OSHA Emphasis Program Targets Automotive Lift Injuries
The local emphasis program is active in Hawaii, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa during July.
OSHA on June 27 announced it is launching a local emphasis program about automotive lift hazards in Hawaii, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, and American Samoa in July. OSHA compliance officers will begin conducting random inspections to identify and evaluate hazards of lifts used in the automotive industry, including at automobile dealerships, auto repair and maintenance shops, gas stations, and automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores.
"Workers in the automotive industry are exposed to crushing hazards from automotive lifts when servicing and repairing vehicles," said Ken Atha, OSHA's Regional Administrator in the West. "These hazardous risks can be limited by properly maintaining automotive lifts and providing workers with effective training regarding inspection and use of lifts."
OSHA's news release said most inspections for automotive lifts result from unprogrammed work initiated by complaints, referrals, and incidents. It also says since 2007, according to OSHA's Fatality and Catastrophe Investigation Summary database, OSHA has conducted inspections after 11 fatalities related to lifts, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 15,000 workers were treated in hospitals for automotive lift, jack, or jack stand injuries.
Employers and employees with questions may call OSHA's Honolulu Area Office at 808-541-2680, and small businesses may request assistance at no charge from the Hawaii Occupational Safety and Health Consultation Program at 808-586-9100 or by email at [email protected].