OSHA's New National Emphasis Program: Safeguarding Workers in High-Risk Industries from Warehouse Injuries and Heat Hazards
National Emphasis Programs, also known as NEPs, are “temporary programs that focus OSHA's resources on particular hazards and high-hazard industries,”(OSHA 2023). On July 11th, 2023, OSHA launched a NEP focused on preventing injuries in warehouses, processing facilities, distribution centers, and high-risk retail establishments. This NEP decision was made based on ten years of injury history in these workplaces. According to the OSHA national news release, warehouses and distribution centers currently employ 1.9 million people, and the injury and illness rate is higher than the overall private industry.
The NEP will last three years and will consist of inspections focused on hazards related to powered industrial vehicle operations, material handling and storage, walking and working surfaces, means of egress, and fire protection. These safety focuses would be considered high-risk, which means if an injury occurs then there is a higher chance it will result in a serious injury or fatality.
The NEP also focuses on other safety topics that are not considered high-risk but attributed to the high injury rate: heat and ergonomic hazards. Additionally, OSHA may expand an inspection’s scope when evidence shows that violations may exist in other areas of the establishment. Overall, these are great areas of focus within these industries. Throughout my five years of being in the warehouse and distribution center sector, sprains and strains have been the most frequently occurring injury type and contributed to around half of all injuries I encountered. OSHA inspections related to ergonomics should look at packaging and loading workstations. The workforce in warehouse and distribution centers tend to be diverse, and one employee’s size and height could be completely different from another. Workstations, however, will be fixed. Heat-related illnesses vary throughout the United States, but states like Arizona tend to have 40-50 work-related fatalities due to heat stress.
For more information, visit: https://www.osha.gov/news/newsreleases/national/07132023#:~:text=%22This%20emphasis%20program%20allows%20OSHA,ensure%20worker%20health%20and%20safety.%22
Tyler Sandy is a Health and Safety Specialist and consults with clients in the area of worker safety. Tyler's experience includes industrial hygiene services, safety training, RCRA as well as OSHA and EPA compliance. His experience includes working with the packaging industry, railroad, welding, warehouse, food and medical waste, chemical manufacturing, and casting.
