New! Starting October 1, 2025, North Carolina implemented a new Special Emphasis Program (SEP) for the prevention of struck-by incidents. This new SEP will focus on preventing struck-by injuries and fatalities in both general industry and construction. In recent years, North Carolina had been noticing an increase in injuries and fatalities caused by employees being struck-by materials, tools or equipment. To reduce these injuries and fatalities, a new SEP was established and added to North Carolina's five-year Strategic Management Plan (SMP).
During the first year, specific strategies will be developed for achieving SMP goals relating to the prevention of struck-by injuries and fatalities. This will include developing compliance inspection guidance and materials, notifying affected industries and employers, and providing outreach services through consultation, education and training. After the first year, focused compliance inspections will be implemented.
In addition to this specific special emphasis program on struck-by injuries and fatalities, the Construction SEP and the Warehousing and Storage and Related Product Distribution Industries SEP will be further enhanced to provide additional focus on struck-by prevention in those industries.