Warehousing and Storage and Related Product Distribution Industries Special Emphasis Program
The North Carolina Special Emphasis Programs (SEPs) are part of the NC OSH Division's five year strategic management plan for which its two principal goals are: 1) to reduce the state's workplace fatality rate by at least 2%; and 2) to reduce the state's non-fatal injury and illness rate by at least 5%. For each SEP that applies to a specific industrial sector, similar goals for reducing the fatality rate and/or non-fatal injury and illness rate are applied.
This special emphasis program was previously named the Grocery and Related Product Merchant Wholesalers SEP but was renamed January 11, 2024, due to CPL 03-00-026: National Emphasis Program (NEP) on Warehousing and Distribution Center Operations. In response to this new CPL, OSH incorporated into the Grocery SEP, the NAICS codes from the NEP due to the similarities in the work performed in these industries and their potential hazards. Thereby, the SEP was renamed to Special Emphasis Program for Warehousing and Storage and Related Product Distribution Industries.
SEP: Warehousing and Storage and Related Product Distribution Industries
What are the goals of the Warehousing and Storage and Related Product Distribution Industries special emphasis program?
- Reduce workplace injury and illness rates in affected establishments
What industries are covered by this SEP?
- NAICS 4244 - Grocery and Related Product Merchant Wholesalers
- NAICS 492110 - Couriers and Express Delivery Services
- NAICS 492210 - Local Messengers and Local Delivery
- NAICS 493 - Warehousing and Storage
- NAICS 444110 - Home Centers
- NAICS 444130 - Hardware Stores
- NAICS 444190 - Other Building Material Dealers
- NAICS 445110 - Supermarkets, and Other Grocery (except convenience) Stores
- NAICS 452311 - Warehouse Clubs and Supercenters
What are the principal types or categories of hazards on which this SEP is focused?
Much of the injuries and illnesses in warehousing, storage and related product distribution industries can be attributed to the following categories:
- Ergonomics
- Inadequate or absence of eye flushing facilities (see Eyewash Stations and Emergency Showers)
- Hazard communication
- Machine guarding
- Materials handling and storage
- Powered industrial trucks (PIT)
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Process safety management
- Walking and working surfaces
What regulations apply to this SEP?
OSH has adopted the following regulations that govern the requirements for protection against the principal hazards associated with warehousing, storage and related product distribution industries. Note: Please also check the standards information and activity webpage to see if there has been any recent or upcoming regulatory activity on this topic.
General Industry
- 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D - walking-working surfaces
- 29 CFR 1910 Subpart I - personal protective equipment
- 29 CFR 1910.119 - process safety management of highly hazardous chemicals
- 29 CFR 1910.151 - medical services and first aid
- 29 CFR 1910.176 - handling materials, general requirements
- 29 CFR 1910.178 - powered industrial trucks
- 29 CFR 1910.212 - machine guarding, general requirements for all machines
- 29 CFR 1910.1200 - hazard communication
General Duty Clause
- NCGS 95-129(1) - General Duty Clause
Other Applicable Standards
The Which OSHA Standards Apply webpage can also help identify other standards that may be applicable to your worksite.
Where can I learn more about this SEP?
Compliance Documents
Operational Procedure Notice: OPN 145, Special Emphasis Program for Warehousing and Storage and Related Product Distribution Industries, describes the conduct of inspections and associated activities under this SEP.
Industry Guides
- Industry Guide 49 - OSHA General Industry Standards Requiring Programs, Inspections, Procedures, Records and/or Training, includes special requirements for general industry standards.
Technical Assistance
Inquiries about workplace safety and health requirements can be submitted to Ask OSH through the online form, by email to ask.osh@labor.nc.gov, or by phone at 919-707-7876.