OSHA has launched a three-year National Emphasis Program (NEP) targeting warehouses and distribution centers which will extend through 2026. An NEP is a temporary program focusing OSHA resources on specific hazards and industries engaged in high hazard operations. Prior to this NEP, OSHA’s Regions 2 and 3 had introduced similar regional emphasis programs (REP). The REPs covered the federal OSHA states in those regions, which include Delaware, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands. These REPs were nowhere near as comprehensive as this NEP. As a result, employers can expect a significant increase in enforcement efforts directed at the covered industry sectors.
Under the Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations NEP, OSHA will conduct comprehensive safety inspections at warehouses and distribution centers focused on hazards related to powered industrial vehicle operations, material handling and storage, walking and working surfaces, means of egress, and fire protection. This NEP impacts many employers with storage and warehouse facilities, not just national distribution centers.
If you have a storage and warehouse facility you should immediately review and assess safety and training programs for confirmation that all OSHA requirements are being addressed. Particular focus should be programs related to the use of powered equipment as well as ergonomics, proper lifting training and heat stress reduction programs. A physical review of the storage or warehouse facilities should be undertaken to locate and address any issues regarding ingress and egress as well as fire safety.
In addition to the Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations NEP, there are several other important active NEPs you should be prepared for:
- Combustible Dust
- Fall Prevention & Protection
- Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards
CMI can assist to ensure you pass an NEP inspection through OSHA compliance assessments as well as assistance with policies and training for powered industrial trucks, fall prevention, ergonomics and heat stress management.
Written by: Betsy Lovensheimer, CIH, CSP