Search

OSHA Targets Warehouses, Distribution, and Retail with New NEP

Posted on 7/14/2023 by Nick Waldron

On July 13, OSHA announced the same-day launch of their latest National Emphasis Program (NEP)—a program meant to address workplace hazards in warehouses, package processing facilities, distribution centers, and high-risk retail establishments.

Workers in these industries have experienced up to twice the rate of injury and illness over the last 10 years when compared to private industry overall, OSHA says.

Focus and Scope

The goal of this three-year program, per OSHA, is to “lead to permanent change in workplace safety.”

Safety inspections under the program will focus on:

  • Powered industrial vehicle operations,
  • Material handling and storage,
  • Walking and working surfaces,
  • Means of egress, and
  • Fire protection

While inspections of retail establishments will focus more on storage and loading areas, OSHA inspectors maintain the authority to expand the inspection to include other areas where evidence provides reason.

Finally, heat and ergonomic hazards are covered by this NEP, and OSHA may conduct health inspections if these hazards are present in a workplace. 

Who will be inspected?

OSHA will select establishments from two lists.

  1. Establishments with industry codes covered under this emphasis program.
    • List one covered NAICS codes:

  2. Retail establishments with the highest rates of injuries and illnesses resulting in days away, restricted duty, or job transfer.
    • List two covered NAICS codes:


Online Training for Forklift Drivers, Package Handlers, and Others

Lion’s online OSHA safety training covers key requirements for employers and can help to satisfy employee training requirements found in many of OSHA’s most broadly applicable Standards.

Check out Lion.com/OSHA for a full range of convenient online safety training that includes Lion Membership for ongoing regulatory compliance support.

Tags: osha, OSHA inspection, retail, warehouse

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

The instructor does a great job at presenting material in an approachable way. I have been able to save my company about $30,000 in the last year with what I have learned from Lion!

Curtis Ahonen

EHS&S Manager

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

Given the choice, I would do all coursework this way. In-person courses go very fast without the opportunity to pause or repeat anything.

Ellen Pelton

Chemical Laboratory Manager

The instructor clearly enjoys his job and transmits that enthusiasm. He made a dry subject very interesting and fun.

Teresa Arellanes

EHS Manager

The course is well thought out and organized in a way that leads to a clearer understanding of the total training.

David Baily

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The training was impressive. I am not a fan of online training but this was put together very well. I would recommend Lion to others.

Donnie James

Quality Manager

The instructor was very dedicated to providing a quality experience. She did her best to make sure students were really comprehending the information.

Stephanie Venn

Inventory Control Specialist

The instructor was very knowledgeable and provided pertinent information above and beyond the questions that were asked.

Johnny Barton

Logistics Coordinator

Lion was very extensive. There was a lot of things that were covered that were actually pertaining to what I do and work with. Great Job. I will be coming back in three years!

Tony Petrik

Hazmat Shipping Professional

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide as a quick reference to the most common HAZWOPER questions, and get course recommendations for managers and personnel who are in need of OSHA-required HAZWOPER training.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.