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Dr. David Michaels Outlines OSHA Plans for 2016
Posted: July 5, 2016
At Safety 2016, Dr. David Michaels outlined how OSHA plans to continue reducing the number of workplace safety injuries and to engage more employers in safety efforts. Dr. Michaels attributed OSHA’s new Severe Injury Reporting Program, which took effect on January 1, 2015, which requires employers to notify OSHA within 24 hours of a severe injury. One of the channels OSHA has used to help both the agency and employers, is the shift to Rapid Response Investigations. During these investigations, employers are directed to conduct a case analysis of the accident and document/implement corrective measures. These take the place of waiting for an OSHA inspector to come out and investigate. Lastly, Michaels attributed the new electronic recordkeeping tool as a leading cause of helping safety in the workplace. With this tool, OSHA plans to publicly post the information it receives to further encourage companies to make safety a priority. The hope is posting this information will motivate employers to take the necessary steps to reduce injury and illness rates, in order to keep and attract the best employees.“It’s crucial to remember that every employer is different; there is no one-size-fits-all approach to safety. Consequently, OSHA must approach safety from all angles, including both enforcement and compliance assistance efforts, in order to make an impact.”- Dr. David Michaels
