LUBA RET. EX 076/077 RE-E - Laserfiche WebLink

OSHA Assistance OSHA can provide extensive help through a vari- ety of programs, including technical assistance about effective safety and health programs, state plans, workplace consultations, voluntary protection pro- grams, strategic partnerships, training and education, and more. An overall commitment to workplace safety and health can add value to your business, to your workplace and to your life. Safety and Health Program Management Guidelines Effective management of worker safety and health protection is a decisive factor in reducing the extent and severity of work-related injuries and illnesses and their related costs. In fact, an effective safety and health program forms the basis of good worker pro- tection and can save time and money (about $4 for every dollar spent) and increase productivity and reduce worker injuries, illnesses and related workers' compensation costs. To assist employers and employees in developing effective safety and health programs, OSHA published recommended Safety and Health Program Manage- ment Guidelines (54 Federal Register (16): 3904-3916, January 26, 1989). These voluntary guidelines apply to all places of employment covered by OSHA. The guidelines identify four general elements criti- cal to the development of a successful safety and health management program: ■ Management leadership and employee involve- ment. ■ Work analysis. ■ Hazard prevention and control. ■ Safety and health training. The guidelines recommend specific actions, under each of these general elements, to achieve an effec- tive safety and health program. The Federal Register notice is available online at www.osha.gov State Programs The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSH Act) encourages states to develop and operate their own job safety and health plans. OSHA approves and monitors these plans. Twenty-four states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands currently operate approved state plans: 22 cover both private and public (state and local government) employment; the Connecticut, New Jersey, New York and Virgin Islands plans cover the public sector only. States and territories with their own OSHA-approved occupational safety and health plans must adopt standards identical to, or at least as effective as, the Federal standards. Consultation Services Consultation assistance is available on request to employers who want help in establishing and main- taining a safe and healthful workplace. Largely funded by OSHA, the service is provided at no cost to the employer. Primarily developed for smaller employers with more hazardous operations, the consultation service is delivered by state governments employing professional safety and health consultants. Compre- hensive assistance includes an appraisal of all mechanical systems, work practices and occupational safety and health hazards of the workplace and all aspects of the employer's present job safety and health program. In addition, the service offers assis- tance to employers in developing and implementing an effective safety and health program. No penalties are proposed or citations issued for hazards identified by the consultant. OSHA provides consultation assis- tance to the employer with the assurance that his or her name and firm and any information about the workplace will not be routinely reported to OSHA enforcement staff. Under the consultation program, certain exemplary employers may request participation in OSHA's Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP). Eligibility for participation in SHARP includes receiving a comprehensive consultation visit, demonstrating exemplary achievements in workplace safety and health by abating all identified hazards and develop- ing an excellent safety and health program. Employers accepted into SHARP may receive an exemption from programmed inspections (not com- plaint or accident investigation inspections) for a peri- od of one year. For more information concerning con- sultation assistance, see the OSHA website at www.osha.gov Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) Voluntary Protection Programs and on-site con- sultation services, when coupled with an effective enforcement program, expand worker protection to help meet the goals of the OSH Act. The three levels of VPP are Star, Merit, and Demonstration designed to recognize outstanding achievements by companies that have successfully incorporated comprehensive safety and health programs into their total manage- FIRE SERVICE FE.ATUR.ES OT BUILDIN.G.S AND FIRE PR.OT`ECTI.ON' SYSTEMS es 181