OSHA Workplace Safety Programs

From LoveToKnow Safety

Several OSHA Workplace Safety Programs have been put in place to reduce accidents and injuries on the job.

Safety is everyone's business.

OSHA Workplace Safety Programs Available
  • OSHA Alliance Program

A business or organization participating in the OSHA Alliance program signs an agreement with the government agency to work together to reach their goals for safety in the workplace. These goals may include safety training, providing information in Spanish or other languages spoken in the workplace, and sharing findings about health hazards on the job.

  • OSHA On-Site Consultation

The On-Site Consultation program offered by the OSHA is offered to small- and medium-sized businesses at no cost to them. Co-operating with the OSHA in this way is kept separate from the enforcement division of the agency. Priority is given to working environments seen as high-hazard ones.

The goal of this program is to educate employers about safety hazards that are present in their place of business. The information gathered during a visit from an OSHA consultant is kept confidential and will not lead to any citations being issued or penalties being imposed. The employer is expected to make any recommended changes in a timely manner.

  • OSHA Strategic Partnership Program

This example of OSHA Workplace Safety Programs involves employers, employees, or trade organizations to work together to implement safety programs in the workplace. This program is targeted toward employers who want to improve their safety record but who feel they need some help in this area.

Each Partnership is unique, and has its own goals, strategies to reach those goals, and means to measure progress. This Program is available to all private sector entities, as well as government agencies that are under OSHA jurisdiction. Several organizations can participate in a Strategic Partnership with the OSHA, and the Agency encourages interested organizations to consider whether they can invite other entities who are facing similar challenges to participate in the proposed Partnership.

Once a list of participants has been completed, the proposed partnership agreement is submitted to the OSHA for approval. A contact person from the OSHA is available to offer assistance with the language of the contract. The contract may be sent back for revisions before being approved, and once the approval has been granted, the OSHA will make arrangements for a formal signing ceremony.

  • OSHA Voluntary Protection Program

The OSHA Voluntary Protection Program involves management, employees, and OSHA consultants working together to improve safety in the workplace. The OSHA sets certain standards for participants and employers who would like to participate apply. They are then judged according to the program criteria.

Companies benefit from being involved in this program through fewer health and safety incidents that lower productivity in the workplace. The cost of workers' compensation premiums falls when the company's safety record improves. On average, organizations that participate in this Program have lower Days Away Restricted or Transferred (DART) case rates that are significantly lower than others in the same industry. According to the OSHA web site, this figure sits at 52 percent.

There are a number of safety programs offered by the OSHA that will help company owners and workers alike. Safety should be something that everyone in the workplace should be conscious of all the time. Injuries, illnesses, and fatalities can be reduced if the proper precautions are taken. They cost employees and their families in pain and suffering, financial loss, and emotionally as well. A poor safety record also affects the company's bottom line.

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