OSHA Announces CARES Program to Help Meet Safety Requrements

On March 18, OSHA introduced the OSHA Cares initiative. It's an agency-wide effort focused on helping businesses meet federal workplace safety requirements, 

OSHA Cares highlights the ways OSHA can support employers and provide guidance to ensure all workers arrive home safely after every shift, the agency notes.

The goal of this program is that OSHA wants to make "a concerted effort to show businesses it is more approachable by emphasizing the benefits of reaching out for help or collaborating with the agency."

To this end, it is encouraging businesses to seek assistance or guidance to improve safety and health at their worksite. Last month, OSHA unveiled an updated version of the poster employers are required to display in the workplace. The poster, which features a modern design, includes a message that aims to bring employers and workers together to address safety hazards and concerns.

Additionally, the OSHA Cares initiative hopes to empower employers to improve workplace safety – particularly small and medium-sized businesses who face unique safety and health challenges – by increasing access to OSHA experts and compliance assistance specialists; improving access to educational and training materials; and offering consistent workplace assistance during enforcement visits and meetings.

The agency’s Directorate of Enforcement Programs is launching a training program that will standardize how the agency’s Compliance Safety and Health Officers will offer real time assistance during inspections and enforcement activities.