OSHA Renews and Updates Amputations in Manufacturing National Emphasis Program

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced on June 26, 2025, in a National News Release, the renewal of its Amputations in Manufacturing Industries National Emphasis Program (NEP) aimed at mitigating the risk of amputations in manufacturing environments. This initiative continues OSHA’s long-standing effort to reduce serious workplace injuries associated with mechanical equipment, particularly those that involve improper machine guarding and uncontrolled hazardous energy.

Focus of the Manufacturing Amputations NEP

The renewed NEP focuses on proactively identifying and addressing conditions in manufacturing facilities that present a heightened risk for amputations. OSHA will carry out programmed inspections of establishments in selected manufacturing sectors to evaluate compliance with relevant safety standards. The renewed NEP on Amputations in Manufacturing applies to:

1. Manufacturing Establishments

Specifically, those classified under certain updated NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) codes identified by OSHA as high-risk for amputation hazards. These codes cover a range of manufacturing sectors such as:

• Automobile manufacturing
• Metal fabrication
• Food processing
• Wood product manufacturing
• Plastics and rubber products
• Ship building and repairing
• And others where mechanical equipment is commonly used.

2. Facilities Using Hazardous Machinery

Any manufacturing facility that is subject to Machine Guarding (29 CFR §1910.212) requirements that operates machinery with exposed moving parts, cutting tools, presses, or conveyors that could cause amputation injuries during operation, servicing, and maintenance.

3. Facilities Using Lockout/Tagout (LOTO)

Any manufacturing workplaces with equipment that requires energy control procedures under 29 CFR §1910.147, Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout).

The inspections will assess procedures during the operation, servicing, and maintenance of equipment, particularly where workers may be exposed to moving machine parts or stored energy.

Program Updates

Key updates in the renewed NEP include:

1. Revised NAICS Codes: The list of targeted NAICS codes has been updated to reflect current industry risk profiles. These codes identify establishments more likely to operate machinery that poses amputation hazards. There are 91 six-digit NAICS codes that are listed in Appendix B of the NEP Directive. Codes that were not included under the 2019 Amputations NEP are marked with asterisks. There are also some NAICS that were covered under the 2019 Amputations NEP, which are no longer included in the June 2025 publication.
2. Exemption Criteria: Facilities that underwent an NEP inspection within the past 24 months and did not report an amputation incident may now be excluded from the programmed inspection list. This change is designed to reduce redundancy and prioritize higher-risk locations.
3. OSHA Information System Modifications: Updates to internal coding procedures have been implemented to improve tracking, data collection, and evaluation of NEP activities.

Implementation Timeline – NOW

The renewed NEP is set to take effect immediately upon the expiration of the current program on June 27, 2025. The updated directive will remain active for five years from the effective date, unless extended or modified.

Industry Implications

Manufacturers should review their current machine safety and energy control programs to ensure full compliance with OSHA requirements. Emphasis should be placed on:

• Verifying that all machinery is adequately guarded

• Ensuring that lockout/tagout procedures are clearly documented and rigorously followed

• Training employees on the safe operation and maintenance of equipment

Facilities falling under the updated NAICS code list, located in Appendix B of the 2025 NEP Directive, should be especially prepared for potential inspections under this NEP.

Enforcement Actions

In 2024, OSHA conducted 34,625 inspections comprising of 17,455 unprogrammed and 17,170 programmed inspections. Unprogrammed inspections include those initiated by employee complaints, injuries/fatalities, and referrals. Programmed inspections are those initiated by emphasis programs like the Amputations in Manufacturing NEP, to OSHA’s enforcement resources on industries and operations where known hazards exist (e.g., heat, respirable silica, combustible dusts, chemical processing, ship-breaking, and falls in construction). As illustrated in the OSHA Inspection Activity table below, Programed Inspections focusing on NEPs have steadily risen year over year. Employers should pay special attention to the NEPs that apply to their workplace and proactively mitigate hazards to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.

We’re Here to Help

Navigating OSHA regulations can be overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. Our team at ALL4 specializes in helping employers evaluate compliance, reduce risk, and build successful health and safety programs.

If you are unsure whether your business may be targeted or you just want to be prepared contact us for a health and safety assessment or to schedule a mock inspection. If you have any questions related to OSHA or the 2025 Manufacturing Amputations NEP, please reach out to Victoria Sparks, CSP at 859-447-9156 or vsparks@all4inc.com.