An illustration from AEM's pictorial database

AEM and OSHA are partnering to enhance jobsite safety for users of rough-terrain forklifts including telehandlers and masted forklifts.

A special alliance signing ceremony by OSHA assistant secretary of labour Edwin G Foulke Jr and AEM president Dennis Slater was held in Washington DC on 1 October.

The alliance, which will focus on the operating hazards of rough-terrain forklifts, aims to provide construction workers and equipment owners and operators with information, guidance and access to training resources to promote a safe working environment.

AEM says rough-terrain forklifts were chosen because they are found in almost all types of construction worksites - commercial, industrial and residential.

"And while there are OSHA training requirements for the machines, they are not always followed."

AEM and OSHA are calling for wider dissemination of pictorials like those in AEM's online database that can be used on safety signage, manuals and training materials - http://pictorials.aem.org

The alliance will develop materials in different languages including Spanish.

What AEM-OSHA are planning:

• Training and Education - The alliance will develop programs and materials to reduce workplace hazards by providing expertise for training and education for operators and other jobsite workers, and inform the industry about the availability of these programs.
• Outreach and Communication - The alliance will develop information on workplace hazard recognition and avoidance, and provide expertise on communicating the information to industry employees and employers. Also, AEM will share information among OSHA personnel and industry professionals on AEM best practices through outreach such as with materials, including pictorials, and training programs, workshops, seminars and other forums.
• National Dialogue - The alliance will promote a national dialogue on workplace safety and health by convening, or participating in, forums, round table discussions or stakeholder meetings on workplace hazards, and develop innovative safety solutions for the workplace.

Both associations will send representatives to form "implementation" teams to develop strategies and implement programs to meet the alliance's goal. AEM's representatives will come from the association's Manufacturers of Rough Terrain Forklifts Council.

The alliance agreement is for two years and could be renewed if it is successful. It may also be expanded to include other types of equipment.