OSHA seeks to conduct safety program baseline survey

OSHA is requesting permission from the Office of Management and Budget to conduct a survey of employers to learn safety and health practices that may become elements of the agency's injury and illness prevention program rulemaking.

The baseline survey also would include interviews with State Plan state officials to assess safety practices among state and local agencies and departments. OSHA estimates the survey would garner about 10,787 respondents.

Federal agencies cannot conduct, and the public is not required to respond to, such surveys unless OMB approves. OSHA submitted its request on Nov. 3.

An injury and illness prevention program standard is one of OSHA administrator David Michaels' main priorities; he has called it his "most important initiative." The rule would require employers to implement a program to recognize and eliminate hazards. Such programs are widely viewed as helping reduce workplace injuries and illnesses.