Is OSHA still concentrated on SAFETY?
The proposed budget for OSHA was submitted on February 1, 2010, for FY 2011 and it is striking when you read through the comments from Secretary Solis. No matter your political leanings, this should alarm you just a little. The news release states that "The FY 2011 budget will help to make the vision of good jobs for everyone a reality for America's workers. This budget invests in innovation and reform that will play a critically important role in building long-term economic security for workers,"Funny, when I inquire as to the mission statement of OSHA is reads "Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, OSHA's role is to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women; by authorizing enforcement of the standards developed under the Act; by assisting and encouraging the States in their efforts to assure safe and healthful working conditions; by providing for research, information, education, and training in the field of occupational safety and health." (http://www.osha.gov/oshinfo/mission.html) I am curious what has changed in the mission of an organization that was built to protect the American worker. It appears safety in the workplace is now 5th on the list. The Secretary lists the budget's goals as follows:
Secretary Solis defines "good jobs" as those that:
- Can support a family by increasing incomes.
- Offer fair compensation.
- Narrow the wage gap.
- Allow for work-life flexibility.
- Promote safe and healthy workplaces.
- Give workers a voice.
- Foster fair working conditions in the global marketplace.
- Are sustainable and innovative, such as green jobs, providing opportunities to acquire the skills and knowledge for the jobs of the future.
- Help restore the middle class.
As a business owner or person responsible for the safety at your facility, take this seriously. Fines are going up and the newest discretionary request only allocates 12% for improvement programs and the rest to hire more investigators and enforcement staff. NOW is the time to get control of your safety processes either internally or with some outside help. Either way, safety always pays!!!
Read the whole news release - http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=17139
Posted by Wally Steidley on 02/16 at 10:27 AM