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The New OSHA – the Message is Loud & Clear

Recently, I was invited to speak to a business group in the Washington DC Metro area.  The topic was the new OSHA’s shift from a culture of less-confrontational, compliance assistance to a more aggressive enforcement model.  

 

This organizational change is evident.  Not only in the form of proposed policy changes and rulemakings but also in their new directives, enforcement initiatives and revised Field Operations Manual (FOM).   Need more evidence?  Check out the OSHA’s news releases.  In August 2010, OSHA issued 40 releases announcing citations and fines to various companies.  In August 2007, they issued only 14 of this nature.   On the flip side, in August 2010, OSHA issued only 1 news release announcing a partnership or alliance.  In August 2007, they issued 14 on this topic.  Enforcement is in the forefront.  While I understand that news releases are crafted by organizations and may or may not be  representative of what is happening behind the scenes - it is representative of what the organization wants the public to perceive.  I am here to say…..we get it OSHA.  Your message is loud and clear!

 

Some pending or recently enacted changes are:

  • Walking Working Surfaces (proposed rulemaking)
  • New Crane Standard (final rule effective 11/8/10)
  • New OSHA Outreach training requirements (policy change effective immediately)
  • PAWA-Protecting America’s Workers Act (proposed legislation)
  • Whistleblower Regulations (interim final rule)
  • I2P2-Illness & Injury Prevention Program (proposed rule)
  • Employer Verification of Training Comprehension (enforcement initiative)
  • Severe Violators Enforcement Program (directive)

The writing is on the wall. Don’t wait until these changes go into effect.  Get the answers to your questions now.  Attend the Louisiana Governor’s Safety & Health Conference October 25 – 27, 2010.  You will have the opportunity to attend a roundtable discussion with OSHA Area Director Dorinda Folse, learn about the new crane standard, get updates on recordkeeping requirements, get 13 Strategies for Improving Safety from former Assistant Secretary of Labor, Edwin Foulke and much more.  Register today. 

 

 Dianna Braud is the National Programs Director for the Safety Council of the Louisiana Capital Area. She and her team keep a finger on the pulse of OSHA and share that information with safety professionals across the nation through informative workshops and industry-tailored classes. You can learn more about her national programs at www.coss.net. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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