OSHA’s New Safety Champions Program

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently launched their Safety Champions Program (SCP), which replaces the OSHA Challenge Program.  The SCP is a voluntary initiative that helps employers develop new and/or improved Safety and Health Programs (SHPs). David Keeling, Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA stated in a Safety Champions webinar that this is one way of meeting employers where they are, as everyone is not in the same place in their safety journey. The goal of this program is to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths while also minimizing suffering and financial burdens that these incidents could cause the workers, families, and employers.

The SCP is a self-paced, progressive framework focused on the seven core elements of OHSA’s Recommended Practices for Safety and Health Programs (OHSA Publication 3885):

• Management Leadership
• Worker Participation
• Hazard Identification & Assessment
• Hazard Prevention & Control
• Education & Training
• Program Evaluation & Improvement
• Communication & Coordination for Host Employers, Contractors, and Staffing Agencies

These core elements are broken up into manageable sections. Completion of each section will identify in which of the incremental steps the participant falls under: Introductory, Intermediate, or Advanced. Participants are solely responsible for the development and implementation of their Safety and Health Program (SHP). However, a Special Government Employee (SGE) can be requested to assist with any questions or guidance in achieving the next required step. Participants are required to go through Orientation Training and report progress regularly.

Once the Advanced step has been met, by implementing all core elements and showing a continuous effort in maintaining safety and health, the worksite will be recognized on OSHA’s website, will receive a Letter of Recognition signed by the Assistant Secretary, and be able to use an SCP Logo for personal items.

“By providing employers with these resources, we are putting American workers first and keeping them healthy and safe on the job,” stated Secretary of Labor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, at the program launch.

The SCP is open to public and private sector worksites of any size.

With extreme importance of safety within the propane industry, this program may help your company lessen the potential risks, injuries, or even fatalities. For more information on the program and how to begin the process, you can go to www.OSHA.gov/Safety-Champions.

Questions? Please contact NPGA’s Director of Ace Services & External Relations, Andrea Pavon.