powered Industrial Trucks, Part II,

ANSI B56.1-1969. Trucks approved for fire safety also must

bear a label, or some other identifying mark, indicating

acceptance by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

What are the safety requirements for

modification?

You and your employees must not make modifications and

additions affecting capacity and safe operation of the trucks

without the manufacturer’s prior written approval. In these

cases, you must change capacity, operation, and maintenance

instruction plates and tags or decals to reflect the new

information. If the truck is equipped with front-end

attachments that are not factory installed, the user must

request that the truck be marked to identify these

attachments and show the truck’s approximate weight—

including the installed attachment—when it is at maximum

elevation with its load laterally centered.

What are the safety requirements for

designation?

There are 11 different designations of industrial trucks,

and each designation is suitable for use in certain locations

and under specific conditions. Workers must not use powered

industrial trucks in atmospheres containing hazardous

concentrations of the following substances:

■ Acetylene

■ Butadiene
12

■ Acetaldehyde

■ Cyclopropane

■ Ethylene

■ Isoprene

■ Hydrogen (or gases or vapors equivalent in hazard to

hydrogen)

■ Ethylene oxide

■ Propylene oxide

■ Diethyl ether

■ Unsymmetrical dimethyl hydrazine

In addition, workers may not use these trucks in

atmospheres containing hazardous concentrations of metal

dust, including aluminum, magnesium, and other metals of

similarly hazardous characteristics. In atmospheres

containing carbon black, coal, or coke dust, workers may use

only approved powered industrial trucks designated as EX.

Where dusts of magnesium, aluminum, or bronze may be

present, fuses, switches, motor controllers, and circuit

breakers of trucks must have enclosures specifically approved

for such locations.

Some powered industrial trucks are designed, constructed,

and assembled for use in atmospheres containing flammable

vapors or dusts. These include powered industrial trucks

equipped with the following:

■ Additional safeguards to their exhaust, fuel, and electrical

systems;

■ No electrical equipment (including the ignition);

■ Temperature limitation features; and

■ Electric motors and all other electrical equipment

completely enclosed.
13

Workers may use these specially designed powered

industrial trucks in locations where volatile flammable liquids

or flammable gases are handled, processed, or used. The

liquids, vapors, or gases should be confined within closed

containers or closed systems and not allowed to escape.

These trucks are approved and generally designated as DS,

DY, ES, EE, EX, GS, or LPS. See Title 29 of the Code of

Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.178(b) for more detail

on these designations.

What safety precautions should

employers and workers observe when

operating or maintaining powered

industrial trucks?

When operating or maintaining powered industrial trucks,

you and your employees must consider the following safety

precautions:

■ Fit high-lift rider trucks with an overhead guard if

permitted by operating conditions.

■ Equip fork trucks with vertical load backrest extensions

according to manufacturers’ specifications if the load

presents a hazard.

■ Locate battery-charging installations in designated areas.

■ Provide facilities for flushing and neutralizing spilled

electrolytes when changing or recharging batteries to

prevent fires, to protect the charging apparatus from being

damaged by the trucks, and to adequately ventilate fumes

in the charging area from gassing batteries.

■ Provide conveyor, overhead hoist, or equivalent materials

handling equipment for handling batteries.

■ Provide auxiliary directional lighting on the truck where

general lighting is less than 2 lumens per square foot.
14

■ Do not place arms and legs between the uprights of the

mast or outside the running lines of the truck.

■ Set brakes and put other adequate protection in place to

prevent movement of trucks, trailers, or railroad cars when

using powered industrial trucks to load or unload materials

onto them.

■ Provide sufficient headroom under overhead installations,

lights, pipes, and sprinkler systems.

■ Provide personnel on the loading platform with the means

to shut off power to the truck whenever a truck is equipped

with vertical only (or vertical and horizontal) controls

elevatable with the lifting carriage or forks for lifting

personnel.

■ Secure dockboards or bridge plates properly so they won’t

move when equipment moves over them.

■ Handle only stable or safely arranged loads.

■ Exercise caution when handling tools.

■ Disconnect batteries before repairing electrical systems on

trucks.

■ Ensure that replacement parts on industrial trucks are

equivalent to the original ones.

Are there any training requirements for

operators of powered industrial trucks?

Yes. Effective March 1, 1999, employers must develop a

training program specific to the type of truck to be driven and

the working conditions encountered. Employers must also

evaluate the operator’s performance in the workplace and

certify that each operator has successfully received the

training needed. The certification must include the name of

the operator, the date of training, the date of evaluation, and
15

the identity of the person(s) performing the training or

evaluation. In addition, you must conduct an evaluation of

each powered industrial truck operator’s performance at least

once every 3 years.

You must also conduct such an evaluation as well as

refresher training if one of the following applies:

■ Operator is observed operating the vehicle in an unsafe

manner;

■ Operator is involved in an accident or near-miss incident;

■ Operator receives an evaluation revealing unsafe operation

of the truck;

■ Operator is assigned to drive a different type of truck; or

■ Condition in the workplace changes in a manner that could

affect safe operation of the truck.

For more information contact your Regional OSHA office

or visit our website at http://www.osha.gov/dte/library/

materials_library.html#poweredindustrialtrucks

For more detailed information on powered industrial trucks, overhead 

and gantry cranes, and slings, see 29 CFR Part 1910.178 through 

1910.184 Subpart N.
16

Basic Safety and Health Principles

Employers can reduce injuries resulting from handling and

storing materials by using some basic safety procedures such

as adopting sound ergonomics practices, taking general fire

safety precautions, and keeping aisles and passageways clear.

What Is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is defined as the study of work and is based

on the principle that the job should be adapted to fit the

person rather than forcing the person to fit the job.

Ergonomics focuses on the work environment, such as its

design and function, as well as items—such as the design and

function of work stations, controls, displays, safety devices,

tools, and lighting to fit the employees’ physical requirements

and to ensure their health and well being.

Ergonomics includes restructuring or changing workplace

conditions, to make the job easier, and reducing stressors that

cause musculoskeletal disorders. In the area of materials

handling and storing, ergonomic principles may require

controls such as reducing the size or weight of the objects

lifted, installing a mechanical lifting aid, or changing the

height of a pallet or shelf.

Although no approach completely eliminates back injuries

resulting from lifting materials, you can prevent a substantial

number of lifting injuries by implementing an effective

ergonomics program and by training your employees in

appropriate lifting techniques.

What About Fire Safety?

In adhering to fire safety precautions, instruct employees

that flammable and combustible materials must be stored

according to their fire characteristics. Flammable liquids, for

example, must be separated from other material by a fire

wall. Also, other combustibles must be stored in an area
17

where smoking and using an open flame or a spark-producing

device is prohibited. Dissimilar materials that are dangerous

when they come into contact with each other must be stored

apart.

What About Aisles and Passageways?

When using aisles and passageways to move materials

mechanically, workers must allow sufficient clearance for

aisles at loading docks, through doorways, wherever turns

must be made, and in other parts of the workplace. Providing

sufficient clearance for mechanically-moved materials will

prevent workers from being pinned between the equipment

and fixtures in the workplace, such as walls, racks, posts, or

other machines. Sufficient clearance also will prevent the load

from striking an obstruction and falling on an employee.

Employers must ensure that all passageways that workers

use remain clear of obstructions and tripping hazards.

Workers should not store materials in excess of supplies

needed for immediate operations in aisles or passageways,

and employers must mark permanent aisles and passageways

appropriately.
18

Training and Education

OSHA recommends that employers establish a formal

training program to teach workers how to recognize and

avoid materials handling hazards. Instructors should be wellversed in safety engineering and materials handling and

storing. The training should reduce workplace hazards by

emphasizing the following factors:

■ Dangers of lifting without proper training.

■ Avoidance of unnecessary physical stress and strain.

■ Awareness of what a worker can comfortably handle

without undue strain.

■ Use of equipment properly.

■ Recognition of potential hazards and how to prevent or

correct them.

Should the prevention of some injuries

receive special emphasis?

Yes. Because of the high incidence of back injuries, both

supervisors and employees should demonstrate and practice

safe manual lifting techniques. Training programs on proper

lifting techniques should cover the following topics:

■ Health risks of improper lifting, citing organizational case

histories, vs the benefits of proper lifting.

■ Basic anatomy of the spine, muscles, and joints of the trunk,

and the contributions of intra-abdominal pressure while

lifting.

■ Body strengths and weaknesses—determining one’s own

lifting capacity.

■ Physical factors that might contribute to an accident and

how to avoid the unexpected.
19

■ Safe postures for lifting and timing for smooth, easy lifting.

■ Aids such as stages, platforms, or steps, trestles, shoulder

pads, handles, and wheels.

■ Body responses—warning signals—to be aware of when

lifting.

How can employers make their training

programs more effective?

To have an effective safety and health program covering

materials handling and storing, your managers must take an

active role in its development. You must convince first-line

supervisors of the importance of controlling hazards

associated with materials handling and storing and hold them

accountable for employee training. An ongoing safety and

health management system can motivate employees to

continue using necessary protective gear and observing

proper job procedures. Instituting such a program, along with

providing the correct materials handling equipment, can

enhance worker safety and health in the area of materials

handling and storing. More training information is located a

thttp://www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/safetyhealth/index.html.

For more help, contact the OSHA Training Institute or the regional 

or area office nearest to you. (See “How Can OSHA Help Me?”

at the end of this booklet.)
20

OSHA Assistance

OSHA can provide extensive help through a variety of

programs, including technical assistance about effective

safety and health programs, state plans, workplace

consultations, voluntary protection programs, strategic

partnerships, and training and education, and more. Safety

and health add value to your business, to your work, and to

your life.

What are safety and health system

management guidelines?

Effective management of worker safety and health

protection is a decisive factor in reducing the extent and

severity of work-related injuries and illnesses and their

related costs. In fact, an effective safety and health program

forms the basis of good worker protection and can save time

and money–about $4 for every dollar spent–and increase

productivity.

To assist employers and employees in developing effective

safety and health programs, OSHA published recommended

Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines (Federal

Register 54(16): 3904-3916, January 26, 1989). These

voluntary guidelines can be applied to all places of

employment covered by OSHA.

The guidelines identify four general elements that are

critical to the development of a successful safety and health

management system:

■ Management leadership and employee involvement,

■ Worksite analysis,

■ Hazard prevention and control, and

■ Safety and health training.

The guidelines recommend specific actions, under each of

these general elements, to achieve an effective safety and
21

health program. The Federal Register notice is available

online at www.osha.gov.

What are state programs?

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH

Act) encourages states to develop and operate their own job

safety and health plans. OSHA approves and monitors these

plans. There are currently 26 state plans: 23 cover both

private and public (state and local government) employment;

3 states, Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York, cover the

public sector only. States and territories with their own

OSHA-approved occupational safety and health plans must

adopt standards identical to, or at least as effective as, the

federal standards.

How do I obtain consultation services?

Consultation assistance is available on request to

employers who want help in establishing and maintaining a

safe and healthful workplace. Largely funded by OSHA, the

service is provided at no cost to the employer. Primarily

developed for smaller employers with more hazardous

operations, the consultation service is delivered by state

governments employing professional safety and health

consultants. Comprehensive assistance includes an appraisal

of all mechanical systems, work practices, and occupational

safety and health hazards of the workplace and all aspects of

the employer’s present job safety and health program. In

addition, the service offers assistance to employers in

developing and implementing an effective safety and health

program. No penalties are proposed or citations issued for

hazards identified by the consultant. OSHA provides

consultation assistance to the employer with the assurance

that his or her name and firm and any information about the

workplace will not be routinely reported to OSHA

enforcement staff.
22

Under the consultation program, certain exemplary

employers may request participation in OSHA’s Safety and

Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP).

Eligibility for participation in SHARP includes receiving a

comprehensive consultation visit, demonstrating exemplary

achievements in workplace safety and health by abating all

identified hazards, and developing an excellent safety and

health program.

Employers accepted into SHARP may receive an

exemption from programmed inspections (not complaint or

accident investigation inspections) for a period of 1 year. For

more information concerning consultation assistance, see the

list of consultation projects listed at the end of this

publication.

What are Voluntary Protection Programs

(VPPs)?

Voluntary Protection Programs and onsite consultation

services, when coupled with an effective enforcement

program, expand worker protection to help meet the goals of

the OSH Act. The three VPPs—Star, Merit, and

Demonstration—are designed to recognize outstanding

achievements by companies that have successfully

incorporated comprehensive safety and health programs into

their total management system. The VPPs motivate others to

achieve excellent safety and health results in the same

outstanding way as they establish a cooperative relationship

between employers, employees, and OSHA.

For additional information on VPPs and how to apply,

contact the OSHA regional offices listed at the end of this

publication.
23

What is the Strategic Partnership Program?

OSHA’s Strategic Partnership Program, the newest

member of OSHA’s cooperative programs, helps encourage,

assist, and recognize the efforts of partners to eliminate

serious workplace hazards and achieve a high level of worker

safety and health. Whereas OSHA’s Consultation Program

and VPP entail one-on-one relationships between OSHA and

individual worksites, most strategic partnerships seek to have

a broader impact by building cooperative relationships with

groups of employers and employees. These partnerships are

voluntary, cooperative relationships between OSHA,

employers, employee representatives, and others (e.g., trade

unions, trade and professional associations, universities, and

other government agencies).

For more information on this program, contact your

nearest OSHA office, or visit OSHA’s website at

www.osha.gov.

Does OSHA offer training and education?

OSHA’s area offices offer a variety of information

services, such as compliance assistance, technical advice,

publications, audiovisual aids and speakers for special

engagements. OSHA’s Training Institute in Des Plaines, IL,

provides basic and advanced courses in safety and health for

federal and state compliance officers, state consultants,

federal agency personnel, and private sector employers,

employees, and their representatives.

The OSHA Training Institute also has established OSHA

Training Institute Education Centers to address the increased

demand for its courses from the private sector and from other

federal agencies. These centers are nonprofit colleges,

universities, and other organizations that have been selected

after a competition for participation in the program.
24

OSHA also provides funds to nonprofit organizations,

through grants, to conduct workplace training and education

in subjects where OSHA believes there is a lack of workplace

training. Grants are awarded annually. Grant recipients are

expected to contribute 20 percent of the total grant cost.

For more information on grants, training, and education,

contact the OSHA Training Institute, Office of Training and

Education, 1555 Times Drive, Des Plaines, IL 60018, (847)

297-4810. For further information on any OSHA program,

contact your nearest OSHA area or regional office listed at

the end of this publication.

Does OSHA provide any information

electronically?

OSHA has a variety of materials and tools available on its

website–www.osha.gov. These include e-Tools such as

Expert Advisors, Electronic Compliance Assistance Tools (eCATs), Technical Links; regulations, directives, publications;

videos, and other information for employers and employees.

OSHA’s software programs and compliance assistance tools

walk you through challenging safety and health issues and

common problems to find the best solutions for your

workplace.

OSHA’s CD-ROM includes standards, interpretations,

directives, and more and can be purchased on CD-ROM

from the U.S. Government Printing Office. 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 and Technical Information

on CD-ROM (ORDT), GPO Order No. S/N 729-013-00000-

5. The price is $53 per year ($66.25 foreign); $15 per single

copy ($18.75 foreign).
25

How do I learn more about related OSHA

publications?

OSHA has an extensive publications program. For a

listing of free or sales items, visit OSHA’s website at

www.osha.gov or contact the OSHA Publications Office ,

U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA/OSHA Publications, P.O.

Box 37535, Washington, DC 20013-7535. Telephone (202)

693-1888 or fax to (202) 693-2498.

How do I contact OSHA about

emergencies, complaints, or further

assistance?

To report an emergency, file a complaint, or seek OSHA

advice, assistance, or products, call 1-800-321-OSHA or

contact your nearest OSHA regional or area office listed at

the end of this publication. The teletypewriter (TTY) number

is 1-877-889-5627.

You can also file a complaint online and obtain more

information on OSHA federal and state programs by visiting

OSHA’s website at www.osha.gov.

For more information on grants, training, and education,

contact the OSHA Training Institute, Office of Training and

Education, 1555 Times Drive, Des Plaines, Il 60018, (847)

297-4810, or see Outreach on OSHA’s website at

www.osha.gov.
26

Glossary

Boom - A long, straight beam hinged at one end and used for

lifting heavy objects by means of cables and/or hydraulics.

Booms can be of lattice construction or be made of heavy

tubular material.

Boom radius - The horizontal distance from the axis of

rotation of a crane or derrick boom to the boom tip.

Bracing - A diagonal piece of structural material that serves

to strengthen something.

Chassis - The frame upon which a vehicle’s body is mounted.

Chock - A wedge or block for steadying a body and holding it

motionless, for filling in excess space, or for preventing the

movement of a wheel.

Competent person - one who can identify health and safety

hazards in the workplace and has the authority to correct

them.

Crib - To line or support with a framework of timber.

Cumulative trauma disorders - Injuries that result from

continuous or repetitive motions over prolonged periods of

time.

Outrigger - A projecting member that extends from a main

structure to either provide additional stability or support.

Powered industrial trucks - Forklift trucks, tractors, platform

lift trucks, motorized hand trucks, and other specialized

industrialized trucks powered by electrical or internal

combustion engines.

Rigger - A worker who prepares heavy equipment or loads of

material for lifting.
27

Related Publications

Single free copies of the following publications can be

obtained from the U.S. Department of Labor, OSHA/OSHA

Publications Office, P.O. Box 37535, Washington, DC 20013-

7535. Send a self-addressed mailing label with your request.

Publications may also be ordered from www.osha.gov.

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

Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing

Office, P.O Box 371954, Pittsburgh, PA 15250-7954. Phone

orders: 1-866-512-1800 (toll free); 202-512-1800 (Metro DC).

Or visit GPO online at www.gpo.gov/su_docs/ for current

ordering and pricing information.

Assessing the Need for Personal Protective Equipment: A

Guide for Small Business Employers (OSHA 3151).

Ergonomics: The Study of Work (OSHA 3125).

Handbook for Small Business (OSHA 2209).

Job Hazard Analysis (OSHA 3071).

Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1900 to

1910.999 (General Industry Standards).

Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1910.1000

to End (General Industry Standards).

Title 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 1926

(Construction)
28

OSHA Office Directory

OSHA Regional Offices

Region I

(CT,* ME, MA, NH, RI, VT*)

JFK Federal Building, Room E340

Boston, MA 02203

(617) 565-9860

Region II

(NJ,* NY,* PR,* VI*)

201 Varick Street, Room 670

New York, NY 10014

(212) 337-2378

Region III

(DE, DC, MD,* PA,* VA,* WV)

The Curtis Center

170 S. Independence Mall West

Suite 740 West

Philadelphia, PA 19106-3309

(215) 861-4900

Region IV

(AL, FL, GA, KY,* MS, NC,* SC,*

TN*)

SNAF

61 Forsyth Street SW, Room 6T50

Atlanta, GA 30303

(404) 562-2300

Region V

(IL, IN,* MI,* MN,* OH, WI)

230 South Dearborn Street,

Room 3244

Chicago, IL 60604

(312) 353-2220

Region VI

(AR, LA, NM,* OK, TX)

525 Griffin Street, Room 602

Dallas, TX 75202

(214) 767-4731 or 4736 x224

Region VII

(IA,* KS, MO, NE)

City Center Square

1100 Main Street, Suite 800

Kansas City, MO 64105

(816) 426-5861

Region VIII

(CO, MT, ND, SD, UT,* WY*)

1999 Broadway, Suite 1690

PO Box 46550

Denver, CO 80202-5716

(303) 844-1600

Region IX

(American Samoa, AZ,* CA,* HI,

NV,* Northern Mariana Islands)

71 Stevenson Street, Room 420

San Francisco, CA 94105

(415) 975-4310

Region X

(AK,* ID, OR,* WA*)

1111 Third Avenue, Suite 715

Seattle, WA 98101-3212

(206) 553-5930

*These states and territories operate their own OSHA-approved job safety

and health programs (Connecticut, New Jersey and New York plans cover

public employees only). States with approved programs must have a

standard that is identical to, or at least as effective as, the federal standard.
29

OSHA Area Offices

Birmingham, AL ............................................................... (205) 731-1534

Mobile, AL ....................................................................... (251) 441-6131

Anchorage, AK ................................................................ (907) 271-5152

Little Rock, AR ...................................................... (501) 324-6291(5818)

Phoenix, AZ ..................................................................... (602) 640-2348

San Diego, CA .................................................................. (619) 557-5909

Sacramento, CA ............................................................... (916) 566-7471

Denver, CO ...................................................................... (303) 844-5285

Greenwood Village, CO .................................................... (303) 843-4500

Bridgeport, CT ................................................................. (203) 579-5581

Hartford, CT ................................................................... (860) 240-3152

Wilmington, DE ............................................................... (302) 573-6518

Fort Lauderdale, FL .......................................................... (954) 424-0242

Jacksonville, FL ................................................................ (904) 232-2895

Tampa, FL........................................................................ (813) 626-1177

Savannah, GA .................................................................. (912) 652-4393

Smyrna, GA ..................................................................... (770) 984-8700

Tucker, GA .................................................... (770) 493-6644/6742/8419

Des Moines, IA ................................................................. (515) 284-4794

Boise, ID ........................................................................... (208) 321-2960

Calumet City, IL ............................................................... (708) 891-3800

Des Plaines, IL .................................................................. (847) 803-4800

Fairview Heights, IL .......................................................... (618) 632-8612

North Aurora, IL ............................................................. (630) 896-8700

Peoria, IL ......................................................................... (309) 671-7033

Indianapolis, IN ............................................................... (317) 226-7290

Wichita, KS ...................................................................... (316) 269-6644

Frankfort, KY .................................................................. (502) 227-7024

Baton Rouge, LA ................................................... (225) 389-0474 (0431)

Braintree, MA .................................................................. (617) 565-6924

Methuen, MA .................................................................. (617) 565-8110

Springfield, MA ................................................................ (413) 785-0123

Linthicum, MD ........................................................ (410) 865-2055/2056

Bangor, ME ...................................................................... (207) 941-8177

Portland, ME ................................................................... (207) 780-3178
30

August, ME ..................................................................... (207) 622-8417

Lansing, MI ...................................................................... (517) 327-0904

Minneapolis, MN ............................................................ (612) 664- 5460

Kansas City, MO .............................................................. (816) 483-9531

St. Louis, MO ................................................................... (314) 425-4249

Jackson, MS ..................................................................... (601) 965-4606

Billings, MT ...................................................................... (406) 247-7494

Raleigh, NC ..................................................................... (919) 856-4770

Omaha, NE ...................................................................... (402) 221-3182

Bismark, ND .................................................................... (701) 250-4521

Concord, NH ................................................................... (603) 225-1629

Avenel, NJ ........................................................................ (732) 750-3270

Hasbrouck Heights, NJ .................................................... (201) 288-1700

Marlton, NJ ..................................................................... (856) 757-5181

Parsippany, NJ ................................................................. (973) 263-1003

Carson City, NV .............................................................. (775) 885-6963

Albany, NY ...................................................................... (518) 464-4338

Bayside, NY ..................................................................... (718) 279-9060

Bowmansville, NY ............................................................ (716) 684-3891

New York, NY ................................................................. (212) 337-2636

North Syracuse, NY ......................................................... (315) 451-0808

Tarrytown, NY ................................................................ (914) 524-7510

Westbury, NY .................................................................. (516) 334-3344

Cincinnati, OH ................................................................. (513) 841-4132

Cleveland, OH.................................................................. (216) 522-3818

Columbus, OH ................................................................ (614) 469-5582

Toledo, OH ...................................................................... (419) 259-7542

Oklahoma City, OK ......................................................... (405) 278-9560

Portland, OR ................................................................... (503) 326-2251

Allentown, PA .................................................................. (610) 776-0592

Erie, PA ............................................................................ (814) 833-5758

Harrisburg, PA ................................................................. (717) 782-3902

Philadelphia, PA ............................................................... (215) 597-4955

Pittsburgh, PA .................................................................. (412) 395-4903

Wilkes-Barre, PA .............................................................. (570) 826-6538

Guaynabo, PR.................................................................. (787) 277-1560

Providence, RI .................................................................. (401) 528-4669
31

Columbia, SC ................................................................... (803) 765-5904

Nashville, TN ................................................................... (615) 781-5423

Austin, TX ............................................................ (512) 916-5783 (5788)

Corpus Christi, TX .......................................................... (361) 888-3420

Dallas, TX ............................................................. (214) 320-2400 (2558)

El Paso, TX ...................................................................... (915) 534-6251

Fort Worth, TX ..............................................(817) 428-2470 (485-7647)

Houston, TX ......................................................... (281) 591-2438 (2787)

Houston, TX ................................................ (281) 286-0583/0584 (5922)

Lubbock, TX ......................................................... (806) 472-7681 (7685)

Salt Lake City, UT ............................................................. (801) 530-6901

Norfolk, VA ..................................................................... (757) 441-3820

Bellevue, WA ..................................................................... (206) 553-7520

Appleton, WI ................................................................... (920) 734-4521

Eau Claire, WI .................................................................. (715) 832-9019

Madison, WI .................................................................... (608) 264-5388

Milwaukee, WI ................................................................. (414) 297-3315

Charleston, WV ............................................................... (304) 347-5937
32

OSHA-Approved State Plans

Commissioner

Alaska Department of Labor

1111 W. 8th Street, Room 308

P.O. Box 21149

Juneau, AK 99802-1149

(907) 465-2700

Director

Industrial Commission of Arizona

800 W. Washington

Phoenix, AZ 85007

(602) 542-5795

Director

California Department of

Industrial Relations

455 Golden Gate Avenue -

10th floor

San Francisco, CA 94102

(415) 703-5050

Commissioner

Connecticut Department of Labor

200 Folly Brook Boulevard

Wethersfield, CT 06109

(860) 263-6505

Director

Hawaii Department of Labor and

Industrial Relations

830 Punchbowl Street

Honolulu, HI 96831

(808) 586-8844

Commissioner

Iowa Division of Labor

1000 E. Grand Avenue

Des Moines, IA 50319

(515) 281-3447

Commissioner

Indiana Department of Labor

State Office Building

402 West Washington Street -

Room W195

Indianapolis, IN 46204

(317) 232-2378

Secretary

Kentucky Labor Cabinet

1047 U.S. Highway 127 South,

Suite 4

Frankfort, KY 40601

(502) 564-3070

Commissioner

Maryland Division of Labor and

Industry

Department of Labor Licensing and

Regulation

MOSH

1100 N. Eutaw Street, Room 613

Baltimore, MD 21201-2206

(410) 767-2215

Director

Michigan Department of

Consumer and Industry Services

P.O. Box 30643

7150 Harris Drive

Lansing, MI 48909

(517) 373-7230

Commissioner

Minnesota Department of Labor

and Industry

443 Lafayette Road

St. Paul, MN 55155

(651) 284-5010
33

Commissioner

North Carolina Department of

Labor

4 West Edenton Street

Raleigh, NC 27601-1092

(919) 807-2900

Commissioner

New Jersey Department of Labor

John Fitch Plaza - Labor Building

Market and Warren Streets

P.O. Box 110

Trenton, NJ 08625-0110

(609) 292-2975

Secretary

New Mexico Environment

Department

1190 St. Francis Drive

P.O. Box 26110

Santa Fe, NM 87502

(505) 827-2850

Commissioner

New York Department of Labor

W. Averell Harriman State Office

Building-12, Room 500

Albany, NY 12240

(518) 457-2741

Administrator

Nevada Division of Industrial

Relations

400 West King Street, Suite 400

Carson City, NV 89703

(775) 684–7260

Administrator

Oregon Department of Consumer

and Business Services

Occupational Safety and Health

Division (OR-OSHA)

350 Winter Street, N.E. Room 430

Salem, OR 97310-3882

(503) 378-3272

Secretary

Puerto Rico Department of Labor

and Human Resources

Prudencio Rivera Martinez Building

505 Munoz Rivera Avenue

Hato Rey, PR 00918

(787) 754-2119

Director

South Carolina Department of

Labor, Licensing and Regulation

Koger Office Park, Kingstree

Building

110 Centerview Drive

P.O. Box 11329

Columbia, SC 29211

(803) 896-4300

Commissioner

Tennessee Department of Labor

and Workforce Development

710 James Robertson Parkway

Andrew Johnson Tower

Nashville, TN 37243-0659

(615) 741-2582

Commissioner

Labor Commission of Utah

160 East 300 South Street,

3rd floor

P.O. Box 146650

Salt Lake City, UT 84111

(801) 530-6901

Commissioner

Virginia Department of Labor and

Industry

Powers-Taylor Building

13 South 13th Street

Richmond, VA 23219

(804) 786-2377
34

Commissioner

Virgin Islands Department of Labor

2203 Church Street

Christiansted, St. Croix, VI

00820-4660

(340) 773-1990

Commissioner

Vermont Department of Labor and

Industry

National Life Building—Drawer 20

120 State Street

Montpelier VT 05620-3401

(802) 828-2288

Director

Washington Department of Labor

and Industries

P.O. Box 44001

Olympia, WA 98504-4001

(360) 902-4200

(360) 902-5430

Administrator

Worker’s Safety and Compensation

 Division (WSC)

Wyoming Department of

Employment

Herschler Building, 2nd Floor East

122 West 25th Street

Cheyenne, WY 82002

(307) 777-7786
35

OSHA Consultation Projects

Anchorage, AK ................................................................ (907) 269-4957

Tuscaloosa, AL ................................................................. (205) 348-3033

Little Rock, AR ................................................................ (501) 682-4522

Phoenix, AZ ..................................................................... (602) 542-1695

Sacramento, CA ............................................................... (916) 263-2856

Fort Collins, CO .............................................................. (970) 491-6151

Wethersfield, CT............................................................... (860) 566-4550

Washington, DC ............................................................... (202) 541-3727

Wilmington, DE ............................................................... (302) 761-8219

Tampa, FL........................................................................ (813) 974-9962

Atlanta, GA ...................................................................... (404) 894-2643

Tiyam, GU ................................................................. 9-1-(671) 475-1101

Honolulu, HI ................................................................... (808) 586-9100

Des Moines, IA ................................................................. (515) 281-7629

Boise, ID ........................................................................... (208) 426-3283

Chicago, IL ....................................................................... (312) 814-2337

Indianapolis, IN ............................................................... (317) 232-2688

Topeka, KS ...................................................................... (785) 296-2251

Frankfort, KY .................................................................. (502) 564-6895

Baton Rouge, LA .............................................................. (225) 342-9601

West Newton, MA............................................................ (617) 727-3982

Laurel, MD ...................................................................... (410) 880-4970

Augusta, ME .................................................................... (207) 624-6400

Lansing, MI ...................................................................... (517) 322-1809

Saint Paul, MN ................................................................. (651) 284-5060

Jefferson City, MO ........................................................... (573) 751-3403

Pearl, MS ......................................................................... (601) 939-2047

Helena, MT ...................................................................... (406) 444-6418

Raleigh, NC ..................................................................... (919) 807-2905

Bismarck, ND ................................................................... (701) 328-5188

Lincoln, NE ...................................................................... (402) 471-4717

Concord, NH ................................................................... (603) 271-2024

Trenton, NJ ...................................................................... (609) 292-3923

Santa Fe, NM ................................................................... (505) 827-4230
36

Albany, NY ...................................................................... (518) 457-2238

Henderson, NV ................................................................ (702) 486-9140

Columbus, OH ................................................................ (614) 644-2631

Oklahoma City, OK ......................................................... (405) 528-1500

Salem, OR ........................................................................ (503) 378-3272

Indiana, PA ...................................................................... (724) 357-2396

Hato Rey, PR ................................................................... (787) 754-2171

Providence, RI .................................................................. (401) 222-2438

Columbia, SC ................................................................... (803) 734-9614

Brookings, SD .................................................................. (605) 688-4101

Nashville, TN ................................................................... (615) 741-7036

Austin, TX ....................................................................... (512) 804-4640

Salt Lake City, UT ............................................................. (801) 530-6901

Montpelier, VT................................................................. (802) 828-2765

Richmond, VA ................................................................. (804) 786-6359

Christiansted St. Croix, VI................................................ (809) 772-1315

Olympia, WA ................................................................... (360) 902-5638

Madison, WI .................................................................... (608) 266-9383

Waukesha, WI .................................................................. (262) 523-3044

Charleston, WV ............................................................... (304) 558-7890

Cheyenne, WY ................................................................. (307) 777-7786