Disclaimer

Mention of any company or product does not constitute endorsement by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). In addition, citations to websites external to NIOSH do not constitute NIOSH endorsement of the sponsoring organizations or their programs or products. Furthermore, NIOSH is not responsible for the content of these websites. All web addresses referenced in this document were accessible as of the publication date.

Training Requirements

As with any mechanical device before using, employees need to be trained and in some cases certified to use devices that are self-propelled. OSHA and NIOSH supplies safety information in working with pallets, pallet jacks, conveyors, as well as other mechanical devices. See the following:

https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/woodworking/commonhaz_forklifts.html
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/poweredindustrialtrucks/standards.html
https://www.osha.gov/dte/library/pit/ppt/index.html
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2001-109/

The main hazard associated with using or working around mechanical assists and pallets are injuries identified as “contact-based” which are common in warehouses and back storage areas where space is often limited. Further information on the hazards in the retail and wholesale sector are discussed in Anderson et al. [2010].

Suggested Citation

NIOSH [2014]. Ergonomic solutions for retailers: prevention of material handling injuries in the grocery sector. By Anderson VP. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2015-100.

DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2015-100

October 2014

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