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The beginning of every New Year is a time for looking ahead. We consider what we want to accomplish and what we will do differently, both personally and professionally. As safety leaders, that activity takes on a special significance: Our “resolutions” help determine the quality of systems that protect people’s lives and livelihoods.

What’s one of the lessons to glean from OSHA action against BP in recent years? According to assistant OSHA administrator Jordan Barab, it’s that “enforcement works.” But does it?

Serious injury and fatality (Sif) prevention has long been considered a matter of numbers. Reduce “smaller” events and you also will reduce more serious ones. As organizations became better at preventing injuries, no one was surprised when the rate of recordable injuries declined.

Recent comments from assistant OSHA administrator Jordan Barab indicate that he believes OSHA enforcement can lead to a safer workplace, despite a lack of supporting evidence. While many experts agree OSHA can have a positive effect on workplace safety, they disagree as to how large of a role the agency plays in doing so.