September 2022 OSHA Quicktakes
US Department of Labor Signs Ambassador Alliance to Protect Temporary Workers
Since 2014, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American Staffing Association (ASA) have been working hand-in-hand to develop several successful initiatives aimed at improving workplace conditions for one of the more vulnerable populations: temporary workers. Through the Ambassador Alliance Program, signed August 9th, 2022, OSHA pledges to work with organizations such as trade and professional associations, labor unions, educational institutions, and more to educate temporary workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities and share information about OSHA initiatives and resources.
Estimate the Financial Impact of Worker Injuries With OSHA's Safety Pays Program
Utilizing OSHA’s sophisticated Safety Pays Tool could save you tens of thousands. This innovative data program allows you to compare your workplace safety protocols with your peers and, using data collected from thousands of workplaces, identify the likelihood of various injuries based on your industry and company size, as well as the potential cost of each. Through these tools and related resources, the Safety Pays Program demonstrates the economic value of embracing workplace safety and health practices, and helps you prioritize efforts to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses.
About the OSHA Inspection Process
Regular inspections are conducted by OSHA, MSHA and WHD to ensure employers are in compliance with federal labor laws. The hazards that are currently prioritized by these agencies are outlined in OSHA’s National Emphasis Programs and MSHA’s Health and Safety Initiatives. Learn more about the OSHA inspection process in the following video.
3 Tips for Establishing Anti-Retaliation Programs to Protect Whistleblowers
Under OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program, OSHA enforces the provisions of more than 25 whistleblower statutes. This program works to protect employees from retaliation from employers (or other employees) for reporting violations of workplace safety and health. It also provides guidance on establishing anti-retaliation programs to ensure workers feel safe to share their concerns.
Here are our 3 tips to assist employers in creating workplaces free of retaliation:
- Allow employees an open, free-flowing line of communication to their supervisors and employers regarding workplace safety and potential hazards. This is a proactive way to monitor safety practices in your business and mitigate potential hazards and costs before they occur.
- Ensure employees and managers understand the right to report concerns to a government agency. A comprehensive explanation of your employees’ rights to report hazards and violations should be included in your policies and training.
- Create an anti-retaliation response system.This can take on different forms for different businesses, but some good basics include: take all reports of retaliation seriously, maintain employee confidentiality, be transparent at every step, and investigate claims using objective, independent review processes.
You can learn more recommended practices for anti-retaliation programs here.
Of course, it goes without saying that Safety Reports can help with all of the above. The SR Observations App allows all employees to anonymously report positive and negative safety practices to their supervisors and employers so that action can be taken. The SR Training App can not only ensure all staff have been trained regarding their rights, it enables quick refreshers to employees at the start of each workday through its “Toolbox Talks.”
And there’s so much more our apps can do! We invite you to schedule a demo today, as we would love the opportunity to show off all that is possible with Safety Reports.
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