Warehouse Safety

OSHA renews program for comprehensive inspections

OSHA has renewed its National Emphasis Program (NEP) for warehousing and distribution center operations, extending the initiative for five years and continuing its focus on reducing injuries in one of the nation's fastest-growing industries, according to an August 6 post by Stasia Demarco on the organization's website.

The renewed directive calls for comprehensive safety inspections at covered facilities, with compliance officers evaluating hazards commonly associated with warehouse and distribution center operations. OSHA said inspections will focus on powered industrial truck operations, material handling and storage, walking-working surfaces, means of egress and emergency exits, fire protection, heat hazards and ergonomic risks.

The updated program also provides additional guidance on OSHA's authority to expand inspections when fatalities, catastrophes, complaints or referrals involve establishments covered by the NEP. According to the directive, the changes are intended to provide greater continuity and consistency in the agency's enforcement efforts.

OSHA first launched the warehouse NEP in 2023 in response to rapid growth in warehousing, distribution centers, mail and parcel processing facilities, and high-injury-rate retail establishments. At the time, the agency cited Bureau of Labor Statistics data showing injury and illness rates in some warehouse sectors exceeded those of private industry overall.

Under the directive, inspections remain comprehensive for warehousing and distribution center operations, while inspections at certain high-injury-rate retail establishments generally focus on storage and loading areas unless conditions warrant a broader review. Heat and ergonomic hazards are to be evaluated during all inspections covered by the program.

OSHA encourages employers to use the renewed emphasis program as an opportunity to review their workplace safety and health programs, identify hazards and strengthen controls before injuries occur. The directive remains in effect for five years unless canceled or superseded.