OSHA’s Newest Campaign

As a construction hiring manager, you are very familiar with OSHA and their guidelines, however, recently they have just released their new campaign, “Safe and Sound.” While this initiative is building upon some other areas, it is also implementing some new concepts. Here are the specifics you need to know:

One of the biggest hurdles in years past was accountability. OSHA’s newest campaign will introduce a new approach to workplace accountability. Employers and workers alike, will routinely examine their workplace to identify, isolate, and remove hazards before they can cause harm. In conjunction with this, they will also be offering free training and educational materials to both employers and workers! They are looking to take on a roll of educator and supporter, rather than the typically stereotype of the past – enforcer and punisher.
Many construction companies are unsure how they will deal with this next one – OSHA is looking to have more worker participation. They are looking to more interactive worksites, where there is a more hands-on approach to training and education of safety guidelines. They want to encourage workers to identify issues and solutions, while management encourages them.
OSHA has always pushed companies to do their best, but now they are taking it a step further. They want management and leadership to be more than just a term, instead it should be the natural way. They are encouraging management to establish, moderate, and implement their programs, by giving all the support and resources they need.

It may be difficult for some construction companies to adjust to OSHA being a facilitator instead of the traditional administrator role. However, this new campaign will offer all the resources needed, as well as incentives and initiatives to promote safety! This new emphasis will look to get every member of the workforce involved in safety.