OSHA has revised its Combustible Dust National Emphasis Program (NEP) based on enforcement history and combustible dust incident reports. In 2018, wood and food products comprised an average of 70 percent of the materials involved in combustible dust fires and explosions. Incident reports indicate that the majority of the industries involved in combustible dust hazards are
- wood processing,
- agricultural and food production and
- lumber production,
but others are susceptible as well. The revised program sets forth a new approach for locating and inspecting subject establishments. The following industries were added to the program because OSHA found they had a higher likelihood of having combustible dust hazards or experienced combustible dust-related fatalities/catastrophes: