OSHA recently issued an updated National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Amputations. The NEP, which began in 2006, uses current enforcement data and Bureau of Labor Statistics injury data to target work sites in industries with high numbers and rates of amputations. This directive updates the 2006 NEP on amputations and applies to general industry workplaces in which any machinery or equipment likely to cause amputations are present. OSHA inspections under the NEP will include an evaluation of employee exposures during operations such as clearing jams; cleaning, oiling, or greasing machines or machine pans; and locking out machinery to prevent accidental start-up.
More information is available on OSHA’s website.