The Safety Champions Program meets businesses where they are on their pathway to safety and health success and encourages them to take proactive steps with a philosophy of continuous improvement to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
“By providing employers with these resources, we are putting American workers first and keeping them healthy and safe on the job,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer.
The program has three progressive steps: Introductory, Intermediate, and Advanced.
Each step aligns with OSHA’s recommended practices for safety and health programs. This tiered structure allows employers to build their safety and health programs over time. It also helps adopt best practices tailored to their needs and operations.
Participants can choose to work independently or collaborate with Special Government Employees. These are individuals with safety and health experience who work alongside OSHA to provide guidance and technical assistance.
The Safety Champions Program emphasizes seven elements that are essential for effective safety and health programs:
- Management leadership
- Worker participation
- Hazard identification
- Prevention and control
- Education and training
- Program evaluation
- Communication.
By incorporating these elements, employers can create safety and health programs that meet regulations but also enhance workplace safety and health.
Upon completion of all three levels of the Safety Champions Program, participants should have implemented all seven elements and show plans for continuous improvement of their safety and health programs. By doing this, they are showing their commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
Outreach materials will include detailed information on how to sign up for the program, making it easy for interested employers to become Safety Champions.
Click here to learn more about the Safety Champions Program and how to sign up.