New OSHA Update for National Emphasis Program on Amputations
OSHA’s recently updated amputation program focuses on agency inspections and amputation hazards in manufacturing, and it hasn’t been updated since 2015.
OSHA’s newly updated National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Amputations in Manufacturing updates the 2015 NEP on amputations, with a few changes.
The NEP targets industrial and manufacturing workplaces where employees are injured by unguarded or improperly guarded machinery and equipment. According to the press release, NEPs focus agency enforcement activity and do not create any new obligation to employers.
The newest NEP does the following:
- revises targeting methodology to include data from amputation reporting requirements;
- revises coding requirements for amputation inspections in the OSHA Information System; and
- adds new appendices on amputations targeting methodology and codes for North American Industry Classification Systems.
The emphasis program will run until March 10, 2020, with a three-month period of education and prevention outreach. Until then, OSHA says it will continue to respond to complaints, referrals, hospitalizations and fatalities.
Employers are already responsible for ensuring machines are properly safeguarded to prevent worker amputations and other fatal injuries. OSHA’s Machine Guarding webpage is intended to help employers identify amputation hazards and remain in compliance. It also helps employers follow required procedures to properly guard stationary and portable machines.