Tis the season for holiday shopping and extra deliveries. Whether a business has a physical storefront or operates online, employers should be prepared to protect their employees from being hurt on the job during the holiday rush. The Occupational Safety Hazard Administration (OSHA) is encouraging employers to take extra precautions to protect employees who fulfill customer orders, deliver packages or work in retail establishments. A Human Resource services company can help employers keep employees safe during the holidays by helping employers identify hazards and train employees.

Under OSHA’s general duty clause, “employers are responsible for providing a place of employment free of recognized hazards that are likely to cause serious injury or death.” To minimize injuries in the workplace during the holiday season, OSHA established a Holiday Workplace Safety site that includes recommendations for keeping warehousing, trucking and retail employees out of harm’s way. The main message here is to make a plan ahead of time, stay organized and pay attention.

Warehousing

New or temporary workers often operate retail distribution warehouses this time of the year, and that makes them more at risk for accidents. According to OSHA, the fatal injury rate for the warehousing industry is higher than the national average for all industries put together. Potential hazards include unsafe use of forklifts, failure to use protective equipment and improper stacking. Not only can the employee be hurt in these scenarios, but others walking around the warehouse can also be injured.

Here are some tips for worker safety in the warehousing industry:

• Secure exposed or open loading dock doors
• Clear floors and aisles of clutter, electrical cords, hoses and spills
• Train employees on specific tasks and in general ergonomics
• Implement lockout/tag-out procedures
• Train employees to stay clear of forklifts, which can weigh thousands of pounds

Trucking

The loading and unloading of those packages onto large trucks has some risk, but not as much as the actual transport of merchandise. One of the most common hazards for truck drivers is getting into a crash. Every year, about 475,000 large trucks are involved in crashes that result in more than 5,000 deaths and 140,000 injuries. Speed is sometimes a factor, as is overexertion.

Here are some tips for worker safety in the trucking industry:

• Use a “three-point contact” when entering and exiting a truck (three of four limbs remain in contact with the vehicle at all times)
• Wear a seatbelt (studies show one in six drivers do not wear their safety belts)
• Avoid using the phone while driving
• Be aware of speed limits and maintain a proper stopping distance
• Plan the trip to include rest
• Use caution when parking, backing up and coupling or uncoupling

Retail

With crowds pushing through the door for the hottest gifts of the season, both customers and employees are at risk for injuries in retail establishments. Implementing a crowd management plan ahead of events that are likely to draw large crowds (Black Friday) is key to lessening that risk. OSHA recommends that employers planning a large shopping event adopt a plan that includes the following elements:

• Create a detailed staffing plan that includes a location for each employee
• Contact emergency officials to make sure the event site meets all public safety requirements
• Designate a worker to contact 911 if necessary
• Set up barricades or rope lines away from the store entrance
• Communicate with customers line procedures and status of hot items
• Have employees enter via a separate door and do not block or lock exit doors

When employers partner with Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs), their employees are covered with workers’ compensation insurance. As a part of the PEO bundle, employers also receive on-site safety guidance and training to identify hazards and create a culture of safety best practices. A safe workplace helps employers attract and retain top talent by giving them peace of mind, which contributes to overall company success.

FrankCrum’s HR outsourcing solutions include payroll processing, HR support, HR technology, benefit packages, benefit administration and access to a team of employees with the highest level of customer service. If you’re considering human resources outsourcing, give FrankCrum a call today at 800-277-1620.