The U.S. Department of Labor on Monday announced a new initiative aimed at helping employers strengthen workplace safety programs through a structured, voluntary approach.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Safety Champions program is designed as a cooperative effort to guide employers in building and improving safety and health programs, with an emphasis on preventing workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
According to the agency, the program uses a tiered framework with three levels — introductory, intermediate and advanced — allowing employers to develop their programs over time in line with OSHA’s recommended practices. Participants may work independently or with the assistance of Special Government Employees, who provide technical guidance.
Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer said in a statement that the program reflects the administration’s focus on supporting employers while prioritizing worker safety, adding that the initiative is intended to equip businesses with resources to protect employees on the job.
OSHA said the program centers on seven core elements of effective safety and health programs, including leadership, worker involvement, hazard identification and control, training, evaluation and communication. Employers that complete all three levels are expected to implement these elements and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement.
The agency said outreach materials and enrollment information will be made available to employers interested in participating.
