how to safely use pallets and dollies
There is really not a regulations since there are situations this will need to be done. The regulations that do apply are the General Duty Claus that things must be safe and evaluated for safety before doing it and the fall protection guidelines which require you to be tied off properly in those areas. The fact that you may not be able to do fall protection can get you out of it. You also need to document that you are not responsible for the damage that will happen.
I would contact my insurance company or contact OSHA and ask. I don't believe it is an issue unless you are on a gov contract. I hope that is the least of your problems.
Actually YES, it IS an OSHA violation. Look under 1917.14.
My thought is the violation was not the pallet on its side, but the pallet on its side in a situation where it could fall and hurt someone. Just like stacking boxes too high, a pallet on its side if you are sitting in front of it would be a fall hazard and could also block egress and prevent hazards for forklifts. I think if you were storing them in a rack on its side or in a cage, that would be no concern.
