The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) and the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) have joined forces to provide information, guidance and training resources to the warehousing industry.

Under a two-year agreement, the two organisations aim to improve worker safety and health in forklift operations, materials handling, hazard communication and chemical safety.

"The alliance will enhance the safety and health of thousands of workers employed in the warehouse logistics industry," said OSHA administrator John Henshaw. "Together with the IWLA, we'll be able to provide valuable information and training resources on issues directly related to the warehouse industry."

IWLA president Joel Hoiland said: "I'm pleased to enter into this important alliance on behalf of the more than 500 warehouse and logistics companies IWLA represents. IWLA has always recognised the importance of safer workplaces, devoting a great deal of time and resources to educating our members in this regard. Working in conjunction with OSHA, we hope to expand these efforts."

Particular attention would be paid to increasing young workers' access to training resources and safety and health information, including development of materials written in Spanish, with the help of community organisations, Mr Hoiland and Mr Henshaw said.

OSHA and IWLA would develop tools, including a safety and health inspection checklist for warehouse managers, and work together to develop a web-based training tool ("e-Tool") for the industry.