Many employers now recognize that safety management not only prevents accidents, but also improves business, says OSHA Chief David Michaels in an interview with Bloomberg BNA. "In fact, well-managed, profitable companies manage for safety,” he adds.
Despite this promising news, there are still many companies who don't give priority to safety and health. “There are many, many other employers who are unaware of our standards, or have some idea that they might be making a mistake, or that there might be a violation, but for whatever reason don't feel like they need to abate that hazard immediately,” Michaels says in the interview.
In these instances, OSHA uses different tools for different employers to encourage them to move safety to the forefront. One example he gives is the OSHA's use of press releases to publicize citations, which is something it will continue doing. He also mentions that OSHA will be collaborating with NIOSH on future initiatives and tools. Many of the tools OSHA uses all focus on the same thing, Michaels says. "Saying not just, 'Abate hazards,' but really, 'Change what you're doing in the workplace in a way that makes a big difference and that will really reduce injury and illness.'" It is better to encourage and incentivize action, rather than prescribe it, he adds. For more information, click here.
A Blog From the American Society of Safety Engineers