OSHA launches a National Emphasis Program (NEP) aimed at reducing fall-related injuries and fatalities across all industries but focused on construction.

On May 1, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) launched a National Emphasis Program (NEP) focused on reducing fall-related injuries and fatalities for people working at heights across all industries. However, as stated in the NEP, OSHA anticipates that most of the inspections will occur in construction because the majority of the fatal falls to lower levels each year occur on construction worksites.

The NEP establishes guidance for locating and inspecting fall hazards and allows OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs) to open inspections whenever they observe someone working at heights. State Plans have the option of adopting the NEP in its entirety or establishing a different program that is at least as effective as the NEP.

For more information, please contact Kevin Cannon at [email protected] or (703) 837-5410.