OHSA Updates Inspection Program Target High Injury Workplaces

OSHA Enforcement

OSHA Updates Inspection Program Targeting High Injury Workplaces

Dec. 17, 2020

The creation of a new targeting category for establishments indicating consistent injury and illness rate increases over the three-year data collection period.

EHS Today Staff

On Dec. 16, OSHA announced it was updating its inspection program that steers enforcement toward companies with the highest rates of both injuries and illnesses.

For companies with more than 20 employees, the Site-Specific Targeting (SST) Directive is the agency’s program aimed at for non-construction companies. OSHA chooses companies based on Form 300A for calendar years 2017-2019, submitted by companies.

The new directive replaces Site-Specific Targeting 2016, and includes the following changes:

The creation of a new targeting category for establishments indicating consistent injury and illness rate increases over the three-year data collection period, and
Allows records only inspections to occur when a compliance safety and health officer determines incorrect data led to an establishment’s inclusion in the program. This change ensures OSHA will conduct a full inspection only when the employer has an actual elevated injury and illness experience.

The agency also has other emphasis programs that target high-risk hazards and industries.

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.