National Emphasis Programs (NEP) are the tool used by OSHA to focus on a particular area of concern for more in-depth inspections and enforcement activities if required. OSHA is currently concerned with the possibility of injuries and illnesses being under reported in American Industry.

The accurate and honest recordkeeping of injury statistics in vital to workers health and safety according to OSHA. This information is used not only to determine which businesses to focus inspections on but it is also an important internal tool for all of use to accurately identify and address the safety issues in our individual work places.

These new inspections will center on records review, employee interviews, and limited site inspections. The NEP will also start with those industries known to have high recordable rates. Over all this will be a cooperative effort between OSHA, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.