Agency measuring effectiveness of inspection program

The latest Site-specific Targeting program has been released. Along with inspections of industries deemed to have high rates of injuries and illnesses, OSHA is conducting a study to gain insight into the effectiveness of the program.

The SST is one of OSHA's main programmed inspection plans for high-hazard, nonconstruction workplaces with at least 20 workers. "Through the SST program we can prevent injuries and illnesses and save lives by focusing our inspection resources on employers in high-hazard work sites where workers are at greater risk," said David Michaels, assistant secretary of Labor for occupational safety and health.

The agency's notice for the SST-12 program includes information about a study to measure recidivism rates of establishments that have been inspected. OSHA agreed to implement the study under the SST-11, SST-12, and SSWT-13 programs.

Updated information sought to protect tunnel workers (02/04/13)
Redesigning, rotating may reduce musculoskeletal disorders (02/04/13)
Technological advancements allow manikins to test protective clothing (02/04/13)
Extremely hot weather prompts statement from Labor Secretary (08/01/11)
Try weekly plan to increase safety, decrease workplace injuries (04/19/12)

OSHA's Office of Statistical Analysis has randomly selected 2,250 establishments from the SST-11 primary and secondary lists for inspection pursuant to the study. "These establishments were selected based on their CY 2009 injury and illness data, collected during the 2010 OSHA data initiative," the agency announced in the notice. "The SST-12 primary inspection lists for federal jurisdiction area offices will be comprised of 1,260 establishments selected as part of the evaluation study. All federal jurisdiction primary list establishments will be inspected under SST-12."

Additionally, the notice:

Defines key terms.
Describes three inspection lists.
Provides scheduling and inspection procedures.
Gives information on OSHA coding.
Offers information on the industry groups included in the 2011 OSHA data initiative.
Provides a checklist for compliance safety and health officers.

Among the changes this year are that programmed inspections of nursing and personal care establishments will be conducted through OSHA's National Emphasis Program -- Nursing and Personal Care Facilities.

Establishments will be deleted from the inspection list if, within 36 months of the creation of the current inspection cycle, they receive a comprehensive safety inspection; qualify for a "records only" inspection; or for those in SIC code 805 received an inspection that focused on ergonomic stressors relating to resident handling, exposure to blood and other potentially infectious material, exposure to tuberculosis, and slips, trips, and falls.

Read more at the WorkersComp Forum homepage.

February 18, 2013

Newsletter Sign-up