Health and Safety Program Rule Expensive

Jan. 22, 1999
Safety footwear experts explain how hazard assessment and proper footwear selection can reduce the incidence of expensive foot-related injuries.

OSHA's draft safety and health program rule could cost small businesses 10 to 20 times more than the agency estimated, according to a report released under the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA).

The proposed rule covers every industry, and requires employers to establish safety and health programs that comply with all OSHA standards and the General Duty Clause. It has been widely criticized by industry, which believes it is too vague and cumbersome to implement.

The report on the draft safety and health program rule from the Small Business Advocacy Review Panel, which includes representatives from OSHA, recommends that the agency reevaluate the rule's economic impact and revise its regulatory flexibility analysis. In addition, it recommends that OSHA include the legal costs small business employers could incur for compliance advice. Estimates on the rule's program-related costs should be added to the preamble, and OSHA needs to clarify the basis for its conclusion that state health and safety programs are effective in reducing job-related injury and illness, the report said.

The panel recommended including a non-regulatory guidance program on safety and health programs that leaves regulation to the states; scaling down the scope of the program to only certain industries; and allowing regulation for large employers and a guidance program for smaller employers.

The report was completed by a panel of 18 representatives from small business and staff from OSHA, the Small Business Administration and the Office of Management and Budget, as required by SBREFA. A copy of the report can be obtained by calling (202) 693-2350.

Sponsored Recommendations

3 Essential Elements for a Strong Safety Culture

March 13, 2024
Organizations globally have increased their attention on safety culture: trying to figure out what it really is and the aspects that are necessary to develop and sustain it. And...

Making the Case for Occupational Health Software

March 13, 2024
Deciding to invest in Occupational Health (OH) software can be a challenging leap for many organizations. This article will equip businesses with insightful strategies for effectively...

Fighting the Flu: Solutions for the Workplace

March 13, 2024
Seasonal flu continues to wreak considerable havoc both on individual wellness, as well as on our business continuity and productivity. Explore these solutions for protecting ...

Preventing SIFs with Digitization: Reduce Serious Injuries and Fatalities with Technology

March 13, 2024
This eBook discusses the origins of SIF prevention, outlines principles, models and tools available to EHS leaders to better detect and address SIF potential in their business...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!