The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has updated its national emphasis program after a spike in excavation and trench collapse.

Under the updated program, OSHA will have inspectors record their findings in a national reporting system.  Local OSHA offices will also develop outreach programs and educational strategies for companies.  The emphasis program began Oct. 1, which kicked off a planned three month education and prevention outreach period.  Enforcement procedures also began on Oct. 1 and are expected to continue indefinitely.

OSHA has said it will continue to respond to complaints and referrals from those impacted.  The organization has listed several resources on its website to help employers comply with the new standards.