Safety engineers discuss future of OSHA with Obama's team

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.riskandinsurance.com/story.jsp?storyId=168506334

Officials from the American Society of Safety Engineers met with the new administration to discuss its key concerns about the future of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The group offered suggestions on a variety of issues ranging from rulemaking to strengthening support for state OSHA programs. To head federal safety and health agencies, ASSE officials urged the Obama administration to select individuals who have the leadership capabilities to build relationships across the spectrum of occupational safety and health stakeholders.

According to the group, the new administration should:

· Examine how OSHA standards are pursued. ASSE officials said OSHA should lead efforts to develop cooperative mechanisms to help counter the division that has limited the agency's ability to update standards and permissible exposure limits.

· Advance risk-based safety and health management approaches. According to the group, OSHA should encourage employers to take proactive responsibility for safety and health through risk-based regulatory approaches and compliance assistance resources. Europe, Japan, China and committed U.S. employers already use such approaches. ASSE officials said OSHA is falling behind the world in not incorporating risk-based safety and health management approaches.

· Understand that OSHA can help U.S. companies save jobs. Officials said rulemaking on global harmonization of hazard communications will help U.S. employers compete across the globe and should be completed. An engaged OSHA can help ensure occupational safety and health issues are addressed fully in U.S. trade agreements, the group said.

· Continue to support cooperative programs. The group said that initiatives, such as the Voluntary Protection Program and OSHA alliances, continue to advance employer understanding that safe workplaces save lives and positively impact an employer's bottom line.

FULL story at link.