HANDBOOK OF SAFETY AND HEALTH FOR THE SERVICE INDUSTRY Industrial Safety and Health for Goods and Materials Services

Abstract

Industrial Safety and Health for Goods and Materials Services deals with goods and materials services, which include the wholesale trade, retail trade, and warehousing and storage sectors. These three sectors handle myriad goods and materials such as furniture, construction materials, machines, equipment, paper products, appliances, hardware items, drugs and sundries, apparel, groceries, chemicals, petroleum prod ucts, beverages, assorted parts, electronic devices and products, and farming prod ucts. These are all packed in both large and small boxes or containers that must be handled, unpacked, sorted, and placed on displays or shelves by the workforce. The workers in these three sectors face similar occupationally related safety and health hazards. Some of these hazards are compressed gases, ergonomics-related issues, lifting, material handling, slips, trips, falls, fires, hand tools, chemicals, machines, and equipment. Although the aforementioned hazards are not the only hazards faced by workers in these sectors, they are the most common ones. Because of the diversity in the wholesale trade, retail trade, and warehousing and storage services, other job-specific hazards may result. This workforce is susceptible to several hazards because of the constant handling and moving of a variety of goods and materials. These hazards can be managed by applying the principles of identification, intervention, and prevention, all of which are proven techniques of occupational safety and health. In today’s work environment, workers must be trained for emergencies and security must be provided for both workers and patrons. By adhering to acceptable safe work practices and occupational safety and health regulations, the safety and health of the workforce can be ensured while running a productive business. This book serves as a guide in achieving this objective. Charles D. Reese, PhD