OSHA Regional Emphasis Program

December 10, 2025

Nelson-Jameson Inc.

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.

Training, education & assessments

Explore our hub of educational resources designed to help food manufacturers succeed.

Learn more

facility-id-assessment-banner-single-photo-1

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).

Location	NAICS	Description
Illinois & Ohio	3113XX	Sugar and confectionery product manufacturing
	311313	Beet sugar manufacturing
	311314	Cane sugar manufacturing
	311340	Non-chocolate confectionery manufacturing
	311351	Chocolate and confectionery manufacturing from cacao beans
	311352	Confectionery manufacturing from purchased chocolate

Location	NAICS	Description
Illinois, Ohio & Wisconsin	3114XX	Fruit and vegetable preserving and specialty food manufacturing
	311411	Frozen fruit, juice and vegetable manufacturing
	311412	Frozen specialty food manufacturing
	311421	Fruit and vegetable canning
	311422	Specialty canning
	311423	Dried and dehydrated food manufacturing

Location	NAICS	Description
Illinois, Ohio & Wisconsin	3115XX	Dairy product manufacturing
	31151x	Dairy product (except frozen) manufacturing
	311511	Fluid milk manufacturing
	311512	Creamery butter manufacturing
	311513	Cheese Manufacturing
	311514	Dry, condensed, and evaporated dairy product manufacturing
	311520	Ice cream and frozen dessert manufacturing

Location	NAICS	Description
Illinois, Ohio & Wisconsin	3116XX	Animal slaughtering and processing
	311611	Animal (except poultry) slaughtering
	311612	Meat processed from carcasses
	311613	Rendering and meat byproduct processing
	311615	Poultry processing

Location	NAICS	Description
Illinois & Ohio	3119XX	Other food manufacturing
	311911	Roasted nuts and peanut butter manufacturing
	311919	Other snack food manufacturing
	311920	Coffee and tea manufacturing
	311930	Flavoring syrup and concentrate manufacturing
	311941	Mayonnaise, dressing and other prepared sauce manufacturing
	311942	Spice and extract manufacturing
	311991	Perishable prepared food manufacturing
	311999	All other miscellaneous food manufacturing

Location	NAICS	Description
Illinois, Ohio & Wisconsin	Contract employers at the host food manufacturing facility
	561720	Janitorial services
	561790	Other services to buildings and dwellings
	561990	All other support services
	926140	Regulation of agricultural marketing and commodities