New OSHA Cares Initiative Focuses on Compliance Assistance

OSHA Cares, a new initiative launched yesterday by federal OSHA, is intended to help employers meet workplace health and safety requirements and increase access to agency experts and compliance assistance specialists. The OSHA Cares webpage collects resources and information about ways that the agency can support businesses, especially small and medium-sized ones that may face unique challenges related to occupational health and safety. Employers can also access educational and training materials; resources for work site assistance and small businesses; and information about the agency’s new Safety Champions Program, which provides participants with assistance in developing and implementing an effective safety and health program. An OSHA news release describes the new initiative as “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 also seeks to offer workplace assistance during enforcement visits and meetings as part of OSHA Cares. Part of this effort includes a new training program under the agency’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs that will train OSHA compliance officers in providing real-time assistance during inspections and other enforcement activities.

Learn more about OSHA Cares on the agency’s website or by reading the March 18 news release.