The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Chicago-area office says it will start safety inspections with a special focus on improving ergonomics this year in public warehouses in Ohio, Wisconsin and Illinois.

These inspections are part of the latest OSHA plan to reduce hazards encountered by workers in seven industries, including public warehousing, that have at least 5,000 severe injuries a year.

Although there are no national ergonomic standards on the books, enforcement inspectors will use industry standards and any ergonomic or other programs available to the employer as guidelines for violations, says OSHA. Prior to the inspections, Chicago OSHA is offering a safety and health assistance program. To register for the program, click here.  See the story, Target: Public Warehousing  for other ergonomic resources.