The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued an updated version of Chapter 10 of its Field Operation Manual, focusing specifically on agriculture and maritime industry sectors. The directive, designated CPL 02-00-164, was published Feb. 9, 2026, and represents the latest revision to OSHA's comprehensive guidance for field inspectors working in these traditionally high-risk workplace environments.
The updated manual chapter addresses two critical industry sectors that have historically presented unique workplace safety challenges. Agriculture and maritime industries consistently rank among the most dangerous occupations in the United States, with workers facing elevated risks of injuries and fatalities compared to other sectors. The revised guidance aims to ensure OSHA field inspectors have current, comprehensive procedures for conducting safety evaluations and enforcement actions in these specialized work environments.
OSHA's Field Operation Manual serves as the primary resource for compliance safety and health officers conducting workplace inspections across various industries. Chapter 10's focus on agriculture and maritime sectors reflects the agency's recognition of the distinct hazards and regulatory considerations present in these fields. Agricultural workers face risks from heavy machinery, chemical exposures, confined spaces, and animal handling, while maritime workers encounter dangers related to vessel operations, cargo handling, and marine environments.
The directive represents part of OSHA's ongoing effort to maintain current and effective inspection protocols as workplace conditions and industry practices evolve. Field Operation Manual updates typically incorporate lessons learned from previous inspections, changes in regulatory interpretations, and emerging safety concerns identified through agency analysis and stakeholder feedback.
For agriculture operations, the updated guidance likely addresses current safety standards related to farm equipment operation, pesticide handling, grain storage facilities, and seasonal worker protections. Agricultural employers must comply with OSHA's general industry standards, with specific emphasis on machinery guarding, respiratory protection, and hazard communication programs. The maritime component of the manual update covers vessel safety requirements, cargo handling procedures, and dock worker protections under OSHA's maritime standards.
The timing of this manual update coincides with OSHA's broader enforcement priorities, which have increasingly focused on protecting workers in industries with disproportionately high injury and illness rates. Agriculture and maritime sectors have been subject to enhanced OSHA attention through targeted inspection programs and compliance assistance initiatives designed to reduce workplace fatalities and serious injuries.
Field inspectors using the updated Chapter 10 guidance will have revised procedures for identifying violations, documenting hazards, and determining appropriate enforcement responses specific to agriculture and maritime workplaces. The manual typically includes detailed protocols for inspection planning, hazard recognition, citation procedures, and follow-up requirements tailored to industry-specific conditions.
The directive's publication follows OSHA's standard process for developing and updating enforcement guidance. The agency regularly reviews and revises its Field Operation Manual chapters to ensure inspectors have access to current information reflecting the latest regulatory requirements, court decisions, and enforcement policies. These updates help maintain consistency in inspection procedures across OSHA's regional and area offices nationwide.
Employers in agriculture and maritime industries should review their current safety programs to ensure compliance with OSHA standards that will be emphasized under the updated inspection guidance. This includes verifying that required safety training is current, necessary personal protective equipment is available and properly used, and workplace hazards are adequately controlled through engineering and administrative measures.
The updated manual chapter also serves as a resource for employers seeking to understand OSHA's inspection priorities and enforcement approach in their respective industries. While the directive is primarily intended for OSHA personnel, employers can benefit from understanding the agency's current focus areas and inspection methodologies when developing their own compliance strategies.
OSHA's emphasis on agriculture and maritime safety reflects national workplace safety statistics showing these industries continue to experience fatality rates significantly higher than the national average. The agency's updated inspection guidance represents one component of a comprehensive approach to reducing workplace injuries and deaths in these high-risk sectors.
The publication of CPL 02-00-164 demonstrates OSHA's commitment to maintaining effective oversight of workplace safety in industries where workers face elevated risks. As the agency continues to refine its enforcement approach, employers in agriculture and maritime sectors can expect continued attention to safety compliance and hazard prevention measures.