OSHA HAS rolled out a new voluntary program aimed at helping employers build stronger safety and health programs to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths.
The Safety Champions Program is designed to help employers develop a comprehensive injury and illness prevention plan aligned with OSHA’s recommended practices. OSHA describes the initiative as a collaborative effort that gives businesses access to tools, mentorship and a roadmap for improving workplace safety systems.
But while the program offers structure and support, legal experts advise employers to proceed with caution. Participation may expose businesses to added scrutiny if they don’t keep up with the program.
How the program works
The three-step, self-paced program allows employers to build and refine their safety programs over time:
Introductory step: Employers assess their current safety practices, identify hazards and begin aligning their programs with OSHA’s framework.
Intermediate step: Employers implement safety and health policies, procedures and controls.
Advanced step: Employers fully integrate safety practices into operations and continuously evaluate and improve their programs.
Elements of a strong program
- Employers are expected to incorporate each of these elements into their operations, creating a system that emphasizes both prevention and continuous improvement:
- Management leadership
- Worker participation
- Hazard identification and assessment
- Hazard prevention and control
- Education and training
- Program evaluation and improvement
- Communication and coordination among employers, contractors and staffing agencies
Tracking progress and oversight
OSHA will introduce a Safety Champions tracker, which will allow employers to log their progress through each stage of the program and document improvements over time. It is a benchmarking tool and a record of compliance efforts.
Oversight will come in part from special government employees, experienced safety professionals whose role is to review participant progress, validate improvements and provide guidance. They also act as a bridge between OSHA and employers, offering practical insight while helping ensure that participants are making good-faith efforts to improve their safety regimens.
A word of advice
While the program is voluntary and separate from OSHA enforcement activities, participation does not shield employers from regulatory exposure. In fact, it may increase visibility, according to this blog.
For example, OSHA will review an employer’s enforcement history when they apply and as they progress through the program. Worksites with open enforcement actions may be barred from participating until those matters are resolved. If serious hazards are discovered and not handled promptly, they could lead to citations regardless of program participation.
The takeaway
To support the rollout, OSHA has published a step-by-step guide and a companion fact sheet that lay out exactly how employers can build and implement an effective injury and illness prevention program. The program offers a structured path and access to valuable expertise for employers that need help implementing a strong safety program.
But key questions remain, including whether state-run OSHA plans will adopt or adapt the program.
Finally, businesses should weigh the advantages of collaboration against the potential for increased oversight. The program requires transparency, consistent follow-through and a willingness to remediate issues once they are identified.