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OSHA News Release: [06/29/2006]
Contact Name: Suzy
Bohnert
Phone Number: (202) 693-1898
Release Number:
06-1136-NAT
Sears Settles Case with OSHA; Adopts Corporate Wide
Safety and
Health Program for Powered Industrial Trucks
WASHINGTON — Sears, one of the nation's largest retailers,
will adopt a safety and health program to ensure that all powered industrial
trucks are operated in a safe manner, as part of a settlement agreement
announced today by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA). The settlement applies to all Sears stores within
federal OSHA jurisdiction.
"We are pleased to resolve this matter and avoid the time and expense of
litigation," said Edwin G. Foulke, Jr., assistant secretary of labor for OSHA.
"We can quickly move forward with steps to ensure safe practices when operating
powered industrial trucks and better protect Sears' employees."
The agreement settles citations issued by OSHA Sept. 29, 2005, to a
Sears store in Monaca, Pa., following an accident investigation in which the
company was cited for exposing employees to fall hazards from powered
industrial trucks. The agency found that employees were allowed to ride on
unsecured platforms, without guardrails on the forks of the trucks. OSHA also
found that fork truck operators were not trained and the company failed to
provide personal fall arrest systems to employees or equip trucks with overhead
guards to protect employees from falling objects.
"This agreement represents a major commitment to ensure safety and
provide the employees the needed training and protection," added Foulke. "Sears
has agreed to implement changes not only at the Pennsylvania store but also at
all locations within federal OSHA jurisdiction."
Under terms of the agreement, Sears' safety and health program will
include formal instruction, practical training, and the evaluation of each
truck operator's performance at least once every three years. The company has
also committed to maintaining all powered industrial trucks in safe operating
condition, and implementing and enforcing a corporate-wide policy that allows
only properly trained employees to be elevated and operate the trucks.
Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are
responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees.
OSHA's role is to assure the safety and health of America's working men and
women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and
education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process
improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit
www.osha.gov.
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