OSHA revises, extends warehouse NEP

Effective July 31, OSHA revised its National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations (CPL 03-00-026) and extended the expiration date five years, to July 31, 2031. Inspections under the NEP will continue to focus on hazards common to warehousing and distribution centers such as powered industrial trucks, material handling/storage, walking-working surfaces, means of egress, heat, ergonomics, and fire protection.

Significant revisions include:

• Removed coverage for High Injury Rate Retail Establishments (Table 3 in 2023 NEP).
• Removed mandatory screening for ergonomic and heat hazards.
• Clarified Area Office discretion to expand inspections based upon fatalities/catastrophes, complaints, or referrals related to establishments in the NAICS codes covered under the NEP.

The revised NEP replaces the previous version, which took effect July 13, 2023.