During a near two-year period spanning mid-2013 to March 2015, OSHA conducted more than 7,000 inspections under 12 National Emphasis Programs (NEPs) addressing topics such as chemical processing, trenching, hexavalent chromium and combustible dust. However, inspections under one NEP accounted for 45 percent of the total, and more than 51 percent of the 16,000 violations issued. That NEP focuses on amputations from hazardous machinery, which are among the most severe workplace injuries and often result in permanent disability.
More recently, federal OSHA changed their rules to require employers to report amputations to the Agency. This has led—and will continue to lead—to increased enforcement and outreach. In fact, earlier this year OSHA created a hazard alert on food slicers in retail settings after receiving several amputation reports under the new reporting system.