High-ranking OSHA officials made it clear this week that enforcement was an integral part of the agency’s six-year strategic plan.
During a Web chat on Wednesday, OSHA administrator David Michaels and other agency officials stressed that the agency will focus on employers who fail to protect their workers.
At the same time, officials said compliance assistance was a top priority and the Voluntary Protection Programs, which are facing budget cuts, would remain an “important part” of the agency’s overall initiative.
Among the details of the plan:
- A change in the penalty calculation method resulting in higher penalties
- A greater emphasis on industrial hygiene
- Expanding outreach efforts to workers in high-risk industries
- Implementation of improvements to the compliance safety and health officer training program
A final draft of DOL’s six-year plan is scheduled to be posted for review and comment in July, and the plan would go into effect in September. Suggestions or comments on the plan can be e-mailed to [email protected].
