August 31, 2026
OSHA renews warehouse emphasis program, releases heat resources and more
To help you stay ahead of the curve, The Safety Pulse provides a monthly recap of safety-related news. Each edition brings you the latest trends, resources, regulation updates and more, all in one place. We’re here to help you stay informed, compliant and safe.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
OSHA renews NEP for warehouses and distribution centers (PDF)
OSHA renewed its National Emphasis Program (NEP) covering warehouse and distribution center operations, extending it from three years to five. Inspections under the renewed program focus on forklift operations, material handling and storage, walking-working surfaces, means of egress, heat hazards, ergonomic risks and fire protection. The directive also gives clearer instruction on when OSHA can expand an inspection at a covered establishment. Employers can treat the hazard list as a self-audit checklist and address gaps before an inspector arrives.
Court rules OSHA cannot require recording of work-related mental illnesses
A federal appeals court struck down the OSHA requirement that employers log work-related mental illnesses on their 300 and 301 forms. The case grew out of a December 2021 explosion and fire at a Texas refinery, where an employee who helped shut off valves during the emergency response was later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. The ruling narrows OSHA's recordkeeping authority but does not diminish the importance of workplace mental health, and state obligations may still apply.
New OSHA heat exposure QuickCard now available in English and Spanish (PDF)
OSHA released a batch of new publications this month, including a QuickCard on protecting yourself and your employees from heat exposure, available in English and Spanish. The card is sized for posting in a break room or handing out at a toolbox talk, which makes it useful for crews still working through late-summer heat. Hundreds of additional fact sheets, brochures, booklets and posters are available to download or order from OSHA's publications page.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
NIOSH shares hurricane and flood resources for employers
Hurricanes, storms and floods can create hazardous or stressful working conditions. To address employers, employees and volunteers, NIOSH is pointing to its Hurricane and Flood Key Messages, a set of recommendations covering preparation and response, available in English and Spanish. Employers can use it to build or refresh storm response plans before a disaster strikes.
Study compares shade options for outdoor employees
Agricultural employees face a high risk of heat illness, and shade remains one of the most effective ways to reduce it. A new NIOSH-funded study compared several common shade materials used to protect employees and found that they provided similar protection. Because the materials performed comparably, the researchers suggest ease of use, portability and placement near the work area may matter more than the material itself. The findings give employers a practical way to expand shade coverage without overspending on specialty products.
The National Safety Council (NSC)
NSC report examines the role of certification in crane safety
NSC and the NCCCO Foundation released a research report, Certification in Crane Operations: Impacts on Safety and Performance, which found that certified personnel are widely viewed as a critical factor in improving crane safety. The report draws on national fatality data, a survey of crane professionals, interviews with industry experts and a review of existing research to examine a certification's impact on workforce competency and jobsite safety. It was published through the NSC Work to Zero initiative, which focuses on technology-based safety solutions.