The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is seeking public comment on its updated version of its voluntary Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines through Feb. 15, 2016. 

 

First published in 1989, the guidelines are intended to help employers establish health and safety management plans at their workplaces. Key principles include finding and fixing hazards before they cause injury or illness, and ensuring workers have a voice in safety and health. The guidelines are being updated to reflect modern technology and best practices, and are geared for small- and medium-sized businesses. They also address ways in which multiple employers at the same job site can coordinate efforts to ensure all workers are protected.

The guidelines are not a new standard or regulation and do not create any new legal obligations or alter existing obligations created by OSHA standards or regulations.

 

"The goal of safety and health management is to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths," says Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health David Michaels. "Employers who embrace these guidelines will experience lower injury and illness rates, and their progress in improving the safety culture at their worksites will contribute to higher productivity, reduced costs and greater worker satisfaction."

 

Review the draft guidelines and provide comment by visiting OSHA's website at https://www.osha.gov/shpmguidelines/index.html.

 

Comments also can be posted directly to www.regulations.gov using Docket #OSHA-2015-0018, but only through Feb. 15, 2016.