¶ … supervisors who conduct job interviews, I would focus training on identifying the softer attributes. It is important that the worker be punctual, efficient, hard-working and honest. Knowing how to identify candidates with these personal qualities will improve our talent pool.
There are many safety concerns. First and foremost is the risk of being crushed by improperly stacked goods. Safe operation of machinery and safe lifting of heavy items are also important to help reduce injury. Forklifts are considered to be the number one safety concern by OSHA.
OSHA has several guidelines that apply to warehouses. The ones that most need to be communicated to employees are with respect to keeping floors and aisles free of clutter; that newly hired employees should have ergonomics training and task-specific training; employees must be trained to avoid heat stress; and that employees must take the proper amount of time to perform tasks, not compromise their safety by rushing them (OSHA, 2004)
4) For this type of position, there are few disabilities that can be accommodated. Mobility impairment would be impossible because of the use of machinery such as forklifts. Hearing/visibility impairment would compromise communication, which OSHA lists as the #2 safety concern in warehouses. Mental impairment could compromise the worker's ability to make sound decisions -- given that the consequences extend to grievous injury and death it would not be reasonable to accommodate that disability either.
5) The relevant OSHA requirements for this position are to have proper lockout/tagout procedures; to ventilate the warehouse; to keep floors and aisles free from clutter, to install proper guards on exposed or open dock doors, that workers must have periodic rest breaks, that employers must factor in the proper amount of time to complete tasks; and employees must receive ergonomics training and be trained to recognize heat stress.
Works Cited:
OSHA. (2004). Warehousing. OSHA. Retrieved February 3, 2010 from http://www.osha.gov/Publications/3220_Warehouse.pdf
