Safety Knights

Stupid question time: whats the difference between national emphasis program and a published standard? Are NEPs enforceable or is it more for companies to use as a reference?

Brandon both still in effect.

All current NEPs: https://www.osha.gov/enforcement/directives/nep

https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/enforcement/directives/CPL_03-00-022.pdf
National Emphasis Program on Amputations in Manufacturing Industries

https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/enforcement/directives/CPL_03-00-008.pdf
Revised Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program

There is also LEPs (Local EPs) typically by OSHA Region. https://www.osha.gov/enforcement/directives/lep

When I was a site manager and now as a consultant I watch these two sites. I am in Region 5, so for LEPs I keep my eye on that one.

EPs mean a lot of things, but practically they may:

#1 Tell you hat an OSHA CHSO will look for if she/he visits your site (plant) and the things she/he will investigate, especially if your organization is on the target list of NACIS codes in the NEP. (See Appendix B, page B-1 of the Amputation NEP).

#2 Each OSHA office has sort of a "point-system" for determining if they come visit you. If you report an injury and it is an amputation, they will look up your NACIS code and if you are on the targeted List in the NEP on Amputation. In affect, you get extra points if you are on the Targeted List giving you a higher probability of a visit.

Some of my customers are in "332710 - Machine Shops". If they report an amputation I tell them, "The chances of a CHSO dropping by for a visit are high. (If you have had another amputation in the last 5 years if is almost a certainty). You might as well get ready by referring to the NEP, having your training records and OSHA Logs handy, and have as much corrective action in place as possible (before the visit). If you are very lucky you might avoid a visit then you have done the things you need to do anyways!"