What is OSHA's Regional Emphasis Program (REP) for the Food Manufacturing Industry?
The OSHA Regional Emphasis Program is a proactive approach to safeguarding workers from hazards in high-risk industries. Its comprehensive strategies aim to reduce injuries and fatalities caused by exposure to these risks. The food production sector faces unique challenges, such as ineffective machinery guarding and inadequate training in hazardous energy control methods. Therefore, the OSHA REP mandates the thorough evaluation of workspaces during all inspections related to food production to ensure the highest level of employee protection. By taking these measures, we can create a safer, more secure work environment that promotes employee well-being and productivity.
Why is OSHA’s Regional Emphasis Program Important for Food Manufacturing?
OSHA's Regional Emphasis Program (REP) is important for food manufacturing because it helps reduce work-related injuries and illnesses by targeting specific hazards and high-risk activities. The REP provides guidelines for employers to improve safety and health programs, including machine guarding, personal protective equipment, and energy control. Following OSHA's REP can create a safer workplace for employees and prevent costly penalties.
Who is affected by the OSHA Regional Emphasis Program?
OSHA's Regional Emphasis Program (REP) helps create a safer workplace for food manufacturing employees in Illinois (IL), Ohio (OH), and Wisconsin (WI).
Regulatory Resources & Tools
Training, Education & Consultations
WisCon: Safety & Health Consultation Services
To access equivalent organizations in other states, visit: https://www.osha.gov/consultation.
Checklists & Guides
Emergency Preparedness
Hazardous Energy Control Resources
- Sample Hazardous Energy Control Program with Lockout-Tagout Procedures
- Sample Hazardous Energy Control Program Checklist
- LOTO Procedure Inspection
- ANSI B11.19-2010
Machine Guarding
- OSHA Machine Guarding eTool
- Machine Guarding Hazard Assessment Tool (offered by WisCon)
