Calling it his highest priority, is the Injury and Illness Prevention Program (I2P2). He encouraged attendees to move employers toward this culture of prevention. Instead of a reactive approach that addresses problems after an incident occurs, the SH&E industry should move toward a preventive approach. "I know there are people who don't trust OSHA," he said. But, he urged attendees to submit comments and, "Tell us what to do to make it work."
Michaels provided listeners with brief updates on existing and new areas that OSHA has been focusing on. Compliance assistant programs, as well as new websites and resources are being used within the grain industry, healthcare industry and OSHA's Heat Prevention Campaign. With more than 75,000 downloads, Michaels also encouraged attendees to download the agency's Heat Safety Tool app for smartphones. In addition, OSHA's Fall Prevention campaign has created safety resources in multiple languages, including Russian and Polish.
A new campaign for temporary workers aims to provide the same training for these employees that regular employees receive. "If you see temporary workers, make sure they get the training they need," he said. "Ask if they've been trained in the language and vocabulary that they understand."
Michaels also touched on the OSHA HazCom Standard and reminded all that the Dec. 1, 2013, deadline for employers to train employees on the new GHS labeling system is only about 5 months away. He also announced that OSHA is working with the Canadian government in order to help them harmonize with GHS and move it forward within that country.
Michaels concluded with a Q&A session from attendees where he noted that OSHA has been publicizing more of its inspection enforcement, not conducting more inspections. In addition, he mentioned that the OSHA leadership team has been asked to stay by U.S. President Barack Obama. "Direction will remain the same for the next three and a half years," Michaels said.