According to data from the Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) and the OSHA Information System (OIS), falls to a lower level, accounting for 13% of all worker fatalities between 2014 and 2021.

The NEP applies whenever an employee is working "at height" upon approval by the area director. In addition to construction, the NEP will target the following activities, among others: rooftop mechanical work/maintenance, utility line work/maintenance (electrical, cable), arborist/tree trimming, holiday light installation, road sign maintenance/billboards, power washing buildings, gutter cleaning, chimney cleaning, window cleaning, and communication towers.

Inspections within the scope of the NEP will be programmed, and self-referrals and Compliance Safety and Health Officers can start inspections whenever they find activity within the scope of the NEP.

As reported in the National Osha press release, an outreach component of the programme will focus on educating employers about effective ways to keep their workers safe.

"This national emphasis program aligns all of OSHA's fall protection resources to combat one of the most preventable and significant causes of workplace fatalities," said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Doug Parker. "We're launching this program in concert with the 10th annual National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction and the industry's Safety Week. Working together, OSHA and employers in all industries can make lasting changes to improve worker safety and save lives."

Employers in the construction industry and those performing the relevant activities should consider an increase in fall-related inspections and enforcement efforts in 2023 and beyond and implement specific measures to reduce the risk of exposure to fall-related hazards in the workplace.