Welcome everyone, to Mighty Line Minute. If you run or manage a warehouse or distribution center, here's an important OSHA update. OSHA's three-year National Emphasis Program, or NEP for Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations officially expired on Monday, July 13, 2026. As of that date, no extension or replacement had been announced. Does that mean OSHA is done focusing on warehousing? Not at all. The Warehousing NEP was launched in July 2023 because injury rates in the industry were consistently higher than in many other sectors. It directed inspection resources toward hazards most likely to cause serious injuries and fatalities.

One important point is that programmed inspections generally were not triggered by an individual company's injury rate. Instead, facilities were selected based on their industry classification, meaning even warehouses with excellent safety records could be inspected. And remember, OSHA can inspect any workplace because of employee complaints, serious injuries, fatalities, referrals, or other enforcement priorities. So, what should you expect during an OSHA inspection? Inspectors typically begin with powered industrial trucks, reviewing operator training, safe operating practices, pedestrian protection, traffic flow, and equipment condition. They also examine storage racks, pallet stability, housekeeping, walking-working surfaces, exit routes, fire protection, and other hazards that could result in struck-by, caught-between, or slip, trip, and fall incidents. Ergonomic and manual material handling risks may also be evaluated.

Heat exposure is another growing focus. Although the Warehousing NEP has expired, OSHA renewed its National Emphasis Program for Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards for another five years in April 2026. That program specifically includes indoor warehouses, making heat protection an important part of workplace safety. The bottom line is simple: OSHA inspections of warehouses are not going away. Warehousing remains a high-risk industry, and inspections will continue through complaints, incident investigations, referrals, and other enforcement initiatives. The best strategy isn't just preparing for an inspection. It's maintaining an inspection-ready workplace every day.

So, how can we be prepared while improving safety? Be sure to verify forklift training documentation, shift equipment inspections, and operator certifications. Protect pedestrians and ensure walkways are clearly delineated. Keep aisles, means of egress, and exits clear, and keep electrical and fire protection equipment readily accessible. Regularly inspect storage racks and verify load limits. Maintain excellent housekeeping and follow your 5S or 6S program. Address ergonomic exposures. And protect warehouse employees from indoor heat stress when temperatures and humidity rise. Whether OSHA issues a new Warehousing NEP or takes a different enforcement approach, the fundamentals of warehouse safety remain the same. A strong health and safety program protects employees every day—not just when the inspector arrives. Thanks for listening. Stay safe, and we'll see you on the next edition—of Mighty Line Minute.