At BlackHawk, workplace safety is something we all take very seriously. And we know you do, too. The U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) is the premiere source for standards, guidelines and safe practices to ensure that all workers are protected on the job. We’ve culled the OSHA website for topics of particular interest to our customers.

Loading Dock and Warehouse

A tractor trailer entering or leaving a receiving area presents a potential danger for dock workers. Learn more about the correct procedures for parking, backing up, and coupling or uncoupling.

All forklifts are not created equal, and neither are their safety standards. OSHA’s Forklift eTool provides specific information on Powered Truck Requirements and industry best practices, including the types and fundamentals of forklifts, operating guidelines, understanding workplace conditions and training assistance.

In addition, OSHA has expanded information about warehousing best practices, pedestrian safety in warehouses and injury prevention around forklifts at its forklift page.

Reducing MSD Hazards

Did you know that even a few small changes can help to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)? Stress and wear from repetitive procedures causes more MSDs than workplace accidents. Pulled muscles, back injuries and other potentially debilitating conditions are preventable in most cases if proper techniques are in place. Training is key. So is an understanding of weighs and forces and the way the human body functions. OSHA’s Ergonomics page is an excellent resource; “bone up” on it to keep your workers in working shape.

OSHA recommends a periodic review of your facility, workstation designs and practices from an ergonomics perspective. This helps you to identify potential and existing trouble spots.

Young Workers

Do you employ workers under the age of 18? If so, federal law limits the what/where/when for youths in your facility. Young workers must be restricted to safe conditions and receive proper training for their assigned tasks. Every employer must comply with these regulations.

Winter Safety

Finally, OSHA digs deep into the topic of worker safety in wintertime. Whether it’s your maintenance crews clearing snow and ice outside the plant, workers in the field or personnel who generally work in cold conditions, adequate training and personal protective gear are mandatory.

BlackHawk can help you to create a safer, more efficient workplace. For example,

• Our free packaging review helps to determine if your shipping processes are optimized.
• We offer a wide selection of training videos on topics ranging from ergonomics, lockout/tagout, lean machinery and hazard communications, and more.
• We can meet all of your needs for Personal Protective Equipment, from head to toe. We offer the latest and best products from leading manufacturers.
• Stay in spec with OSHA regulations for workplace signage, including access/egress, emergency, hazard alerts and directional, traffic and security signs.
• Lockout/tagout products and procedures prevent accidents and save lives.

For more information on how BlackHawk can assist you with creating a safer workplace, contact your BlackHawk customer service representative.