OSHA National Emphasis Program

     Due to a recent spike in trenching fatalities, OSHA has updated the NEP program on preventing trenching and excavation collapses. The Department of Labor, on October 1st, issued an update to its National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Trenching & Excavation Safety. Excavation work is one of the most dangerous construction activities.

     OSHA's NEP will increase education and enforcement efforts while its inspectors will record trenching and excavation inspections in a national reporting system, and each OSHA Area Office will develop outreach programs.

     "Removing workers from and helping workers identify trenching hazards is critical," said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt. "OSHA will concentrate the full force of enforcement and compliance assistance resources to help ensure that employers are addressing these serious hazards."

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