OSHA Updating Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines

Monday, December 07, 2015 | 02:43pm

NASHVILLE – Tennessee Department of Labor & Workforce Development is asking safety and health professionals of all levels for their input on the Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines. This is a call-to-action to assist the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in developing the most beneficial guidelines to keep workers protected from harm or injury.

“This is a unique opportunity for OSHA to put their ear to the ground and collect information on hazards likely to be present in the workplace,” Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administrator Steve Hawkins said.  “Employers that implement these guidelines for their employees will have lower injury and illness rates resulting in reduced costs and a better work environment.”

The guidelines – first published in 1989 - are intended to help employers establish safety and health management plans at their workplaces. They are being updated to reflect modern technology and practices. As revised, the guidelines should be particularly helpful to small- and medium-sized businesses. And for the first time, they address ways in which multiple employers at the same worksite can coordinate efforts to make sure all workers are protected.

What’s new in the guidelines?

  • A proactive approach to finding and correcting hazards before they cause injury, illness, or death
  • Improved safety and health in all types of workplaces
  • Help for small and medium-sized businesses to effectively protect their workers
  • Increase worker involvement, so all workers have a voice in workplace safety and health
  • Better communication and coordination on multi-employer worksites

The guidelines are advisory only and do not create any new legal obligations or alter existing obligations under OSHA standards or regulations.

OSHA has made available a draft of the revised document on its website, at https://www.osha.gov/shpguidelines/index.html​, along with a set of questions to consider when reviewing the guidelines. The page also has a direct link to post comments, which will be accepted until February 15. Comments will be taken into consideration when creating a final set of guidelines.

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