U.S. Department of Labor launches OSHA Cares initiative

OSHA today announced the launch of its OSHA Cares initiative.

The agency-wide effort is focused on helping businesses meet federal workplace safety requirements while also building strong, successful safety and health programs that benefit employers and workers.

OSHA Cares highlights the ways OSHA can support employers and provide guidance to ensure all workers arrive home safely after every shift. OSHA said it is encouraging businesses to seek assistance or guidance to improve safety and health at their worksite.

To that end, the agency is making a concerted effort to show businesses it is more approachable by emphasizing the benefits of reaching out for help or collaborating with the agency.

OSHA values working closely with small businesses

Last month, OSHA unveiled an updated version of the Job Safety and Health Workplace poster employers are required to display in the workplace.

The poster, which features a modern design, includes a “OSHA Cares that you go home safe” message that aims to bring employers and workers together to address safety hazards and concerns.

Additionally, the OSHA Cares initiative hopes to empower employers to improve workplace safety - particularly small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) who face unique safety and health challenges - by

• Increasing access to OSHA experts and compliance assistance specialists
• Improving access to educational and training materials
• Offering consistent workplace assistance during enforcement visits and meetings

OSHA said it values working closely with small businesses, listening to stakeholders, building greater collaboration, and expanding compliance assistance to give employers the tools and knowledge they need to develop or build on a safety and health program.

The agency’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs is also launching a training program that will standardize how the agency's Compliance Safety and Health Officers will offer real-time assistance during inspections and enforcement activities.